Masks: We love the protection they offer, but we don't love what they do to our skin. When your spa clients ask, "Can face masks cause acne?" The unfortunate answer is, "Yes." Face masks have become a normal part of everyday life. As spa professionals, we know your clients are now coming to you and your spa for solutions (and relief!) From mask-related acne and irritation. To help out, we have some of our favorite skin care experts (our Eminence Organics International Trainers) to give their best advice on how to coach your clients to cleanse the skin – even under a mask.
Masking: the environment and your skin
First, you want to talk to your customers about their masking and mask care habits. While this is a new area of self-care for all of us, it's important to get it right in order to curb the development of acne and breakouts through face masks.
As a Certified B CorporationOur company prides itself on our commitment to the environment. For this reason, we always recommend reusable face masks. (You may have already noticed that your local Eminence Organics representatives and estheticians are wearing their Eminence Organics reusable masks!) However, reusable masks require extra care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promote the "regular" washing of reusable masks, and infectious disease expert Dr. Amesh A. Adalja explains, “It is best to wash it after each use as the mask itself can become contaminated. ”
"Why do face masks make me break out?"
While wearing face masks is a habit essential to our safety, Eminence Organics is an international trainer Jude Herrera reminds us that keeping our skin clean is important and helps prevent breakouts: “Reused masks can contain oils and bacteria. They also trap heat and moisture on the skin and allow bacteria to thrive, which can lead to acne and irritation. " He recommends the use of colorless and fragrance-free cleaning agents to reduce the risk of irritation. Pro tip: Don't you want to do your laundry every day? We don't either! We recommend stocking up on a couple of different masks and throwing them all with your weekly load.
If you need to use disposable masks, contact International Trainer Katie Rattray says certain materials should be avoided because they can cause problematic skin. In particular, she warns us to “watch out for latex, which can increase the likelihood of contact dermatitis”. Similarly, our makeup can also cause irritation and acne under our face masks. International trainer Hector Rafael says to avoid using poor quality cosmetics, which are often comedogenic (in other words, pore clogging).
And finally, take a mask break if you can! “Breaks enable a clean flow of oxygen,” says Hector. These breaks give any bacteria-friendly moisture the opportunity to dry out.
Prevent wearing masks from breakouts
Once your customers are no longer familiar with their mask care habits, it is time to adjust their skin care routine. After all, it's always better to prevent outbreaks than to wait for them to be treated.
Katie says the two most effective ways to keep mask-related breakouts at bay are to 1) create a barrier between the skin and the mask, and 2) stay hydrated. "Masks seem to suck in and draw moisture out of the skin," says Katie. She recommends improving your client's skin game with facial oils during the day: "This not only seals in moisture, but also forms a physical barrier against the mask." The Facial Recovery Oil is the perfect option for clients who are already prone to breakouts, while dry skin types will love the Rose Hip and Lemongrass Repair Balm. She also recommends that you continue hydration at night with richer creams overnight.
For international trainers Brian GoodwinPrevention begins with the first step in any skin care routine. Brian says: "If a customer uses a detergent with peeling pearls or harsh foaming agents, switch to a gentler detergent that does not harm the skin and increase the risk of irritation." Try the Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser for sensitive skin and to keep the skin's protective moisture barrier intact. For problematic skin, the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser cleanses and reduces the oil with salicylic acid, while yogurt moisturizes and cools.
Still, many of your clients return to work and school, which can mean more than 8 hours of mask wear. This is plenty of time to trap oil, heat, and potential bacteria on the skin. For customers who need more than the typical morning and evening cleaning, try Brian's solution – DIY cleaning pads for on the go!
Here's how it works: Apply the Rice Milk 3-in-1 Cleansing Water or Exfoliating Scrub for Clear-Skin Willow Bark to a clean cotton ball. Seal it in a small bag or airtight container and take it with you. "Use it in the middle of the day to remove debris and clean up where the mask came in contact," he instructs. "Instead of scrubbing your clients, train them to glide smoothly over their skin with minimal pressure."
Product selection
Facial Recovery Oil
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Rose Hip & Lemongrass Repair Balm
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Please also note these products: Calm chamomile cleanser, Probiotic cleanser for clear skin, Rice milk 3-in-1 cleaning water, Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Scrub
Treat mask-induced breakouts
Of course, no matter how well we coach our clients, stubborn skin conditions can still occur. Fortunately, there are many ways that face masks can treat breakouts and irritation.
To focus on problem areas, Brian recommends using the Clear Skin Targeted Treatment as a spot treatment. The concentrated formula flushes out pores and improves the appearance of skin that looks irritated from wearing masks. The probiotic moisturizer with clear skin also works quickly on problem skin – and the cucumber it contains leaves a cooling feeling that is particularly welcome after a long day with masks.
And while it doesn't seem intuitive, a little extra warmth can help too. A spicy mask like the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot creates a warming feeling on the skin and helps improve the appearance of breakouts. You can also encourage your clients to book a range of flavorful treatments – like our Blueberry Detox Firming Peel – for a regular dose of warmth and a professional exfoliator. Remember, customers with sensitive skin will start with a test patch to see how they react to the sensation.
Finally, you want to offer your customers a nutritious night treatment. As transepidermal water loss peaks during sleep, hydration is more important than ever. Our top picks? "The Facial Recovery Oil is a great night treatment for balancing sensitive or problematic skin," says Jude. For dry skin, Katie recommends the ultra-rich Rose Hip and Lemongrass Repair Balm for its protective natural repair complex. Finally, the Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator is a powerhouse for treating acne without drying out the skin. Jude recommends mixing this award winner with your nightly serums.
Product selection
Clear skin-related treatment
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Probiotic moisturizer for clear skin
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Please also note these products: Eight green phyto-mask – hot, Blueberry Detox Firming Peel, Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator
While the cause of mask-induced acne and irritation may be new, the skin conditions are not. We have the full range of products to help you and your customers avoid the unfortunate effects of masks on the skin.
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