Worn all day and every day at your workplace, during your shopping, in the street, and we finally hope, soon in cultural places that may reopen, wearing a mask has consequences on your skin: this one breathes less well, imperfections and irritations can appear. Discover our advice and our beauty routine to naturally limit their appearance and regenerate your skin!
The effects of prolonged mask wear on your skin
Not really part of our culture just over a year ago, masks have become mandatory in public places, at work, and are widely recommended when seeing loved ones. And many of you are noticing the effects of prolonged mask-wearing on your skin and discovering new skin problems.
This phenomenon, which appeared as soon as lockdown ended last summer, even has a name: maskne ! Wearing a mask leads to more frequent and more pronounced blemishes due to the heat and humidity that build up inside the mask. The skin breathes less (especially in hot weather!) and this is exacerbated by the friction of the mask against the face , which can also cause minor irritations.
Acne linked to wearing a mask is fairly easy to identify: microcysts or small white bumps are present mainly under exposed areas: chin, side of the nose or middle of the cheeks.
Worn every day, the mask can create real skin problems , more or less serious: increased sebum production, imbalance of skin pH, seborrheic dermatitis or even rosacea can be among the most frequently encountered skin problems.
Good to know: if you smoke, the reflux of tobacco, trapped in your mask, does even more damage to the skin.
READ ALSO: Adapting your routine to prevent blemishes
How to limit the appearance of pimples and irritations?
Choose your mask carefully
Whether surgical or fabric, the composition of your mask directly influences the appearance of imperfections. In addition to generating a significant amount of waste , surgical masks seem to cause more irritation than fabric masks due to their polypropylene material.
A true alternative to the most widespread masks, HO KARAN has partnered with the French brand Patte de Loup , specializing in the design of hemp textiles.
Our barrier masks, available in several colors, all comply with AFNOR specifications and are made of cotton and hemp to combine comfort and protection. Hypoallergenic, they are also antibacterial and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Like all fabric masks, they are washable at 60°C and reusable.
After wearing your mask, it's also important to clean it thoroughly to eliminate any bacteria inside, for example, with our new morning and evening cleaning routine. Between uses, you can also spray a little rubbing alcohol on it before putting it back on.
Go for light makeup
Wearing a mask prevents your skin from breathing properly, which is why it's also essential to review your makeup habits, especially when it comes to your complexion.
Swap your traditional foundation for an ultra-light and mattifying mineral powder, which will allow your skin to breathe and limit inflammation.
Also take care of your lips: while applying a moisturizing and protective balm daily is recommended, it is even more important when wearing a mask, which dehydrates them even more.
ALSO READ: The Benefits of CBD on the Skin
Adopt our 2 barrier mask face routines to fight against irritation and pimples!
Wearing a mask disrupts your beauty and makeup habits, hence the need to opt for a suitable skincare routine.
When you return from vacation, the skin is already prone to the appearance of imperfections. Wearing a mask accentuates this phenomenon even more!
To help you take care of your skin, we have launched two skincare routines specifically designed to prevent blemishes and limit irritation :
1. Boost your skin and limit blemishes with Cannabooster Detox
HO KARAN's best-selling Cannabooster Detox serum is applied to the face with one to two drops, mixed with your usual moisturizer.
A true shield, it protects the skin from the effects of pollution and oxidative stress. This detoxifying treatment contains terpenes naturally present in cannabis, which deeply purify the skin. Combined with an astringent complex of zinc and eucalyptus leaves, Cannabooster Reboot effectively combats the appearance of blemishes and clogged pores while hydrating sensitive and dehydrated skin.
2. Protect yourself and others with our barrier masks
Made from hemp fabric, our two kits contain two barrier masks in grey and green so you always have a mask available. Remember that masks should not be worn for more than 4 hours at a time per day!
3. Cleanse your skin well before and after wearing the mask
This is the essential step in a healthy skincare routine, and probably the favorite of Laure, founder of Ho Karan. Made with hemp, our cleansing duo deeply cleanses the skin without stripping it, and is designed for daily use, morning and night, regardless of your skin type!
4. Regenerate your skin and calm irritations with L'Antidote
For an anti-irritation skincare routine, apply a few drops of our favorite L' Antidote, featured in our new skincare routine: a true soothing and regenerating elixir, it contains CBD-enriched hemp oil combined with vegan pro-collagen to reduce skin inflammation and repair the skin barrier.
More than just an exceptional cosmetic treatment, Antidote can also be taken as a dietary supplement to help reduce stress. This is very useful for mitigating the effects of the approaching seasonal change and the stress of returning to work in this unique health context!