Protect and heal your skin from the harsh effects of face coverings
The use of face masks for the general population has now become the norm and as a result, many of us have noticed changes to our skin. Friction and sweat are a terrible combination for the skin causing a breakdown of the protective barrier leading to skin irritation, redness and sensitivity. There can also be changes to the skin microbiome, which is the invisible layer of microbes that live on the surface of the skin, when in balance the skin is healthy but when unbalanced inflammatory skin condition can be exacerbated such a rosacea, eczema and acne.
Here are some tips from Dermatological Skincare Brands La Roche-Posay, Vichy and CeraVe, on achieving healthy skin whilst wearing facemasks.
1-Cleanse your skin properly
Whilst wearing a mask the skin is unable to breathe and behave normally which means the skin cannot shed dead skin cells properly, this can lead to blocked pores. If your skin has become more congested make sure you are doing a double cleanse in the evening preferably using a cleanser with ingredients such as Salicylic Acid to exfoliate the skin and unblock the pores without aggravating it.
CeraVe’s SA Smoothing Cleanser
Contains Ceramides for hydration and to restore the skins barrier along with Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate the skin and unclog blocked pores.
Vichy’s Volcanic Mattifying Cleansing Cream
is a clay to foam cleanser with an oil-absorbing clay and a deeply cleansing foam. This contains Salicylic Acid for exfoliation, Charcoal for detoxification and purifying volcanic clay + Perlite for oil absorption.
La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Micro peeling Purifying Gel
this gel cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate the skin and deeply unclog pores from dead skin cells and sebum, Zinc to reduce sebum and purify the skin and Glycerin for hydration.
If the skin is dry and irritated from wearing masks for a prolonged period then opt for a hydrating cleanser.
Thanks to Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid this fragrance free, non-foaming, gentle cleanser will rid the skin of impurities whilst respecting the protective barrier.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
This SOS cleansing milk soothes irritated skin and removes impurities with ease, skin is left feeling soft and comfortable.
A cleanser, toner and eye-make-up remover that gives skin a deep but gentle cleanse, leaving it feeling hydrated and appearing more radiant.
2- balance the bacteria on the face.
Due to masks poor ventilation the excess moisture is a perfect breeding ground for “bad” bacteria that will cause breakouts on the skin. Use a cream that will re-balance the bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation. You can either use a “spot on “targeted treatment if you are just suffering with the odd break out or a cream more suitable for larger areas of treatment.
La Roche Posay’s Effaclar duo+
has been a “Go To” for oily to acne prone skin sufferers for many years now. Specifically formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin in adults and teenagers. A dual action daily gel moisturiser that reduces the appearance of blemishes and blackheads, controls shine and helps protect the skin from the causes of red and brown coloured marks that are often left by spots. Hydrates skin for 24 hours.
A facial mist toner featuring Zinc Sulphate, specifically designed to target key signs of oily, blemish-prone skin. Ideal to spray on to the skin before wearing a mask, reapply after removal of mask or throughout the day. Skin is left mattified and looks less greasy and shiny.
Vichy’s Normaderm S.O.S Sulphur Anti-Spot Paste
Normaderm SOS Sulphur Paste is a targeted care clinically proven to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Enriched with 10% Sulphur, Niacinamide and Glycolic acid, the sulphur paste reduces the appearance of pores and instantly targets the appearance of blemishes with a drying action.
3- Moisturise!
One of the most important things to remember is to keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin will compromise the skins barrier and lead to further disruption in the skin. Making sure the skins barrier is strong and healthy is a must! This can be achieved with a cream, serum or both!
La Roche Posay’s Hyalu B5 serum
repairs, hydrates, replumps and help to reduce skin irritation and sign of ageing all at the same time thanks to its powerful active ingredients. It contains Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin B5 helps improve the skin’s natural repairing process and helps stimulate repair of damaged skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 ‘Hands-free’ Moisturising mist
An instant light & easy-to-use moisturiser to comfort and soothe even the most irritated skin. Thanks to the combination of Glycerin, Allantoin and La Roche-Posay Thermal spring water, the formula instantly comforts the skin through intense hydration. On-the-go hydration, apply whenever needed, even on top of make-up!
has become somewhat of a staple in many peoples skincare routines. Your skin’s daily dose of strength that helps to fight external and internal aggressors. It contains only 11 ingredients and 89% of Vichy’s Thermal Spring Water rich in minerals and plumping Hyaluronic Acid. The combination of these two active ingredients helps to reinforce and strengthen the skins natural barrier.
CeraVe’s Facial moisturising lotion
as well as containing 3 essential Ceramides (1, 3 and 6-II) to help restore and strengthen the skins natural barrier it also contains Niacinamide which helps to soothe and comfort the skin.
4- Use an SPF
You should wear an SPF daily to help protect the skin from UV damage and premature ageing. It will also help reduce your risk of developing ‘mask’ tan lines!
La Roche Posay’s Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
is a very lightweight SPF with great broad-spectrum protection. It can be used all over the face including the eye area, is extremely water resistant (which also makes it great for sports), suitable for sensitive skin, recommended for all year round and is also available in a tint that gives a healthy glow with maximum protection.
CeraVe’s Am Facial moisturising lotion SPF 25
is a fabulous moisturiser containing an SPF of 25. This will give all day hydration thanks to its slow release technology providing the skin with Ceramides whilst giving you protection from harmful rays!
Vichy’s capitol Soleil Mattifying 3-in-1 SPF 50+
Enriched with Green clay the mattifying 3-in-1 SPF 50+ provides broad spectrum UVB and UVA protection whilst absorbing excess sebum.
