FIRST CAME MASKS, THEN CAME ‘MASKNE’
The ongoing pandemic has altered our lives in many ways including the regular usage of face masks. While the face coverings help protect us and those around us, some of us are uncovering a new skin problem — MASKNE or mask related acne.
In spite of the fact that Maskne isn’t a new occurrence, as healthcare workers or other professions wherein you have to wear a mask regularly can corroborate to this bothersome skin issue, the pesky condition has come to the fore now as it has become widespread and common amongst the general population.
WHAT IS IT AND WHY IT OCCURS?
Wearing a mask comes with its own set of challenges. The undesirable reaction known as Maskne can turn up in the form of redness, boils, zits, or irritation around your mouth, cheeks and jawline. Face mask creates a sultry habitat that can cause sweat, oil, sebum, saliva, and bacteria to build up, resulting in clogged pores. Additionally, the friction and chafing from mask fabric on to our skin can also cause the skin to break down and hair follicles to break open. Extreme weather conditions too can influence this sort of skin problem.
HOW TO AVOID/PREVENT MASKNE?
Prevention is your best bet and there are ways to avert this unwanted skin rashes. Here’s what you can do –
REGULAR FACE WASH PRACTICE
One of the best and easiest way to help prevent maskne is washing your face religiously. Cleansing your face morning and night can prevent the spread of bacteria, oil, and other pore-clogging elements. Use a gentle cleanser and stay away from any harsh products, toners or exfoliators that will just cause more inflammation and acne. Ideal would be to cleanse your face before you put on your mask, and as soon as you get home, right after you remove it.
MOISTURIZING IS MUST
Once your face is clean, guard it with a lightweight, oil-free, non-clogging moisturizer that locks moisture in keeping it hydrated, acts as a barrier between your face and your mask reducing friction and keeps other things out. Look for moisturizers that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or dimethicone, which will provide extra protection. Apply onto a cleansed face morning and night and more often if you think the skin under your mask feels dry or irritated. Avoid fragrances amongst other common contact allergens.
DITCH THE MAKEUP (TEMPORARILY)
Steer clear from wearing makeup under the mask, especially on the part of your face that’s covered up as it causes clogged pores and breakouts. Your cosmetics and other formulas mixed with sweat, oil, and condensation from your breath makes a strong pore-clogging environment for microorganisms to thrive on. Makeup residue will also soil your mask. Right now, is a good time to let your skin breathe but feel free to go to town on your eye cosmetics.
CHOOSE YOUR MASK WISELY
The type of mask you choose can play a key role in how bad your maskne gets. There are different variations of masks available, some are slightly different in shape and some are made from thicker or thinner material. The most imperative thing is to make sure that it fits your face properly and doesn’t rub on your skin too much. If you are using a cloth mask, make sure to wash it daily in warm water and dry it completely, and if you are wearing a disposable mask, discard it immediately after using it.
USE OF SKIN BARRIER GELS
Maintaining a strong skin barrier is as important as wearing a mask. Do it for your skin! Use of skin barrier gels prevents mask related discomfort, skin irritation and rashes by protecting your skin from harmful foreign substances. It enters deep into the skin’s layers to maintain barrier task.
SkinEasi activ, is India's first anti chafing gel that prevents skin irritation and rashes due to prolonged use of Face Mask and Face Shields.
How does it work ?
SkinEasi Second Skin patented technology forms an invisible, breathable, non-staining, non greasy & water repellent film which protects from rash, redness, soreness due to rubbing of skin on skin, skin on clothing or prolonged use of Face mask.
The barrier film reduces the friction by >80% and does not rub off easily. Hence giving long lasting protection against friction related skin rash and irritation even in presence of sweat, rain or water.
