Is your face mask causing skin inflammation? Learn more about MASKNE and how to prevent it with probiotic skin care!
If you’ve had breakouts on the lower half of your face, you may be suffering from an unpleasant skin condition that the internet has dubbed “maskne.” The nickname for this type of skin condition comes from its cause—the face masks worn to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Like other types of acne, maskne is even harder to treat than regular acne, since you can’t eliminate the main culprit that’s on your face all day long. Add to that other factors like high temperatures and the daily stress that has been a constant companion throughout 2020, and you have the perfect recipe for endless, self-perpetuating inflammation.
Find out how to deal with mask-induced inflammation for clearer, less irritated skin!
Why Do Face Masks Cause Acne?
Face masks are actually little incubators that collect and breed all sorts of gunk on your face. They trap sweat, sebum, saliva, and various bacteria, and all of these substances then sit and thrive in the hot, humid environment created when you breathe through a mask all day long. This damages the skin’s protective barrier, which means bacteria can then penetrate the skin and cause breakouts, while sebum, dirt, makeup, and harsh cosmetic products clog the pores.
To make matters worse, face masks are also constantly rubbing against your skin, causing friction and irritation. This can lead to red, inflamed, and painful breakouts called mechanical acne—a type of acne that is more likely to affect people with dry, sensitive skin, as well as those who must wear face masks that fit tightly against the face for long periods of time.
What should I do?
The best way to deal with this is to simplify your daily skincare routine by focusing primarily on strengthening your skin’s barrier function so that it doesn’t let all those harmful substances through. This practice is crucial because it helps your skin overcome compromised protective functions and counteract irritation, thereby reducing the risk of further flare-ups.
Instead of focusing on smoothing out wrinkles or sculpting your cheekbones, you should stick to a routine that removes impurities, oil, and dead skin cells that clog your pores and trap you in a cycle of constantly recurring inflammation. Here’s where to start:
1. Wash your face thoroughly.
Proper skin cleansing is one of the best ways to prevent acne before it even starts. Get into the habit of cleansing your skin before you put on your mask, as well as as soon as you get home after taking it off—don’t wait until the evening before you go to bed. Since this change in routine may mean washing your face more often, make sure your cleanser won’t dry out your skin, because that will only stimulate the production of even more sebum. We recommend looking for cleansers that are non-comedogenic, have a pH level suitable for your skin, and are gentle enough for at least two washes a day.
Solution: Snowborn Skin’sGlow Skin Detox probioticcleansing gel is made with 100% naturally derived ingredients and is sulfate-free; it neither dries out nor leaves the skin feeling greasy. It contains natural foaming agents (soap nuts), seawater, and green algae for hydration. Ginger and grape seed oils cleanse the skin of impurities and makeup. It also contains a blend of natural oils that is clinically proven to reduce inflammation and clear up breakouts without damaging the skin.
2. Add a gentle exfoliation.
Exfoliate gently on a regular basis to keep your skin in optimal condition, but don’t overdo it. Excessive exfoliation will have the opposite effect and leave your skin barrier vulnerable to bacteria and irritation. So, cut back on stronger products like retinol, zinc oxide, and benzoyl peroxide. For gentle exfoliation, we recommend products containing lactic acid. It’s part of a group of acids known as AHAs, which are very beneficial for your skin. It’s no secret that AHAs are good for you—nearly every one of them has proven benefits for your complexion, hydration, and skin renewal.
Lactic acid helps gently exfoliate even sensitive skin naturally, without using harsh mechanical particles that often have the opposite effect. It stimulates cellular turnover while preventing dryness and irritation.
Solution: Use products that contain lactic acid and have a pH level suitable for your skin. The Restore to Defense protective cream and Back to Balance micellar water are the perfect duo for this purpose. As a result, the skin is soft, with an even complexion and a renewed surface layer.
3. Strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
It is your most important shield against pathogens and external aggressors. The skin microbiome is a collection of bacteria and organisms that maintain the skin’s health. They actively participate in the skin’s immune response and its protective functions. A balanced bacterial flora and a healthy environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive are essential for preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, which cause acne. A healthy lipid barrier acts as a physical shield against external aggressors and pollutants. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid or lipids that protect the skin and create a barrier between it and the fabric of the mask you’re wearing.
Solution:The Restore to Defenseprotectivecreamcontains hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, natural lipids that build the skin’s protective lipid barrier against external aggressors and pathogens. These lipids are 95% identical to those found in the skin and are fully compatible with its structure.
4. Moisturize and avoid wearing makeup unless necessary.
Once your face is clean, protect it with a moisturizer that locks in moisture and shields against harmful bacteria. Formulas with a lighter texture will also prevent pores from becoming clogged. Now is the time to cut back on face makeup, if you haven’t officially given it up yet. It clogs pores and contributes to worsening the condition of your skin under the mask.
Use products with a slightly acidic pH. They gently exfoliate and moisturize the skin every day, regenerating and renewing its outer layer.
Solution:The Back to Balance LightMoisturizing Cream leaves no greasy residue, absorbs instantly into the skin, eliminates dryness and dehydration, and restores the skin’s natural pH balance.When combined with Back to Balance Micellar Water, they form the perfect duo for hydrated, revitalized skin, without a trace of oiliness or inflammation.
5. If you have active inflammation, soothe your skin and take proper care of your face
If you've neglected prevention and now need to treat active blackheads or acne, start by seeking immediate relief for any inflamed areas. You need to soothe the redness and get rid of pimples or flaking.
Solution: We recommendthe Spots Never Again Active Fluid. It contains probiotic enzymes, prebiotics, and antipathogenic proteins that nourish the skin and beneficial bacteria to maintain a balanced environment and trigger a rapid immune response to inflammation. The soothing effect and elimination of inflammation are rapid and long-lasting because it does not merely remove the visible signs of acne but mobilizes the skin’s defenses and restores its healthy appearance.
In the morning and evening, thoroughly cleanse your skin with micellar water, apply the fluid to the inflamed areas, and as a final step, protect your skin with the Restore to Defense lipid cream
6. Use the right mask.
The type of mask you choose can play a major role in the development of acne. Disposable masks are the most breathable and are least likely to cause inflammation, since they are discarded before they become too dirty. Cloth masks trap more moisture and sweat, which can promote the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and others.
It is extremely important to find the right model for your face, making sure that the mask fits properly and comfortably to minimize friction against your skin.
