Thanks to the global pandemic we have all been facing lately, you may have begun to think of your protective face mask as a new type of accessory! Everywhere we go, we see different colors, fabrics, shapes and sizes. We wear them to the store, the bank, to go get coffee – anytime we are outside and around people. Even though the mask may be helping us stay healthy, it might also be playing havoc with your skin.

May I introduce you to "Maskne"?

‘Acne Mechanica’ is described by  Dermcollective.com, as a “form of acne that is caused by a combination of friction, heat and weight against the skin”. In other words, it is a rash that resembles small pimples that you may be seeing pop up on your cheeks, the bridge of your nose or your chin. It is caused when pores are blocked by sweat, oil and make-up. If you find that you’re wearing your mask for long periods of time, you may begin to perspire which, combined with blocked pores is a breeding ground for bacteria and acne breakouts.

So, what can we do to combat this face mask acne?

Like most of us experiencing these breakouts, our first inclination is to Scrub! Scrub! Scrub! This is actually is not the best approach. Since ‘maskne’ is caused by friction, the last thing you want to do is over-exfoliate and cause more irritation. One of the most important things you can do for healthy, beautiful skin is cleanse!But now is the time to be extra gentle with your skin. In the mornings, make sure you are cleansing your skin with a gentle but hydrating cleanser like high priority CANNABIS CLEANSING FOAM. This cleansing foam is formulated with organic ingredients like cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil and aloe juice, calming ingredients like cucumber, bioflavonoids for a boost of antioxidants and terpenes to help balance your skin. These ingredients will give you a gentle, but thorough cleanse without irritating already stressed out skin.

You’ll also want to avoid using products that are drying to your skin. Equally important to cleansing is the use of a good moisturizer. Your moisturizer will help rebuild the skin’s protective barrier that can become compromised from the friction caused by your face mask. When selecting a moisturizer, pure organic ingredients are the best. Many moisturizers are water based and have a lot of chemical ingredients that will further inflame skin that is already responding to stress. High’s Founder and Formulator, Melissa Jochim, calls our high five CANNABIS FACIAL MOISTURIZER your daily multivitamin for a reason. It is loaded with will potent antioxidants and Vitamins A through E that will calm, balance, protect, hydrate and replenish your skin.

As mentioned, go easy on the exfoliation. A light exfoliation will help keep the pores open and allow bacteria-killing oxygen to enter.  High maintenance CANNABIS PEELING MASK would be a good choice as it combines pure plant essential oils and extracts with vitamin E, fruit enzymes and physical exfoliators to lift away dead surface skin cells. Use high maintenance once per week, and up to twice per week if needed. 

In the evenings, don’t forget to cleanse and apply an inflammation-fighting oil like our high expectations CANNABIS FACIAL OIL. This facial oil has 32% Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil that is full of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protective ingredients. These ingredients are beneficial to all skin types – even those with blemishes and acne. Contrary to popular opinion, blemished skin needs to be hydrated and moisturized. A few drops of high expectations applied onto clean skin will balance oil production, replenish and repair irritated skin. Use a few drops of this lightweight oil nightly.

The latest health department updates are showing that wearing protective face masks will be here for a while. So, make sure throughout the day when it is permittable, to take off your mask and let your face breathe.

Speaking of masks, if you have a cloth mask, make sure to wash and dry it daily. If you are wearing a disposable mask, try to replace it as often as you can. Any type of protective face mask can be a breeding ground of ‘maskne’ or acne causing bacteria. After all the good help you have given your skin, you do not want to reuse a dirty face mask!

If you have any questions regarding face mask acne or other skin-related issues, please email me at joanne@highbeauty.com, or Book a complimentary skin consultation with me over zoom, here!