Our Skin in Crisis: How Beauticians Can Make a Difference

Up until a few months ago, face masks were an exception on our streets, especially outside Asia. However, things have drastically changed because of the Corona Pandemic: wearing a face mask has now become part of our everyday ritual and that may last for quite a while to come.

The face mask also brings about change. For women, the traditional make-up routines might need to change because lipstick smears under a tight-fitting mask and make-up can quickly be rubbed off. Additionally, men’s beards get in the way. 

On top of these aesthetic challenges, the skin itself is also affected by wearing a face mask. As a result, skin well-being may become an issue.

This is where beauticians play an important role because they are able to adapt to these changing skincare requirements by applying corresponding treatment concepts.

How permanent mask-wearing affects the skin

First of all, our responsibility to wear face masks, in accordance with social distancing and contact restrictions, is an absolute necessity in order to bring the pandemic under control.

Nevertheless, the permanent wearing of mouth protection has an impact on our skin. After a while, moisture builds up under the mask, due to transpiration and breathing out. The moisture infiltrates the mask and cannot dissipate properly. 

This accumulated moisture leads to a swelling of the horny layer of the skin and affects its protective hydro-lipid layer. 

In this humid environment, germs and viruses find the ideal breeding ground to spread which, in turn, leads to changes in the microbial environment, causing the skin to partly lose its defence mechanism. Inflammation and itching around the mouth area can result, as well as so called “Maskne” (derived from the words acne and mask) which are acne-like impurities in areas where the face mask is worn. 

The skin is also irritated by the mask’s fabric and by the constant putting-on and taking-off of the mask itself. Furthermore, rough fabrics can cause skin problems due to friction. Increased dehydration, reddened skin or flaky areas can also become visible. 

All of these effects can lead to changes in your skin's well-being.

Caring for your stressed “mask skin”

The mouth and cheek area need a little more attention than normal. Special treatment concepts in the cabin can be adapted in order to respond to these changed requirements. 

Cabin treatment 

Everything starts with proper skin cleansing. This step has become even more important because it helps to bring excess spreading of bacteria under control. Particular attention should be paid to mild detergent substances - aggressive surfactants such as classic sulphates foam heavily and tend to dry out and cause imbalances of the skin's own protection. Instead, hydrophilic cleansing oils or balms, micelle water or other gentle cleansing products are more suitable alternatives. 

Anyone suffering from “Maskne”, increased impurities around the mouth and cheek area, could benefit from an acid treatment course, for example with mild fruit acids. It removes loose skin cells which could otherwise block pores and lead to clogging. Lactic acids and polyhydroxy acids are extremely well tolerated and even can be used for more sensitive skin types. The acidic pH also supports the naturally low pH-value of the skin and thus the protective acid mantle.

The skin's own protective layer can also be supported with barrier-strengthening creams, masks and serums with biomimetic ingredients. The skin-identical substances such as ceramides, lecithin or similar are absorbed particularly well and serve as a component for an intact protective layer of the skin. This also helps against redness and flaking skin.

Products with anti-inflammatory actives such as microsilver and zinc help against severe inflamed areas.

Daytime make-up

Even a normal day make-up after the treatment can be applied despite the face mask - with a few simple tricks:

Foundation, which can smear under the mask, can be fixed with powder and special make-up sprays.

Instead of normal lipsticks, waterproof ones are smudge-proof, and are therefore the best way to wear lipstick under the face mask. It should be pointed out here that the area around the lips should be taken good care of, as these products tend to have a drying effect.

 Home treatment 

Ideally, customers should also continue to treat irritated skin at home. 

By adding appropriate products to their existing care program, customers can also support their skin well-being in the comfort of their own home. For example, serums with a slight acid content are a good addition to an acid course treatment. Because of the increased sensitivity to light, it is recommended to use sunscreen daily. Otherwise, all active ingredients from the cabin are also well suited for home treatment.

Tips for wearing the face mask are also important for the success of skincare. Advise customers to take off the mask as often as possible and to prefer soft and breathable materials. If the mask has to be worn all day at work, the mouth protection should be replaced several times a day – to allow the replaced mask to dry out. This prevents the excessive spread of bacteria. Reusable masks should be cleaned hygienically every day to avoid smear infections. The easiest way to do this would be to use a steam iron or to boil it in a kettle.

With the right treatment concepts, customers can get through the corona crisis whilst retaining their beautiful skin.

Sarah White is the founder of iluqua and a successful international cosmetics entrepreneur.