Masks for Maskne
Masks and masks are becoming the new norm for Melbourne.
We cannot see friends and family, and we are only allowed 1 hour of exercise a day.
You cannot leave home without it – a mask that is!
Arrive back home and hello acne break out, rashes and peri-oral dermatitis.
It’s time for the at-home mask!
We are here to help to make your skin healthier while wearing your face masks.
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Choosing a face mask
Who would have thought a little face-covering could become such a political and social menace. At Aesthetica we fully support the Government’s initiative for individuals to wear face masks and coverings when outside of the home.
Face masks are an important weapon to help reduce the spread of infectious airborne diseases, bacteria and viruses.
Here are our tips on choosing the right face mask for you.
* N95 mask – the Gold Standard of face masks for COVID-19. The N95 is the only mask that has pores that are smaller than the COVID-19 virus. Where possible an N95 mask is the mask that you should opt to wear. These are typically single-use face masks, you will need to check with the manufacturer of your N95 mask for how long you can wear your mask and if they can be reused
* Surgical mask – if an N95 mask is unavailable to you, the next best option is to utilise a surgical mask. These masks need to be changed if they become wet or visibly soiled
* Homemade masks – if a surgical mask and N95 mask is unavailable to you then a fabric mask or scarf may be used. These are the least effective are preventing transmission and can lead to the most irritation. If using a fabric mask avoid polyester and opt for cotton masks. Wash masks or coverings after every use and use the hottest water possible with detergent free of fragrances and dyes. Aim for a mask that is smooth and soft with the most moisture-wicking properties possible
Why do masks cause acne, rashes and irritations?
The most common reason why you’re experiencing “maskne” is due to friction of the mask rubbing against your skin.
This causes your face under and around the mask to dry out, become rough or abrade the skin. The humid conditions under the mask also mean it is harder for sweat to evaporate. It sits on the surface of the skin leads to irritation.
So to put it simply, a combination of an impaired skin barrier and constant irritation leads to acne breakouts, rashes, eczema and peri-oral dermatitis.
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Tips for reducing  Mask “Maskne”
Cleansing
if you love to cleanse your skin and do it more then once a day. DON’T Now is the time to scale back. Cleanse your skin at night time with a gentle cleanser. Avoid soaps, dyes, fragrances, makeup wipes and micellar which can all irritate your skin too much at this time.
Our top cleanser is Cleanse by Osmosis. This gentle gel cleanser contains Lavender and Peppermint Oils to calm, soothe and cool the skin as well as calming inflammation.
Moisturising
As your skin barrier becomes impaired under the mask, it is best to support your skin by constantly moisturising.
Apply moisturiser in the morning and at night. With a top-up in the middle of the day.
A light lotion is our Hydroplex with niacinamide is beautiful for during the day. The niacinamide will repair the barrier and soothe inflammation.
The easily absorbed formulation will feel like a light second skin under your mask.
Barrier Repair
This is the most important step to help protect against skin irritation caused by wearing a face mask.
Our “Maskne” Pack contains Polish to buff away dead skin and Tropical Mango mask to intensely hydrate and repair your skin barrier.
Tropical mango can also be applied thinly as an evening moisturiser to further encourage skin healing.
The Synergie Occlusiaderm can also be applied in the evening to areas of abrasion from the mask such as across the nose, upper cheek and jawline.
SPF
This should already be a part of your skincare routine. However, if it is not, now is the time to invest in a Zinc Oxide SPF.
The zinc helps to calm inflammation and heal acne while protecting against the damaging effects of the sun.
We love the O Cosmedics Mineral Tint due to the light and lotion feel without the white cast that can be associated with other Zinc SPFs.
Makeup
Sweat + Make up = Pimples. When wearing a mask do not wear makeup and lip products.
If you must wear foundation try the Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup range that reduces the likelihood of irritation that is associated with non-mineral makeup. For your lips apply a thick lip treatment at night like the Synergie LipService. This will repair dry and chapped lips overnight and will reduce the need for lipsticks, chapsticks and glosses during the day.