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Maskne – what is it and how can it be treated?

Maskne – what is it and how can it be treated?
Super Facialist
Writer and expert2 years ago
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While the origins of the term ‘maskne’ might be a little cloudy, one thing is sure – this 2020 buzzword is not disappearing anytime soon.

So… what exactly is maskne and how is it impacting our beauty regimes? Read on to find out more about this new skin concern and discover top tips, tricks and products you need in your beauty arsenal.

What is maskne?

A play on words, combining the words mask and acne.

Maskne isn’t featured in any of the official dictionaries yet, but it’s a term for skin concerns experienced as the direct result of wearing a face mask (which came into fruition after COVID surfaced and mask wearing became a part of the ‘new norm’), including acne, rashes and excess dryness. The main causes of these concerns are:

  • Blackheads and whiteheads – the result of friction from a face mask clogging pores (especially the t-zone area) where skin is prone to congestion.
  • Acne – the result of moisture contained within a face mask (from breath and sweat) contributing to increased bacteria, which further clogs pores and increases the risk of blemishes.
  • Dryness and sensitivity – also the result of friction (often experienced by already normal-dry skin types) where the mask gradually rubs at the skin’s barrier and compromises moisture levels beneath the surface.

So, how can we help our skin recover?

For excess oil and blemishes: introduce an AHA or BHA

super facialist salicylic acid range swatches

A good cleansing regime is important at the best of times, but even more so when your skin is being forced into a congestive environment.

If your skin is naturally oily and/or blemish prone and you’ve noticed an increase in blemishes because you’ve been wearing a face covering, we’d recommend introducing a naturally exfoliating ingredient to your regime. An AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) or BHA (Beta-Hydroxy Acid), for example, will help to thoroughly cleanse your skin of the deep dwelling dirt and excess oils which can lead to breakouts.

Products you need: Delve into the world of BHAs with our best-selling  Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash, formulated to detox and deep clean congested skin without causing added irritation. Follow-up with our Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Purify & Refresh Facial Scrub a few times a week (or when skin feels most congested) to further prevent breakouts.

For dryness and sensitivity: opt for a soothing alternative

super facialist rosehip creamy cleanser swatch

If the thought of applying an acid-based product (regardless of how gentle it might be) sounds a little daunting for your already exacerbated and dehydrated skin, we completely understand.

Sensitised and dry skin types can rely on our Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser as a gentle alternative, which equally prioritises cleansing and removing daily impurities, but has been enriched with a soothing (and hydrating) cocktail of moisturising Shea and Cocoa Butter, Pro Vitamin B5, Marshmallow, Rosehip, and Allantoin to tackle any dry and sensitive patches.

For all skin types: try a hydrating night cream

super facialist rosehip night cream swatch

Locking in moisture is vital for all skin types, regardless of whether your skin is dry or oily, in order to maintain optimum skin balance. Using a night-time treatment is most beneficial, as night creams are generally thicker and boosted with a higher concentration of key ingredients in order to rebalance your skin while you sleep.

It’ll come as no surprise that we’re rooting for a hydrating night cream with soothing properties to help your complexion recover from the daytime effects of wearing a face mask (and the usual daily environmental aggressors).

Our recommendations? Opt for our Super Facialist Rosehip Hydrate Peaceful Skin Night Cream if you have dry or sensitive skin, or the Super Facialist Hyaluronic Acid Firming Super Lift Night Cream if your skin sits in the normal category.

Looking for more skincare advice from the experts at Super Facialist? Click here.

Super Facialist
Writer and expert
View Super Facialist's profile
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