Wearing a mask: great. The effect on your skin: not so great “We are defining this condition as ‘mask-ne,’ a result of warm moisture building inside the mask. Pores begin to open up, allowing bacteria inside, which causes adverse skin conditions and rashes like acne,” explains Colette Brown, director of education at Columbia SkinCare, an almost 150-year-old skincare company headquartered in Windsor Locks, CT, whose cutting-edge products help maintain your skin’s delicate microbiome. Here’s what Brown recommends:
- Wash skin with gentle cleanser, using circular motions for approximately 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer of Columbia Ultimate Skin Repair Cream to the affected area. Allow skin to dry before proceeding to the next step (approximately 30-60 seconds).
- For added moisture and skin benefits, use a pea-sized amount of Columbia Probiotic Concentrate. Apply all over face and neck areas. Allow to dry before proceeding to the next step. For extra dry skin, use Columbia’s Restorative Hydrating Cream immediately after Columbia’s Concentrate and right before Columbia’s Complex.
- For maximum benefits, follow with Columbia Probiotic Complex. Use a pea-sized amount, dab all over face, then begin to spread throughout using circular motions. Skin is now primed and ready for sunscreen and makeup.