#Mascne – Are you suffering from Mascne?

Besides a list of consequences that we are facing after the pandemic, from economic crisis, travelling restrictions, we are all encouraged to wear a face mask to slow the spread of COVID-19, to protect ourselves and others. This surprisingly leads to the skin side effect: breakouts, pimples, blemishes, and whiteheads.

This became so popular that on social media that people started to name it “Mascne”, which means (Mask + Acne).

What is it exactly and how is it caused?

Mascne is basically Acne caused by wearing any face coverings that are in direct contact with the skin.

It does not matter what kind of mask you are wearing, each mask has its own side effects, from homemade to ffp3. And it could be irritating your skin even if you do not directly feel it.

Cloth mask may absorb the skins natural oils instead ffp2 for example are very tight around the nose and mouth and therefore can even lead to ulcers, blemished and breakouts. All of them cover your nose and mouth which are producing moist, humidity, sweat and this unfortunately is a perfect environment for bacteria, clogged pores and increased sebum resulting in skin breakouts. 

Additionally, to that, when we are somehow stressed, stress release cortisol, which triggers hormones and cause breakouts and disrupts the balance between the good and the bad. This can show on your face and your body, however if your pimples are hard and deep under the skin, it’s likely hormones are to blame.

Is it really a new trend?

Wearing mask is not new to Asia, where it was popular already some years ago, however in west countries we see a completely new development. People might think this is a short-term trend however there are already several beauty producers like Shiseido making research to measure it. As per Shiseido online opinion survey about wearing masks. As many as 99% of respondents expressed concerns, which are expected to become more severe as temperatures and humidity rise”

So how can we prevent Mascne?

1. Wear your mask for shorter periods of time and only when it is necessary.
2. Consider the type of mask, according to dermatologist 100% cotton is the less harmful choice as it is a bit breathable. Remember to wash it frequently.
3. Simplify your skin care routine. Consider this as an opportunity to streamline your skin care products and select fewer, yet essential products. Good side of wearing a mask? The mask will intensify the penetration of the actives into your skin.

• Cleanse before and after wearing your mask to remove dirty, excess oils and protect your skin, the best if you use a cleanser with antibacterial function, look for ingredients that will help with that for example aloe vera, caolin, antimicrobials (snail mucin). If you sweat use a gentle cleanser to wash your face when taking off the mask.
•  Moisturize with anti-inflammatory ingredients like vitamin A, Vitamin E, glycoproteins, keep skin moisturized, prevent breakouts and strengthen your skin barrier, glycolic acid, or vitamin C for discoloration.

1. Avoid wearing makeup while you are wearing a mask. What a great opportunity to make some budget and understand what is essential and you can have more time to select conscious, ethical, no cruelty brands.
   

   Credit photo Canva

NUME-Lab Switzerland offers a selection of products with essential actives to prevent and fight Mascne

• Deep Exfoliating Cleanser with Snail Mucus Extract*, aloe vera, glycolic acid, allantoin and kaolin to protect, to deeply cleanse, reduce pores with calming and antibacterial action

 

•  Advanced Renewal Face Cream packed with essential nutrients  Snail Mucus Extract*, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C, A, E the is a powerful highly effective swiss formula to hydrate, reduces photoaging signs and hyperpigmentation, to heal and to regenerate your skin in its complexion. 

*Snail Mucus Extract is a powerful active ingredient, a real nature gift. It is naturally containing proteins elastin and collagen, peptides, antioxidants, allantoin. It is a multitasking active used to heal, to repair skin damages, to restore skin firmness by activating elastin and collagen and to brighten blemishes. Learn more Snail Mucus Extract here. 

NUME-Lab Switzerland is a young disruptive brand, which applies consciousness and ethic to the Skin Care by formulating highly effective, yet clean from harsh ingredients skin care. NUME-Lab focus only on the essential in order to reduce waste and increase consciousness.

About the author:

Paulina Kostrzycka co-founded NUME-Lab, a Swiss skincare firm which provides Halal skin care products. She is 34 years old, has polish roots but has been living abroad for the last 25years. She is married to Italian and have two Chinese cats. When she is not working on NUME-Lab, you can find Paula running or biking around Walensee where she lives. She is passionate about travelling and discovering the world, one of her dream is to open an animal sanctuary. Before founding NUME-Lab she worked in different fields of supply chain within international corporation in Italy, China, Belgium and Switzerland. Her education background is Chinese language and culture, business administration and project management.

 

• acne
• cloth mask
• cosmetic
• face mask
• Mascne
• mask
• Nume-Lab
• pimple
• skincare
• snail mucin