Journal

With the ongoing presence of COVID-19 around the world, we’ve all needed to adjust our daily routines. This has also meant incorporating a face mask as a mandatory part of our day-to-day lives, and wearing a mask consistently and continuously can lead to skin irritation and even acne (also known as ‘Mask-ne’ or Mask-Acne).

For some of us, having acne was a part of a distant past, and we may not be well-prepared to handle it this time around Especially, since “Mask-ne” arises from a consistent irritation that we can’t simply solve by removing the cause. If your current skincare routine is not up to this new challenge, no need to worry, JK7® is here to help.

We have compiled some tips and tricks to defeat and prevent face acne caused by masks. For naturally repaired and rejuvenated skin, read on for details.

What is Mask-Acne & What Causes It?

First, it is important to educate yourself on what mask-acne is and the causes of it, to know how to combat it. Mask-acne is a recent term used to describe facial acne amidst COVID-19. Mask-acne has no regard for gender or age, and more often than not, it’s not tied to your ongoing skincare routine.

This kind of acne is thought to be caused by the consistent use of face coverings such as surgical masks. Experts believe that the use of face coverings and the anxious sensitivity to the virus can cause increased moisture and humidity under the masks leading to a favorable environment for bacteria and viruses to grow and thrive. The moisture comes from the build-up of sweat and sebum (face oil) under the mask. To make this worse, the friction of wearing the face covering, and talking at the same time, acts as a catalyst for this sweat and sebum to compromise the skin’s delicate barrier.

So overall, not great news for the health and purity of your skin.

Defeat & Prevention of Mask-Acne

While some of us can not avoid having to wear a mask, we can reduce the negative side-effects by adjusting our skincare routine. JK7® recommends four steps you can take to help defeat and prevent mask-acne.

1. Use Gentler Skincare Products

With the friction caused by the face-covering rubbing against your skin, it’s even more important now to cleanse your face GENTLY so that you don’t cause further irritation. It’s also important not to over wash your face as this can strip your skin of the natural oils and moisture that together create the important barrier. Dermatologists and experts suggest using products free from harsh chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or parabens – ingredients commonly found in many skin care products on the market.

We suggest our Foaming Face Wash made with 100% natural and organic ingredients. This face wash balances your skin’s pH which important when protecting against external influences like bacteria. It’s mixed with Calendula and German Chamomile flowers to hydrate and cleanse. It’s gentle enough to the skin yet ensures you feel clean and fresh afterwards!

2. Try Mild Exfoliation

To avoid the build-up of sebum and dirt that further clogs your pores, you can opt for physical exfoliators such as the JK7® Facial Scrub. It is infused with self-extracted herbs, oils, and bamboo powder to nourish, but most importantly, to cleanse and minimize pores, making it harder for bacteria to infect your skin even with a face covering on! Once or twice a week is sufficient to clear away dead skin cells and debris build-up.

If you’re feeling your skin needs a little extra care, top up your routine with a face mask (no, not the surgical type)! Our bestselling Perfecting & Replenishing Face Mask made with Calendula, Green Tea, and Vitamins A, C, and E will give your face a boost of antioxidants to further protect your clean pores after using the scrub.

3. Use a Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer

Face coverings lead to increased skin sensitivity and can trigger breakouts. So, make sure you use a light moisturizer that doesn’t clog your pores.

Our 24H Cream and Day Face Lotion offer hydration in the form of lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizers. We only use natural plant-based ingredients so that your skin does not get compromised by the harsh chemicals found in many products. What’s more? Both creams contain a multitude of helpful ingredients from shea butter, Hawaiian Kukui oil, Vitamin E, and the JK7® Signature Extracts from Pomegranate and Mangosteen– all these powerful antioxidants and nurturers will repair and protect your skin from environmental triggers!

An extra tip from JK7®

Even though the majority of the time we spend outside requires us to use a face covering, it is important to remember to keep hydrating your body, despite it requiring a little more effort. Drinking sufficient amounts of water and nourishing your body with organic plant-based food helps prevent compromised skin, by allowing us to properly rid ourselves of breakout-causing toxins.