Luzern Laboratories has been on our shelves since we first opened our virtual doors in 2011. This brand, whose products feature sustainably harvested Swiss Alpine botanicals, has been one of our founder’s own favorites since 2003. If you've tried Luzern products before, you already know why: these clean, efficacious, small-batch, cold-processed formulas speak for themselves.

Luzern’s head of education, Lisamarie DeLucia, recently shared the brand's thoughtful perspective on maskne with us; read on for her top tips on keeping skin healthy these days.

PS Dara's a huge fan of Luzern's Mulberry Silk Face Mask, as shown above. But she'd like you to know that it'll spoil you forever, and anything else — except the Aplat Face Mask — will pale in comparison.

***

LISAMARIE:

As an essential layer of protection, face masks are terrific; unfortunately, they can also irritate your skin, clog pores, and flare acne. Here are a few simple tips to keep skin healthy while you tackle the day from behind a mask.

1. Don’t use just any mask.

When selecting a reusable mask, imagine you are shopping for lingerie. Really! Look for skin-friendly fabric, a shape that fits well, and a style that fits your personality.

Material matters, not only does it affect how well it protects, but also how your skin responds to being undercover. Avoid synthetics like nylon, polyester, and rayon, because they are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Instead, explore tightly woven natural fibers because they outperform synthetics in every category: protection, comfort, and skin health. Our favorites are cotton, bamboo, and silk.

Silk buffers even the most sensitive skin, with the added benefit of being antimicrobial and antibacterial to protect against breakouts. Regardless of the natural material you choose, go for multiple layers that fit tightly on the nose and chin.

Don’t forget to regularly care for your mask, just as you would your lingerie. Dirt and oil from your skin plus bacteria from your mouth and nose will end up on the mask, so wash it after every use. Having a few masks on hand makes daily rotation easy. Choose a fragrance-free laundry detergent and dry flat for best results.

2. Cleanse skin carefully.

Cleansing is an essential step in your healthy skincare routines, now more than ever. Before putting on a mask, always be sure that you’ve deeply cleansed your face to prevent dirt and oil from getting trapped. Choose a cleanser that removes surface impurities without stripping, drying, or irritating.

Our Cleansing Gelée is oil-free and great for all skin types, lifting every trace of dirt while delivering functional lipids to keep skin balanced.

3. Build your barrier.

Your skin barrier (the outermost layer of your skin) is your first and best line of defense against outside any aggressor, be it bacteria or irritation. Keeping your barrier strong and healthy is vital for radiant skin.

Serum Absolut Recovery has been designed to reset the skin microbiome, support the reduction of blemishes, hormonal breakouts, redness, and inflammation that lead to aging, and make skin healthier and more resilient.

And, coming soon, the Alpine Rose Resilience Masque has been designed to strenghten skin suffering from redness, irritation, or relieve the fatigue caused by everyday environmental stressors.

4. Hydrate, and don’t forget the SPF.

Properly hydrating skin is the best way to prevent irritation. A light moisturizer, preferably with hyaluronic acid, will create a comfortable and effective barrier. Avoid heavy moisturizers that can clog skin, which can then lead to breakouts.

Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Lotion is lightweight but thoroughly hydrates and slows moisture loss. And, believe it or not, UV rays can penetrate your mask. Apply sunscreen as usual to block damaging UVA/UVB rays and to help minimize signs of premature aging.

5. Take a makeup break.

Masks act like occlusive barriers, trapping makeup — which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Play it safe and forego the makeup on days when you’ll be wearing a mask for extended periods.

6. Be mindful of your mask. 

Throughout the day, remove your mask as often as possible provided it’s safe to do so.

Then, once the mask comes off for the day, cleanse right away and assess the condition of your skin. As you begin to notice the ways that a mask is affecting your complexion, you may need to change up your regular evening regimen. 

***

To learn more about the story behind Luzern, check out our Brand Spotlight.

Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor