So, we’ve reached Phase 2 and COVID-19 cases are decreasing. Hooray! Now what? We can now safely access our favorite businesses and return to PRO Club for our workouts. With new mask regulations approaching, you may become prone to maskne!
WHAT IS MASKNE?
Maskne, or mascne, is acne or skin irritation caused by wearing a facial mask. These skin issues can target any skin type, such as oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Due to wearing masks for countless hours during the day, there are changes in humidity and disruptions on the skin barrier which protects us from daily aggressors. This has led to acne breakouts, perioral dermatitis, flare-ups of rosacea or eczema, or general skin irritation. If you have a history of these skin conditions, you may experience more maskne than others. If you commonly do not, this may enhance your breakouts due to an increase in cortisol release from stress. These hormones lead to an increase in oil production that can lead to acne breakouts and bacteria build up.
NOW WHAT?!
Do not fret! To every problem there is a solution. Here are our top three PRO tips that may speed up your journey to clear skin.
1. WASH YOUR MASK
a. Ask yourself, how often are you washing your mask? The answer should be every day! With mask regulations being enforced, it can be difficult to get your hands on single-use disposable masks. Hand wash your mask every night with lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of a gentle fragrance-free detergent, such as All Free and Clear detergent. Rub vigorously for 30 seconds between your hands, and rinse. Airdry overnight so it is ready to use in the morning!
b. Choose a mask that has natural fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, or silk. Refrain from synthetic fibers that may irritate the skin.
c. Purchase a pack of reusable masks to wear a new one daily. This helps to reduce your need for nightly washes. For moderate to severe acne, we recommend changing your mask every few hours during the day.
2. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE!
As an aesthetician’s motto before COVID-19, we do not recommend touching your face unless it is with clean hands. This may lead to breakouts spreading beyond what your mask is touching. Let’s not forget that Coronavirus is entered through our mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) and therefore it is crucial to keep your hands away. We are also seeing an increase in acne scarring and bacterial infections due to patients extracting improperly at home.
This includes not touching the outside of your mask to limit the spread of germs. When you need to take off your mask, remove it by the ear loops.
3. GIVE YOUR SKINCARE A MAKEOVER
With an increase in bacteria and moisture on your skin from wearing a mask, your skincare will need an upgrade. The Medical Spa at PRO Medical recommends incorporating a new skincare product, depending on the issue that your maskne has given.
ACNE
Epionce Purifying Spot Gel
Winner of “Best Acne Spot Treatment” by New Beauty Magazine Beauty Choice Award, this spot treatment targets stubborn acne blemishes on the face and body and helps prevent new acne blemishes from forming.
DRY SKIN
SkinMedica Replenishing Hydrating Cream
Suitable for all skin types, this facial cream hydrates as well as refreshes, soothes, and nourishes sensitive skin.
DARK SPOTS
IS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum
A serum formulation that significantly increases antioxidant protection while helping improve the appearance of compromised, blemish-prone, and aging skin.
I NEED MORE HELP
So, you’ve tried your best, but your acne has taken over! Bacterial infections can occur if left untreated, or if something is making it worse. In times like these, in-office treatments are needed to prevent further damage from occurring.
ACNE
VI Peel Purify
The VI Peel Purify addresses acne and a variety of concerns caused by acne symptoms. This unique formula increases cell turnover to unclog pores and reduces bacteria that causes acne and balances the skin for fewer breakouts.
PRO Tip: Try VI Peel Purify Precision Plus to repair dark areas and fade textural scarring caused by acne breakouts!
DRY SKIN
Salt Facial
This 3-step treatment combines natural exfoliation with Sea Salt, Ultrasound, and high-powered LED phototherapy to draw moisture in and balance the skin’s pH, reduce inflammation, and eliminate bacterial infection.
DARK SPOTS
BBL
Also referred to as Broadband Light, BBL uses a broad range of wavelengths to reduce unwanted melanin and eliminate the fine vessels that cause redness.
Halo
The world’s only Hybrid Fractional Laser that delivers a non-ablative and an ablative wavelength to create a strong synergistic effect, resulting in correcting pigmented lesions, scarring, shrinking pore size, and smoothening fine lines and wrinkles.
The number of sessions vary per patient. It is recommended to come in for a complimentary consultation (virtual or in-office) for proper skincare and treatment recommendations. Receive a free sample of SkinMedica HA 5 upon visiting. Don’t forget to stay safe, stay clean, and we will see you soon!
By Andrea Castillo, Master Aesthetician at The Medical Spa at PRO Medical
Master Esthetician and Laser Technician, Andrea, brings years of experience and advanced certifications in medical aesthetics from Nevada. Prior to joining The Medical Spa at PRO Medical, Andrea has worked alongside premiere Plastic Surgeons using the latest technology and innovations in aesthetics. Andrea’s expertise and impeccable skill is focused on tailoring treatments for optimal outcomes to rejuvenate, restore, repair and/or reverse the signs of aging. Working as a partner in your skin journey, her passion for healthy skin includes thorough patient education, personally designed at home skin care regimes, and optimized treatment plans. Some of her treatments include laser hair removal, intense pulsed light, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling and more. In addition, Andrea is an expert on acne, skin discoloration and next-level beauty through skin rejuvenation.
