Troubled by Maskne? What is it and how do you get rid of it !?

The big culprit? Mouth caps! we cannot live without it for the time being, and unfortunately that will take a while! It can quickly become very hot under the mouth cap and feel irritated. People can even get (more) pimples. And let's not forget the elastics too! They also unintentionally cause rough, irritated skin.

In this blog we would like to tell you how best to approach this, but also how to prevent it, and be sure to read our useful tips at the bottom! (including a personal super tip from a well-known Dutch dermatologist!).

MASKNE IS NOT THE SAME AS ACNE

Real maskne is not the same as regular acne. Acne comes in different types and forms. Maskne (also called perioral dermatitis) is characterized by a combination of friction, heat and moisture. In particular the exhaled, warm moisture that 'lingers' under the mask. Some people also react to the products with which (surgical) mouth masks are impregnated. Often an irritated, red skin with small bumps is the first sign of maskne: the beginning of a developing inflammation. Constant friction also activates the pigment cells in the skin, so in the worst case you can even have to deal with annoying pigmentation spots after the redness has disappeared.

TREAT MASKNE

Regardless, in all of the above cases it is a form of contact dermatitis: a condition that is best monitored by a doctor or dermatologist. In most cases, this will prescribe a cream based on a low percentage of corticosteroids and other active ingredients to protect your skin barrier. Therefore, only use the cream prescribed by your doctor in the area around the mouth until the problem is resolved, plus a very mild cleanser! The Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser is ideal for this! This is an extremely gentle cleanser that automatically restores the pH value of your skin after washing!

It is best to protect the healed skin with a mild day cream with SPF that helps against any pigmentation spots as a result of skin irritation or wounds. We try to avoid irritation as much as possible and to protect the skin barrier as well as possible. The velvety-soft Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturizer from Alpha-H is the perfect 'all-in-one' day cream that immediately offers you sufficient protection.

Do wait with more intensive products and rather use a suitable mask such as the Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask from Alpha-H two times a week . 

 For the rest of your face and neck, your regular care routine can be maintained during the prescribed treatment.

ACNE

Besides maskne, there is of course the 'regular' acne outbreak. In this case, opt for products with salicylic acid such as the Clear Skin Tonic from Alpha-H : an exfoliating, soothing and anti-inflammatory lotion with 2% salicylic acid. This lotion cleans deep into the pores, removes accumulated dirt and sebum, soothes, reduces redness and helps to rebalance sebum production. Salicylic acid also has the same chemical structure as aspirin; this also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Most 'masks', however, are more likely to be irritation than a real acne outbreak: so make sure you take a good look at the actual cause. When it comes to regular acne, which is also made worse by wearing a face mask, the Alpha-H Clear Skin products are your best option. Make sure you buy the most breathable type of masks and replace or wash them daily.

If it concerns 'real' maskne (or perioral dermatitis), then really switch to the Balancing Cleanser and a day cream with SPF and do not be tempted to use products for acne skin , these are really too intense for you and simply not suited to your underlying skin condition.

We also promised you useful MASKNE tips, here they come!

1. EXTRA WELL CLEANING
You can clean your skin extra during the day if you have to wear a mouth mask all day long. But don't overdo it, you don't want to irritate the skin even more. In any case, make sure that you cleanse your skin well in the evening with a very mild cleanser. Use a foam-free (sulfate-free) cleaner; it does not affect the pH value of your skin and does not damage your skin barrier. The Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser is ideal: it contains a blend of ingredients that are specifically designed to soften, soothe and repair the skin. This cleanser is therefore suitable for every skin, especially sensitive.

2. PROTECT, PREVENT AND NURSE YOUR SKIN
Support and nourish the acidity of your skin, so that the skin can retain moisture better and protect itself optimally against pathogenic bacteria. Is your skin very irritated? Then use the Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream , a nice day / night cream for sensitive, broken and red skin. The Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum helps to recover faster skin that is slightly irritated or broken by the rubbing cap or rubber bands. It moisturizes (this supports your skin barrier), soothes and reduces redness and inflammation. You can use this serum in the morning and / or in the evening under your day or night cream as extra nutrition and protection, and thus prevent any development towards a real maskne.

3. DO NOT WEAR HEAVY MAKE-UP UNDER THE MOUTH CAP
Light covering makeup shouldn't be too much of a problem, but covering the skin too much increases the risk of clogged pores and inflammation. In addition, all that make-up / foundation ends up on your face mask. And covering your skin for a long time with a piece of fabric full of oil, dirt and bacteria is not a good idea.

4. MAKE SURE OF (SUFFICIENT) CLEAN Mouth Muffs
Make sure you have clean mouth caps with you everywhere and always (in the car, in your handbag, etc.) and change them every few hours. Are you using a fabric copy? Wash them daily at 60 degrees. Keep the clean and used copies separately. And don't just stuff them loose in your pocket or handbag, but keep them in a clean bag, for example. This not only prevents the spread of viruses, but also bacteria on your skin.

5. THE TIP FROM DR. PIMPLE POPPER!
Dr Pimple Popper's real name is Sandra Lee. She can be seen on TV channel TLC where she helps people from all kinds of pimples, pustules and other subcutaneous bumps. This dermatologist shared this tip for preventing maskne on her TikTok account: spray or dab a lotion with salicylic acid on the inside of your mask and then dry or blow dry. The Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic (2% salicylic acid) from Alpha-H is ideal for this!

Pay attention! do not do this with medical mouth masks because they are less effective if they have been wet!