Wearing a mask has fundamental benefits in keeping us healthy and protected in our communities. They serve a purpose and yet in amongst the rules and regulations around mask wearing, our skin for many of us, has seen the unhappy side effects. Whilst we are seeing the mask wearing restrictions and rules change, our masks still need to be on hand and used in certian situations.
The Science Around 'Maskne'
Face masks create an enclosed environment that increases the amount of moisture near your skin. This excess moisture is of no real concern if you are wearing the mask for a short period of time for example while getting groceries or having an appointment. However, when wearing a mask for longer periods of time, the excess moisture can lead to breakouts and skin irritation.
When you breathe or talk, your mask tends to trap in a lot of hot air. This air creates a warm, humid environment . Humidity causes our oil flow to increase and in this case, a great breaeding ground for bacteria. This increase in warmth, bacteria and the friction of the mask, can create an increase in acne and skin irritations, redness, and even small little bumps around the mouth.
Lets take a look at whats happening for your skin when a mask is being worn.
Dry Cracked Lips
Many people who wear a mask now mouth breathe to move more air through the mask. This means more air is moving through the mouth than normal resulting in drying of the lips. I have also found is that for those wearing masks for long periods of time, arent drinking their usual water intake for the day. This can result in dehydration throughout the entire body and can present itself as dry cracked lips.
The best solution is to wear a lip treatment and we recommend always morning and night. In the morning allow enought time for the lip treatment to absorb a little to prevent the stickiness or residue getting on the inside of your mask. A nightly lip treatment will help rehydrated, firm and resotre the lip area from the friction and warmth gnerated when wearing a mask.
Use daily to help restore delicate tissues, minimises contour lines and help prevent the signs of ageing
Cocoa Seed Butter, Avocado, Rice Bran, and Shea Butter smooth and condition lip tissue Hyaluronic Acid provides increased hydration and improved elasticity
Peptides stimulate collagen formation to minimise fine lines
Apply to lips at least two times a day for lip health maintenance, or more frequently in periods of dryness or environmental exposure
Skin Irritation and Dryness
An increase in moisture, sweat and friction can cause the barrier of our skin to become impaired. This can then lead to irritation and a dry feeling on our skin. If you do have a senstive skin, opting for a gentle cleanser and a soothing and cooling moisturiser will help on a daily
I know personally, this is a big one for me. As a Rosacea skin i have certainly found my skin flares up on those days where I have worn my mask for most of it. My skin becomes itchy and I even find myself scratching my face with my mask. At the end of the day, my cheeks look quite irritated and red.
Raspberry Fruit Extract promotes healing while providing soothing properties to inflamed skin. Lavender Fruit Extract: is used to reduce inflammation
Cucumber Fruit Extract: contains cooling agents that help soothe and calm irritated skin
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5 ) promotes tissue regeneration and ahydration
Apple Fruit Extract and Glycerin hydrates and softens the skin while defending skin against dryness
Cactus Pear Stem Extract helps soothe sensitivity and helps support healthy moisture balance
Dual Hyaluronic Acid technology that works in different skin surface layers to increase and lock in moisture
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice hydrates skin to help relieve irritation from dryness
Increased Breakouts
Masks trap air and cause an increase in heat, friction and blockages. Combined with the increase in moisture, sweat and oil, it turns into a breeding ground for breakouts and congestion. If you already have a more oily and acne prone skin, you may find this has increased since wearing a mask. Using targeted products that focus on the breakouts and clearing the skin will help you keep on top of these skin changes durin
AGE Bright™ Complex and Salicylic Acid works to promote clearer, brighter skin.
Terpineol and Thymol help reduce bacteria and sebum
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps reduce visible skin aging by fading postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Phytoactives from Resurrection Plant: hydrate and smooth skin
AGE Bright™ Complex and Salicylic Acid works to promote clearer, brighter skin without over drying of the skin.
Hexylresorcinol works synergistically with Niacinamide in AGE Bright™ Complex to fade post-breakout marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), improving uneven skin tone.
If you need any advice about your skin, we are here to help! We offer complimentary zoom consultations (no zoom account needed) to help with your skin concerns face to face, from the comfort of your own home!
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About the Author
My name is Sarah and I am the founder of GLO Skin Body. With over 17 years experience, I believe a professional relationship with your skin therapist is crucial in helping you to achieve your skin care goals and to ensure your skin is always looking and feeling its best. Whether it's in person or through our online support, Im here to guide and support you towards your healthiest skin ever.
On a personal note, I am a Mum of 3 so I understand completely the juggles and balancing of life and family commitments . My goal is to help everyone have an effective and enjoyable home care routine that gets you the results you want...no matter how busy you are!
