With face masks now being an essential part of everyday life, this will sadly begin to take its toll on your skin, if it hasn’t already.
Age, gender, lifestyle and periods aside, I am sure many of you have already had a build up of acne appearing on your face. This is is down to a build up of dirt, pollution, sweat and lack on fresh air on your skin. When your skin is exposed to hot/steamy conditions, in this case, heat and sweat from under the mask, you pores will open, allowing make-up, dirt, pollution etc to move into your pores and sit under the skin.
But do not fear, I have managed to keep my skin clear following the steps below and with thanks to the products mentioned below.
I have tried, tested and reviewed a number of products below, that if used regularly, daily in some cases, will help to reduce the build-up of breakouts and acne forming under your mask.
Step 1.
Cleansing
My biggest piece of advice is always shampoo your hair twice, well the same applies when cleansing. It is extremely important to make sure that you are double cleansing every day.
By using an oil-based cleanser, you first remove make-up, sebum and pollution from the skin; allowing your second cleanse to work more effectively and physically CLEAN the skin.
I personally use Dermalogica’s Precleanse Balm. I prefer the balm as I love the texture and how it absorbs into the skin, before turning into an oil based product that literally melts away your make-up. However their Precleanse Oil is one of their best sellers and both are fantastic products.
Step 2.
Exfoliators
Exfoliators are the best way to minimise breakouts. They deeply cleanse under the skin, physically removing any dirt and pollution, that would otherwise just sit on your skin and irritate. Here are some of my favourites, that are dermatologist recommended, vegan and totally cruelty-free.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant is quite possibly one of the best products that I have ever used. It is a gentle exfoliator, which means you can actually use this every single day, and I really do.
This product lasts for at least 6 months, even when using daily and I could not recommend this brand or product enough.
The Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based powder which activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to polish skin to perfection.
This dermatologist approved powder is amazing to add a natural glow back to your skin, as well as gently removing dirt, reducing fine lines and even removing acne scarring.
Step 3.
Applying
Being sure to have fully cleansed your face (twice) first, add a 10p sized amount to the palm of your hand. Add a generous amount of water and rub together to create a foamy residue. Apply this all over the face, avoiding the eye area. Again, massaging this product gently into the skin, with extra time spent on areas of congestion.
Step 4.
Face Masques
Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant
This is a brand new product that launched in August 2020. I was very VERY lucky to be one of the first people to try it and I am hooked. This is a slightly heavier exfoliator to the Microfoliant mentioned above, so it is recommended to use only once to twice per week.
The hydro masque exfoliant is a hydrating and exfoliating five-minute masque that smoothes and renews for luminous, healthy-looking skin. As you massage this product into your skin, you can actually feel the bamboo spheres burst and dissolve into your face. I am addicted, bursting the spheres is super satisfying.
Bamboo helps to give a gentle exfoliation whilst Snow Mushroom holds 450x its weight in water infusing the skin with hydration. Sugar Beets help to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and Cucumber Extract provides a soothing experience; Exactly what we need in todays polluted air.
Step 5.
Skin Tools
The use of facial skin tools will help to ensure that your products are absorbed deep into the skin, leaving no residue behind, as well as minimising the amount you touch your face.
The use of skin tools is a beauty ritual that will now, and forever, be a part of my daily routine and here are some brands that I highly recommend.
Oliver Bonas Rose Quartz Roller
One of the best purchases I have ever made. I love it that much, that I ended up buying the Oliver Bonas Rose Quartz Roller for my mum, my best friend, his boyfriend and my nan.
I use this roller daily, especially around my chin area, this is where I suffer with breakouts the most.
Rolling upwards only, I use this tool to ensure all skin products are massaged and layered onto the skin without touching my face. Layering your products will help to build protection barriers on the skin.
Flexi Skin Rose Quartz Gua Sha
This facial massaging tool helps to rejuvenate and firm. Encouraging blood flow to the area, this will help to release toxins and renew skin cells.
I use the Flexi Skin Rose Quartz Gua Sha, as well as the Jade Gua Sha regularly. The Flexi Skin Rose Quartz Gua Sha was gifted to me but the Jade Gua Sha I purchased myself from Oliver Bonas.
These facial tools help to sculpt and firm the skin on my face, deeply massaging excess products and helping to eliminate any puffiness and tired looking skin.
The Flexi Skin Sculptor is an incredible massaging tool and really helps to relieve stress in my jawline. Apply a generous amount of your favourite facial oil or serum to the skin and sculpt upwards for defined and toned facial muscles.
Step 6.
No Make-Up
Now trust me, I know how hard this is, but where possible please try not to wear make-up under your face masks. Make-up will clog your pores and cause for more break-outs. Keep your skin light, hydrated and free from dirt.
And if make-up is an absolute must, please just ensure you are following the steps above to remove all excess before you head to bed!
Penny x