Beat The "Skindemic" With Our Maskne Facial!

As Michigan and many other states gradually reopen after Covid-19 closures, everyone is excited to get back to their favorite activities, including spa appointments, facials, and beauty services. Unfortunately, there’s a catch. In order to protect each other and ourselves from another outbreak, masks are advised in public places. They serve as an important measure of protection against the droplets released when talking, laughing, coughing, or sneezing.

Combined with the summer heat and humidity, masks create a breeding ground for acne and skin flare-ups. Wearing masks is the new normal, but pimples and skin irritation don’t have to be!

What is “Maskne”?

Maskne is a new term for the skin breakouts and flare-ups caused by irritation from a cloth or medical mask. Maskne usually appears in the form of smaller whiteheads erupting where your mask rubs against the skin in areas like the bridge of the nose, the cheeks, or the jawline.

Maskne can also include deeper, irritated pimples, but stress is the more likely culprit for that type of acne. In general, maskne is caused by friction. As a mask rubs against the skin, it irritates the top layer, clogging pores with sebum, dirt, and bacteria.

Maskne Prevention Tips

In order to prevent and minimize maskne, face masks should be cleaned after each use to avoid the buildup of dirt and bacteria.

Keep three or four masks on hand so you can rotate them throughout the week and avoid using a grimy mask. After washing, store masks in a cool, dry place to ward off bacteria.

It’s also important to maintain stellar oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily.Remember, all the bacteria in your mouth will be trapped right next to your skin when wearing a mask. Think about that next time you’re tempted to swap your toothbrush for a breath mint. Believe it or not, oral hygiene makes a big difference in your skin when you’re wearing a face mask every day.

Pro-tip: Keep a travel-size mouthwash in your bag and swish a few times each day.

Next, opt for a face mask material that’s gentle and minimizes rubbing on the skin. Silk masks are a great option to minimize friction, but the fabric is very delicate and must be hand-washed. There might be a little trial and error involved when finding the right mask fabric. As a rule of thumb, if a mask causes unnecessary rubbing, try a different size or type.

One upside to wearing masks is less need for heavy makeup products that tend to clog your pores! Try going bare-faced more often, especially from the nose down. Most people won’t see under your mask anyway, and this step can definitely improve any pimples or irritation.

In addition to choosing the right mask, it is vital to hydrate your skin. All that friction and rubbing caused by wearing a mask sucks the moisture from your skin. Those with maskne should choose a gentle moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated without adding extra oil. It might seem counterintuitive to moisturize your breakouts, but dry pimples and sores will only add insult to injury and create more rubbing. Hydration is your skin’s first line of defense against that pesky face mask. We recommend the Sheer Moisturizer by SkinMedica.

skinmedica-ultra-sheer-moisturizer — SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer

Lightweight noncomedogenic moisturizer that provides facial hydration and improves the overall appearance of skin.
Appropriate for normal to oily skin types

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Finally, talk to a skincare professional about how to control the maskne and keep your skin healthy during this time. If you’re looking for professional guidance and advice, book a skincare consultation at Urban You.

Introducing the Maskne Facial by Urban You

Our newest service, the Maskne Facial is specifically designed to help nourish and protect the skin from the wear and tear of wearing a face mask. If you’re a frontline worker who's been wearing a mask every day for months, this is the service for you. The professionals at Urban You have boosted and modified the HydraFacial service to stop those pesky breakouts and prevent congestion from multiplying and causing further damage. Infusing extra amounts of vitamin c, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxyl acids deep into the skin is just what the doctor (and our experts) ordered!

Your skin has been through a lot lately, first a global pandemic and now the constant bumping and rubbing of a face mask. It might be time for a facial and some special treatment.