July 14, 2020
THE SKIN UNDER PPE MASKS WITH DR YANNIS ALEXANDRIDES
THE SKIN UNDER PPE MASKS WITH DR YANNIS ALEXANDRIDES
BY: 111SKIN
With restrictions and recommendations in place that requires us to wear PPE masks outdoors, our complexions are crossing new and uncertain boundaries. Tackling this head on, Dr Yannis Alexandrides explains how to treat, protect and shield the skin through our new ‘normal’.
111SKIN: Why are so many people finding that their skin is becoming irritated under the PPE masks?
YA: First and foremost, our skin has not been accustomed to such a prolonged time underneath a mask and therefore is more likely to react or become irritated. As they are a tight fit around the face, the masks create a close environment that allow for temperatures to rise and humidity to circulate between the skin’s surface and the mask. The increased temperatures and humidity mean that bacteria are then able to form and multiply creating problems that many people are experiencing from congestion to acne and in worst case scenarios, infections.
111SKIN: What is happening to the skin at a microscopic level?
YA: On a microscopic level the skin is responding to the increased temperatures and humidity, as you exhale, the air becomes trapped and ends up being recycled underneath the mask. The poor ventilation means that the bacteria that would normally have been circulated back into the open air is re-inserted into the tight space that the mask is providing. Essentially, the mask creates the ideal environment for a greenhouse effect, the increased temperature cultivates a fertile ground for bacteria to increase and grow.
111SKIN: What actions should we implement in order to improve our skin under masks?
YA: Immediately I would recommend trying and take as many breaks away from the mask as possible and to cleanse and tone the skin as often as you can. It is also important to strengthen the epidermis. This can be done using nourishing formulas that are antioxidant and humectant rich. Avoid strong synthetic actives like retinol and instead opt for gentle botanicals and occlusive textures. I would personally recommend a fusion of the both, which can be found in our Y Theorem Day Cream. NAC is a wonderful complex that acts as a precursor to glutathione, the bodies master antioxidant. Glutathione has the ability to stimulate the healing processes in the skin, literally repairing trauma and damage to the dermis – perfect to counter the effects of PPE Masks.
111SKIN: How do we treat “maskne”?
YA: We would treat ‘maskne’ in the same way we would treat acne and that would be through implementing blemish fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and kojic acid as well as introducing anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial products onto the skin to help combat any breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Our 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster is unique because it not only targets and prevents blemishes, but the formulation treats inflammation and post blemish pigmentation without drying or further irritating the skin. Designed with salicylic acid to clear congestion and target blemishes, kojic acid to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and colloidal sulphur to combat the bacteria that is causing the breakouts. In addition to a targeted treatment, applying the Anti Blemish Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask to the skin will calm and treat an irritated and inflamed complexion whilst purifying and balancing the skin’s microbiome.
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With restrictions and recommendations in place that requires us to wear PPE masks outdoors, our complexions are crossing new and uncertain boundaries. Tackling this head on, Dr Yannis Alexandrides explains how to treat, protect and shield the skin through our new ‘normal’.
111SKIN: Why are so many people finding that their skin is becoming irritated under the PPE masks?
YA: First and foremost, our skin has not been accustomed to such a prolonged time underneath a mask and therefore is more likely to react or become irritated. As they are a tight fit around the face, the masks create a close environment that allow for temperatures to rise and humidity to circulate between the skin’s surface and the mask. The increased temperatures and humidity mean that bacteria are then able to form and multiply creating problems that many people are experiencing from congestion to acne and in worst case scenarios, infections.
111SKIN: What is happening to the skin at a microscopic level?
YA: On a microscopic level the skin is responding to the increased temperatures and humidity, as you exhale, the air becomes trapped and ends up being recycled underneath the mask. The poor ventilation means that the bacteria that would normally have been circulated back into the open air is re-inserted into the tight space that the mask is providing. Essentially, the mask creates the ideal environment for a greenhouse effect, the increased temperature cultivates a fertile ground for bacteria to increase and grow.
111SKIN: What actions should we implement in order to improve our skin under masks?
YA: Immediately I would recommend trying and take as many breaks away from the mask as possible and to cleanse and tone the skin as often as you can. It is also important to strengthen the epidermis. This can be done using nourishing formulas that are antioxidant and humectant rich. Avoid strong synthetic actives like retinol and instead opt for gentle botanicals and occlusive textures. I would personally recommend a fusion of the both, which can be found in our Y Theorem Day Cream. NAC is a wonderful complex that acts as a precursor to glutathione, the bodies master antioxidant. Glutathione has the ability to stimulate the healing processes in the skin, literally repairing trauma and damage to the dermis – perfect to counter the effects of PPE Masks.
111SKIN: How do we treat “maskne”?
YA: We would treat ‘maskne’ in the same way we would treat acne and that would be through implementing blemish fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and kojic acid as well as introducing anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial products onto the skin to help combat any breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Our 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster is unique because it not only targets and prevents blemishes, but the formulation treats inflammation and post blemish pigmentation without drying or further irritating the skin. Designed with salicylic acid to clear congestion and target blemishes, kojic acid to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and colloidal sulphur to combat the bacteria that is causing the breakouts. In addition to a targeted treatment, applying the Anti Blemish Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask to the skin will calm and treat an irritated and inflamed complexion whilst purifying and balancing the skin’s microbiome.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.