We know most of you have been stressed out due to the Pandemic and have had breakouts here and there. But is it still a stress induced breakout? If you’re working from home, good for you. But for people who need to go to work everyday, as we immerse in the new normal, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is very essential nowadays. Masks are the very common PPE that everyone is using right now and we’ve been getting a lot of messages from clients seeking help. Here are some facts and tips that may help you and your skin get through this Pandemic.
What is Maskne?
Maskne is technically known as Acne Mechanica and is triggered mostly by friction and occlusion caused by prolonged use of face masks. It is commonly found in areas where face masks are placed-- bridge of the nose, cheeks and chin.
You might be thinking now how it affects your overall skin health. Here’s the thing, masks should not be one size fits all but in many cases, it is. Most masks do not have a snug fit and there’s a tendency for it to move. When there’s friction, it irritates the skin and compromises our skin barrier. Once the skin barrier is compromised, it can bring about skin issues and that includes acne. Aside from friction, prolonged occlusion on the specified areas trap moisture, oil, sweat and dirt which could be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and may lead to clogged pores and acne.
Prevention is Better than Cure
A lot of people say this and we totally agree. But just in case you’re already experiencing this, don’t panic. We still got you. The following tricks might help:
Changing Your Skincare Routine. During this time, you will only need the basics. A gentle face wash that is almost the same as our skin’s normal pH (5.5) so it wouldn’t contribute to skin aggravation, a serum that contains hyaluronic acid for skin hydration and niacinamide due to its anti inflammatory properties that supports the skin barrier and a face cream to keep your skin moisturized. Steer clear from products that are too drying for the skin because it may compromise the skin barrier which could lead to more skin aggravation. You would want to keep your skincare at minimal--just the essentials and your goal is to keep your skin clean, hydrated and moisturized to maintain good skin health.
Avoid the Unnecessary. We know that you still want to look presentable but you will be wearing your mask most of the time for protection so wearing makeup during this time is not that necessary. Makeup may contribute to clogged pores and clogged pores may lead to acne. As what we always say, healthy skin is always in.
Choosing the Right Material. Silk is very famous due to its antimicrobial properties. Thanks to its structural fibers that retain very few bacteria. Because of this, skincare enthusiasts prefer silk than cotton pillow cases due to its benefits for the skin and hair. When choosing a face mask material, a Silk Face Mask is also your best bet. The down side, it’s costly and hard to find but if you’d like to take care of your skin, why not invest? If you’re really having a hard time finding one or if it’s out of your budget, a Cotton Face Mask is the second best. Make sure to wash your reusable face masks after every use.
Just keep in mind that whatever type of mask you choose to wear, change it from time to time throughout the day to prevent bacteria from building up and during this time, a good skincare regimen is a must. Try Wildleaf’s Brightening Care Set which includes a Face Wash with pH 5.6, Toner for extra hydration, a Serum that contains powerhouse of ingredients (18% Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and AHA) and a gentle moisturizer.
Want to learn more about Wildleaf? Discover our entire skincare line by visiting our online store. You may also send us a message on our social media channels (Facebook and Instagram), @wildleaf.us so we can assist you on your skincare needs. To find out what our customers think of our products, click on #wildleafstory.
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