The pandemic that devastated the world changed the daily lives of the world's population to a somewhat apocalyptic scenario. Between masks, gel alcohol, social distancing, and so many other changes, a new phenomenon appears that is reflected in the state of the skin: the Maskne.
With the daily and prolonged use of the mask, there are more and more testimonies that report the differences felt in the uniformity, complexion and radiance of the skin. How many times have you heard the phrase “my skin is not the same”?
Many describe their skin as irritated and red, flaky or pimpled around the chin area. The constant and prolonged contact of the mask directly with the skin can lead to significant changes in it. The areas of the face in contact with the mask can become irritated due to the quality or composition of the mask itself, or simply due to the humid and hot “environment” that it creates around.
“Maskne” is an expression used to define mechanical acne caused by the mask, by combining the terms “Mask” + “Acne”. Several factors may be at the origin of acne – most are of hormonal origin, causing inflammation in the skin, often in the pilosebaceous follicle. This inflammatory process generates an excess production of sebum, leading to pore obstruction and, consequently, the proliferation of bacteria. Already a mechanical acne is caused by friction, pressure and humid environment caused by the mask.
There are even testimonies of young people and adults who did not experience any type of acne during adolescence, and are now experiencing crises!
If you are also suffering from this problem, don't worry – we'll give you some tips to get rid of it!
The main tip is to review your entire daily beauty routine and find out what small changes you can make in order to control the appearance of imperfections:
- A key step is cleaning your face. Daily cleansing is essential, particularly at night, as you must remove all the impurities that have accumulated on your skin during the day. Thus, the skin can “breathe” and renew itself overnight. This step alone can help a lot and be enough. It may be necessary to change your cleaning product and start using a specific gel for oily and acne-prone skin, as these products have components with a purifying and sebum-regulating action. You can also complement your cleansing step by adding a toner, so that you regulate the oiliness of your face throughout the day and you don't get the feeling of skin “glowing”.
- Regarding the moisturizing cream, you should prefer one with a fluid and light texture, non-comedogenic and with antioxidant ingredients to act on cell renewal. If you are undergoing a dermatological treatment or a more aggressive cream, choose to apply it at night and not during the day. Treatment products are always more complex in their composition, and may contain some acid or retinoid, likely to cause even more irritation.
- If you usually struggle with that pimple that insists on not disappearing, you can use a specific product to apply locally at night. A Uriage SOS Folder can be used on the pimple, accelerating the healing process and its consequent disappearance.
- If you use reusable fabric masks, you should wash them daily. Additionally, opt for 100% cotton masks, which are less aggressive and irritating to your skin and allow it to breathe more easily.
Follow our tips and definitely get rid of acne, now and after the pandemic.