Maskne - it's a thing

So, who’s sporting breakout around their chin and top lip? If like me, you have pimples, it could be a case of maskne - the technical term for 'acne mechanica.' A direct result of friction caused by fabric against the skin, says editor Trudi Brewer who shares how to deal with it and why Life Pharmacy has the topical solution.

For the foreseeable future, face masks are a part of our everyday wardrobes; with that, there has been a rise in acne. According to US dermatologist Carlos Charles, we must consider the mask we use to keep our skin from breaking out. "Friction can lead to inflammation and skin irritation that impacts the pores, contributing to acne, which could be exacerbated by moisture getting caught in the mask from humidity and sweating. However, there is some good news - it can be treated. You are not doomed to break out whenever you wear a face mask. A few simple changes to your mask-wearing habits and your skincare routine can make a big difference in getting rid of maskne and stopping it from forming in the first place." 

It’s all about the mask

Anyone with acne-prone, sensitive skin should use an ultra-lightweight, soft, breathable, and sweat-absorbing cotton, silk or linen face. Synthetic fibres such as nylon, spandex, and latex will irritate already sensitive skin. This is because they don't breathe or absorb moisture like natural fibres do and can even cause textile dermatitis.   

Splurge

Saint Nano Cotton Face Mask, $15

Breathable and ultra-soft, this mask is a double layer of washable fine cotton, with a nano silicone coating for quick drying and makeup stain resistance.

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Reynard Face Masks, 50 pack, $25

Experts agree, surgical masks are better for flattening the COVID curve, than a fashion accessory mask. And these are the best we have found for keeping us safe while soothing the skin.

How to deal with sweating under your mask

First up, go gently. The temptation to constantly was your face is strong when you have to wear a mask all day. However, over washing the skin can strip it of its natural barrier. Instead, try refreshing your skin with micellar water or a mist instead. Your face isn't the only thing you need refreshing. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing cloth masks after each use. This helps remove oils and dead skin that collect inside the mask. Use warm water and a gentle detergent that doesn't irritate the skin.

Splurge

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar water cleanser, $26

For a quick, calming cleanse, this micellar water will soothe irritated skin. With anti-redness ingredients for anyone prone to rosacea or flushing, this could ideal.

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Avène Thermal Spring Water, from $13

This calming, water is amongst the purest in the world. Low in mineral content, it's high in trace elements, such as calcium, and magnesium. It’s been soothing irritated skin since the 1700s. This 50ml size is perfect for your purse.

What about skincare?

Invest in a gel cleanser to break down makeup and excess oils; choose formulas that contain glycolic or lactic acids. These ingredients keep the surface of the skin and the pores clean and balanced. If you have dry skin, you may notice some irritation where your mask sits; use a cleanser containing hyaluronic acid or squalene in the calming and hydrating formula.

Splurge

Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser, $62

Combination skin types will love this luxe-y cleanser. Tinted green, it melts away makeup and oil instantly and helps to calm and control redness and irritation with a probiotic lactobacillus extract.

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Swisse Manuka Honey Daily Glow Foaming Cleanser, $15

For dry skin this thirst-quenching cleanser delivers a comfortable cleanse without irritating the skin. Plus we love the foaming texture it gives once mixed with warm water.

Serum vs moisturiser, what’s best?

Unlike moisturisers, serums are designed to target skin concerns with active ingredients that absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. They can be pressed into the skin just on the affected areas Serums with vitamins A, B3 and fruit acids will help clear blemishes and speed your skin's renewal process.

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Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum, $128

Our two favourite active ingredients in one formula, salicylic acid to reduce breakouts and brighten the skin. While niacinamide with white shiitake mushroom protects the skin’s fragile barrier.

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me today Vitamin Purify B3 Serum, $45

Stacked with the skin correcting vitamin B3 niacinamide, along with skin-purifying botanicals, this serum helps reduce blemishes, and refines pores. Over time it can help even out skin texture including dark spots.

What about spot treatments?

Battle breakouts with one of these spot gels that target and clear pimples and scarring fast. The idea with a spot gel is to treat the blemished skin on the go for those acne emergencies that have popped up due to wearing a mask.

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Lancôme Clarifique Spot Eraser, $168

This spot treatment target all skin discolouration from age spots to enlarged pores and blemishes. Wild French beech bud, vitamin C and ellagic acid (found in berries). It will erase brown spots, enlarged pores and blemishes.

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Epiology Advanced Anti-Acne Spot Gel Extra Strength, $27

A natural alternative to treating acne, using immune defence proteins found in fresh, pasteurised milk offer a triple-A treatment, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-redness to soothe and improve breakouts.

What about makeup?

While most of your face is covered with a mask, dermatologists stress that you can’t skip sunscreen.
For those who want and need to wear makeup, opt for a tinted moisturiser or tinted SPF day cream. This not only protects your skin from sun damage but also provides a sheer hint of coverage with skincare benefits.

Splurge

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20, $75

All the makings of a skin serum with a touch of colour. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and salicylic acid improve a blemished and dull complexion. To top is off this makeup is also oil-free and can build from a medium coverage to full. There are 20 shades.

Steal

Avène Mineral Compact SPF50+, $55

This cream-to-powder mineral makeup is both portable and chemical-free. The SPF is a blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and photostable vitamin E in a base of natural thermal spring water. Ideal for anyone with sensitive skin, or allergy-prone skin. There are two natural-looking shades, Honey and Beige.