United Arab Emirates,  September 02, 2020:  The new essential accessory in everyone’s wardrobe is undoubtedly a PPE Mask or Face Covering.  Now compulsory while out of the house and on the go, you are likely to be wearing one a lot more in the coming weeks and months. Just as we adjust to the new ways of life during this pandemic, our skin is also adjusting to life behind a mask. 

Whilst necessary for our protection, PPE Masks and face coverings do not come without their own problems. They can spread or cause acne, dubbed Maskne by the press and it’s on the rise. Some fabrics can cause your skin to dry out and if they fit poorly, can cause skin irritation. Looking after your skin is more important than ever and prevention is better than cure. 

Here are some top tips from Skin Republic HQ to tackle “Maskne” and all the problems face coverings can bring. 

Cleansing 
Wearing a close-fitting fabric to your face can spread any bacteria which is already sat on your skin; it is important to keep both your skin and your face covering clean. We recommend changing your face covering daily and washing it in a gentle detergent that will not cause skin irritation. The Purifying Bubble + Charcoal Face Mask (AED 30) is perfect for a deep cleanse – the oxygenating bubbles delve into pores, lifting away bacteria, dirt and impurities. 

Hydrating 
Some fabrics can absorb the natural oils our skin produces leaving skin feeling dry. Added humidity can also leave our skin dehydrated so it’s important to remove or change your face covering when it becomes damp as this is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. After wearing a face covering, invest a little time into your skin with a 15-minute Hydrating Face Sheet Mask such as the Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask (AED 27). Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration hero and will help lock in moisture back into dry skin. 

Maskne
If you have an existing breakout or have broken out since wearing your mask, it is important to tackle this and not let it worsen by recovering your face. Only wear your face covering when needed and let your skin breathe as much as possible. Treat skin with blemish fighting ingredients. The Spots + Blemish Face Mask (AED 24) is packed with Tea Tree, Witch hazel and Salicylic acid. Salicylic Acid’s antimicrobial properties make it extremely effective at treating breakouts. It has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin, which makes it effective for reducing breakouts. 

Protection 
Finally, protection from the virus is key so a correctly fitting medical grade PPE Mask or Face Covering is essential, but you can help protect your skin whilst wearing your face covering. You want to create a barrier between your skin and mask to reduce friction. You can do this by keeping your skin moisturised. The Prime & Refine Face Mask (AED 30) contains antioxidant rich pomegranate which protects the skin and brightens. Its hydro blur technology helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines in just 3 minutes, leaving you the perfect base for make-up or brighter flawless skin if you want to ditch the make-up for the day!