How To Prevent And Heal Maskne

While the COVID-19 pandemic may be over, masking isn’t. Health care professionals and those with compromised immune systems still require masks for personal protection. And wearing a face mask for extended periods of time is not kind to our skin.

MASKNE has become a common skin concern that is triggered by wearing a face mask for extended periods of time causing acne, breakouts, congestion, rosacea, irritations, peri-oral and seborrheic dermatitis.

CAUSES OF MASKNE:

1. Bacteria: Wearing a mask causes bacteria, nasal mucus and saliva to accumulate in the mask which can cause acne and breakouts as well as exacerbate rosacea flareups, redness and flushing. Although rosacea can look similar to acne, it's an inflammatory condition triggered by heat where skin becomes red and forms pustules, much like acne.

2. Synthetic Fabric: Face masks made with synthetic fabrics don't allow the skin to breathe resulting in maskne.

3. Friction: Face masks cause friction and chaffing which can trap and retain heat, sweat and bacteria. If you are a health care worker, you will be familiar with the abrasion, bruising and rashes caused by tight fitting masks.

4. Stress: Increased stress causes an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone which causes hormonal imbalances and exacerbates acne.

WAYS TO ADDRESS MASKNE:

1. Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that heals, hydrates and evens out post-breakout pigmentation without drying out the skin.

Eminence Stone Crop Gel Wash heals, hydrates and evens out post breakout pigmentation without drying out the skin.
LAUREL Deep Clarity Oil Cleanser is an oil cleanser unlike foaming or harsh, synthetic cleansers that disrupt the skin’s barrier. It relies on botanical ingredients to nourish the skin while simultaneously fighting pathogens and neutralizing harmful microorganisms. Designed to be used as a treatment (1–3 times per week) to purge congested skin and reduce acne-related inflammation.

2. Incorporate a Toner that helps to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Laurel's Hydrating Elixir II Support + Recover calms sensitive, reactive and acne skin. It also supports and and balances the skin's microbiome.

3. A serum is a powerhouse that supports and strengthens skin.

The Laurel Unburden Serum supports the skin and reduces inflammation which is the root cause of acne, sensitivity, rosacea.
Laurel Balance Serum is ideal for oilier, blemished skin — it balances excess oil production, decongest blocked pores and dissolves impurities.

4. Use a moisturizer that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that will act as a barrier against the mask while healing and repairing the skin. Avoid Vaseline or other occlusive products that could block the pores and worsen the acne.

Laurel’s Recovery Balm helps to soothe irritation and inflammation. It heals cystic acne, eczema, contact dermatitis and sensitive, allergy-prone skin.
Josh Rosebrook’s Vital Balm contains blue tansy which kills acne-causing bacteria, soothes irritated skin and supports skin health.

5. Incorporating a masque will elevate your skin care regime to heal and hydrate skin.

Eminence's Eight Greens Phyto Masque calms and balances hormonal skin breakouts.
Eminence Calm Skin Arnica Masque contains arnica which decreases redness and calms inflammation in sensitive skin.
Activist Manuka Honey 850 MGO is a rare, medicinal grade raw honey with high antibacterial content that heals blemishes and nourish the skin.

6. Avoid harsh acne products which are drying to the skin and can further irritate skin.

Eminence's Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster Serum is a spot treatment that heals blemishes and calms skin without drying or irritating it.

7. Wear face masks made with natural, breathable materials like cotton, bamboo or hemp to keep skin cooler.

8. Replace your mask throughout the day and wash it in a gentle, non-fragranced detergent so as not to further irritate the skin.

Eminence Kombucha Microbiome Line

The Eminence Kombucha Microbiome skin care line is designed to support maskne by focusing on repairing the skin barrier, balancing the microbiome, and reducing inflammation — all key factors in treating breakouts caused by face coverings.

Rebalancing the Skin Microbiome

Masks create a warm, humid environment that promotes harmful bacteria. The Kombucha Microbiome line addresses this through:

Probiotics, Prebiotics & Postbiotics: The line contains ingredients that feed the “good” bacteria on the skin. By promoting a healthy, balanced microbiome, it prevents acne-causing bacteria from taking over and causing breakouts.
Kombucha: As the hero ingredient, fermented black tea (kombucha) provides natural probiotics that soothe irritation and strengthen the skin’s defence against pathogens.

Kombucha Microbiome Products:

Eminence Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser is a gentle, microbiome-friendly cleanser that removes impurities without disrupting the skin barrier.
Eminence Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence is a balancing essence that preps and conditions the skin while supporting a healthy microbiome.
Eminence Kombucha Microbiome Luminosity Serum is a brightening serum that helps even skin tone while delivering probiotic support to restore balance.
Eminence Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is a leave-on masque that works overnight to calm inflammation, strengthen the barrier, and restore microbiome health.

Restore Your Skin with a Holistic Facial

If your skin is feeling ravaged by the season, stress, or you simply need to calm and recharge — book a holistic facial. Our expert estheticians will help restore balance, calm inflammation and bring your skin back to its natural healthy glow.