A new phenomenon reflecting the current global pandemic, ‘maskne’ refers to acne which irritatingly appears after wearing a face mask.
As Founder of Skin Alchemists, Theresa Edward explains, “Mask acne is predominantly caused by either dirty masks, or from the skin being irritated by the material so it produces extra sebum.”
Theresa continues, “We can help our skin cope by not using harsh or drying products which can further over stimulate and / or irritate the skin and in turn then produce acne.”
Look no further for our top skincare recommendations, from mask to moisturisers, and an excellent new concealing powder too.
Brand new from Dr Dennis Gross, this Hyaluronic Meltaway Cleanser is oil-free and nourishing for removing both impurities and makeup. Shifting even the most stubborn of eye makeup, it is soothing and doesn’t strip the skin. Hydrating and calming, the lightweight formula can be used with or without water, depending on which you prefer. Plus, it is jampacked with high performance skincare ingredients such as plumping hyaluronic acid, and natural aloe as well as kiwi and sea grapes. Soothing and refreshing, this alcohol-free toner gently takes off makeup, while hydrating your skin also. Enriched with rose floral water, and hyaluronic acid, use after L’Occitane’s Cream to Foam Facial Cleanser. The Immortelle products are some of my all-time favourite skincare must-haves, with natural ingredients to nourish and a gorgeous gentle scent offering a little extra TLC. New from Murad, their Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel is non-comedogenic, gel moisturiser to instantly soothe, smooth and hydrate your skin, simultaneously preventing blemishes and breakouts. Containing salicylic acid, this deeply cleans and exfoliates to eliminate the bacteria which leads to maskne. Because said bacteria thrives in a warm, wet environment, the inside of your mask, alongside the friction it causes on skin, make it a place for this to multiply. Choose natural, cooler fabrics, and soothe skin with this Murad skincare saviour’s calming ingredients such as ginger root extract. Finally, hyaluronic acid enhances the skin’s ability to retain water and strengthens its natural barrier. Complete with SPF20 plus protection against pollution and blue light, Magic Cream Light is- you guessed it- a lightweight version of Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Magic Cream. Presented in a pump-applicator bottle, with signature chic gold trim, Magic Cream Light glides across skin sinking in for a subtle luminous effect. Highly hydrating, the cream creates radiance and I’ve found, evens out the skin tone. This light moisturising veil is perfect if you prefer a sheer hydrating look, and particularly as another Magic Cream option at the moment. Humble Warrior is a gentle cleanser from SN favourite, Skin Alchemists. Mild yet effective, it includes some of the best botanicals for treating maskne, such as jojoba oil which closely matches our own sebum. Also containing lavender in two forms (as an oil infusion and an essential oil), this is used in plant medicine to reduce inflammation and speed wound healing. Boasting excellent anti-microbial properties too, it is joined by hemp seed oil to balance out oily skin and the Amazonian healer – andiroba seed oil, used to help speed up healing and skin recovery. An exciting new Tarte Shape Tape addition, the Pressed Powder with Blending Brush just landed. Complete with stunning Foundcealer brush to expertly apply your powder, it helps with redness, hyperpigmentation, blemishes and excess oil. A vegan product, Shape Tape Pressed Powder offers a light to medium coverage which doesn’t feel caky in any way. A natural-effect makeup base buy, we’re pairing it with the incredible Shape Tape Concealer and Foundcealer foundation too, for a base which builds confidence (despite any annoying blemishes or maskne redness). This relaxing moisturising mask comprises a unique blend of calming manuka honey extract and organic avocado oils rich in omegas 9, 3, and 6. You’ve probably heard of manuka as a natural remedy, and in fact it dates back to use for centuries by New Zealand’s Maori tribe. Antioxidant and moisturising, I’ve been relishing incredible Antipodes skincare recently. Looking to their Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream with antibacterial properties, alongside the freshening and brightening Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Eye Cream; this trio are restorative, nourishing and kind to skin. Not only is the manuka scent invigorating and soothing, their traditional remedy formulas are highly effective too.
Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Meltaway Cleanser
L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Essential Water
Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light
Skin Alchemists Humble Warrior Facial Cleansing Oil
QVCUK Tarte Shape Tape Pressed Powder with Blending Brush
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask