“Mascne,” or mask acne, is a new dermatological condition that many people struggle with in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. It generally appears along with the nose, cheeks, and lower part of the face and results in red spots, bumps, or break-outs. It can affect people of all ages and skin types, and is especially frustrating when wearing a mask is a regular part of your daily schedule. Although wearing a mask is one of the most important things you can do, it’s normal to struggle with keeping your skin clear and healthy while trying to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some ways to prevent mascne and treat it when it develops.
When you’re wearing a face mask for several hours at a time, it creates a sticky and humid environment around your face. Bacteria and moisture can become trapped in the pores and have nowhere to escape. Unfortunately, this creates a good environment for bacteria to thrive. This is common for athletes that wear helmets regularly, and can also be the result of not washing your mask enough (if you use a reusable one).
Our skincare team can recommend the right routine for you and your skin using our physician-quality product lines such as Epionce, Elta, PCA, ZO, and Skin Medica. All our brands make sophisticated formulas that prevent, protect, and correct. If you constantly struggle with mascne, it can be worth the extra cost to invest in medical-grade products. At your local store, you should look for products containing gentle foaming cleansers to remove oiliness without agitating the skin. If your complexion is acne-prone or oily, then ingredients such as salicylic acid can remove the build-up of sebum and dead skin cells and unclog pores to halt mascne from developing. Facial toners are another effective solution that removes dirt and oil and helps balance your complexion.
Here at Seattle Skin and Laser, we’re all about healthy, radiant, ageless skin, and can tailor each session to your individual needs and aesthetic goals. When it comes to a beautiful complexion, we offer a variety of both advanced skincare products and professional skincare treatments. Having a skincare treatment not only feels relaxing, but this type of treatment covers all the bases of proper skincare. During a facial, our skilled team of specialists will perform deep cleansing, exfoliation, clarifying steam, gentle extraction, masks, and massage therapy.
This can not only repair and restore your skin, but we can also include face and body topical formulas to rejuvenate your skin’s collagen and elastin fiber structure to maintain youthful-looking skin. With regular treatments, we can help manage breakouts and irritation caused by masks and help reduce long-term skin concerns with options like acne scar treatments, chemical peels, dermaplaning, and more. Our skincare team can create the ideal treatment package for you and your goals during a consultation.
Wearing a mask is the best thing you can do for preventing the spread. If you’re struggling with mascne, our team can help. To get started, we invite you to contact our offices by calling or filling out our online form.