MASKNE – the new skin condition

 

Unfortunately, this pandemic is associated with several collateral

problems. And one of them is the maskne – comes from mask and   

acne. It is also known as acne mecanica or mechanical acne, because

it is mainly generated by the friction of the mask against the skin,

causing irritation. In fact, this form of acne is well known among surgeons and operating rooms staff.

 

 

Wearing the mask continuously for several hours creates an unfriendly microclimate for the skin. Of course, not everybody  develops maskne – persons with oily skin or dry and sensitive skin are more likely   to develop this skin condition.

The microclimate underneath the mask includes aggressive factors: 

increased  humidity and sebum (oil), sweat, dirt, skin debris – all these will clog up the pores and eventually lead to acute acne lesions.

Actually, acne is not the only skin problem reported especially in this last year by people wearing the mask for prolonged time. Some of the other skin conditions are:

-  Allergic contact dermatitis, caused by chemicals some masks may contain

-  Rosacea is usually exacerbated by heat and sweat – and mask wearing can increase flares

-  Folliculitis – caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles.

But don’t worry! There is light at the end of the tunnel!

Following a few simple recommendations , you will be able to prevent or  treat the maskne.

First and foremost – HYGIENE.

It’s very important to wear a clean mask everyday! Don’t get compulsive, though! Either get a new disposable mask daily, or, if you’re using a fabric mask, launder it every day. Of course, the

fabric is also very important – cotton is the best one, due to the fact

that it is hypoallergenic and gentle for the skin. Silk is also good - it's smooth and reduces friction to minimum.

Then – the CLEANSING. Cleanse your face several times a day, especially  before and after wearing a mask. Use a hypoallergenic, gentle cleanser and warm water.

HYDRATION or MOISTURIZING of the skin is another important

aspect – proper hydration of the skin is imperative for maintaining

its barrier function at optimal level.

Dryness is a very common problem caused by wearing the mask

many hours during the day. Applying a moisturizer immediately after washing your face creates a protective layer that will reduce the dryness. I recommend to use moisturizers that include one of the following ingredients:

-        Ceramides

-        Hyaluronic Acid

-        Dimethicone.

From all the products I have tested, my favorite is MesoAge from

Institute BCN – it is based on Hyaluronic Acid, has a gel texture,

absorbes quickly into the skin and creates a protective film.

 

Do not apply MAKE UP before wearing a mask. Foundation and concealer determine the occlusion of the pores and can lead to breakouts.

Wearing the mask, not necessarily a long period of time, increases the sensitivity of the skin. That’s  why you have to avoid using ‘aggressive’ products, such as chemical peelings, exfoliants or Retinol.

If Retinol is part of your skin care routine, apply it in the evening.

In case irritation and redness occur after wearing the mask, try not to apply products which contain Salicylic Acid and Retinol. And a piece of advice for the men – use balsam, not aftershave!

Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic have found that this helps save their skin. Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands.

Safe places to remove your mask include:

-   Outdoors, when you can stay away from people

-   Inside your car when you’re alone

-   At home

 Apply a gentle face mask, once a week - a purifying clay mask, a mask containing charcoal, tea tree or salicylic acid are, in my opinion, the best choices.

 And last, but not least – PERSISTENCE – by following these simple recommendations everyday, you will keep the maskne away.

 

Stay safe!

Wear the mask!

Take care of your skin!

 

MY TIPS FOR AN ALWAYS YOUTHFUL LOOKING AND HEALTHY SKIN

 

You most probably know this already - The SKIN  is the largest organ of our body and its first defense line. Like every other organ, it’s living and changing as the time passes.

So, we have to find the smartest skincare formula and the most efficient daily routine, in order to help our skin adapt to these changes and remain healthy and looking its best.

Especially during these difficult times, we all are concerned about health - both physical and mental -  immunity, hygiene and overall wellness. That’s why we have to manage our lifestyles different than before, to maximize our well-being.

My vision of beauty and health is a holistic one – mind, body, spirit – feel good, look good.

Everything we do influences the aspect of our skin. Beauty comes from inside out.

1.   Drink more water. 

I cannot emphasize enough how important the  proper hydration is for our skin. It’s the most efficient way to a glowing skin and the cheapest way to prevent wrinkles. Keeping always a water bottle on your desk during your working hours or in your bag or car when you are on your way helps making a habit to drink more water. 

 

 

Your aim should be 2 liters/day – and remember: water, plain water, not soda or juices.

  2. Eat skin –healthy food.

Certain nutrients, such as fatty acids, vitamin C, probiotics,

promote  healthy skin. On the other hand, junk food and food with high content of refined carbohydrates worsen several skin conditions, including acne.

Whole eggs, avocado, salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, dark chocolate, extra virgin oil – all these contain high levels of healthy fats, Omega 3 and Omega 6. These fats are essential for the integrity of the skin barrier and  give the skin a glowing look.

Vitamin C, found mainly in citrus fruits and parsley, is one of the most important antioxidants. It also increases the collagen production.

Foods rich in probiotics are yogurt, kefir, pickles, kimchi, etc. Probiotics have a positive impact on the immune system and on the function of the gut. Their main effect is conserving  the integrity of the microbiome and, consequently, a healthy and glowing skin. 

3.Sleep well. 

 After a good night sleep you will start a new day refreshed and cheerful. A good rest will also benefit your skin. During sleep, blood flow to the skin increases, rebuilding collagen and repairing UV exposure damage to reduce wrinkles and age spots.

There are studies which demonstrated that good sleepers have lower skin-aging scores than poor sleepers; they are also more satisfied with their appearance and attractiveness. 

4. Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Silk is composed of natural proteic fibers, is hypoallergenic,  has the ability to keep a constant temperature and has the lowest absorption rate of all fabrics. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help your skin stay healthy and smooth while reducing facial wrinkles. It’s like having a beauty therapy every night.

 

 

  

 

5. Stress plays a huge role in the skin's health and appearance due to the hormone cortisol that is released. Cortisol determines the sebaceous  glands in the skin to produce more oil, making  it prone to acne and other skin conditions. If  the stress becomes chronic, it can suppress the immune system, leading to more skin infections and serious  allergic reactions.

 

 

 

 

  

     Finding ways to relief the stress will have positive effects on the skin and overall mental health and well-being. Aromatherapy is one of the methods you can use for stress de-stressing. Light a candle that’s infused with a scent that will induce relaxation, such as lavender. Lavender reduces anxiety and improves the mood.

 

Stay safe and healthy!