At Alla's Skincare Acne is My Specialty

Acne treatment does not have to be irritating and life-long. When skin is properly cleansed and looked after, it will be healthy without chemicals and special creams.

From my 30 years of experience, I have seen many varieties of acne, dermatitis, and different skin types. Although Maskne has become an issue only this year, I believe it can be alleviated with the above steps.

I offer free consultations if you are in the central NJ area, or would like to stop by. During the consultation, I will examine your skin, as well as the products you use routinely, to understand the issues that are causing flair-ups. I will also recommend types of products that I feel would improve your skin’s health.

If you would like a facial during this time, it will be customized for you, and if necessary, I will use the IPL laser or other treatment to achieve positive results.

IPL lasers use photo thermolysis to correct skin hyper-pigmentation, rosacea, age spots, appearance of sun damage, and acne condition. IPL laser treatments also help achieve graceful aging.

With a few visits, I am confident your complexion will improve dramatically.

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5 steps to Remedy Acne and Maskne (Acne from a mask)

Maskne - as it has been called, is acne from wearing a mask. This type of acne may be specific to the area where the mask is touching skin. But from my experience, I feel that this term should also be used by anyone who already has facial acne, and it has gotten worse from wearing a mask regularly. People most vulnerable to maskne include those with existing acne issues, Rosacea, Eczema, allergies and other sensitivities.

There are three main reasons for flair-ups of acne with mask wearing.

Moisture – provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Also, humidity exacerbates sebum production, which settles into your pores and clogs them
Heat - causes you to sweat and opens your pores, making your skin vulnerable to debris and bacteria.
Irritation - The mask rubbing against the skin, especially dry skin, can cause the hair follicles to break open, which then allows bacteria into the skin.

Masks seem to be the norm these days, and our bodies, as complicated as they are, are able to adapt.

So if you are still struggling with facial acne, I can confidently recommend the following 5 steps to remedy your skin situation.

5 tips to prevent acne and maskne:

1. Wash and moisturize with product recommended for your skin type.

Common ingredients in acne treatments, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, may irritate your skin and dry it out causing more breakouts. Other ingredients, including fragrances, synthetic beads, even essential oils can aggravate your skin. Thus it is very important to get a professional opinion about what type of products to use, how to use them and when.

2. Change/Wash you mask on a daily basis, at least.

Scientifically speaking, bacteria grows in moisture, so as you breathe under the mask, you provide ideal breeding grounds for new life. It is essential to have a bacteria free mask, and your face clean before putting it on. There are many recommendations for masks, and cute styles for all ages. The best choices for masks are 100% cotton, they protect you while also letting in more oxygen. Keep in mind, heat is necessary to get rid of bacteria and viruses, so your mask should be washable in hot water, dried on high heat and/or ironed for that extra dose of heat.

3. Give your face time to breathe.

Take 15 minute breaks every few hours by going outside and taking the mask off. Not only will your face breath, but it will also absorb Vitamin D from the sun, which your immune system thirsts for.

4. Avoid makeup that clogs your pores.

Ideally, I would say, avoid make up completely, you are in a mask anyway. But if that is not something you can do, then only use oil-free foundation. During my consultations, I always request that my clients bring all their skin care and makeup products, and after analyzing their skin issues, I can recommend which products they can continue, or stop using until conditions improve.

5. Get facials, including microdermabrasion, once a month.

I cannot stress this enough. A facial cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complexion which prevents break outs. Microdermabrasion treatment removes dead skin. Normally, dead skin particles fall off the skin, but with a mask and moisture, they stick to your skin, causing pores to clog and cause breakouts.

A lot of "gook" does not get washed off your skin during normal cleansing routines. And very often the products are not ideal for your skin.

Getting a professional opinion is especially important for people whose jobs or routines require a mask to be worn for long hours.

No matter your routine at home, a professional esthetician will have better results with regular visits because of their experience, their products, and special tools that do magic for your skin.

By Appointment Only