What is ‘Maskne’ and how to treat it?
Maskne is caused by regular usage of wearing face masks and is different to regular acne. When wearing a face mask over a long period of time the heat and friction on the skin increases in humidity that can irritate and tear the skin cells from the face mask rubbing against the skin. The skin can become dry and itchy overtime and the pores in your skin become blocked with sweat, oil and dirt. Blocked pores will then develop into pimples or acne cysts.
Skin should be treated with extra care before and after wearing a face mask. A good skincare routine will help to reduce Maskne. Cleansing twice a day keeping the skin clean. Ideally cleanse before putting on and after you take it off.
A helpful skincare routine and Monu Skincare products I would highly recommend:
Cream Cleansers are soothing and will help calm any irritation on the skin. They tend to have rich moisturising properties and will help hydrate your skin without drying it out. A cleanser will help remove any makeup, oils and dirt from the skin which is why it is important to cleanse twice a day.
The Clarifying Cleanser from Monuskin is a light cleanser formulated with soothing extracts of Aloe Vera and Camphor Essential oil to help deep cleanse, reduce oiliness and rebalance the skin. It also includes vitamin E and vegetable Glycerine. It deep cleanses without drying, leaving your skin clean and refreshed.
Toner – after cleansing the skin, a toner should be used to tighten the pores, removes traces of oil and impurities and helps rebalance the PH level of the skin. Leaving the skin feeling refreshed.
The Clarifying Toner from Monuskin is an invigorating toner containing distilled Witch Hazel and Essential oils of Camphor to tighten and refine pores.
Exfoliation will remove dead skin cells and improve the skin’s appearance, refine its texture and make it feel softer. Also any treatment preparations that are applied to the skin afterwards such as (Serums or moisturisers) will absorb better and will work more effectively into the skin. Exfoliate 1-2 times per week for acneic, dry or mature skin. Exfoliate 2-3 times per week for oily or congested skin.
A Chemical Exfoliation, although it might sound abrasive is far kinder to the skin than harsh facial scrubs. Chemical exfoliants include Alpha-Hydroxy acids (AHAs), usually Glycolic or Lactic Acid and Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which is Salicylic Acid. These acids help strip away dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and unblock pores, revealing a smooth, even skin tone.
Monuskin’s Exfoliating Enzyme – is the perfect chemical exfoliation which uses gentle and natural ingredients on the skin such as Papaya Fruit Enzyme, Lactic Acid and natural fruit acids which safely exfoliates dead skin cells and smooth the complexion. This reduces the appearance of acne scarring and promotes overall skin radiance. Use 1-2 times per week after cleansing and toning.
Serums – these concentrated products help to protect the skin by day and nourish it by night adding extra protection and hydration to the skin.
Monuskin’s Hydra Lift Serum – provides an instant face lift by firming, smoothing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines whilst providing intense hydration and comfort. Maximum strength of Hyaluronate Synergy for an instant face lift effect. Delivering moisture to the skin in a controlled way reducing moisture loss. It includes vitamin C to help brighten and clear a dull complexion. Reduces free radical damage which protects the collagen and elastic fibres, renewing cell growth. Apply serum before moisturising the skin.
Moisturisers – hydrating your skin is important to as moisture is lost when wearing a face mask. Ideally use products that have Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin. The skin should be protected day and night against the sun, wind, cold and air pollution. Moisturisers protect the skin, nourish and replace moisture loss. The same applies to wearing at night when you are resting, the skin can repair itself.
Monuskin’s Hydrating Moisturiser SPF15 – this light moisturiser is formulated to prevent sun damage and premature ageing. It blurs imperfections and corrects skin tone. This is suitable for all skin types and includes active ingredients such as; Vitamin E, Sodium Hyaluronate and sub-micronised Zinc Oxide. It is important to wear an SPF daily on top of your moisturiser or if its already included in the moisturiser as this will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays in all seasons. Even on a dull day your skin is still exposed to UV rays. It’s also important to wear an SPF after you have exfoliated or used a chemical exfoliation, as this will protect new skin cells and reduces premature ageing.
Monuskin’s Beauty Balm – is a creamy balm which boosts skin radiance. It includes powerful active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Vitamin E and Sodium Hyaluronate. This will help improve dry, broken skin and will leave the skin feeling hydrated. This should be applied over the top of your moisturiser to help lock in the moisture and should be applied before a day of wearing a face mask to give your skin a perfect level of protection.
Special Care – an additional product from Monuskin is the ‘Blemish Treatment’ which includes Salicylic Acid and Witch Hazel which heals the skin and helps improve blemishes. It reduces the appearance of scarring and uneven skin tone. The skin is soothed and will be blemish free. This treatment can be applied throughout the day, a great handbag essential!
Ideally reduce or not wear makeup at all especially in the mask area region. Only apply eye makeup if necessary to reduce pores being clogged up. Try avoiding foundations if possible, especially heavy oil based foundations as this could make the Maskne worse. If you prefer to wear a foundation use a tinted foundation which has an SPF.
I highly recommend Monuskin’s Perfecting Tint SPF15 – this tinted moisturiser is formulated with mineral pigments and soft focus technology for a sheer, natural finish and flawless complexion. It also protects against sun damage and premature ageing. Giving you soft skin, elasticity and suppleness. Available in different shades light, medium and dark to suit your skin colour.
Finally, do not re-use disposable face masks as this will put bacteria back on to your clean skin. If you wear a cloth mask this must be washed daily. An alternative face mask to wear is a silk mask, as this is kinder on your skin and is more breathable.
If you are interested in trying out some Monuskin products or would like some skincare advice, please get in touch, as I would be happy to help and make some recommendations for you.
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