Maskne- Are you Fighting Acne and Irritation from your Mask? Tips and Tricks to Address this New Iss
After a several months of dealing with COVID-19, we are all under a great deal of stress, which we know can cause irritation and breakouts. With more things opening up, and needing to wear a mask at work or in public,and some people literally needing to wear a mask 8+ hours a day, it is creating a skin care challenges for many. Acne, irritation,inflammation and sensitivity are popping up everywhere. For some it is very sever, others it is just a difficult challenge. And the maskne probably will get worse before it gets better as we head into summer and are required to wear masks in public. Here are some tips and tricks from a skin care professional to help address these new challenges in our world.
Why are you getting acne? If wearing a mask 24/7 is causing you to breakout, it is acne mechanica, due to the added moisture, heat, friction and sweat; Which causes moisture and oil to build up on the skins surface. Add the heat and rubbing of a mask on the skin, you will get added dryness, redness and irritation along with white heads. Additionally we are stepping up our cleaning and disinfecting practices. Especially in work places, often those cleaning agents are full of harmful chemicals or very strong alcohol ingredients which often cause irritation to the skin and respiratory system. I found, when my office used such ingredients, my skin got irritated, red, inflamed and drier than usual. If possible try to clean with natural and effective products like the On Guard concentrated cleaner, and On Guard Hand Sanitizer which does contain alcohol, but also contains apple fruit extract to exfoliate, and glycerin to hydrate the skin while effectively killing germs and bacteria. We need to be concerned about nourishing our skin while we keep our guards up against germs!
Steps to Combat Maskne:
1) Cleanse, Cleanse and Cleanse again!!!!
The number one, and most important thing to do is cleanse!!! So if you are a front line worker or someone who needs to wear a mask all day, it might be best to bring a face cloth and cleanser or even some face wipes to work and wash your face a few times a day. Just try to avoid cleansers that will be too drying. Look for a nourishing cream cleanser that will remove dirt from the pores without stripping the skin. Also avoid wipes with alcohol in them as this will dry your skin out and further break down your natural skin barrier which is your first line of defense for immunity.
Recommended Cleansers:
doTERRA Essential Skin Care Facial Cleanser - This is a nice light cleanser that will nourish and hydrate skin, while purifying impurities with the benefits of melaleuca.
doTERRA Verage Collection - This is our incredible anti-aging line that gently exfoliates while nourishing, balancing and hydrating skin.
or Try this DIY Face Cleansing Wipe Recipe the recipe calls for using paper towels, but for a greener version, use cut up 4x4 squares of a clean old tee shirt, and just wash the squares in a small garment laundry bag to reuse in the future.
2) Tone, with an Alcohol Free Toner
Toning is very important because if balances your skins ph after cleansing. If our skins ph is off, bacteria can flourish on our skin surface. But a think to consider is,when your skin is compromised you want to avoid a toner with alcohol in it. Find a refreshing toner to calm, soothe and balance your skin. An added secret, is to keep it in the fridge so it is nice and cold and refreshing when you use it!!! This will feel amazing on a hot day, but it will also tighten your pores, making them appear smaller.
Recommended Toner:
3) Use a Gentle Exfoliant
Once a week it is recommended to do a gentle exfoliation, which will deep clean the pores but also help heal the current skin irritations. You will want to exfoliate with natural enzyme that will further assist in gently exfoliating the skin without needing to scrub the skin. The doTERRA reveal system is amazing. The first step is a gentle exfoliating polish with bamboo silk beads and pumpkin enzyme. You apply it to your face and with a very light hand, massage in small circles for 2 mins. Then you add the peptide activator for an added exfoliation with the benefits of wild orange essential oil, lactic acid, and aloe vera to soften, smooth and hydrate the skin gently and effectively leaving your skin glowing and youthful. If your skin is really irritated, just let the exfoliating mask sit on your skin without manually massaging it. The active ingredients in this product will still exfoliate even without the manual massage.
Recommended:
4) Healing Natural Oil and Healing Essential Oils
I know most people think oil and acne don't mix and that oil will further clog pores, but most natural oils (olive oil, grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil, argan oil) are non comedogenic (they will not clog your pores), and in fact they will help clean the skin,while healing and nourishing it! I actually always do a pre-wash cleanse with a carrier oil and lavender. I usually recycle my old 15ml bottles from essential oils. Once they are empty I wash them in the dishwasher and then save them to use for special blends. The pre-cleanse oil I use extra virgin cold pressed olive oil and 10 drops of lavender in an old 15 ml bottle. Then I massage a dime size amount of the blend into my face and neck to loosen up dirt, debris, and make up from my skin. Then I go right into cleansing. When I am done washing my skin, it is soft and supple, plus the lavender helps heal and soothe the skin of irritations, cuts, burns or even a break out. Pre-cleanse oil is a game changer for every skin type!!!!
After cleansing and toning I use a special blend of argan oil and essential oils to heal, soothe and calm the skin. Argan is an incredible oil that heals and nourishes, while being light. It calms and soothes the skin, and it is amazing for all skin types, including oily!! The special blend is again made in an old 15 ml bottle and add 30 drops of essential oils.
Recipe #1: add 12 drops frankincense, 12 drops lavender and 6 drops melaleuca and top with argan oil.
Recipe #2: add 7 drops blue tansy, 7 drops lavender, 7 drops frankincense, 3 drops rosemary, 2 drops thyme and 4 drops lemon and top with argan oil.
Recipe #3: 15 drops Ylang Ylang, 8 drops Rosemary, 3 drops Thyme, 4 drops of Lemon and top with argan oil.
Recipe #4: 10 drops Rose, 10 drops Frankincense, 10 drops Lavender and top with argan oil.
Recipe # 5: 3 drops Geranium, 10 drops Rose, 7 drops Ylang Ylang and 10 drops lavender and top with argan oil.
I massage a small amount of an oil blend into the skin to calm soothe and heal.
5) Aloe
After applying the special oil blend, I top that with some aloe to heal and soothe the skin. Especially in the summer, the combination of healing natural oil and aloe can make a wonderful light moisturizer to calms and soothes irritation, redness and inflammation.
6) Skip the Heavy Make-Up and Foundation
Minimize your use of makeup, especially a thick concealer and foundation as it can trap bacteria in your pores. If you really need to wear make up, please make sure you use a lighter, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) natural foundations.
7) Wash your Hands and Face ASAP! When you first come home and can take your mask off, be sure to wash your hands and face! Remove the dirt and clogging grim off as soon as you know you are home and can be free of your mask! Give your skin a chance to breathe! Be sure to use your pre-cleanse oil to loosen up dirt while locking in moisture and hydration. When washing, be sure to be gentle. Use lukewarm water and a soft face cloth, and do not rub aggressively. Be gentle and caring as you give your skin some love...then tone & moisturize with the special oil blend and aloe. (Also, don't forget to wash you reusable face mask daily! I just hand wash it with on guard hand soap each day and let it air dry.)
8) Be Gentle! Don't Pick and Don't Over Do it!
Some people will go crazy trying to heal their irritated skin. Some overdo scrubs, masks and stripping toners. Try not to over strip the skin or over exfoliate as doing this actually prompts your skin to produce even more oil, which will create a viscous cycle. I hope you also know that picking your skin will never help. It often irritates the skin further and the dirt under your nails can actually increase bacteria in the skin. I know it is hard but please try to avoid picking, itching or scratching your face and don't over do the cleansing and spa habits.
9) Spot Treat with Healing Plant Powers
Correct-X is amazing, this ointment is meant to use like bacitracin ointment, but it is petroleum free and full of the best healing plant medicines. It works very well for spot treatment of acne or healing skin irritation.
10) Apply a Healing Protective Barrier before Putting your Mask On!
When you are headed out for the day, apply a thin layer of Correct-X, an incredible all natural, plant medicine ointment that will calm, soothe, heal and protect the skin. I like to apply a thin layer of the ointment on my cheeks and bridge of the nose to prevent irritation and acne.
In addition to these suggestions, I highly recommend you visit your local esthetician for a professional facial and proper skincare. If you are in the Worcester, MA area, visit me at the 126 Post Salon and Spa. Good Luck and please let me know what you think of these suggestions to keep your skin healthy and happy in these challenging skin times.