18 January 2021 | Beauty | Posted by Megan Bromley
I don't know about you, but the latter part of 2020 and now 2021 have been tough on my skin. For someone who is usually very lucky with their skin, has no real issues and has a good daily skincare routine, wearing a mask has really caused some skincare issues I didn't expect.
I am now finidng I get congestion/ breakouts around my lips and jaw and neck area (where the mask is), as well as getting really dry skin on my lips and at both the corners of my mouth where they sometimes split. I have changed my skincare routine in order to combat this, especially my evening skincare routine where I am removing my makeup.
In this blog I'll talk about my maskne prevention techniques, the best maskne products, how to treat maskne and revitalise your skin.
Evening Routine
The first step in my maskne skincare routine, is to do my first cleanse with Decleor Cleansing Milk, it is light in texture and enriched with Sweet Almond Oil to ensure the skin is not left dry or tight and Green Tea Essential Water to help tighten the pores. For my second cleanse I am using the Decleor Clay Powder Cleanser. This is typically meant for Combi skin, however even though my skin is drier, I am finding that this cleanser deep cleanses and very gently exfoliates my skin providing a super clean, but non drying result (great for breakouts). Cleansing twice is really important to ensure your skin is completely clean and free of dirt, grime, excess sebum and makeup.
I then use the Decleor Neroli Bigarade Facial Toner (Tonifiying Lotion) to tone, this is a really important step for me becuase it removes any excess cleanser, and dirt/makeup. You won't believe what you'll see on the pad after you've cleansed twice. It also ensures the pores are closed prior to using any product on your skin. It's alcohol free and balances the skins natural PH.
Twice per week I will exfoliate too, I have been using the Clarins Comfort Scrub. It contains Sugar microcrystals to gently remove dead skin, but is enriched with Mango Butter to combat dryness. It also smells beautiful. I then scrub my lips with the Lipstick Queen Lip Restore Scrub - this really prevents my lips from getting super dry and peeling.
I usually moisturise using Decleor night balms! These are one my favourite night time products. My favourite one at the moment is the Green Mandarin Glow Night Balm. They are 100% natural which is important and a balm texture which melts into an oil when massaged into the skin. When you wake up after using it you can tell! Your skin is hydrated, comfortable and glowing!
I have also been experimenting with using the La Mer Moisturising Cream at night. When my skin is really dry, dull and tired there is nothing like this cream to pick you up. It is unlike anything else I have ever used, from the smell to the texture, to the result. You must rub the cream between your fingers before application to release the all important 'Miracle Broth' but also to aid the application on your skin. The cream is very thick, so you do not need much, which is good considering the price tag - another reason I will only use this at night, and not every night! An advantage of this cream, for me is that it really evens and firms! When I have used it I can see a difference in my skin texture and tone - one to try if you haven't already.
I aways finish with eye cream and lip balm. I am currently using the Eve Lom Radiance Anti Oxidant Eye Cream. I love the rich texture for the winter months and that it comes in a pot so I can use every last drop. As always my go to lip balm is the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, I don't think I'll ever change. Its amazing for hydrating the skin on any area of the body.
** One other thing I am doing to try and combat the dreaded 'Maskne' is not applying makeup underneath my mask. I obviously work in retail so have to wear one for a large portion of the day. I have been finding that this has helped A LOT. When wearing a mask it does trap a lot of moisture from your breath, which can then be a breeding ground for bacteria to form - not ideal any time, but especially with a layer of makeup between your skin and the mask, your pores are asking to be blocked. This could work for a lot of people who have to wear masks for their profession too, like Nurses, Healthcare Specialists, Beauty Therapists, Hairdressers, Makeup Artists, Retail Workers etc.
If you have any questions or need any advice please email us and we'll be happy to help.
