maskne

If you’re serious about protecting yourself — and others — from the very real dangers of Covid-19, you’re wearing a mask when you go out around others. For many people this is now leading to an embarrassing and unpleasant side effect: blemishes, pimples, spots — or what doctors call acne, also known as ‘maskne’.

As more and more of us take to wearing masks in the everyday we’re seeing lots of flare ups of acne, typically around the mouth and in the areas around the nose.

Breakouts that occur after wearing a mask have become so common that mask acne’s been dubbed “maskne” on social media.

Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals on the front line of the battle against Covid-19 are hardest hit due to the seal needed from personal protective equipment in order to keep the virus at bay when working in high-risk environments.

The technical term for ‘maskne’ is “acne mechanica” and is the result of the mechanical friction of a fabric against the skin. It’s not new — sports figures who wear helmets and chin guards are quite familiar with such breakouts.

And treatment is tricky. With most skin conditions, your goal is to get rid of whatever is triggering the skin condition, in this case it’s the mask, which is difficult to get rid of, so we can do things to optimize your skin health, which is by starting with a good acne skin care regime.

For a nourishing, deep clean Health & Aesthetics recommends following a ZO Skin Health regime. This includes making sure to use an exfoliating cleanser immediately before and after wearing your mask. Follow the steps below for ‘maskne’ free skin in no time!

maskne

MILD MASKNE

ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser – gently removes impurities with its foaming cleansing to clean clogged pores. The ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser is perfect for those with very cystic acne and those suffering with rosacea. With its powerful blend of antioxidants, this cleanser protects the skin from the daily elements and harmful effects of daily life.

ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish – is designed to promote a clearer and even tone with a smooth complexion. ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish enhances product penetration and provides antioxidant protection to give you glowing, fresh skin.

ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads – remove dirt and oil and tackle oil production preventing clogged pores. With 2% salicylic acid, this is a great oil preventative alongside its botanical extracts which calm and soothe skin.

ZO Skin Health Enzymatic Peelprovides your skin with extra exfoliation to give you a softer, brighter appearance.

Hydrafacials (every 2-4 weeks) – help to cleanse, extract and hydrate the skin and is a fantastic treatment for those looking to address a range of issues such as acne, rosacea, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and a host of other skin issues.

MODERATE MASKNE

ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser – targets surface oil to target congestion but without leaving the skin feeling tight and try. Jojoba beads help to boost hydration leaving the skin soft and aid in exfoliating away dead skin cells.

ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish – is designed to promote a clearer and even tone with a smooth complexion. ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish enhances product penetration and provides antioxidant protection to give you glowing, fresh skin.

ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads – remove dead skin cells and clear your pores. With salicylic acid, ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads provide acne treatment and reduce pore size giving you smooth skin with reduced irritation.

ZO Skin Health Exfoliation Accelerator – is gentle yet extremely effective at removing dead skin cells and improving cell regeneration by combining glycolic and lactic acid complex.

ZO Skin Health Sulphur Masque – provides a maximum-strength sulphur medication in a natural clay form, to treat acne breakouts and prevent acne flare ups. This can be used effectively on the face, neck, chest and back.

Hydrafacials (every 2-4 weeks) help to cleanse, extract and hydrate the skin and is a fantastic treatment for those looking to address a range of issues such as acne, rosacea, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and a host of other skin issues.

SEVERE MASKNE

ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser – targets surface oil to target congestion but without leaving the skin feeling tight and try. Jojoba beads help to boost hydration leaving the skin soft and aid in exfoliating away dead skin cells.

ZO Skin Health Dual Action Scrub – helps to keep the skin clean and pores clear. By targeting surface oil and bacteria on the skin to calm and soothe the skin.

ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads – remove dead skin cells and clear your pores. With salicylic acid, ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads provide acne treatment and reduce pore size giving you smooth skin with reduced irritation.

ZO Skin Health Acne Control – will clear your clogged-up pores and remove impurities while also reducing redness so that you are left with a more even tone.

ZO Skin Health Sulphur Masque – provides a maximum-strength sulphur medication in a natural clay form, to treat acne breakouts and prevent acne flare ups. This can be used effectively on the face, neck, chest and back.

Hydrafacials (every 2-4 weeks)help to cleanse, extract and hydrate the skin and is a fantastic treatment for those looking to address a range of issues such as acne, rosacea, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and a host of other skin issues.

Dr Rekha Tailor

Dr Rekha Tailor

Dr. Rekha Tailor, founder and Medical Director of Health & Aesthetics, is an esteemed Medical Aesthetic Practitioner and General Practitioner, educated at Manchester Medical School. With a career spanning NHS hospitals and general practice, she shifted to full-time aesthetic medicine in 2005. Known for her natural results and gentle approach, she is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Her dedication to excellence is reflected in numerous awards, highlighting her clinic as a leader in aesthetic treatments​​.

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