How to tackle Maskne

How to tackle maskne

Wearing medical masks has become a part of everyday life but because of this, many people are finding them to be problematic for their skin, so we are here to help.

Medical masks are no longer just reserved for doctors and those who are sick, they have become mandatory for everybody.  While they are necessary in order to lessen the spread of Covid-19, the prolonged wearing of masks is wreaking havoc on our skin. This is resulting in dermatological problems such as redness, allergic rashes, inflammation and swelling of the skin.

How does this happen?

Masks cause our skin to sweat which promotes the accumulation of contaminants on the skin. This increases the friction between the skin and the material of the mask, which can lead to irritation and damage. Those with sensitive skin are especially vulnerable to these effects.

Polypropylene fibers are synthetic fibres that are often found in masks, which can exacerbate skin reactions caused by prolonged masking. This increases the risk of skin inflammation, redness, acne and allergic contact dermatitis.

Oil-balancing products are useful for tackling these particular issues. You can check out our online store to browse our oil balancing range from HL – Labs.

What to do?

In order to minimise friction and skin damage caused by wearing masks, your skin should be consistently moisturised. Experts advise to apply a protective cream on your skin a half an hour before putting on your mask.

It is important to remember that the mask should only be worn on clean skin. The face should be washed with warm water and followed by a moisturiser before applying the mask.

We recommend using Bio-Repair cleanser and toner also made by HL – Labs cosmetics, as it is a very effective anti-acne solution. You can purchase it from our store here.

If irritation occurs, it is best to stop using make-up and rejuvenating agents. Instead, limit yourself to hypoallergenic, moisturising creams for sensitive skin.

Tips for preventing maskne

When possible, choose cotton or silk masks over other alternatives. These fabrics are more breathable for the skin which can lessen the adverse effects of mask wearing.

Change your mask every 2 hours and if it becomes wet, replace it with a clean one immediately.

Do not reuse a fabric mask without washing it first.

Final note

While prolonged mask wearing is an ongoing requirement, it is best to postpone procedures that are aggressive on the skin and skin cleansers. Avoid the usage of soap, foams, scrubs and peels if possible – any treatments being undertaken on the skin at this time should be as delicate as possible.

The best thing you can do for your skin-heath right now is to provide enough moisture for it while wearing a mask.