MASKNE.

Happy New Year Everybody. We took some much needed R&R and hope that you did the same but now it’s time to get back to the grind. Lots of exciting things coming this year but first up is this weeks episode! This week we are talking about ... MASKNE! We’ve all been suffering from this for months but it also takes time to figure out what products work. If you want to listen to the episode now you can do so by CLICKING HERE!

MASKNE.

We’re sure you heard of it but if you haven’t yet here are some things you should know.

♡ What is MASKNE?

Maskne aka acne mechanica is the development of acne due to wearing a mask all day or what we call prolonged use of PPE. Sounds simple right? Yes, but how does it happen and what triggers it?

♡ How do you develop MASKNE?

When you wear a mask you start to generate heat and friction between your face and the mask. If you are a healthcare worker you know this feeling all too well but anyone can notice this when they are wearing a mask for too long. With mask wearing you're closing your skin off from its usual environment and when that occurs in combination with the new moist environment you’ve created due to breathing, talking or even sweating you become more prone to breakouts.

In essence, you are blocking your pores and when you block your pores you are more prone to developing comedones and blackheads.

♡ What should you do?

At the minimum your skincare routine should include the following:

• Gentle cleanser

• Toner (preferably one that hydrates)

• Light moisturizer (serum or gel)

• Sunscreen during the day

Don’t forget to use ingredients that help lock in hydration like aloe, ceramides, dimethicone niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.

For certain skin types note the following moisturizer types:

• Oily skin (or when weather is hot, humid) opt for a gel moisturizer

• Normal or combination skin opt for a lotion

• Dry to very dry skin opt for a cream

Do not forget about your lips! Because they will get chapped. Remember that vaseline aka petroleum jelly goes a long way but if you choose to use your own lip balm that is fine as well.

Finally, whenever you’re performing your skincare routine you should wait a few minutes prior to putting your mask on in order to allow the products to absorb.

♡ Secret Tips

Change your mask daily and clean them

• If you are rewearing the same mask make sure it’s cleaned (especially the cloth ones that can be easily thrown in the wash)

• If you are wearing PPE there are actually silicone gel seals you can use that can help with the masks sticking to or stretching out your face

Here are the SILICONE MASK BRACKETS we love.

• Note: We love a good old 100% cotton mask

Avoid wearing makeup when wearing a mask

• If you have to make sure you are using lightweight products

Make sure to cleanse your face daily with a gentle cleanser

Don’t forget to adequately hydrate your skin with a moisturizer or hyaluronic acid

• This is on those days when you're wearing masks for a prolonged period of time (we see you fellow healthcare workers saving lives and stuff)

If you are acne prone or even in general you can use pimple stickers such as, those that contain salicylic acid on the acne spots

• However, we would recommend against using the long lasting salicylic acid

Here are the COXRx Pimple Patches we love.

Don’t forget to exfoliate weekly

Make sure to let your skin breathe

• We have days off where we put nothing on our faces and those days are key in keeping your skin healthy

• This includes taking breaks throughout the day from wearing a mask, if it can be done safely

That's all for this week, don't forget to leave us feedback, rate, review, subscribe and send in your questions so we can continue to improve as well as, provide you high quality content.

Disclaimer: The Content on our podcast/website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.