2 Ways to Tackle Maskne in Your Beauty Service Business

“Maskne” – a new word coined to describe “acne caused by the constant wearing of face masks” –  came to light after the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to wear face masks over their mouths and noses.

Masks are meant to prevent the spread of the virus, but the mandatory wearing of these masks has resulted in an unattractive side effect: acne breakouts.

Although this may seem like a personal issue that should be tackled by the affected individuals, the maskne dilemma is also a skin concern that those in the beauty industry have to deal with.

Not sure what you can do? Here are two primary ways you can tackle the problem of customers who come to you with maskne:

1. Amp Up Your Acne Treatment Offerings

If you don’t already have one, consider adding acne treatment services to your offerings.

Beauty and salon business trends in 2021 indicate a growing need for such services compared to previous years because of the ongoing health protocols.

Since you’ll be fighting your own war in the cosmetic field, make sure that you have the right equipment for the job. You can also offer professional-grade skincare products, as well as facials, that will ensure healthy and acne-free skin.

2. Offer Customers Maskne Prevention Tips

No matter how good you are at getting rid of your clients’ mask-induced acne, the problem will still reoccur if you don’t guide them toward an acne-free direction.

Sure, recurring acne will make customers return to avail of your services again, but that also means they might see your treatment as ineffective, even though that’s not the case.

The solution? Offer effective prevention tips for their maskne. Here are some tried-and-tested examples to get you started:

3. Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse!

Skin that is prone to acne breakouts is more likely to have recurring maskne. If this is the case, advise your clients to invest a little more of their time and money into skincare while wearing a mask.

Suggest double cleansing every night before bedtime. This can help remove sweat, excess oil, and bacteria.

Help them pick out the right products as well, avoiding those that contain perfume or alcohol or any other ingredient that can irritate their skin. These make acne worse or, at the very least, slow its healing.

Using a cleansing balm, oil, or milk is good, too, especially when used with a muslin cloth and warm water to ensure the skin is cleansed thoroughly.

Here’s a good skincare routine you can recommend:

• Do facial cleansing upon arriving home, and before going to bed with a gentle cleanser.

• Moisturize to protect the skin.

• Use a face mask (one that prevents acne rather than causes it). Clay masks are the best for acne-prone skin.

Take note that while cleansing and moisturizing should be done daily, mask use up to three times a week should be enough. This helps draw out bacteria and impurities and works deeply into the epidermis.

If the maskne is more severe, a medicated cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide could help. For sensitive skin, it’s best to refer your salon clients to a dermatologist.

4. Use the right protective masks.

Some skin issues like maskne occur because of the use of the wrong protective mask. Here are some pointers you can share on picking the right one:

• Pick those that fit snugly but comfortably. Avoid masks that are too tight. If possible, go with masks with adjustable ear loops.

• They should be made with a soft and natural fabric like cotton. Avoid synthetic fabrics like rayon and nylon as these can cause skin irritation.

• A mask should have at least two layers of fabric.

5. Only use clean masks.

Another thing you should remind your customers of is to ensure that their masks are clean. This will help prevent bacteria from causing acne breakouts.

The air accumulated from breathing with the mask on can suffocate the skin. When mixed with sweating, this can serve as a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Wearing the same mask for an extended period can lead to acne breakouts and skin congestion.

This can also happen if people reuse masks, so be sure to remind your customers to always use fresh ones. Keeping several masks on hand in case they need a replacement is also a good practice.

6. Get a break from masks.

Although masks need to be worn every time people go out, this doesn’t necessarily mean it should just sit on your face for several hours straight.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association encourages the removal of masks for about 15 minutes for every four hours of wearing. This will give the skin a chance to breathe.

Take note, however, that this should only be done in places where physical distancing is possible. Handwashing should also be practiced before and after a mask break.

7. Apply moisturizer before putting a mask on.

If the skin is dry, it is more prone to irritation caused by extended mask-wearing. 

Fortunately, applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer before wearing a mask (and after end-of-day cleansing) helps ensure that the skin is fully hydrated. It also acts as a barrier between the skin and the mask.

Unite Against Maskne

Maskne is a global concern that everyone in the beauty and wellness industry has to deal with. 

Whether you’re a salon owner, a cosmetic specialist, or a clinician, helping clients deal with this skin issue your responsibility.

AUTHOR BIO

Elias Chabtini is the Founder and CEO of Medica Group, a leader in providing complete beauty solutions for medical aesthetic clinics, dentists and beauty aesthetic centers, setting high standards and providing high-quality products. Chabtini is renowned for his international leadership and expertise in non-invasive cosmetic surgery, and his 20 years of experience and consumer-centered practices have placed him as one of the 100 Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East by ArabianBusiness.com.