Maskne Mitigation & Clearing Strategies for the Corona Era
Day spa owner Marion Simms of SkinSense Wellness in Los Angeles, shares some lifestyle hacks for skincare under the mask. Illustration for Mineral Air by @GREENK_JPN.
Before we get started, we want to emphasize that we very much advocate wearing a facial mask while in public and where protocols demand it. Nobody loves skin problems but diligent mask wearing as protection is one of the few things we can do (regular hand washing and social distancing are the others) to help prevent a much more serious problem, that is, the spreading of the COVID-19 virus.
“In itself, maskne accurately describes the trigger but doesn’t identify the exact condition you may be experiencing with those bumpy, rashy, red breakouts,” says aesthetician and day spa owner Marion Simms. “It’s a perfect storm where dirt, sweat and dead skin cell debris combine into a pore blocking paste in the steamy heat that is your breath. Combine this with irritation caused by rubbing and the skin reacts.
“More bad news, I’m afraid,” Marion continues, “How it manifests is very much an individual thing that depends on what conditions you are already predisposed to. No matter what they are though, mask wearing will probably make them worse.
“And because of stress levels going out the roof these days,” she notes, “The cortisol-driven hormonal cascade isn’t doing your complexion any favors either. Think of it as your skin having PMS day in and day out for weeks at a time.”
What could it be?
That said, before you can fix it, you (or your friendly neighborhood aesthetician or dermatologist) need to identify it and prescribe treatment. According to Marion you may be experiencing one or more of the following: Acne pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, rosacea, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, hives and extreme dehydration. If the condition worsens, you may have to seek professional help.
But you can take some preventive measures too.
Protect with hyaluronic acid
A lightweight hydrating barrier worn under the mask can be a skin saver for all skin types. A quick mist Mineral Air Skin’s Renewal Serum System can be applied throughout the day to simultaneously cool you off and protect your skin.
Of course, washing your face twice a day is essential but at the same time you don’t want to over wash it. Marion advises, “If you find your skin feeling grimy or overheated, by all means feel free swab on some micellar water (without cleanser) and pat dry. Then before masking up, spritz your face with MAS Renewal and you’re good to go.”
Be a stickler on hygiene
Notes Marion, ”You definitely must wear a new (if it’s disposable) or a newly laundered facial mask. Not washing your fabric masks after each wearing can exacerbate skin problems. Will it help if I told you to think of a mask like underpants for your face? Would you wear the same pair of underpants for your bottom for days in a row? No! And you shouldn’t do it on your face mask either.”
Book a facial at least once a month
It’s a bit of an expense but for the duration of this COVID era, getting a professional to do a deep cleansing facial each month is very helpful. Says Marion Simms, “Even if you can’t afford to go in for expensive facial treatments, blackhead-clearing mini-facials are relatively easy on the pocketbook. (You can get one for the price of a pizza in most cities.) This will help you avoid the DIY picking which can leave you with permanent scars and even worse breakouts.”
What’s the difference?
Mineral Air offers two device-plus-formula categories, one for makeup, the other for skincare.
Mineral Air original (MA) includes its AirMist Device, an easy to use, everyday consumer tool that rivals professional airbrushing in its cosmetic application of our eponymous foundation, blush, or bronzer. Mineral Air Skin (MAS) features the Renewal Serum System with its ElixerMist Device for lightweight vaporized delivery.
“Will it help if I told you to think of a fabric mask like underpants for your face? Would you wear the same pair of underpants for your bottom for days in a row? No! And you shouldn’t do it on your face mask either.”
Marion Simms
Aesthetician and Founder
SkinSense Wellness Spa
W skinsensewellness.com
IG @healthyskin10
