Maskne: How to combat mask-induced acne

While mechanical acne - caused by the friction of a fabric or object - is not new to health professionals and athletes, the widespread use of masks has extended its incidence to a part of the population and aggravated its manifestation in those who already dealt with problematic skin.

The causes

Our skin's cell renewal cycle is continuous and lasts approximately 28 days. New cells are born in the dermis and migrate to the epidermis, replacing those that die on the surface and are naturally shed. The constant friction of a face mask interferes with this process, causing an occlusive effect in the pores due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, combined with sweat and environmental dirt.

In addition, breathing inside the mask creates a highly humid environment, ideal for bacterial proliferation.

The solutions

The face mask.

If your job allows it, avoid synthetic fabrics and opt for others that generate less friction, such as silk, and are more adaptable and breathable, such as cotton. These masks should be washed after each use, and it's advisable to replace them two or three times a day. This simple action alone will help mitigate one of the contributing factors.

Delicacy, personalized cosmetics and consistency.

An aggressive approach will only worsen the situation. The key is to choose products that suit your skin's needs , are effective for you, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and comfortable. Remember our philosophy: not everything is suitable for everyone.

If cleansing is arguably the cornerstone of any health routine, it takes on particular importance here. In these situations, a soothing cleanser is recommended, one that doesn't disrupt the skin's pH and respects the lipid barrier while still fulfilling its function. A thorough and gentle cleansing routine is essential morning and night, without exception.

Gentle exfoliation will boost cell renewal by helping to remove dead skin cells, thus reducing the impact of the other contributing factor. The RIGHT exfoliant can be safely incorporated into your routine twice a week.

Less is more .

It's time to focus on soothing and hydrating the skin, nothing more. Applying multiple products will only exacerbate what we want to avoid: clogged pores.

Therefore, we will favor the use of low molecular weight, long-lasting moisturizers that contain anti-irritant and even analgesic active ingredients to help soothe discomfort in the treated area. Good hydration will soften the feel of the mask, helping it glide over the skin instead of sticking to it.

During the day, and for the same reason, say goodbye to makeup. A good solution is to opt for tinted sunscreen. This will give you a healthy glow while preventing exposed areas of your face from burning and/or developing hyperpigmentation . As evening falls, you should follow the same guidelines, temporarily setting aside the use of other active ingredients—acids in particular, such as retinol. Instead, you can optimize your nighttime rest and repair by applying targeted products that address inflammation and blemishes.

When all this is over (and it will be), we will take specific actions to reduce the marks and blemishes that irritation and acne may leave as a reminder… Now our goal is different and the good news is that we have the means to achieve it.

At Beldon Beauty, we're here to help. Our personalized diagnosis guarantees you'll receive exactly what your skin needs, and no other. Because our philosophy is that each person's treatment plan is unique , and not everything is suitable for everyone . Contact us; we offer a customized online consultation service.