These Are The Face Masks That Don't Cause "Maskne"
By Hannah Coates
Whether it's "maskne" or dry, irritated skin, few of us escape scot-free where our complexion and the now essential face mask are concerned. Masks create constant friction against the surface of the skin (that eventually breaks its barrier), bacteria becomes rife in the moist environment, inflammation increases and, subsequently, spots develop. Tackling the problems can feel like a never-ending (losing) battle, but the good news is that alleviating these downsides might be as simple as changing the type of mask you wear.
You only have to look at someone who has opted for a mask fashioned from a kinder fabric, like silk, to see clearer skin. And it makes sense, too. Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, medical doctor and founder of the Joyful Skin Clinic, says that while we are required to wear masks, swapping to a material that "better protects the integrity of the skin" will improve its health and appearance.
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"Silk fibres are smooth by nature, and therefore less abrasive on the skin – they reduce friction-induced trauma. When skin is less irritated, it's better able to carry out its barrier function, protecting the body from bacteria and external aggressors," Dr Fabusiwa says, pointing out that, thanks to a protein that repels dust mites, mould and other common allergens, silk is naturally hypoallergenic. That means it's an especially good material to seek out if you have sensitive skin.
With silk, you can also kiss goodbye to that self-made steam room around your mouth. "Unlike cotton, which pulls moisture from the skin into the fabric, silk's tightly woven threads are much less likely to do so," says Dr Fabusiwa. "The reduction in moisture reduces bacteria's ability to grow and populate in the mask."
Look to Slip's silk face masks: made from 100 per cent double-sided mulberry silk and with a cotton inner, one of these little numbers ticks all the skin-saving boxes – not only do they look good, the brand's laboratory tests showed a 43 per cent reduction in friction compared to the average cotton mask (with a 220-360 thread count). Meanwhile The Big Silk's face masks are also made from 100 per cent mulberry silk, and have an adjustable nose clip and elasticated ear loops for a comfortable and close fit.
Slip silk face mask
Other kind-to-skin masks include the Light Salon's forthcoming Anti-Viral Face Mask, which is launching in September and comes with the brand's Cleanse and Recovery Spray. The Light Salon's skin experts, whose excellent in-salon LED treatments and home-masks are a must-try, have ensured its protective mask offering is as effective at fending off Covid-19 as it is keeping your skin in good nick. Made from organic bamboo viscose that's been coated with Polygenie, a mix of titanium dioxide and silver chloride, it fends off viruses, just as its name would suggest. Bamboo viscose has long been used to keep other viruses like Influenza A, Norovirus and Sars at bay, and has a 99 per cent protection rate.
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And it's good for your skin, too: "It has an antimicrobial element to it, as well as anti-viral," says Laura Ferguson, co-founder of the Light Salon. "Which means it's self cleaning and destroys common germs that may be lurking in the material. It also, crucially, doesn't disrupt your skin barrier, which helps fend off 'maskne'. It's beautiful, lightweight and breathable, and our therapists have been using them for a while now." Plus, she says, those who have tried the mask report that you can see its wearer's smile through the mask – a friendly plus – and, like the silk masks, it can be hand-washed and reused too.
Whatever your choice, there are rules to follow: "It's tempting to look for other lightweight fabrics that are breathable and single layer, but it's more important to consider their effectiveness in containing the spread of Covid-19," says Dr Fabusiwa. "Only consider materials that are tightly woven and have multiple layers – it's all about a balance between breathability and efficacy, to maximise comfort without compromising on safety."
Happy masking.
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