Now compulsory on public transport, in shops, supermarkets and hairdressers, face masks have quickly become an essential part of our lives. But if you've found that wearing a mask has had a negative impact on your skin, you aren't alone. Many women have experienced rashes, blemishes and even mask-induced acne (or maskne as it's being called) during the pandemic - especially if they work in an occupation where masks have to be worn for long periods of time such as in a hospital. So what can you do if your skin is suffering and what products are best?
Mask rash
If you work in an occupation where masks and shields have to be worn for long periods of time, you may find that it rubs and creates friction throughout the day. This can leave the skin feeling sore, dry and irritated, especially if you have sensitive and eczema-prone skin that reacts easily. But, by adding skincare that targets skin sensitivity to your routine, you can help to restore comfort and hydration.
The products to help: La Roche-Posay's Toleriane range helps to comfort skin sensitivity day after day so is ideal for soothing mask-induced irritation. Try cleansing with Toleriane Dermo Cleanser - a wipe-off milk that gently removes makeup and impurities - before applying a thin layer of the Toleriane Ultra Cream for Sensitive Skin each morning. In the evening, follow your cleanser with Toleriane Ultra Overnight Care and Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour to hydrate and soothe dryness.
Maskne
'Maskne' is a term coined to describe mask-induced acne. This happens when the area beneath a mask becomes very warm and moist throughout the day, creating a build-up of bacteria, sweat and bacteria - the perfect environment for blemishes to develop. If you are experiencing more imperfections, you may need to include exfoliating and pore-clearing products, such as those in the Effaclar range, to your routine.
The products to help:
Effaclar Micro Peeling Purifying Gel intensely removes impurities, excess sebum and unclogs the pores so is an effective way of targeting persistent imperfections. After cleansing the skin, follow with Effaclar Clarifying Lotion to help eliminate any remaining excess oil, unblock pores and visibly reduce their size. Finally, apply a thin layer of Effaclar Duo+ - an anti-blemish moisturiser that corrects and hydrates the skin, leaving it clearer in just four weeks.
Discover La Roche-Posay's Toleriane and Effaclar skincare ranges at larocheposay.co.uk