Maskne
Yes, it is a real thing!
Acne mechanica - pimples located in areas where your mask touches your face.
The pandemic and the wearing of masks can create havoc with our skin. This is a combination of factors. The main reason our skin begins to lose function is down to a breach in the protective lipid layer and this is due to either one of, or a combination of, two factors. Intrinsic forces such as stress or illness during this time, and extrinsic forces such as environmental changes, friction on the skin, chemicals, extremes of temperature (heating on inside/outdoor daily exercise in our Scottish climate).
Ohh! advice,
1. Ditch the makeup use tinted sunscreen instead, makeup mixed with trapped sweat under the mask can irritate the skin and is a cause. At Ohh! we advise CLINICCARE Dermo corrective cream, a tinted, SPF 50 and has dermo corrective properties too, designed for even the most delicate of complexions, this will work away under your mask all day. We also have a non-tinted option available.
2. Moisturise your skin to strengthen your protective skin barrier. The skin barrier can be impaired from friction or pressure of the mask, and moisture being trapped underneath it,
3. Simplify your skin care products – cleanser, moisturiser, SPF. At Ohh! we can advise you on which products would suit you best just drop us a message. Our CLINICCARE range is fabulous.
4. Introduce salicylic products to unclog your pores and reduce sebum production, this can be discussed in more detail at Ohh! The ClLINIICCARE Pure range is one of our favourites for acne prone skin. Added with the Skin Geek Salicylic Acid Cleansing Wash - which has been a real help for me with my respirator masks.
5. Avoid lipsticks – use a lip treatment to moisturise your lips am & pm, to minimise the use of lip product during the day, at Ohh! we suggest CLINICCARE Lip & eye renewal cream.
6. Wipe mouth clean/dry after eating or drinking – condensation underneath the mask can lead to flare ups.
7. Give your face a breather – when driving or in safe distanced non-crowded areas outdoors.
8. Wear clean appropriate masks – change your disposable mask after every few hours. After a Treatment at Ohh! we can provide you with a fresh disposable mask.
9. Make sure a fabric mask is soft and absorbent, this avoids unnecessary abrasion and absorbs humidity created by warm breath in the mask.
10. Wash fabric masks after each use ideally at 60 degrees.
11. If using the Healthcare Respirator masks, like us at Ohh! with our Stealth masks, ensure the cleaning agent has been carefully removed following cleaning, before donning again.
12. Do not over exfoliate this will deteriorate the health of your skin. Contact us at Ohh! for more information on this.
Remember, if you can now that it has been a while, the Flight Safety Advice – put on your own mask first before helping others! Taking care of yourself allows you to take care of others, it looks like masks may be around for some time, Self-care isn’t selfish! Together we can Stay Fabulous!
Take a quick peek now at our product range, great skincare can begin with the perfect home care, and we are always available at Ohh! for a virtual or in clinic no obligation consultation. Do something today that your future self will thank you for, check out what we can do for you, together @Ohh!
