Keep the delicate skin on your face in tip top shape as life behind the mask becomes the new normal

Just as we are all adjusting to new ways of life during a global pandemic, our skin is also adjusting to life behind a mask. Everyone’s essential accessory is a mask or face covering and while they are necessary for our protection, they 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 irritations. Looking after your skin is more important than ever and prevention is better than cure. Here are some top tips from specialists Skin Republic and KJ Serums – both experts in skincare

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. 

TRY: The Purifying Bubble + Charcoal Face Mask (Dhs30) 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. 

TRY: After wearing a face covering, invest a little tiwme into your skin with a 15-minute Hydrating Face Sheet Mask such as the Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask (Dhs27). 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. 

TRY: The Spots + Blemish Face Mask (Dhs24) 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. 

TRY: The Prime & Refine Face Mask (Dhs30) 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!

Go natural

Homegrown skincare brand KJ Serums fills the gap in the UAE market by providing freshly made and hand-blended serums. Developed by Kathryn Jones, an ex-biopharmaceutical scientist, the small but mighty range of serums has brought exceptional results to those who have tried and loved their products. The brand’s mission is to hand pick the best active ingredients for their range, which means the serums are not overloaded formulas with unnecessary preservatives or additives. The serums are also vegan friendly and free from parabens, PEGS, phthalates, sulphates, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances and formaldehyde. These values keep KJ Serums unique, as the only skincare brand in the region offering a subscription service of hand blended and fresh serums each month, ensuring powerful results.

Vitamin C

The natural potency of the L-ascorbic acid, form of Vitamin C, that is used in the Triology range has extremely powerful and positive anti-ageing benefits and offers a great source of hydration, protects from sun damage, increases collagen production and promotes healing of the skin. Paired with the antioxidant power of Vitamin E and Ferulic acid, the KJ Serums Triology Day & Night Duo help the skin appear brighter, fresher and glowing, and with prolonged use, can provide many of the long-term benefits mentioned.

Night

Triology Night Serum has the added nourishing benefits of sweet almond and castor oils to hydrate your skin overnight. KJ Serums allow their consumers the option of personalizing the potency of their Triology serums before ordering, allowing those who have more sensitive skin, or those who are not used to the effects of such powerful actives to become acclimatized to the fresh vitamin C. Those who are more familiar with active ingredients and have used L-ascorbic acid before can try the higher potency option for best results.

Day

In the daytime, the Triology Day Serum can be complemented with HA-ppy Face Serum from the full range for optimal results. Both products work together to reduce pigmentation and confer anti-ageing benefits, hydration and a brightening effect, giving a beautiful healthy glow to the skin.

The Triology Day and Night Serums are available to UAE customers on www.kjserums.com @KJSerums

All Skin Republic masks are dermatologist tested and are not tested on animals. They are all available at Lifestyle stores, Community Pharmacy, Boots Pharmacy and online at www.mumzworld.com @Skinrepublic