MASKNE

Wearing a face mask is a vital necessity nowadays and is mandatory in many settings for everyone. If you are working from home and use a mask intermittently for a quick visit to the shop lucky you, but for so many people this is an all-day unwelcome occlusion on an oily facial zone, and it is creating havoc for many skins.

Patients are seeing an increase in daily breakouts, clogged pores, blemishes, inflammation, sensitivity and irritation due to prolonged use of masks with varying degrees of mask-acne (maskne) and irritation.

As we breath in and out we are creating a moist, warm environment with no air circulating. So what is happening underneath the warm moist environment of the mask and let us take a look at how ZO Skin Health can help.

In healthy skin the oil gland is tiny and produces normal amounts of oil that travels up the hair follicle and migrates onto the skin where we wash it away. Excess trapped surface oil exacerbates chronic inflammation inducing an immunogenic response. Oil clogs pores, leading to acne, and it prevents even penetration of topical ingredients and it reduces the efficacy of topical agents.

We have several layers in the epidermis and on top of that layer sits our makeup, oil, left-over sunscreen, pollution, debris, all of these even before products can get into the skin so cleansing is a crucial step in the success of all ZO protocols

Cleansing Tips:

• Cleanse morning and night—do not go to bed with the day on your face!

• Wash your mask after each use to stop build up of oil and dirt especially if you are wearing make-up, or, better still use a disposable mask.

• Make sure the mask material is breathable and fits you properly, too loose or tight will create rubbing causing extra friction on some contact points. Be careful not to shrink the mask in the dryer!

• Avoid piling on make-up if possible, as it will only aid blocking of the pores especially if you are wearing a mask all day.

• Avoid picking or squeezing to reduce risk of scarring and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation,

• Above all encourage your patients to allow ZO Skin Health products to do their work.

ZO Objectives:

ZO objectives are to restore skin health while correcting all the contributing factors responsible for causing acne at the same time. The initial consultation is especially important; it should provide the patient with an idea of treatment options that are available and set the stage for the formulation of a long and short term treatment strategy. During the consultation determine the acne type, it is really important to know what you are looking at and if you are unsure refer on. Based on this, the protocol will be determined. We need to make sure that we give patients some tools to cope and treatment objectives will depend on what your patients tell you and also what you see on consultation.

It is important to increase the exfoliation process, because that steamy humid environment underneath the mask is slowing down exfoliation—and a healthy cell turnover is the foundation of ZO Skin Health restoration programmes because, without epidermal exfoliation and subsequent replacement with fresh active cells, skin health is compromised. It is all about controlling the oil to decrease the inflammatory process.

If hyperpigmentation from spots and friction is an issue you may need to introduce pigment control. By keeping the pores open and allowing oxygen into the follicle, it will deter p.acnes bacterium from proliferating. You may also need to consider increasing stimulation with a retinoid at a deeper level to further decrease oil production and reduce risk of scarring especially in more severe types of acne.

ZO Skin Health have a comprehensive line of products that are customisable. You may need to tweak the patient protocol by adjusting the strength based on their symptoms. For existing patients and for patients new to ZO Skin Health, choose the appropriate protocol for their needs.

Acne is preventable if we address it in the early stages with a good skin care plan. Getting Skin Ready  (GSR) prevents acne while at the same time improving overall skin health. Dr Obagi says this is the most important step: cleanse to remove excess oil, exfoliate to remove dead cells and tone to control oil, restore PH and enhance product penetration.

GSR

Let us start at the top and take a look at Getting Skin Ready for Maskne. Exfoliating cleanser may be your most popular cleanser, but in maskne cases you might find that you are reaching more for ZO Gentle Cleanser or Hydrating Cleanser as patients who are wearing masks all day for work can no longer tolerate the salicylic and glycolic acid. Same with the exfoliators, advise the patient to decrease or increase use depending on their symptoms and the same with toner. ZO Oil Control Pads with 2% salicylic acid might be too strong so reduce down to complexion renewal or calming toner. GSR is really important and this step alone is clinically proven to work! Simple corrections on GSR may just set them right. Now let look at products that compliment GSR and target specific skin issues.

Benzoyl Peroxide

ZO Benzoyl Peroxide 10% normalises surface oil, neutralises bacteria and acts as an anti-microbial, reducing the amount of acne causing bacteria. Apply product sparingly to one or two small areas during the first three days, if no adverse skin sensitivity is experienced then all is well.

Sulphur Mask

Complexion Clearing Mask Sulphur and Glycolic 10% is a natural clay based formula for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne. It can be used full face or to spot treat areas. 

Benzoyl Peroxide 10% and Complexion Clearing Mask Sulphur are a great combination treatment for maskne.

Enzymatic peel and Exfoliation Accelerator

Both the Enzymatic Peel and Exfoliation Accelerator will help to ramp up and boost that exfoliation process that is so badly needed when wearing a mask. They also both also enhance results when used in combination with other products.

Rozatrol

One of the biggest triggers for rosacea is extremes of hot and cold, it is hot behind that mask! Do not just think of Rozatrol only as a product for rosacea, as some of your patients with sensitivity issues and irritated areas from the heat of the mask and friction will benefit from using it. Rozatrol will help to strengthen the skin and minimise inflammation. It is great for patients whose skin is not very oily and the product will not dry out the skin too much.

Wrinkle and Texture

If the acne is moderate to severe and the oils are not responding sufficiently you may need to ramp up the protocol and reach for a retinoid like Wrinkle and Texture Repair at night and or ZO Refissa 0.5%. If irritation is present from mask wearing be cautious and ensure the skin has an intact barrier function.

Hydrating Cream

Hydrating Cream would be an excellent choice for alleviating irritation on friction points that need time to heal. This product is light weight, non-retinol and helps to normalise skin barrier function.

Daily Power Defense

Everyone needs barrier repair, especially the maskne patient, Daily Power Defense is a wonderful product that replenishes lipids and helps to restore barrier function.

Sunblock

Do not forget sunblock to maintain an even toned complexion. All ZO sunscreens have anti-inflammatories, anti-oxidants and added hydrators. Choose physical sunblock Broad Spectrum spf 50, Sunscreen & Primer, or Sunscreen & Powder for sensitised skin.

In conclusion, learn to adapt the ZO Skin Health protocols and products for those patients presenting with maskne skin issues to help prevent, treat and maintain healthy skin underneath the protection of that all-important mask.

Geraldine Kelly is a Registered General Nurse and Area Sales Manager for Wigmore Medical in Ireland and Northern Ireland. ZO Skin Health is available at Wigmore Medical, call Customer Services on 020 7491 0150 for more information.