She is now our inseparable companion on outings with
friends, in business meetings (for those who are not full time in smart
working) or even on walks. Let's talk about the mask , an object with which we
are called to deal daily. You have helped us protect ourselves in these months.
We have modified our make-up routine based on this new “accessory”. We also
enjoyed wearing it by combining it with the rest of the outfit. Until some of
us saw some small problems appear on the skin, called maskne .
Maskne: the scientific basis
In short, the mask is something that our face knows very
well. With all the consequences that this "close range" entails. More
than a few will have noticed the appearance of small pimples on the face. Or
drier and sometimes painful skin. They are sometimes consequences of being
forced to wear the mask for several hours during the day. «There is a
scientific basis for this phenomenon - says Fabio Rinaldi , dermatologist
specialist and scientific director of the HMAP research project specializing in
the study of the microbiome of the skin and scalp - linked to an excessive one
of these devices. The photos of doctors with deep marks on the sides of the
face have gone around the world but there are many variables that must be
considered ».
Maskne: acne or not?
Maskne is the crasis between mask and acne "even if it
is not real acne ", explains Rinaldi. "As demonstrated by a first
Chinese study, which began precisely with the outbreak of the Covid-19
epidemic, a perfectly worn mask does not allow the skin to transpire well. We
note, in fact, that the skin begins to sweat, activating a process that causes
inflammation of the hair follicle with an irritation that can become deeper ».
The role of the microbiota
This is due to a change in the skin 's microbiota , which is
made up of many good bacteria whose balance determines the health of the skin.
A proliferation of bacteria and thus a change in the microbiota causes
blemishes and inflammation. The consequence is dysbiosis and the appearance of
folliculitis . "Bacterial proliferation, together with the rubbing of the
mask - says Carlotta Del Canale , Technical Marketing Manager Comfort Zone -
can cause redness and the formation of blackheads and boils".
Maskne: how to solve skin problems
There are many solutions to overcome the "mask"
problem. A user correct the mask can help. Avoiding what is a rather common
practice, namely disinfecting the outside. «This could worsen the situation of
inflammation with perspiration - explains Rinaldi -. We might as well let the
fabric air for a few hours. The time to make the virus 'inactive', even if
there is no biological evidence that gives this certainty ».
The rule of common sense
«We must use common sense - continues Rinaldi - After a few
hours of exposure to UVA and UVB rays we can hardly find any trace of the virus
on the mask. Another good practice is to take care of the skin as it deserves
during the entire period in which you are forced to wear a mask. «Better to use
creams that reproduce the hydrolipidic film and that can restore the pH balance
giving the skin the opportunity to protect itself well. Clearly, it will not remain
necessary to use antibiotics, precisely because it is not a real acne ».
The recommended skincare routine
A good skincare routine starts, as always, with cleansing
which «must be gentle on the skin and take place twice a day, before the mask
and after, to remove impurities and bacteria that form during the day - advises
Del Canale-. Give preference to micellar waters with restorative emollients. In
fact, in micellar waters, the delicate surfactants in the aqueous solution
create micro-micelles, trapping the impurities that are removed from the cotton
pad. Then apply an alcohol-free tonic to soothe the reddened skin and, in the
areas most affected by imperfections, a product with a purifying and antiseptic
action ».
«Finally, never give up hydration, choosing for the area
affected by the mask a product with a less rich texture than the one applied to
the rest of the face. The gel textures are perfect because they allow you to
hydrate without greasing. When you feel more discomfort, then, apply a soothing
spray tonic , to be sprayed on the face 1 or 2 times. It helps the skin to
flare up, especially where it is red. The alcohol and fragrance free
formulations are excellent, as they refresh the skin of the face and at the
same time soothe the reddened skin ».
The beauty tips of the experts
Finally, here are some other tips from the experts to
complete the beauty routine of this period. «Better to reduce exfoliating
treatments to once a week at the most - says Del Canale-. Then, once or twice
on the most affected area, a tonic without alcohol but with a delicate
exfoliating action. In the evening, before falling asleep, apply one or two
drops of a soothing product for redness to the reddened areas , perhaps giving
yourself a massage with rose quartz Guasha-Sha, previously kept in the fridge to
decongest the area. Last but not the least: do not stress an already inflamed
skin. Do not use purifying products that are too aggressive, as they will dry
out further. Better to avoid peeling with too aggressive acids and too
astringent face masks ».
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