HealthLinks Charleston July/August 2021

62 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Experts recommend washing masks frequently in warm, soapy water and allowing them to dry completely between uses. Alternating clean masks may also help to reduce consis- tent inflammation on specific parts of the face aggravated by a certain mask. Lexi Brannon, a licensed aesthetician with Bare Beauty Loft, recommended that individuals wash, tone, treat and moisturize their skin twice a day, morning and evening, and avoid touching or rubbing their face as much as possible. Hands can carry oil or dirt and bacteria that in turn can cause further outbreaks, so the less contact the better. Bare Beauty Loft offers several facial options for clients seeking relief and relaxation; The Clarifier is Brannon’s favorite for helping to fight and treat acne. Each facial can be tailored to the person’s specific skin type and condition and many feature ingredients including salicylic acid, retinol or tea tree oil. After each facial, clients are reminded to moisturize and wear plenty of sunscreen. Dr. Schlesinger pointed out that products that are normally applied to the skin may cause issues because their potency is increased by wearing a mask. Individuals with sensitive skin may need to cut back on their skin-care regimen by using less product or applying it less frequently. “Be aware that adverse effects can be mag- nified by wearing a mask, so be careful. Don’t overtreat; don’t overapply. More isn’t always better,” said Dr. Schlesinger, who advises his patients to keep their masks clean by washing them daily or to dispose of single-use masks at the end of each day. Though maskne is a common term, individuals should be aware that there could be underlying issues. Regular skin-care checks, particularly those that check for rashes, are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, so it is best not to avoid visits to your primary care provider or dermatologist. “It’s important not to delay care,” Dr. Schlesinger said. “There may be something else going on. We encourage pa- tients to continue to get skin-care checks as safely as possible, and a face-to-face encounter is best.” To learn more about Bare Beauty Loft or to schedule an appointment, visit www.barebeautyloft.com . To contact Dr. Todd Schlesinger or learn more about his practice, visit www.dermandlaser.com or call 843-556-8886.