Maskne: Covering up acne and how to prevent it
We all know the right habits for wearing masks. First, make sure you have multiple masks on hand to avoid reusing them. To avoid rashes, use masks made of soft fabrics that are neither too tight nor too loose.
Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face before and after wearing a mask. But did you know that wearing a mask can still cause acne, skin irritation, and other skin problems?
Masks can actually cause breakouts!
There are several reasons why wearing a mask for a long time can affect the covered parts of our face.
A mask that is too tight can cause rashes on the bridge of the nose and behind the ears due to friction.
While you can’t take off your mask in public or at social gatherings, you can take it off when you’re in quarantine or at home to let your skin breathe freely.
Rough fabrics can accidentally rub our skin. The material of the mask should be soft, preferably 100% cotton.
Always use a gentle cleanser to wash your mask, as even the wrong cleanser can cause skin irritation.
The weather can also make the situation worse. Excessive dryness or moisture can negatively affect the skin under your duvet.
Maskne is healing, that’s what it does! Many people report experiencing acne, irritation, and rashes on their face due to wearing masks frequently.
You can avoid this by washing or disinfecting your mask every time you wear it. Always cleanse your face before and after applying a mask, and don’t forget to apply a gentle moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out.
After removing the mask and cleaning your face, apply calamine lotion to the rash.
Another great way to nourish and moisturize your skin is to use a niacinamide face serum. It moisturizes the skin and treats acne without leaving scars. You can get Clinicikally’s Ultimate NIA Face Serum delivered to your home for free.
Useful skin care tips when wearing a mask
Wash your face frequently and apply moisturizer frequently. If you have dry skin, use a rich face cream.
Use a light sunscreen or sunblock, preferably mineral-based. Be aware that sunscreen contains certain chemicals that may affect the integrity of any rubber or elastic bands on your mask.
Avoid wearing heavy makeup (such as foundation) under your mask. This can cause a rash.
If you wear a cloth mask, wash it daily as directed to minimize the growth of bacteria that can cause acne.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
