Maskne or Maskitis?

Mask Up Without Punishing Your Pores

If you've noticed a sudden flare-up in acne and oily skin conditions, your protective face mask may be the culprit. Covering your face reduces the spread of the virus, but it can deprive your skin of oxygen and lead to a build-up of sweat, make-up, and face oils. The result: Dreaded Maskne!

OR...perhaps you're not breaking out in zits, but you ARE breaking out in a rash around your face mask. Tiny, itchy bumps and red or flaking skin may be a sign of dermatitis (some call it "Maskitis"), and it's no picnic either.

Face masks may around for a while, so here are a few ways you can protect and calm your skin:

1. Wash Reusable/Cloth Face Masks After Each Use
Properly sanitizing your mask is important for its effectiveness, but removing dirt, oil, and debris is also better for your skin. Launder cloth masks in a washing machine, or hand wash with soap and hot (135° F) water. If your skin is sensitive, avoid using detergents with fragrance or chemicals.

2. Wash Your Face at Least Twice Daily
Nothing feels as good as a deep cleanse after a long, hot day of wearing a face mask, but make sure you grab the right cleanser for your condition.

For Oily/Acne Prone skin, use AHA/BHA Exfoliant Cleanser, made with AHA Acids and Jojoba Esters that gently polish and clear out pores. Grapefruit and orange oils invigorate the senses and provide a fresh, natural scent you'll love.

For Irritated, Flaking skin, use Creme de la Creme Hydrant Cleanser twice a day. This hydro-gel formula contains healing aloe, algae extracts and Vitamin E to give your skin a calming cleanse.

3. Don't Forget SPF
You may think you can skip the sunscreen now that you're wearing a face mask outdoors, but not so quick! UVA rays may still penetrate your paper and cloth masks, so make sure you're protected with our full-spectrum Creme de Soleil SPF 30 or Radiant Vital C SPF 30. Formulated especially for faces, these products will help prevent wrinkles, sun spots, and damage from the sun.

When It's "Maskne": Stop Those Zits

When you need to clear up an active oil or acne breakout, we recommend our STOP ZIT KIT. This night-time routine for oily and acne-prone skin offers complete care to gently exfoliate, balance oil, prevent and heal acne breakouts, and moisturize without clogging pores.

Go deep once a week with our Glycolic Sea-Detox Refining Masque. This 20-minute treatment pulls toxins from the skin and helps remove dead cell build-up so your pores can breathe. Glycolic, lactic and ascorbic acids reduce oil and acne and also smooth and firm aging skin. Aloe and Sea Kelp hydrate and prevent irritation.

When it's "Maskitis": Soothe Irritation

If your skin is itching, red, and/or flaking, we recommend avoiding harsh ingredients and anything formulated to treat acne.

Find comfort with a Velvet Cocktail Moisture Ma sque made with healing Aloe, Azulene and Japanese Green Tea:

To reduce irritation and inflammation try 24k Gold Glow Hydrant Comple x. This decadent hydrating complex coats chapped skin in a silky smooth blend of 24k gold and botanical face oils: