Maskne: facial acne related to mask wearing
It's a fun new term brought to you by COVID-19!
I am feeling so fortunate to be back at work doing lash and facial services. It definitely brings a sense of normalcy back into my life. Although, it still seems strange to take everyone's temperature when I greet them, it really is just a small inconvenience for keeping everyone safe. Mask wearing is another of those new normal-oddities that really is a kindness we are all doing to help protect everyone we encounter. I am definitely pro mask wearing! But with masks I am seeing a lot of people with redness, bumps, acne and general irritation of the skin covered by masks.
How to deal with maskne:
Exfoliate Regularly!
I cannot emphasize this enough. If you don't already exfoliate everyday or every other day, it will dramatically improve your skin in general. I recommend a gentle scrub exfoliant (Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is my all time favorite...it's like gold but better). I also highly recommend using an enzyme exfoliant in addition to a scrub, especially right now to combat build up of oil and bacteria that is getting impacted by your mask. I love Eminence's Clear Skin Peel for this. It is a gentle formula of Willow Bark (salicylic acid) and lactic acid to slough off those pesky dead skin cells that won't vacate on their own. It is blended with botanicals such as Lilac Extract and Fruit acids to soothe redness and inflammation. You're left with smoother skin and shrunken pores. Win win. Get yours at Remedy!
Don't skip the Moisturizer
You may think using less or no moisturizer will 'dry' the skin out and diminish oils. Don't! Moisturizer is still necessary after cleansing and exfoliating to hydrate cells and protect the health of the barrier that your skin provides. As long as you are using a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type, it will be a soothing benefit and will not cause blemishes.
Wash your reusable masks regularly
This may seem like a given but I know I have to remind myself to grab masks from my car or my purse to make sure they get a good daily washing. We don't need any bacteria to have extra time to fester in the fabric!
Have a facial treatmentBook a customized Remedy Signature Facial to get a treatment that will specifically target the mask issues your skin is dealing with. I am seeing great results with deep exfoliation and enzyme masks that help clear and replenish the skin. Dermaplaning is also an excellent remedy for skin build up and rejuvenation. I hope everyone is doing well...as well as can be and keeping connected in any way possible with loved ones and the world in general. If I can offer a moment of reprieve to focus on your skin, your lashes, yourself and nothing else, that makes me very happy. Sara