MASKNE MUSTS: WHAT IT IS, AND WHAT OUR SKIN NEEDS

9th October 2020

A new phenomenon in a new reality

The use of a mask is now an integral and necessary part of our daily lives as a means of protecting ourselves. But it is also the reason for a new dermatological phenomenon. MASKNE, as it was named after the combination of the words MASK and ACNE, first appeared as a term in March 2020 on social media and has been now established. It was initially reported by health professionals who noticed problems on their skin, mainly on areas such as the cheeks, chin and around the nose and mouth due to the long hours of the mask use of daily *. Then, as mask use expanded to a wider audience and more and more people noticed changes in the appearance of their skin, the term MASKNE began to establish itself as a worldwide phenomenon.

Maskne explained in two words

This phenomenon describes acne that is caused by the increased temperature and friction of wearing a protective mask. ** It is actually what experts call “Acne Mechanica” or friction acne, a type of acne that occurs when excessive pressure is applied to the skin in combination with high heat. Exactly what happens with the use of the mask. At the same time, the excess heat in the closed environment of the mask increases both oiliness and sweating.

Friction, heat and humidity are the “the root of all evil?”

As the mask touches our skin, friction is created and causes skin irritations that are often accompanied by a rough appearance and redness. At the same time, the excess heat in the closed environment of the mask increases both oiliness and sweating. This increased amount of sebum and sweat (in combination with any makeup) “sit” on the skin, clogging the pores of the skin. Naturally, dark spots, pimples and redness appear soon, and a favourable environment is created for infections, as the bacteria multiply. In addition, the more the skin sweats under the mask, the more it dries and dehydrates. Then its defences come into play, causing a new problematic vicious circle! The skin overworks to restore the necessary moisture and overproduces sebum to retain it.

The result? Even more oiliness. Add to all this, the intense humidity, caused by the exhalations in the mask combined with the improper care of our face during this time, (because the area is not publicly visible for the most part, we tend to neglect it) and you have completed the puzzle of its causes.

MASKNE. Or maybe not?

Does the skin breathe?

Another reason that the skin is often burdened by the long hours of using the mask is that it does not breathe properly and effectively. The intense tightening of the mask rubbers causes poor oxygenation of the skin cells. But oxygenation is the key function to maintain the vitality of skin cells: among other things, it helps in the synthesis of collagen, the protein that keeps skin supple, firm, dense, with a radiant appearance and vitality.

Everyday life with mask goes on. MASKNE won’t.

It only takes a few tweaks to adapt your established routine to one that will fit your new lifestyle and thus help soothe your skin from irritation, restore its healthy function and proper structure and feel it consistently comfortable and full of well-being, even with extensive use of mask. Now, for example, is the ideal time to choose a cleansing product that will offer us additional and soothing action, since our skin is more easily irritated. Our Micellar Water is ideal for both, as it has a specially designed composition, suitable for even the most sensitive, intolerant skin.

In your morning and evening routine, it fits perfectly as a cleanser and make-up remover relieving mild irritations, while during the day it is used effectively as a soothing lotion, whenever you feel your skin needs it. Now it is also the right time to compliment your skincare routine with a product that will revitalize the skin that suffocates under the mask.

Our Revitalizing Serum oxygenates skin cells by restoring the levels of oxygen needed to stay fresh and glowing. Only a few drops are needed before your daily cream and the skin regains its lost vitality.

The MASKNE season is here with new challenges but we will not allow it to. We continue our daily routine with a mask, but we do not continue take the reins on our skin with acne symptoms and irritations. Mask Yes, MASKNE #not