8 Steps To Get Rid of Acne Caused by Wearing a Facemask
As we all do our best to keep the infection rate low, we are noticing a rise in people with acne caused by wearing facemasks and visors. This can come up in the form of spots, redness, chaffing and irritated skin around the mouth, cheeks, chin and jawline. This will undoubtedly become more of an issue as time goes on. We are not currently able to perform treatments on the face until August 15th (when guidelines will be reviewed) however until then, there are many things you can do at home to improve the issue.
Why does this happen?
- Friction from facemasks rubbing on the skin (acne mechanica) can stimulate oil production and clogged pores, which in turn can result in spots and/or acne.
- Increased temperature and humidity from heat and moisture trapped underneath your facemask.
- Not changing facemasks regularly enough.
How can I get rid of or improve my acne caused by wearing a mask?
- Change your mask frequently.
- Either use disposable facemasks and adhere to the recommended wear time and dispose of properly after 1 use.
- Wash your facemask frequently
It sounds very simple but quite a few people are not washing their facemask after every use. If you are wearing a fabric facemask then make sure to wash every day at the very least. Maybe keep a few of these so you can change throughout the day if your skin gets oily from friction. You can wash your facemask with warm soapy water or in the washing machine, then air dry or use a hair dryer on the hottest setting.
- Avoid wearing make-up where possible
Wearing make-up under your mask just adds an extra layer that masks the skin, not great if you have mask acne as it can exasperate the issue further and reduces your skins ability to breathe. Give your skin a break from make up if possible when wearing a mask.
- Use an antibacterial face cleanser
Using an anti-inflammatory face cleanser will help to reduce redness and soreness caused by wearing a mask. Antibacterial cleansers will target and kill bacteria that cause acne and breakouts resulting in clearer and cleaner skin. Probiotic products will help to reintroduce good bacteria to the skin and help to fight off bad bacteria. We stock the ENVIRON Botanical Infused Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser which has natural antibacterial properties in. This foaming face wash assists in washing away dirt and excess surface oil, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean.
- Introduce an AHA and BHA product
This does not have to be an additional step to your routine, just replace your manual exfoliant with a product containing either:
- Lactic Acid (AHA. Breaks down dead skin and removes build up of dead skin that blocks pores. Also very hydrating.)
- Salicylic Acid (BHA. Penetrates deep into the pores and eliminates bacteria and restores irritated skin around the pore.)
We stock the ENVIRON Sebu Clarity+ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-LAC Lotion which contains a combination of Lactic Acid exfoliators and moisturisers. This non-oily lotion is designed to help combat the signs of breakouts and to assist in improving the texture and tone of breakout-prone skin. Skin is left feeling softer, smoother and more balanced. Suitable for breakout prone, rosacea or oily skins.
- Use a product containing Tea Tree
Tea tree is a natural antibacterial ingredient that has been proven to reduce breakouts from bacteria and minimises skin irritation.
- Use a Vitamin C and Vitamin A skincare product
Vitamin A in all its forms (Vit A, Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Retinoic Acid) is one of the only ingredients proven to actually repair your cell DNA. This is a very powerful ingredient but not one to be afraid of as long as you have the right type for your skin. ENVIRON AVST1-5 is a step-up system to introduce Vit A to your skin in the form of a moisturiser. Nice and Easy!
Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants there is and can be introduced easily into your regime. Skip the make up and apply a Vit C serum such as the CIRCADIA Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Serum which not only combats free radicals and bacteria but also brightens and lightens pigmentation and gives you added hydration from the Hyaluronic Acid present.
- Target it head on with Clear Skin
We are very lucky to be able to offer one of the best Acne and Breakout treatments there is in the form of the Harmony XL Pro Clearskin Laser treament. This is a laser treatment with a difference! We will literally zap away your breakouts while using Vacuum suction to remove any build up inside and thermal energy to kill any bacteria!
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Skin Resurfacing
- Rejuvenating the skin
- Stimulating your body’s natural repair system
- Increased blood flow
- Reduce oil production
- Destroys bacteria on the skin
- Vacuum your spots to remove
FIND OUT MORE HERE
We are offering 25% off of this treatment for the months of September & October (subject to government guidelines) to help to target this issue head on. Please give us a call to book in your CLEARSKIN treatment!
020 8747 4746
Or send us an enquiry via the contact form below!