From ‘lockdown’ to ‘social distancing’, 2020 has given us a whole new set of everyday terminology. The newest addition to the Covid-vocabulary? Maskne. The name itself is self-explanatory and refers to the development of acne around the mouth and chin as a result of wearing a face mask. However, it’s not just spots and oiliness that can be an issue. Those with sensitive skin are likely to experience redness, dermatitis and bumpy complexions. The reason is simple; irritation is caused by the friction of the mask and the sweat and warmth of being covered. Whether you’re prone to blemishes or not, the combination of humid conditions and contact of the mask on your face are bound to cause havoc with your skin. As mask-wearing looks set to continue for a while to come, it’s more important than ever to tackle the issue before your skin is completely congested and stressed.

Effective Cleansing

The first step towards tackling maskne is ensuring you are cleansing your skin effectively. Just like our hands, we need to increase the frequency with which we wash our face. Reach for the Tisserand Aromatherapy Tea Tree & Aloe Skin Clearing Soap – £4.85 (100g) for a deep cleanse. Marrying the powerful effects of tea tree with the calming essence of aloe vera, this pure vegetable soap is perfect for congested, blemish-prone skin. Formulated with 100% pure natural essential oils, it harnesses the cleansing and purifying properties of tea tree and blends aloe vera extract to help calm and soothe irritated skin.

Tackle Blemishes

When spots appear, tackle them head on with a targeted treatment. The Tisserand Aromatherapy Tea Tree & Aloe Skin Rescue Stick – £4.85 (8ml) is an effective treatment gel designed to calm minor blemishes and skin irritations. 100% pure natural essential tea tree oil is blended with soothing aloe vera and natural astringent witch hazel. Spots are instantly calmed and healing time is reduced.

Available from Boots nationwide and www.tisserand.com

Unblock Pores

There’s nothing quite like a face mask to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. After being stuck beneath a mask all day, your skin needs to breathe. By using a targeted face mask, pores are effectively cleansed and toxins removed. For a deeply purifying treat, look to the Green People Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask – £21.00 (50ml). Formulated with 87% certified organic ingredients, this deep-cleansing activated charcoal face mask produces glow-getting results. Activated charcoal absorbs pollutants and reduces the appearance of pores, while alpine balances oil productive and refines skin texture. This brightening mask is sustainably produced using coconut shells that are a by-product of other coconut-based products.

Available from www.greenpeople.com

Overnight Treat

Masks are a breeding ground for sweat, humidity and bacteria. The Sweaty Faace mask – £22.50 (100ml) is designed to detox your skin while keeping it cool, calm and soothed. Providing a light moisturising effect, it is formulated with argan oil which, (thanks to its omega fatty acids and vitamin E compounds), will soothe and moisturise without clogging pores. Grapefruit loads the skin with vitamin C and antioxidants to calm inflammation while bergamot fights spots without irritating sensitive skin. Apply a thick layer to the skin and leave to work for 5 minutes, 20 minutes or even better, overnight.

Available from: Liberty London.com, Cult beauty.co.uk and wearefaace.com

At-Home Facial

We might not be able to enjoy a facial the same way we used to, but thankfully, Swiss beauty brand Réduit have launched their skincare device just in time. Harnessing innovative technology with a wealth of skincare knowledge, the Réduit Spa – £179.00 device and pre-programmed Skinpods – price from £28.90 per pod, use patented technology to stop maskne in its tracks. Designed to work with your chosen Skinpod, the Réduit Spa makes your skincare routine easy and seamless, cleansing deeply with just the touch of a button. Skinpods are a sustainable alternative to the unnecessary filler ingredients and waste that comes with most skincare products. Instead, each targeted pod contains the most potent ingredients delivered exactly where your skin needs them. From the Clean Vapor Skinpod – £28.90 that rids the skin of residual oil and grime, to the Hydro Boost Skinpod – £28.90, which delivers a nourishing boost, there’s a pod for every skincare concern. Using magnetic misting, the Réduit Spa gently amplifies infusion and delivery of actives into the skin while ultrasonic diffusion and sonic pulsations ensure the formula is evenly distributed