What’s maskne?
Maskne is a clever term coined as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. The word entered our everyday vocabulary in mid-2020 and had stuck around since.
As you’ve probably guessed, maskne is the words ‘mask’ and acne’ smushed together to create one of 2021’s biggest buzzwords.
It’s all too easy to remember the days of not wearing masks but, now, they have their place firmly in our society as a pivotal accessory to keep us safe and healthy.
Maskne can be recognised as like acne in the area you cover with your mask. Symptoms include swollen red spots around the mouth, cheeks and jaw.
What causes Maskne?
Your mask itself could be the cause of your maskne. If you use harsh detergents, your skin could be getting super irritated from being in close contact with material it’s not used to.
On the other hand, you might not be washing your mask enough and old bacteria and germs could be building up and coming into contact with your face.
Whatever the cause, you should take your maskne as a sign from your skin that you need to change something in your current routine – be it changing your mask, detergent or skincare products.
Masks stop droplets of polluted air, harmful germs and generally bad air particles getting in our mouth, up our noses and into our system. But, unfortunately, this also means it stops moisture getting out.
“These masks create a seal that prevents moisture from escaping, resulting in a humid environment where acne-causing bacteria is able to thrive,” Dylan Mustapich, an aesthetician at Face Haus in New York City told Wired Magazine.
Dealing with it every day
There are things you can do to prevent maskne. It’s important to try out different things and see what works for you because – let’s face it – masks are going to be around for a while.
Change your mask at least twice a day
Rotating your masks isn’t something we’ve been hugely encouraged to do in the UK. So, consider this as the encouragement you need. It’s super important to change your mask and not wear the same one over and over again.
Cut down on dairy and sugar
In times like these, we sometimes turn to comfort foods like sugary sweets or dairy heavy snacks like ice cream and cheese. If maskne is bothering you, it might be time to put down the Ben & Jerry’s.
Sugar and dairy are rocket fuel for acne-producing bacteria. So, if you think you probably eat in excess of the norm when it comes to dairy and sugar, you should rethink your diet.
Reduce stress
This might seem like an extremely obvious suggestion. But, working from home, juggling family life and having no downtime to spend with friends are all new stress triggers that have crept into our lives.
You should take time to be mindful every day to minimise stress and keep your mental health in on its best form. Your skin will appreciate your efforts.
Taking Action
If your maskne is affecting your daily life and you want to take the next step to clearer skin for good, there are some professional treatments you can look to.
LED Light Therapy
Based on NASA technology, LED light therapy only takes up to 20 minutes per session and is super safe for all skin types. It stimulates the collagen in your skin producing proteins that give your skin it’s firmness and elasticity leaving you with clear, youthful skin.
Skin resurfacing
Skin resurfacing will revitalise your skin by encouraging natural cell rebirth. It boosts skin firmness and tightens it giving you a fresh glow.
Define Clinic
If you’re looking for a professional treatment to give your skin the refreshing lift it needs, contact Define Clinic today to receive a consultation to discover your skin’s potential from world-renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr Benji Dhillon.