Maskne - is it a thing?

Can it be that in this COVID world wearing a protective mask for long hours is causing a new type of acne? There is already a name for it that's popping up in blogs, media, in an occasional doctor tweet – "maskne"? Is it a thing?

Read on to understand if "maskne" is indeed a concern and what you can do to keep your skin healthy and breakout free, even under a mask.

IS "MASKNE" A NEW TYPE OF ACNE?

Unfortunately, most content available online refers to “maskne” not as aggravation of acne due to wearing a protective mask, but as the onset of acne in the skin that was not suffering from acne prior to masks. We believe it’s a stretch.

Let's step back and gain a perspective. Watch Swissline's Global Brand Director, Custodio d'Avo, explain his perspective on "maskne" in his personal YouTube blog The Age Traveller.

"MASKNE" in acne-prone skin

Acne always refers to a high-grade inflammatory state with different levels and there are always three factors that need to be present to give name to acne:

1. SEBUM: Excessive sebum production by the skin.

2. BACTERIA: Specific pathogenic bacteria that develops infection.

3. DEAD CELLS: Retention of dead cells that aggravates the state of the skin.

Watch the video below to learn more about causes of acne and best skincare routine to follow for clear, trouble-free skin.

Best skincare routine for acne-prone skin:

Step 1. Use acidic toner in the PM daily

Resurfacing Water 10% Glycolic Acid and Madecassoside® helps to effectively sweep away dead skin cells, evens-out tone, helps the skin retain moisture, speeds-up cell turnover, and deals with excess oil and breakouts.

Step 2. Apply salicylic acid based serum in the AM+PM - start with every other day

Aqua-Pure Clarifying Serum is an oil-free, intensive serum that fights impurities and blemishes. It combines an exfoliating complex that unclogs pores, reduces blackheads and marks, with agents to tackle problematic skin and inhibit sebum production.

Step 3. Apply clay mask in the AM before the shower - 3-4 times a week

Aqua-Pure Enzymatic Mask is an ultra-creamy, non-drying mask with antioxidant and calming properties. It offers an enzymatic, exfoliating alternative that is gentle enough for problematic skin.

"MASKNE" in skin not prone to acne

If your skin is not acne-prone, the "maskne" concern might be related to Keratosis pilaris - it is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps. It may be caused by dead cells retention, but there’s no flow of sebum or bacteria.

In this case to avoid friction, focus on skincare routine that will strengthen your skin-barrier function. Choose well formulated skincare products containing Pre/Probiotics, Ceramides, Niacinamide, NMF.

Use serum with Pre and Probiotics AM+PM daily

Age Intelligence Essential Serum maintains the skin’s beauty and balance, while strengthening its defenses. It combines prebiotics and probiotics together with Madecassoside® and ATP to create the ultimate skincare maintenance product placing equal weight on health and beauty.

If your skin is in need of recovery and restoration, Swissline's Recovery Serum will help. This smart serum, with purified molecules of Centella asiatica, ectoin and an award-winning cyclopeptide, improves the skin’s self-renewal to boost its recovery.

And make sure to fashion up your mask - say no to boring masks and boring skincare!

About Swissline

For nearly three decades, Swissline has been at the forefront of skincare research and development combining the most advanced ingredients together with the best natural actives and innovative delivery systems.

Our recent collaboration with Clinic Lémanic, an internationally renowned leader in aesthetic techniques, reinforces Swissline`s clinical link to the most advanced and innovative anti-aging research and development.