Is your skin breaking out or becoming dry beneath your mask?

Mask wearing can have several issues for the skin:

• Maskne
• TEWL (Trans-epidermal water loss)
• Friction lesions and blisters

The degree to which these affect each of us will depend on several factors:

• Skin sensitivity
• Duration of mask wearing
• General health & well being

Simply put, common skin concerns are multiplied under a mask. You may start to experience dryness, irritation and even inflammatory conditions like rosacea. The constant friction of the mask against your skin can also result in itching and redness. Below I have explored the three main issues I am seeing my clients suffering with, particularly those whose job involves lengthy periods of mask wearing.

MASKNE

Maskne is a new trendy term which actually refers to a medical condition known as Acne Mechanica. This is different from what we often associate with teenage acne (Acne Vulgaris) which is caused by hormone changes, increased oil production, blocked pores and inflammation. Acne Mechanica isn’t caused by hormonal changes but by friction, heat and pressure on the skin. It is made worse when skin is not exposed to air. Constantly touching and adjusting your mask will also transfer oil and dirt to your skin that can lead to further congestion.

Treatment & Prevention: Good skin cleansing is key to help unblock and remove excess dirt and oil. Regular exfoliation will also help remove dead skin cells.

Beauty Lab Glycowash 5% is your best weapon to help with this. A skin refining, resurfacing gel combining glycolic and salicylic acids and tea tree to decongest, rejuvenate and reveal dramatically improved skin.

To use; Avoiding the eye area, apply to cleansed skin, using wet hands and work into a lather using gentle circular movements. Rinse off with warm water. Use 2-3 times a week. As glycolic acid causes sun sensitivity, always use an SPF50 after use. Beauty Lab Glycowash is available to buy from reception or our online shop.

https://john-associates-hair-and-beauty.myshopify.com/products/beauty-lab-glycowash-5

Take a break and get some fresh air, this will help reduce the build up of anaerobic bacteria on your skin. In between clients you will find the team at John & Associates taking a mask free, socially distanced break for this very reason. We also change our masks frequently.

Recommended treatments: Glycopeel Facial with LED Light Therapy for more information please click on the link below.

https://www.johnandassociates.co.uk/aesthetics/glycopeel

TEWL

The phenomena that is trans-epidermal water loss is caused by heat and water evaporation due to areas of the skin being covered for long periods of time. You may have noticed this especially on your lips. It is very uncomfortable and can make mask wearing a real hassle. However it is easily avoided and treated.

Treatment & prevention: It may sound obvious but keep hydrated; regularly drinking water will help replace lost water.

Invest in a hyaluronic acid serum and apply as your first layer of your skin care routine. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body and resides in both the epidermis and the deeper dermis, where it plays a key role in hydration and skin repair. It is able to bind moisture in up to 1,000 times its own weight when topically applied to the skin and also helps the skin heal after injury. Beauty Lab 4D Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum is available from reception or from our online shop.

https://john-associates-hair-and-beauty.myshopify.com/products/beauty-lab-4d-hyaluronic-acid-b5-serum

Keep a good lip balm to hand to prevent water loss.

Throughout the day spritz over your skin with a hydrating mist such as Guinot Brume Hydra Beaute Mist. This can be applied over make-up to deliver a top up of moisturisation to the skin.

https://john-associates-hair-and-beauty.myshopify.com/products/guinot-brume-hydra-beaute-mist-fresh-hydrating-mist-for-the-face

 

Recommended treatments: Guinot Hydradermie Youth which can be tailor made to suit your concerns. For more information please click on the link below.

https://www.johnandassociates.co.uk/health-and-beauty/guinot-hydradermie-treatments

 

FRICTION LESIONS & BLISTERS

This can be extremely painful, lead to infection and even prevent the ability to tolerate mask wearing. It is highly unlikely to occur if just wearing a mask around the shops, however prolonged periods of mask wearing for work or travel can be the cause.

Treatment & prevention: The key here is prevention and a good lubricating emollient balm will work a treat. Use Guinot Crème Protection Reparatice before you wear a mask and apply every few hours to stop irritation and prevent discomfort. This cream contains Omega 6 which is an essential fatty acid necessary for proper functioning of the skin barrier. Also Shea butter and avocado extract to protect and soothe are key ingredients.

https://john-associates-hair-and-beauty.myshopify.com/products/guinot-creme-protection-reparatrice-protective-shield-for-vulnerable-skin

For all your skin concerns at John & Associates in Tattershall we have a variety of facials and skin treatments available. If you’re having skin problems book in for a consultation with Caroline and see which treatment and homecare would get you the best results.