Mask-ne (Mask Acne)

By Kirsti Shuba

A new generation of skin problems is lurking beneath every mask and face covering. We know that prevention is better than cure, understanding the potential problem will allow you to avoid it.

We’re always on hand for help and advice if you need it.

Officially known as Acne Mechanica.

Let’s get this straight. This is not acne in the true sense, it’s a ‘man-made’ skin condition.

It usually effects the face, the area beneath your mask or face covering. Acne Mechanica can affect any area of the body too.

When you wear a mask or face covering you create an occlusive environment beneath it. The air under your mask is humid and warm, and the mask itself may cause friction.

Let us look at these 2 issues individually.

The air under your mask is humid and warm – the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, fungus & virus

Breathing in and out in an occlusive environment means that nasal mucosa, oil, bacteria, fungus and virus are being deposited directly on to your skin.

This may lead to the development of Cutaneous bacterium (Cutibacterium acne).

You may also be more susceptible to the herpes simplex virus (cold sores) if you’re prone to them.

Its hot under a mask - this may lead to perspiration. Sweat contains bacteria and oil.

Sweat & bacteria mixed with make-up will lead to blocked pores and blackheads.

With all of this going on. It’s likely that your skin barrier (the protective barrier that keeps the goodness in and the badness out!) will become damaged, leading to dryness, dehydration, and sensitivity.

The mask itself may cause friction.

This may make your skin red and inflamed, which may also cause further damage to your skin barrier.

How to help yourself throughout the day:

Remove your mask (safely) as often as possible.
Change your mask regularly for a fresh one, if you’re wearing it for prolonged periods.
Avoid wearing heavy make-up when wearing a mask.
Avoid long wear and ultra-wear foundation when wearing a mask.
Avoid touching your face after applying drying hand sanitisers. It will transfer and dry your face.

Which products will help your skin best?

Essential Miracle Cleansing Jelly - a gentle yet effective cleanser, with no added fragrance. It will help your skin while vulnerable.

Essential Deep Cleansing & Skin Rejuvenation System - its 4 times more effective than manual cleansing. The perfect way to ensure your pores don’t become blocked. (Sorry currently out of stock, coming soon!)

Alternatively use our Deep Cleansing & Exfoliating Discs - they allow a deeper cleanse and an exfoliating scrub, ensuring your pores don't become blocked.

Essential Exfoliating Gel - prevents the build-up of dead cells. Dead cells block your hair follicles, and bacteria will ‘fester’ within them, leading to spots & blackheads.

Total Skin Repair Concentrate – will repair your skin, reduce inflammation and redness. Promote the healing process by stimulating regeneration and repair proteins (collagen, elastin). It’s your go to SOS treatment for all skin types.

Sensitive Skin Rich Cream - this will hydrate, nourish, calm and soothe your skin. Helping to reduce inflammation and keep you skin barrier intact.

Smoothing Resurfacing Mask or Repairing Nourishing Mask - depending on how dry your skin is, this weekly or bi-weekly treat will do exactly what it says on the tin. The Smoothing Resurfacing Mask isn’t harsh or aggressive, its deep cleansing formulation is infused with soothing Aloe Vera, which fights bacteria and virus on the skin

Conclusion

Keep your skin clean, strong, and hydrated. This will ensure your skin is able to work to its best potential. This will keep it as healthy as possible. This prevention is always better than cure. All of the products and treatments mentioned can be used to prevent Mask-ne, as well treat Mask-ne breakouts.

Please be careful, if you see spots appearing don’t rush out and buy harsh, stripping products for oily skin. It will make the problem worse.

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Our award-winning, broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin from more than just UV rays. It guards against environmental pollutants and blue light
emitted from your screens. Meanwhile, winter’s cold air, winds and rain can damage your skin barrier.

During and after exposure to the elements, Daily DNA Defence protects and repairs your cells DNA.

And more than this, it’s the best make-up primer. Talk about a multi-tasking product! Its lightweight formula sits comfortably under your foundation, ensuring your make-up stays fresh and stays ‘put’ all day.

Keep reading as we deep dive into the benefits of Daily DNA Defence SPF30 and why it’s an essential part of your winter skincare regime.

Broad-spectrum, photostable protection with Daily DNA Defence SPF30

Not all SPF products are created equal, Daily DNA Defence SPF30 offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that it shields your skin from both UVA rays (the ones that age your skin) and UVB rays (the ones that burn your skin). If your moisturiser or foundation contains an SPF it’s worth checking, make sure you’re covered for both UVA and UVB. Many of those products only protect against UVB, leaving your skin vulnerable to the long-term damage caused by UVA rays.

I’m guessing that you follow your daily skincare regime to promote skin health and to keep your skin looking great for your age? Using Daily DNA Defence SPF30 will help you avoid undoing all that effort by providing the UVA protection your skin truly needs.

And here's the bonus: our SPF is photostable, meaning it won’t break down or lose effectiveness in the sun. However, if you're by the pool make sure to reapply every two hours as water, sweat and towel drying can remove it, leaving your skin vulnerable.

Blue light and pollution protection

In today’s world, your skin is up against more than just the sun. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 also shields your skin from two often overlooked threats: blue light and pollution.

Blue light, mainly from our smart devices and pollution in the atmosphere. Blue light and pollution trigger changes in your skin cells, even leading to cell death. Unprotected exposure to these will lead to hyperpigmentation and can damage your skin’s health. Most blue light comes from smart technology, which is used daily by most of us. Pollution is all around; levels are higher in towns and cities all year.

DNA Defence and Repair: protecting your skin at the cellular level

When your skin is exposed to radiation it faces more than just surface damage, your cells DNA is at risk. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 acts like a "virtual parasol," shielding your cells during exposure to harmful rays. But the protection doesn’t stop there. After exposure, your body naturally works to repair DNA damage. Your cells naturally produce an enzyme which kickstarts the repair process of your DNA. Thanks to the powerful repairing ingredients in our formula this process is accelerated up to 100 times, meaning your skin recovers faster, stays healthier and sustains less long term damage.

In summary, wear Daily DNA Defence SPF30 as your final coat of skin armour each day in all seasons and you can rest assured you’re doing your best to protect your skin.

Magical make-up priming

We know that finding the perfect daily SPF texture is a challenge. We’ve been there too. Most SPFs feel like a layer too many, leaving skin feeling greasy, heavy or cause foundation to slide off by midday. This is why we made our product for you. A super light veil, which is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. With no oily or white residue, it’s non-pore blocking and
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No make-up, no problem

For our men and/or non make-up wearers, our handy pocket size product gives you the same invisible veil and matt skin finish. Skiers, golfers and cyclists will love that it slips easily into a pocket, bag or pouch.

Where else should you be applying your SPF?

Your SPF isn’t just for your face, use all the way down to your décollete and up to your hairline. Not forgetting areas like the tops of your lips, ears, nose and the backs of your hands. These are often overlooked spots that are equally exposed to the sun, whether you’re lounging by the pool or simply driving. The backs of your hands are quick to show signs of ageing, so it’s vital to keep them protected. And if you’re grabbing some winter sun make sure to apply it to the tops of your feet.

How much SPF should you use?

Aim for about the size of a 5 pence piece for each application. However, this should come after Step 2 – Skin Boost and Step 3 – Skin Defence Cream in your skincare routine. If you're planning to sunbathe, apply Daily DNA Defence SPF30 at least 15 minutes before heading outside. Once you're in the sun reapply after 15 minutes for the ultimate protection, then continue every two hours.

And remember, swimming, sweating or towel drying can remove your SPF, so be sure to reapply regularly to keep your skin fully protected.