The Skin You're In: Are You Suffering From "Maskne"?

The pandemic over the last year has changed a few of our priorities: we have taken up baking (banana bread, anyone?), donned our sweatpants (athleisure gear?), and tried to remedy our skin problems with face masks and extra moisturiser (err, is it working?). 2020 has made us all rethink "self-care", prioritising ourselves, our bodies, and our mental well-being more – and it seems, thankfully, this trend is due to stay.

People have started wearing less makeup and embracing natural skin, becoming more aware of how their skin looks and feels, but the deluge of skincare remedies has often been prompted by an increase in "maskne", where face coverings and skin breakouts correlate. The constant rubbing of this rough material on the skin has caused bacteria, dirt, and oil to build up in the pores, clogging them and causing distressing and painful breakouts for many.

So, what are the solutions? Read on! Let's embrace the skin you're in and eliminate that "maskne" once and for all.

Best home solution

Since these extra breakouts are often caused by dirt and oil buildup (stress can be another factor), then washing more regularly using a gentle cleanser on your face (certainly not soap) can help remove the excess dirt.

Keep your face clean

If you have to wear a face-covering for work or more often than the odd trip out, it's advised you wash your face in the morning, at night, and if/after sweating in a mask.

Replace your mask regularly and remove it at intervals

Replacing your mask with a reusable, but clean mask can also help. Before putting on your mask, you can apply a topical antibiotic cream to reduce the breakouts. Remove your mask for at least fifteen minutes every four hours (and wash and dry your face if you can).

Keep your skin hydrated

Dry skin plus a mask can irritate the skin so moisturising is important. There are moisturisers on the market enriched with tea tree oil, witch hazel, or even aloe, which can all moisturise the skin without causing irritation.

Best professional solution

All of the at-home methods are vital to healthy skin in a masked-up world, but nothing can beat the professional solution of a facial. We have two options available that can help kick-start your skin's recovery: the carbon laser facial and the omni-hydra facial.

The carbon laser facial

Carbon laser facials are the go-to celeb treatment (read more here about which celebs love them). In a carbon laser facial, a carbon paste is applied to the skin which is gently removed by a laser – this removal can feel like a slight prickling sensation. The laser produces thermal damage to the skin in a controlled environment, which stimulates the skin's natural healing processes, rejuvenating the skin's collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts. This process also reduces pore size, reduces oil secretions, and removes blackheads, dirt, and oil from the skin. It's a go-to solution for acne and more beautiful skin overall.

The omni-hydra facial

The omni-hydra facial is our second option and is more spa-like, but uses a series of acids to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin instead of a carbon paste. This facial method is perfect for acne-prone skin as well as ageing skin and can be tailored to suit your needs. The dermabrasion and AHA and BHA acids remove dirt, debris, and grease from the skin and the finishing nutrient mist restores the skin's health.

With the at-home and professional solutions combined, your skin will heal in no time and you’ll be ready to face the world with a rejuvenated outlook.

Visit our skin treatment's page for more information. Get in touch if you want to book your facial today.