Although we plan to re-open the clinics when level 4 lockdown restrictions ease at the end of the April, there is currently no planned date to downgrade mask wearing from its current mandatory status. So, in this month’s Blog, our expert skin therapist, Claire, talks about ‘Maskne’ and provides practical help and advice if you are suffering skin irritation or aggravated acne from prolonged mask wearing. Read on to find out more…
Between the various lockdowns, and during remote consultations, we’ve helped a lot of patients who are struggling with ‘Maskne’. There are a number of practical things you can do to help combat the skin irritation and breakouts that are commonplace if you need to wear a mask for long periods of the day.
Firstly, there are a few basic tips to help reduce ‘Maskne’ such as:
- avoid touching the affected area of your face
- double cleanse the skin to remove any build-up of bacteria and makeup
- exfoliate your skin a little more regularly – if normally once a week, up it to twice, if normally twice a week, up it to three times a week
- keep the skin hydrated and don’t overload with heavy products
- use masques containing products such as kaolin, sulphur and tea tree oil to calm and soothe irritated skin as well as help to reduce oil build up
The type of mask you wear can also have an impact on breakouts. It is important that your mask fits you well as an ill-fitting mask can cause unnecessary inflammation due to rubbing.
In this short video, Claire discusses skin health tips to effectively tackle ‘Maskne’.
Treating ‘Maskne’ with ZO® Skin Health
If your skin concern is more severe, then topical skincare may be required. ZO ® Skin Health is a world-leader in skin care, renowned for using the best active ingredients and superior skin health science to bring optimum results. ZO® Skin Health offers a range of products and protocols that will help combat a wide range of skin conditions, including ‘Maskne’.
The initial step to good skin health will normally incorporate ZO®’s Daily Skin Care Program:
CLEANSE
Normalise skin with double cleansing
Remove surface debris
EXFOLIATE
Improves circulation
Facilitates epidermal renewal
Enhances product penetration
TONE
Controls sebum
Restores the skin’s PH balance
This would involve a daily routine of:
| AM / PM | Gentle, hydrating or exfoliating cleanser (depending on your skin type) | |
| AM | Exfoliating polish | |
| AM / PM | Toning pads (oil control or complexion renewal pads) or calming toner | |
| AM / PM | Daily Power Defense to help repair damaged cells and support DNA integrity | |
| AM | Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays |
However, depending on the severity of your ‘Maskne’, you may need to follow a moderate or severe protocol introducing further acne prevention and control products such as ZO ®’s Acne Control, Dual Action Scrub, Complexion Clearing Mask or using their kit for Complexion Clearing as a preventative treatment for acne and breakouts. The ZO® Skin Health products are medical grade products (prescription only). So, to ensure the products are right for you and provide a bespoke protocol tailored to your skin type and individual concerns, you would firstly require a Skin Health Consultation with one of our expert therapists.
Don’t Suffer in Silence…
If you’re looking for help or advice on ‘Maskne’ or any other skin concern, you can arrange to have a one-to-one consultation with Claire, without obligation. Simply click on the Book a Consultation link below to book a convenient appointment, from the comfort of your own home.