Menu
Maskne – where do we go from here?
With masks set to be a part of our daily routine for many months to come, we decided to speak to pro’s Emma Kamara Sesay and Ashley Wady and find out more about what it is, and how to treat it. Read on to find out why a maskne consultation might be the latest addition to your service menu.
What is maskne?
Maskne has gone from being an unknown condition amongst the masses to something that garners daily Instagram posts as people around the world are expressing their concerns. It’s become a condition that is adding to the stress of anyone who usually suffers from acne but is also making itself known as a new issue for those with usually ‘clear’ skin.
Aesthetician Emma Kamara-Sesay says: “Maskne was once used to describe acne mechanica (friction-related acne) but it’s actually an umbrella term that includes a myriad of skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis, that have developed or are exacerbated as a result of prolonged mask use.”
How can we recognise maskne?
Skin expert Ashley Wady explains that maskne can be easily recognised: “as it usually appears as a cluster of tiny whiteheads that pop up after you wear any type of mask; a little different to the hormonal types of acne which look more like small pimples that come to a head, or cysts.
“Maskne is different to regular acne as it is a direct result of physical disruption to the lower part of the facial skin. Breathing, sweating, and talking with a face mask on can make skin become raw and inflamed, ultimately causing pores to become clogged with bacteria.
Airflow is limited from entering and exiting which in turn means the skin we usually shed on a daily basis has nowhere to go.”
How to treat Maskne
I ask the experts how they would treat clients who have existing skin conditions, who are now having to deal with maskne too.
For Emma it’s about a gentle approach:
“It’s imperative that the skin is treated with extra care before and after wearing a mask and this can be done by looking for products that contain ingredients that are anti-inflammatory (for reducing inflammation and redness), such as Arnica and Colloidal Oatmeal and soothing, to quell irritation, sensitivity, heat, swelling and pain, i.e. Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Cucumber extract, etc.”
We absolutely love Kaeso Aloe Vera & Cotton Hydrating Cleanser followed by Kaeso White Nettle & Chamomile Calming Mask for their soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Emma goes on to say it’s also key to have hydration as a main focus, especially when considering the moisture that is lost while wearing a mask. Be sure to recommend products that contain Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Hyaluronic Acid and Urea and also consider products that offer barrier support and contain Niacinamide, Ceramides, Squalene or fatty acids.
Our favourite pick for an added moisture boost is this Pharma-C Serum from Pharmagel. With Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, this unique serum enhances and accelerates skin’s repair by actively promoting collagen formation.
Ashley recommends that clients continue with their existing skincare but should also consider introducing three key products; a face wash with Salicylic Acid, a product containing Hyaluronic Acid and a mineral formula SPF. Here’s why:
“Clients should focus on keeping skin clean and keeping oil production under control with a facewash containing Salicylic Acid. This will eliminate impurities and excess sebum from the skin as well as refresh and soothe it.
“They should also keep skin hydrated with a high percentage of Hyaluronic Acid to normalise the skin that’s struggling with mask-induced acne. The optimal skin hydration helps to heal and soothe inflammation and is suitable for every skin type, colour and concern – including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Dry areas will be intensively moisturised while sebum gland hyperactivity in the mask area will be reduced,” says Ashley.
This moisturiser from Pharmagel has salicylic acid, Vitamin C and Chamomile to help clear and smooth skin. Advise clients to apply at the end of the day after cleansing their face for the best results.
Skin Republic’s Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Sheet Face Mask is the perfect helping hand for skin that still needs an extra bit of love. With hyaluronic acid to hydrate and collagen to promote skin healing.
Finally, clients should switch to using a mineral SPF as it provides a physical barrier on the skin.
Maskne Do's and don'ts
Ashley says that clients should be advised to keep the skin clean, cleansing twice a day and Emma agrees, saying that plain, gentle cleansers are the best option.
They also agree that wearing heavy makeup should be avoided. Says Ashley:
“Wearing a face mask with a heavy foundation underneath will make matters worse. The added heat, moisture and friction from masks will drive makeup deeper into the skin, which can lead to bacteria build-ups and breakouts. Advise clients to go for a tinted SPF if they really can’t bear to go without.”
Emma says that daily sun protection is a must and that exfoliation should be done no more than three times per week. Finally, she also advises that masks should not be re-used:
“Cloth masks must be washed daily and if that’s not possible then advise your clients to go for disposable masks. Another no-no is wearing a mask while it’s wet. This will render the mask ineffective and can also boost the growth of harmful microbes on the skin.”
Maskne is still a relatively new phenomenon, and every day we are learning more and more about it. If you’re looking for ways to improve your client consultations and communication in general, check out this blog on The Keys to Communicating.
Freelance Focus
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
Featured products
OFFER
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SAVE 25%
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
BUY 3 FOR THE PRICE OF 2
Back to Posts
Tags
- 10years
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 nails
- accessories
- acids
- acne
- advice
- all soft
- anniversary
- anxiety
- appointments
- apps
- art
- autumn
- autumn hair
- autumn nail trends
- balayage
- banking
- barber
- barbering
- barbers
- beauticians
- beauty
- beauty guidance
- beauty industry
- beauty professional
- beautypro
- bleach
- blonde
- botox
- braids
- brassy
- bridal
- bright hair
- brow lamination
- brows
- business
- cancellation
- capital & i
- cash flow
- celebrate
- chairs
- checklist
- christmas
- christmas nails
- clean
- client loyalty
- clients
- collection
- colour
- colourists
- corona virus
- covid
- covid 19
- covid19
- covid-19
- creative colour
- cruelty free
- curls
- customer
- design
- education
- event
- facial
- fall
- festive
- finance
- finances
- freelance
- freelance beauty
- freelance hair
- freelancer
- freelancers
- frog skin design
- funny
- furniture
- gel
- gellux
- glam
- glossy waves
- glow
- gold
- guide
- guidelines
- guidlines
- hair
- hair art
- hair care
- hair colour
- hair dye
- hair industry
- hair inspiration
- hair products
- hair salon
- hair style
- hair styles
- hair styling
- hair trends
- haircare
- haircolour
- hairdresser
- hairdressers
- hairdressers advice
- hairdressers guide
- hairdressing
- hairstyle
- hairstyles
- halloween
- health
- healthy
- help
- how i got here
- how to
- hygiene
- ideas
- indola
- ingredients
- inoa
- inspiration
- interiors
- january
- keratin
- keune
- l’oréal
- l’oréal professionnel
- lamination
- lashes
- lockdown
- loreal
- l'oreal
- l'oreal pro
- l'oreal professional
- macadamia
- make up
- manicure
- marketing
- mask
- maskne
- mens
- mens hair
- men's hairstyles
- mental health
- mobile
- nail
- nail art
- nail creations
- nail design
- nail industry
- nail inspiration
- nail trends
- nailart
- nails
- natural
- navy
- neutralise
- new
- new look
- new normal
- new years
- nxt
- olaplex
- opi
- organised
- oval
- party
- party hair
- party trends
- pastel colours
- pigment
- planning
- plant based
- ponytail
- preparation
- pricing
- pro longer
- products
- professional
- professional hair
- professional hair care
- professional tan
- protect
- pulp riot
- re opening
- redken
- re-open
- reopening
- reopening hair salon
- retail
- reverse balayage
- safety
- salon
- salon finance
- salon furniture
- salon management
- salon owner
- salon refit
- salon services
- salon system
- salons
- samantha cussik
- savings
- schwarzkopf
- self care
- selfcare
- self-employed
- semi permanent
- sensitive skin
- skills
- skincare
- skincare steps
- skincare tips
- small business
- smoky hair
- social
- social media
- spa
- spraytan
- spring
- square
- star
- stars
- starting your own business
- step by step
- step by step guide
- step-by-step
- stylist
- success
- summer
- summer hair trends
- sun damage
- tanning
- technique
- textured nails
- tigi
- time to improve
- tips
- tips & advice
- tips for reopening business
- toner
- toning
- top knot
- top tips
- training
- treatment
- trend
- trends
- tutorial
- unwind
- updo
- upgrade
- upskills
- valentines
- vegan
- veganuary
- wahl
- wax
- waxing
- week
- wella
- wella professionals
- winter
- xbox
Latest Posts
- Chantelle: Capital & Me, my self-employed journey & the importance of networking
- Meet Sophie, owner of ‘Sophie’s Lashes & Beauty’ which she has been running now for over 7 years!
- Something Old - Something New
- Skin Cycling 101
- The Winter Nail Trends 2023
- Let's Party
- Winter Glow-Up
- Fall Colour Faves
- Indola Blonde Expert Care Range
- Meet OPI Nature Strong
Related Posts
Indola Blonde Expert Care Range
INDOLA launches NEW Blonde Expert Care range; the high performing care you need for all blondes
Meet OPI Nature Strong
We know you’ve been on the hunt for a natural polish that actually works - one that is made up of ingredients you can trust and one that doesn’t require you to choose between performance and natural, because, well, you shouldn’t have to. So, we poured every effort into making a long - lasting, highly pigmented vegan lacquer that stays on so you can stay natural.
New Naturalash Individual Texture Lashes
Salon System, brand leaders in professional beauty, have announced the exciting launch of a new addition to its Naturalash range.
Introducing New Advanced Creme Wax
Salon System, brand leaders in professional beauty, launches a new waxing product to its hero Just Wax Expert collection: Advanced Creme Wax, which has been specifically designed for delicate skin.
Wella Shinefinity Color Glaze
The long-lasting colour glaze with zero lift and zero damage SHINEFINITY is the new long lasting colour glaze which offers zero lift and zero damage and promises to deliver true-to-tone colour results with a silky hair finish.
Furniture Focus
Spring is in the air, which means it’s a great time to review your salon furniture and general interior to see what could be improved, or even replaced. Need some ideas? Check out our guide to our latest collection in store, and the interiors trends to look out for.
No Limit Nails!
When it comes to nail predictions for 2022, it’s hard to, well, nail them down! That’s because in a post-pandemic culture, trends are very much led by social media and celebrity looks, as well as influential nail techs.
Curls, curls, curls!
Curly hair comes in many forms; from the wavy Type 2s that we see in the European community to the glorious coils of Type 4s. While some might say curls are back, we say: curls never went anywhere! Read on for some top curl-loving tips.