maskne

Painful sore pimples, Red raw skin. Fine, irritated pustules. All popping up around your mouth, chin and jaw line. 2020/2021 have been stressful enough without the added burden of teenage-like acne break outs.

Why does this happen? Wearing masks creates a combination of factors, that ultimately cause a change in the microbiome (the good and bad bacteria on your skin).

These factors include

• mechanical occlusion

• heat

• sebum retention

• change in the pH of your skin

• change in the ratio of bacteria and yeasts

How can you best manage this?

• Change your disposable mask every 4 hours

  • if you wear a cloth/reusable mask make sure you wash it daily

Morning

• Wash with water or a cream cleanser

• apply a Vitamin B3 or B5 serum

Evening

• Use a gentle cream cleanser

• Twice weekly; apply a lactic acid or glycolic acid serum or home peel

• Use a reparative moisturiser to help soothe and restore your skin barrier - adding in a probiotic serum will also help

Avoid

• scrubs or physical exfoliants

• make up and suncream on your chin area under your mask

• picking or squeezing

• steroid creams

• over-washing or cleansing your face

Less is more when it comes to managing maskne - so minimal topical applications is best.

If your breakouts continue, you may need medical review.