How to take care of your skin under your mask

Keep Your Skin Healthy with These Expert Tips

Many Gina’s clients are adjusting to wearing a mask daily as a result of COVID-19. For some, this poses new skin care challenges such as irritation and a condition termed 'maskne'—or acne from wearing a mask. Mask related skin irritation is often the result of sensitivity to the mask’s material, friction, heat, and trapped humidity between the skin and mask from breath, skin oils, and sweat.

Gina's Skin Therapists have created a list of steps you can follow to keep your skin healthy while you protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.

Choose the Right Mask

The friction of your mask may be causing micro-tears in the skin which will make your pores prone to infection. If you're noticing irritation or breakouts under your mask—try choosing a mask made of a natural (high thread count) material such as cotton to prevent irritation. Change your mask several times throughout the day and wash it between each use to minimize spreading bacteria. Use an unscented detergent and rinse it thoroughly after each wash.

Cleanse Skin Twice a Day

Cleanse skin each morning and night. If you are experiencing breakouts under your mask Gina’s Skin Therapists recommend you cleanse your skin with the Diego Dalla Palma Deep Cleansing Gel before and after each wear (especially after!) This gentle cleanser contains active ingredients Salicylic Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid. These chemical exfoliators penetrate follicles, cleaning away dead cells and bacteria. The ingredient Probiotic Lactobacillus in this cleanser rebalances healthy bacteria on the skin’s surface. Soap, alcohol, and oil-free for a gentle, non-irritating cleanse.

Use an Antibacterial Serum

Use an Antibacterial Serum and combat lingering dark marks after breakouts—Diego Dalla Palma’s Intensive Clearing Concentrate is a must-have for clients experiencing breakouts as a result of wearing a mask. This multifunctional product is a favourite for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bakuchiol ACN, one of many Active Ingredients in the product, has been affectionately named Nature’s Retinol by the internet. Not only does it produce Collagen, fight wrinkles, and prevent acne—it also heals the dark or red spots that can remain while your skin heals from acne. Long-loved by smokers and those looking to reduce sebaceous secretions--now mask wearers can love it too!

Make Your Own Face Wipes

Make your own on-the-go skin disinfecting wipes—Many store brand makeup wipes will dry and irritate your skin—ultimately causing abrasions that will lead to breakouts. However, when wearing a mask, bacteria from makeup, sweat, oils, or food residue can cause breakouts or skin dryness. Our Skin Therapists recommend adding Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin to gauze or cotton pads and keeping them on-hand throughout the day. Micellar Cleansing Water is a hydrating water-based cleanser, makeup remover, and toner. It does not need to be rinsed off and hydrates without leaving a greasy residue. Perfect for removing makeup, dirt, and bacteria while giving your skin a midday boost!

Choose the Right Foundation

Choosing a healthy foundation is an essential part of limiting bacteria and breakouts under the mask. RVB Lab’s foundations will act as another layer of protection for your skin against bacteria and irritation. The Illuminating Light Foundation is a light and minimally pigmented option for those looking to avoid foundation stains on their mask.

Many clients are turning to Lash and Brow defining products and services to turn up the glam while they wear masks. Lash Lifts, Lash Extensions, and Microblading are longer-term solutions to defining eyes. For daily use RVB Lab’s Creamy Brow Filler and Volumizing Eyebrow Fixer are brow-fix favourites. Gina’s offers free makeup consultation appointments to help you find make-up products best suited to your look and lifestyle.

Get Regular Facials

Receive Facials regularly or give yourself a Facial at home with our Facial-Kits—Give your skin an opportunity to recover and reset with our specially formulated Professional skin products. Our customized relaxation Facials are designed to balance skin and restore its healthy functions. Gina’s offers free consultations with our Skin Therapists to guide you to the most beneficial Facial for your skin type. For those looking for a boost between Facials Gina’s is now offering our Diego Dalla Palma Professional line at home in our At-Home Facial Kits. Customized for Sensitive, Dry/ Dehydrated, Mature, and Oily/ Combination skin—each Facial Kit includes a full retail-size product (including a moisturizer), as well as the single-use Professional products included in our Facials.