Maskne?

Maskne? With the emergence of the new generation SARS-CoV-2, commonly known as COVID-19, which has had an impact worldwide, significant changes have occurred in our daily routines. In our social lives, we drew invisible red lines by limiting our activities. We began to hesitate to gather with friends and even became anxious about being in the same space with our families. In addition to all these restrictions, new items entered our lives: masks, disinfectants, cologne, face shields, etc. Living within the triangle of mask, distance, and hygiene, we have entered a new period in which masks have become our closest companions. Although masks do protect us against COVID-19, regular and prolonged use can lead to unwanted skin problems on our faces. As a result, a new term has been added to our lives: Maskne. According to Google Trends research, searches for "maskne" or "mascne" are increasing rapidly. So what does "maskne" mean? Looking at the word structure, this new term is formed by combining the words mask and acne, resulting from regular and prolonged use that causes acne on our faces; in other words, mask acne. As a result of continuous mask use, the cheeks, chin, nose, and lips are the most affected areas. Furthermore, these areas are continuously exposed to heat and friction from breathing. Mask use causes increased water loss from the skin (TEWL) in a short time, the formation of redness, an increase in skin pH level, and acne formation in proportion to dryness and sebum increase, while also creating a moist layer on the outer surface of the mask. There are two ways to prevent these unwanted skin problems: 1-Appropriate mask selection, 2-Use of suitable products against the resulting skin problems. Through joint work between the R&D team and marketing team within Kale Kimya Group, we have prepared a Maskne kit designed to provide solutions to skin problems caused by mask use. This kit is suitable for all skin types and easy for everyone to use, and will become an integral part of your daily routine. Product formulations carefully prepared within Kale Kimya have successfully completed stability tests and are equipped with skin health-improving active ingredients. The kit contains four different products: Daily Cream is a cream designed in a form that you can easily use whenever needed during the day. Thanks to the EXPOZEN active ingredient (INCI: Hydrolyzed Rhodophycea Extract) in its formulation, it reduces the sensation of heat produced during mask use while allowing the skin to relax and preventing the formation of redness. Additionally, INCA INCHI (INCI: Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Tocopherol), which contains rich omega-3, 6, and 9 content, strengthens the skin barrier and has an irritation-soothing effect. GENENCARE OSMS BA (INCI: Betaine), which contains 100% natural content that plays a role in eliminating skin dryness, maintains the skin's water balance through its osmolytic structure, keeping it hydrated.

Expozen:

• Reduces the sensation of heat caused by mask use (post-mask application). • Allows the skin to relax. • Prevents the formation of redness. • Strengthens the skin's defense mechanism against environmental factors (UV rays, environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, chemical pollution). • Inhibits neurogenic inflammations resulting from stress.

Genencare OSMS BA:

• 100% natural osmolyte, ISO 16128 NOI:1 • Moisturizes skin for short and long-term periods. • Maintains intracellular and extracellular water balance and protects cells from hyperosmotic stress. • Compatible with glycerin and strengthens the moisturizing effect with a combination of 3.5% glycerin and 3.5% GENENCARE OSMS BA. Flawless Gel is a facial cleansing gel prepared to address acne problems resulting from prolonged mask use. ACNILYS (INCI: Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Extract) in its formulation has an effect on different biological mechanisms that cause acne. According to in vivo studies conducted with twice-daily application, after 28 days it inhibits sebum production by 41%, soothes acne by 57%, reduces redness by 15%, and reduces skin oiliness by 74%. SEPITONIC M3 (INCI: Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Glutamate, Copper Gluconate), a complex of magnesium, zinc, and copper minerals that increase skin's oxygen and energy levels, gives the skin a healthier and more natural appearance. Thanks to sulfate-free surfactants (ELFAN AT 84 and TEQPON BAL), it is highly suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and thanks to its creamy foam form, it enhances the cleansing sensation.

Acnilys:

• Prevents acne formation by affecting microbiological mechanisms that inhibit acne formation. • Protects skin against inflammation and sebum production. • With regular use: • Reduces sebum production by 41%, • Reduces blemishes by 57%, • Reduces redness by 15%, • Reduces skin oiliness by 74%.

Sepitonic M3:

• Increases skin's oxygen level through minerals in its content. • Accelerates ATP production by increasing oxygen in the mitochondrial system. • Protects skin against free radicals by 80%. • Provides energy to the skin. Relaxing and Soothing Gel is designed to eliminate redness that occurs especially around the nose, chin, and cheeks as a result of prolonged mask use and to soothe the skin. SYMRELIEF 100 (INCI: Bisabolol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract) in its formulation has high-performance results confirmed by clinical studies on all skin types, including sensitive skin, through the synergistic effect of bisabolol and ginger extract. According to in vitro test results with a very low usage amount of 0.05%, it was found to reduce redness by 49% after 2 days.

SymRelief 100:

• Reduces inflammation through the synergistic effect of natural ginger extract and bisabolol. • Inhibits the IL-1a receptor that causes redness by 37% and the TNF-a receptor by 64%. • Reduces redness by 49% with 0.05% usage. • Clinical studies have proven that regular use for 10 days reduces redness by 99%. Repairing Gel Mask, thanks to the EXPOZEN active ingredient in its formulation, reduces heat formation on the skin surface, inhibits irritation, and protects our skin against pollution caused by environmental factors (UV rays, cigarette smoke, stress, air pollution, etc.) on the skin surface, while GENENCARE OSMS BA provides a moisture-increasing effect for our skin. With the sulfate-free surfactant ELOTANT MILCOSIDE 302, it has strong cleansing properties and provides safe cleansing without causing irritation to the skin. Ercan Duygulu Senior Chemist / Sales Manager Kale Kimya