AS WE all get used to the ‘new norm’ of wearing face masks in order to do our part in slowing the spread of Covid 19, many of us are experiencing less than desirable side effects when it comes to our skin.
Friction rashes, aggravated acnes and dried skin are just some of the host of skin issues going on beneath our face masks.
So, what is the best skincare routine when wearing a mask? Who better to ask than Jennifer Rock, one of Ireland’s most prominent skincare experts. The Dubliner launched The Skin Nerd online skin consultancy in 2017, which now boasts over 15,000 members from all over the world.
“When people are wearing their masks for a long period of time it seems to be having two impacts; either 'mask-ne' on those with congested skin, or irritation on those with more dry prone skin,” says Jennifer.
As the name might suggest, 'mask-ne', is a type of breakout that results from wearing a face mask due to friction, pressure, stretching or rubbing. And the solution?
“The main ingredient we would recommend for those with spot-prone skin is salicylic acid which is antibacterial. If you’re finding that you seem to be getting spots from wearing a mask, then it might be a good idea to introduce it into your routine regularly.
“I'm also encouraging people to exfoliate less until they get used to wearing material around their face. We will get used to it. Come January or February or skin will be more resilient to it and we can return to a normal skincare practice,” adds the 35-year-old.
Practicing good hygiene and washing reusable masks regularly, to avoid putting fabric which has accumulated bacteria back against your face is also key to minimising spots.
The Skin Nerd’s mission is a holistic approach to skincare and for those with dry skin Jennifer’s advice is to make sure you are "looking after yourself from the inside out” rather than “reaching for a magic serum or cream”.
“The impulse might be to coat your skin in products with gorgeous textures in order to soothe skin, but keeping your skincare light under the mask is very important.”
When it does come to products, Jennifer recommends choosing a hydrating cleanser and serum to assist in keeping as much moisture in the skin as possible and focusing on products containing hyaluronic acid.
“And if your skin is particularly sensitive to rubbing, a barrier cream containing silicon and nourishing oils like evening primrose can help,” she adds.
And should those with dry skin be reapplying moisturiser during the day? “No. But the humidity behind a mask is quite intense at times, so I’m a big fan of people using spritzers.”
For anyone who finds themselves wearing a mask for an extended period of time, Jennifer encourages people to consider skipping wearing make-up. But if that’s not an option, she does have an alternative solution.
“Mineral make-up is a kinder make-up to apply under a mask. The humidity will not be as affected by it and not cause blackheads or irritation to the skin.”
She traces her own interest in skincare back to being treated to her first professional facial for her 13th birthday.
“I was fascinated by the process and it sparked my love of skincare,” says Jennifer, who went on to train as a beauty therapist before becoming a skin lecturer, working for global brands.
She won The Pitch 2018, a business competition aimed at change-makers in Ireland, and has gone on to launch Cleanse Off Mitt and the Skingredients skincare range.
Following on from her debut book Your Straight-Talking Guide To Feeding, Respecting and Protecting Your Skin, Jennifer has now written The Skin Nerd Philosophy, which she describes as “a reference guide to skincare”. ??In her “skinquel” Jennifer’s goal is to “go below and beyond the skin itself” to the principles that guide how we protect, maintain and nourish our skin. Within it she has also sought advice from a range of experts including a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, GP, psychologist, dietitian and fitness coach. ??“The skin is an organ, therefore it must be also treated, nourished and maintained internally,” says Jennifer, who in her new book also explores the link between skin and mental health, known as psychodermatology.
“People are becoming more aware that often congestion, spots and eczema aren't caused by a lack of skincare, but by internal factors such as stress," she says.
“When we look in the mirror our skin is almost like a barometer of how we may feel in ourselves. That has a huge impact on our lives, from deciding whether we will go on a date or go for a job interview or not.”
The Skin Nerd Philosophy delves deeper into the world of skincare, giving a run-down on specific ingredients, myths and misconceptions – information Jennifer believes consumers now want in order to make informed decisions.
“Through remote working and Zoom conference calls, we are looking at ourselves arguably more than before, and people are definitely looking at skin care differently.
Despite continuous advances in skincare technology, one age-old question that never changes is ‘Can you pop a spot’?
While Jennifer refuses to answer yes, she does advise that if you do decide to squeeze a spot only do so when there is “an obvious, white, infected head”, otherwise it can lead to scabbing, inflammation and infection.
“After washing your hands, wrap a tissue around fingertips. Using the padded tissue, stretch out from spot, downward pressure and wiggle, stopping before there's any blood. Do not place fingers down and at the spot. A sideways angle and a rock 'n' roll motion is better.
“Place antibacterial solution on the spot once you have popped it because it is now an opening in the skin and is a type of wound,” adds Jennifer, who is also passionate that we protect our skin by wearing SPF all year round.
“Particularly on the island we live on, people think that unless it is sunny they don't need to protect their skin. This is not true. Even if the heavens are chucking it down outside, you still have to wear SPF. Think of SPF like your knickers – a must wear.
“There is synthetic light as well as natural light that we need to be aware off. Even light emitted from our screens has the ability to impact upon our skin's health.
And while many mositurers now have SPF contained within them, Jennifer recommends a stand-alone SPF cream.
“A separate SPF is fully focused and dedicated as a shield and defence mechanism for your skin,” she concludes.
:: The Skin Nerd Philosophy: Your Expert Guide to Skin Health is published by Hatchette Ireland and available now.
