Wearing face masks have now become part of our daily life. And more than likely you're getting a few blemishes that you may never got before. I have found that after a few hours of wearing a mask, I break out along where my mask has been. More so, if I am wearing makeup. So back I went to my beauty therapy bible from collage and found out a little more information.
WHAT IS IT?
Acne Mechanica is a skin condition we get from wearing our masks. It is caused from heat, abrasion and friction. It is also quite common with sports players who wear head bands or helmets too. Heat causes pores to dilate, leaving them open for any debris to accumulate. Continued friction from our masks irritates the skin and the pressure seals in warmth, debris and dead skin against the skins surface. The three of these together cause a build up of bacteria, resulting in pustules and papule on the skin.
WHAT TO DO?
Keep your skin as clean as possible. Double cleanse the skin every night and try use an oil based cleanser to dissolve any makeup and oil that have built up during the day. You could also use an anti inflammatory product with tea tree oil as the main ingredient. If using a tea tree oil on its own be sure to mix with a carrier cream, as it can damage the skin when used neat. Use a warm face cloth or flannel to remove the cleanser. Keep the skin hydrated with serum and moisturiser.
HOW TO TREAT IT?
Salicylic Acid: This works deep in to the pores to break up the dead skin and will prevent a build up of product on the skins surface. The most effective way to use this is through a cleanser 2/3 times a week. Try La Roche-Posay Effacer Micro-Peeling Gel Wash €22.95
Glycolic Acid: This is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and is found in a lot of our skin products at present. You may also find this as a key product in chemical peels. It is effective in reducing existing blemishes. Use this once a day, preferably at night time. Try The Ordinary Glycol Acid 7% Toning Solution €9.99
Benzoyl Peroxide: This product works by increasing the skin cell turnover rate and clearing dead skin cells, bacteria and oil from the pores. You can pick this up in pharmacies over the counter in a gel like form.
Retinol: Start by applying this product once a week. It speeds up the process of shedding dead skin cells but be careful as it can also irritate the skin. An effective product that can be used to reduce inflammation and minimise oil on the skin. Try The Inkey List Retinol Serum €11.99
MASKS
Opt for fabrics such as cotton or linen which will allow the skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate. Be sure to wash it after every use.
If you have found any products that have helped you with blemishes or you have any skin questions, let me know in the comments below.
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