Fighting Back Against the Mask-Related Acne

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acne, acne treatment, anti ageing, anti wrinkle, antioxidants, azelaic acid, beauty, blemish, clarifying, clear skin, COVID, cruelty free, dermalogica, Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash, Elemis S.O.S. Emergency Cream, face, face mask, facial, flawless skin, glowing skin, glycolic acid, healing, intensive, lockdown, make up, mask, masks, Murad, Murad Outsmart Blemish Clarifying Treatment, natural skincare, pigmentation, plant extracts, Salicylic Acid, skin, skin goals, skin problems, skincare, skincare routine, skincare treatments

Photo by Pille R. Priske on Unsplash

Whether you’re someone who is still fastidiously wearing masks when out and about or you’ve given up now that restrictions have been relaxed, there are still a lot of people battling the effects that masks had on their skin. Mask-related acne became such an issue during lockdown that it was given its own portmanteau – mas-cne! Some postulated that the spots were caused by re-wearing cloth masks without washing them between uses, while others felt it was simply an effect of your skin being less able to breathe under a mask. Either way, dealing with mas-cne requires a certain set of products – here are five of the best:

Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash

One of the most effective ways to deal with acne is by using a cleanser with targeted ingredients, like this one from Dermalogica. It contains natural extracts of balm mint, eucalyptus and tea tree help eliminate breakout-causing bacteria and congestion as menthol and camphor help cool inflammation. It sloughs away excess oils and dead skin cells which block pores and contribute to acne and helps to prevent future breakouts. 

Murad Outsmart Blemish Clarifying Treatment

This gel serum from Murad contains a Penta-Acid Technology comprised of salicylic, lysophosphatidic, hydroxydecanoic, sebacic and glycolic acids which combine to clear skin of blemish-causing bacteria, oiliness and blackheads while minimising dryness and irritation. It can be applied directly to blemishes and is clinically proven to visibly reduce blemishes within 7 days. 

Elemis S.O.S. Emergency Cream

This intensive, healing moisturiser from Elemis is designed to give sensitised, weathered skin a deep infusion of moisture and contains myrrh essential oil, which has regenerating, anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties, making it invaluable in products which help relieve acne. Added lavender oil helps to enhance healing and can also help to reduce the chance of scarring. 

Medik8 Blemish SOS

This rapid action treatment gel from Murad is designed to be applied directly to blemishes and remains invisible once applied, unlike some spot treatments which leave an unsightly film. It’s enriched with azelaic acid to fight blemish-causing bacteria and dioic acid to help control oil production within the skin and can be used under make up or on its own for fast-acting, spot-busting powers. 

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion

Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion is a multi-purpose product from Jan Marini which contains glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid and is designed to treat not just acne, but also pigmentation, rosacea and fine lines and wrinkles. As well as utilising the three acids which are amazing for the skin, the lotion is packed with antioxidants and natural plant extracts which repair and refine the complexion for softer, smoother, more luminous and hydrated looking skin.

Forget the Hacks – Get Skincare RIGHT!

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avoid, care, caution, contouring, damage, face masks, hacks, homemade, ingredients, mask, masks, microneedling, moisturiser, skin, skincare, slugging, social media, SPF, spoons, sun, sunscreen, tan, tears, TikTok, Vaseline

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

These days, because the internet and social media give anyone who wants one a very public mouthpiece, there’s a lot of false information floating around which claims to be true. This is especially relevant when it comes to skincare and barely a day goes by without a new “hack” hitting TikTok, claiming to be the latest skincare saviour or correct way to do things. There are, however, plenty of people out there putting paid to these myths, and we thought it was time we weighed in too! 

Homemade Face Masks

While there’s no doubt that there are plenty of ingredients in your kitchen which are can be good for your skin, there are also a lot which can be damaging. One such ingredient is sugar, which many claim makes a good exfoliant when added to face scrubs or masks. In fact, using sugar to exfoliate your face can be highly damaging and actually cause micro tears to your face, leaving you open to infection. If you want to exfoliate, opt for a non-physical exfoliation product such as Elemis Superfood Blackcurrant Jelly Exfoliator which will gently yet effectively exfoliate, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

Frozen Spoons

There are lots of tutorials on the web showing people using spoons which have been stored in the fridge or freezer to perform facial massage and lymphatic drainage. While the theory behind is is fairly sound, using a spoon is less than ideal. They’re usually made of a non-optimal material such as metal and they’re not specifically shaped for the contours of the face. Swap your spoon for a Hayo’u Beauty Restorer and we’re positive that your facial massage routine will start to show MUCH better results. 

Slugging

For those of you who don’t know, slugging involves covering your face with a thick layer of Vaseline and leaving it overnight as a way of hydrating the skin. It originated in Korea and made it’s way across the globe thanks to social media, however it’s NOT something we’d recommend. At all. While soaking your skin in something nourishing to encourage moisturisation is fine, using a product like Vaseline (which, let’s not forget, is a petrochemical…) is a really bad idea. Aside from suffocating your skin and blocking your pores, it can actually be more drying and cause your skin to parch completely. If you must slather your face in something, opt for Elemis Superfood Night Cream, which is designed to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin without the risk of damage. 

SPF Contouring

This trend is one that really blew our minds! Certain TikTokkers were advocating for only putting sunscreen on small areas of the face, so that you’d tan more in other areas, to create a physical contouring effect without using make up. Obviously, this is just beyond daft, and potentially a very dangerous thing to do, and we can’t imagine anyone taking this seriously. Properly protecting your skin from the sun using a product like SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defence SPF 50 is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun – and we do mean ALL OVER your face! 

Home Microneedling

While we aren’t suggesting that microneedling is totally out of the question, we have serious reservations about doing such an invasive treatment without proper medical training. Microneedling, for those who aren’t in the know, involves using a device which rolls lots of tiny needles across your face, making minute holes in your skin as it goes. The theory is that it allows the skincare to penetrate more deeply, but in reality, the risk of introducing bacteria, and therefore infection, is really high. Devices which pierce the skin should be sterilised in a medical grade autoclave before each use…not just left in your bathroom cabinet! If you make the sensible choice of leaving your microneedling to a professional, we do recommend using Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask in the days after treatment.

Soothe Your Skin with REN’s Evercalm Range

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active ingredients, almond, antioxidant, balm, beta glucan, blackcurrant seed oil, Borage, burning, central heating, cleanser, cold, complexion, dehydration, dirt, discomfort, elbows, free radical scavengers, gel, glowing, good bacteria, harshness, inflammation, irritate, irritation, jojoba, knees, linseed, lipid, lips, mask, masks, moisture, moisture barrier, moisturiser, nourish, oils, olive, omega-3, omega-7, pollution, potent, pre-biotics, recovery, redness, refreshing, refrigerate, routine, rubbing, seabuckthorn oil, seed oils, sensations, sensitive, sensitivity, serum, skin care, soften, soothe, soothing, strengthen, sunflower, tightness, triglycerides, white mushroom, winter

Photo by Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho on Unsplash 

Anyone with even vaguely sensitive skin will know that there are a certain number of things which are almost guaranteed to cause redness and irritation. Unfortunately January is one of those times of the year where you are surrounded by these Things on an almost daily basis. Simply stepping out into the cold can be enough to cause a reaction, while being inside a centrally heated house can also dry your skin out and irritate your complexion. Fortunately, REN Clean Skincare have created their Evercalm range, which is specifically designed to fight the causes and appearance of irritation and sensitivity. Here are some of our favourites from the range:

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel

Every good skincare routine starts with a cleanser and this one is no exception. Gel products are particularly good for sensitive skin because they are refreshing and soothing to a complexion which is dealing with irritation. This cleansing gel contains pre-biotics which support the good bacteria in your skin and clean your face without stripping away any of the moisture. It removes dirt and pollution effectively without any harshness and the active ingredients help to reveal skin which is glowing in a good way.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream

Using a day cream if you have sensitive skin is pretty much essential. This Global Protection Day Cream from the Evercalm range has been around for two decades and is one of Ren‘s best selling moisturisers. It contains antioxidant and free radical scavengers, as well as soothing seed oils to protect the skin against dehydration and fights against the signs of ageing. It also contains blackcurrant seed oil which is rich in omega-3 and seabuckthorn oil which is rich in omega-7. both of which nourish, soothe and soften the skin.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm

“Night time is the right time” as the old Ray Charles lyrics go and this is especially true for anyone with sensitive skin who wants to use something potent. The Overnight Recovery Balm from the Evercalm range is a rich balm made from olive, almond, borage and linseed oils, which are easily absorbed and will intensely nourish and moisturise your skin. Jojoba and sunflower oils support the skin’s natural lipid balance while beta glucan soothes any signs of irritation from dryness. It can also be used on dry lips and any other rough patches on your body such as on the knees and elbows.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask

Masks are a fantastic product for people with sensitive skin as they are left on the skin for a much longer time allowing for maximum results. This Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask will calm, soothe and moisturise your skin and will instantly relieve the key signs of sensitive skin such as redness and tightness. Extended use will strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, making it more able to cope with stressors in the long run.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Redness Relief Serum

Serums are another hero product for those of us with sensitive skin as they are generally the most potent products within a range. The Redness Relief Serum in the REN Clean Skincare range contains white mushroom, triglycerides and other seed oils and extracts which reduce redness in just 30 minutes. After seven days dryness, itching, discomfort, flakiness, tightness or burning sensations will all be dramatically reduced and the serum works even better at cooling your complexion if you store it in the fridge. It’s recommended that you gently press the formula into your skin rather than rubbing as this will help reduce friction and cut down on the risk of irritation and inflammation.

5 Face Masks to Get Your Skin Through the Rest of Winter

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circulation, complexion, cuticles, decleor, Decleor Neroli Bigarade Oil Mask, deep, delicate, dry hands, dryness, Elemis, Elemis Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask, elemis exotic cream moisturising mask mimosa, Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Hair and Scalp Mask, Elemis Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask, Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks, extract, eye, fruit, gel, hair, heating, hyaluronic acid, intensive, January, kiwi, mask, masks, orange, overnight, plumped, revitalising, revive, say rocket, scalp, sensitive, skin, smoother, smoothing, strawberry, synthesis, wild pansy

Photo by Chris Knight on Unsplash

We all know that January can be a gruelling time for you skin. It’s often the coldest month of the year which means that every time we go outside our is dealing with the elements – then we go back indoors and are faced with central heating, which is a bad combination for our skin. Combine this with shorter days and a tendency to want to hibernate, hardly anyone can ever say that their skin is at its best in January. Masks are a fantastic product for reviving the skin at this time of year and regular usage of a targeted mask can help to ensure that by the time spring comes around and the sun starts to peek through the clouds, your complexion will have a rosy glow that is rarely seen at the end of winter. Here are 5 of our best masks for nourishing the skin, to give you a great start to 2020.

Elemis Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask

This mask from Elemis is made from exotic ingredients and works as a hydrating and soothing treatment. It takes the purest part of the therapeutic plant extracts from mimosa, sea rocket, orange and bergamot leaves, enriching the skin and evening out skin tone. It can be left on overnight as a more intensive treatment and can even be used on dry hands and cuticles if they are suffering the same dryness as your face.

Decleor Neroli Bigarade Oil Mask

This mask from Decleor melts into a fine oil as you massage into the skin, allowing more of the active ingredients to be absorbed into your complexion. It contains extracts of wild pansy which encourages hyaluronic acid synthesis, giving you a plumped, smoother and more youthful complexion in just 10 minutes of use.

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Hair and Scalp Mask

It’s easy to forget about your scalp as it’s hidden beneath your hair, but many, many people suffer with dryness on their scalp as well as their hair, which is why Elemis invented this mask. It’s a 3-in-1 treatment that deep cleanses the scalp and hair, and can be used either in the shower or as an intensive overnight mask to revive the area. It removes build up and restores healthy looking shine while revitalising the scalp and hair

Elemis Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask

If your skin is looking dull and tired, this rejuvenating mask from Elemis contains fruit extracts of strawberry and kiwi in a kaolin clay base, which will revive a sallow complexion. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes, and your skin will look brighter and more radiant. It’s great for using while laying in the bath and Elemis tells us that it’s also great for smokers as it helps to enhance the circulation in your facial complexion.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks

Darkness around the eyes is also a really common thing at this time of year, although many face masks aren’t suitable for use around the eyes. That’s why Elemis developed these eye masks which are formulated to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, giving the delicate area a deep wash of moisture which will get rid of dark circles and tighten the skin. Each individual mask contains potent plankton extract, leaving the skin around the eyes intensity moisturised and instantly hydrated.

Masks aren’t just for Halloween

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acne, acne prone skin, active fizzing formula, Aloe Vera, Antioxidant vitamins, apples, banish dull, beauty bag, beauty routine, blackheads, botanical extracts, brightens skin, Burdock, calming ingredients, calming stressed, Chia Seed Oil, Comfrey, dark circles, dark spots, Decleor Energy Concentrate Youth Mask, decongests, deep hydration, delicate eye area, Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask, Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, dry skin, dull, Elemis Absolute Eye Mas, Elemis Superfood Vital Veggie Mask, excess oil, Eyes, firms, fresh, Gentle exfoliators, grey, Halloween, hydrate the skin, ingredients, irritation, Jan Marini Luminate Face Mask, kaolin clay, light mask, lightening agents, luminous glow, lush, lychee, magic, mask, moisturise, oleic acid, omega 9, Orexcellence range, peony, plumper and firmer, pores, prematurely ageing skin, pumpkins, radiant glow, re-energise, redness, reduce, rhodiola, rich blend, skin, soften, sparkle, super-concentrated, sweets, textured mask, tired eyes, tones, topped up, trick or treat, unisex, wake up, winner, youthful

As pumpkins are carved and scary costumes are being taken out of cupboards, Halloween is very much on the way. While the sweets handed out for kids who trick or treat won’t do much for your skin, or waistline, this is a timely reminder that adding a mask to your beauty routine could be a good move.

If you would like your skin to look plumper and firmer when you wake up in the morning, look no further than the Decleor Energy Concentrate Youth Mask. Part of the Orexcellence range, this textured mask is made from a rich blend of peony, lychee and Rhodiola that together re-energise the skin and leave you with a fresh, luminous glow.

The Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque comes topped up with super-concentrated, antioxidant vitamins that are perfect for calming stressed, prematurely-ageing skin. Things don’t stop there because as the ingredients get to work adding deep hydration, botanical extracts of comfrey and burdock soothe skin so it is left happy and youthful again.

If you want a mask that packs a punch, you need the Jan Marini Luminate Face Mask in your beauty bag. While this brightens skin from the very first use, this mask comes with lightening agents that progressively reduce the appearance of the dark spots and discolouration that can get you down. Gentle exfoliators remove the dull, dry skin that can make complexions look grey and thanks to added calming ingredients, irritation and redness are reduced.

You might think that acne-prone skin doesn’t need a mask, but this isn’t the case. If you to ease blackheads, then the Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask is for you. This unique mask comes with an active fizzing formula that cleans pores and target blackheads. Kaolin clay has been added into the mix and this works to absorb problematic excess oil and purifies the skin, while the magic of apples help to hydrate the skin so it feels lovely and fresh again.

If you want something your partner can use too, the Elemis Superfood Vital Veggie Mask has been created for unisex use and will please all skin types. Regular 10-minute sessions will banish dull, dry skin leaving you will a more radiant glow than ever. Aloe Vera helps to soothe, moisturise and soften skin while avocado adds a boost of lush, natural omega-9 and oleic acid. Bringing up the rear is chia seed oil that nourishes and means you are left with incredibly soft, smooth skin and smile!

If you only want to work on your eyes, fear not, we sell the Elemis Absolute Eye Mask at Pure Beauty and it’s a winner. Perfect for tired eyes that have lost their sparkle, this light mask kicks dullness into touch and as it rehydrates the delicate eye area, it decongests, firms and tones too. This mask also deals with pesky dark circles whilst nourishing and smoothing at the same time. We said it was a winner!

If you would like help finding a mask for you, get in touch and we would love to help.

Team Beauty