Face masks, they keep us safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19, but how is it affecting our skin?
When wearing face masks for long periods of time, there can be changes in the skin. The constant rubbing of the mask against your skin, our breath leaving moisture on the skin for long periods of time, the lack of air not allowing the skin and pores to breathe can all lead to new skin concerns arising in the skin from the skin barrier being compromised. The combination of moisture and heat under the mask is an ideal environment for bacteria growth.
These concerns include:
- Dryness and flaky skin
- Sensitivity, redness, and inflammation in the skin
- Breakouts, congestion, “maskne”
- Excess production of sebum (oil)
How do we take care of our skin underneath our masks?
In order to help to prevent these concerns from arising here are some top tips from our expert Skin Queens:
- Wear a clean mask everyday, changing your mask is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria on the skin
- Find a good fitting mask that feels comfortable on the skin and does not cause friction or rubbing on the skin
- Try to let your skin breathe as often as possible, get as much air on the skin when you can and it is safe to do so
- Internal skincare with supplementation will help to hydrate the skin from within and regulate oil levels
- Gentle cleansers around the mask area to prevent further frictioning and irritation to the skin
- Spritz your skin throughout the day to keep hydrated
- Hydrating products with ceramides, emollients and humectants will help to soothe and moisturise a dry, flaky, irritated skin
- For breakouts, a good salicylic acid cleanser on the affected area will help to mop up excess oil as well as on the spot treatments and balancing serums
Our favourite products to help dry, flaky skin
With the tips above in mind we have made a list of products to help these skin concerns. For a dry flaky, irritated skin:
Enriched with a soothing blend of Allantoin, Glycerin and Orange Oil, the non-foaming cleanser effectively eliminates dirt, impurities and face and eye makeup, without over-drying or uncomfortable tightness.
Calms dry, sensitive skin to leave your complexion feeling moisturised and rejuvenated after use
Lotion Yon-ka PS
Diffused in very fine drops, this phyto-aromatic beauty mist gives a real boost to the epidermis any time of day.
The dry skin version of LOTION YON-KA is enriched in vegetal glycerin for its hydrating properties. Ideal to keep your skin hydrated under the mask, spritz yourself as often as you like as needed.
This lip-enhancing moisturizer instantly infuses lips with soothing hydration while improving the appearance and volume of lip contours. It diminishes fine lines and contains a powerful, anti-aging polypeptide complex that supports collagen in the lips so they look naturally firm and full. Feels amazing on chapped lips and provides lasting moisture for continued healing.
This chubby little ceramide barrier balm works by replenishing your skin’s essential fats, vitamins and goodness to bring equilibrium to your skin. Featuring skin-native lipid ceramide NP, shea butter glycerides and grapeseed oil, Skin Good Fats is packed with not only good fats but a clinically-proven, patented anti-irritation ingredient to stop those itches. Skin Good Fats is an occlusive top layer for those with dry or irritated skin.
Environ Vita-Enriched Colostrum Gel
Colostrum is an amazingly concentrated serum that helps to protect the skin from factors that effect the skin and can cause it to become sensitive. Colostrum contains colostrum from bovines along with a high concentration of antioxidants like green tea and vitamins C and E. Colostrum helps increase the skin resilience to free radicals allowing it to protect, soothe and soften the skin. This little bottle of magic has antibacterial, antiviral and anti inflammatory effects on the skin.
Our favourite internal skincare supplements
Treating the skin from within with internal skincare supplements will help to tackle dryness and breakouts. Giving our body what it needs in the form of a healthy diet and supplementation can give up to 70% improvement in the skins condition.
Here are a couple of our favourites...
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture Lock
Skin Moisture Lock™ is a unique formula that combines hyaluronic acid with ceramides. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides work from the inside-out to plump and hydrate the skin.
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+
A dry, flaky complexion is often a sign that our skin is lacking the vital oils and other nutrients it needs to lock in moisture and look healthy. Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+ is a new combined omega 3 and 6 supplement, enriched with vitamin A to support skin health, the perfect companion to a topical skincare to tackle dryness, dehydration and irritation
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Accumax
Skin Accumax is a scientifically advanced nutritional supplement which works from within for clear, flawless skin naturally. They have a unique formula containing our ground-breaking and skin-perfecting ingredient DIM (a patented, highly active plant compound), as well as other complexion enhancing active ingredients.
Our favourite products to tackle “maskne”
An overproduction of sebum or oils on our skin as well as breathing moist air onto our skin all day can be a breeding ground for bacteria which causes breakouts and irritation in the skin. Here are our top picks to help to mop up excess oil and prevent breakouts from forming on the skin:
Environ Focus Care Clarity+ Sebu Wash Gel Cleanser
A mattifying foaming gel that provides a deep cleanse without drying the skin. Contains antibacterial ingredient Salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and reduce sebum and Tea tree to calm inflammation. Ideal to use in the evening 2-3 times per week to mop up excess oil
Image Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum
An essential everyday serum that soothes the skin and strengthens its defenses against damage. Kakadu plum and beet root extract are multi-benefit antioxidants that give skin a healthy glow. Nutrient-rich organic grape water and hyaluronic acid restore balance and hydration to dehydrated skin. This serum is ideal for balancing and soothing a congested and irritated skin
Skin Formulas Clear Skin Treatment
A revolutionary skin treatment with the ability to regulate sebum and lighten acne marks without irritating or drying out the skin’s surface. The prebiotic soothes inflammation and reduces redness within 2 weeks while maintaining a perfectly balanced microbiome and calmed skin.
If you would like to have a tailor made skin routine specifically for your skin, our very knowledgeable Skin Queens would love to chat with you. Click Here to book a 30 minute in depth online skin consultation, or you can meet us face to face in our HQ at Jervis Shopping Centre.
