Hello, I'm Ines and I would like to introduce myself to you today.

I live in Kleve with my boyfriend and our dog. I am a PTA (pharmaceutical technical assistant). In 2003 I finished secondary school and started training as a PKA (pharmaceutical-commercial employee). After successfully completing the PKA training in 2006, I went to the PTA school in Münster for the next two years. From 2008 to 2014 I worked in a lively pharmacy in Duisburg. I moved to Kleve in 2014 and continued to work in the pharmacy around here. I have been working in the Sonnen Apotheke since February 2018. In addition to advising customers, I also manufacture drugs and take care of any laboratory work, such as testing drugs. Furthermore, I take care of the documentation of special drugs, such as narcotics, veterinary drugs or blood products. In addition to the "typical" pharmacy tasks, I take care of our website with my colleague Andrea, including on Facebook. As you can see, there is always a lot to do in the pharmacy and the tasks are very varied. In my free time I like to be out with my dog ​​or we enjoy the time in the garden. During our vacation we go camping and are always in the fresh air. We also like to go on city trips, as the corona virus has of course severely restricted us in recent months.

Our skin and the mouth and nose mask - "Maskne" - acne triggered by the mask

Active life has almost stood still for months. At the moment, like most of us, we are commuting back and forth between our work and home. The mouth-nose mask has always felt like a part of it. The mask requirement is important in order to be able to further contain the corona pandemic. The skin, however, is suddenly exposed to completely new challenges, because regardless of whether it is a multi-layer paper mask, FFP2 mask or a fabric mask made of cotton, the sensitive facial skin has to withstand a lot. Wearing the mouth and nose mask can lead to the formation of marks, skin irritations, pimples and dry spots on the face. In particularly bad cases, the skin becomes so inflamed that treatment by a dermatologist is necessary. The word "maskne" has been heard more and more in the last few weeks. Acne - triggered by the mask.

Constant wearing of the mask leaves traces on the face, especially with sensitive skin, acne and rosacea. Itching, redness and inflammation require special care. Existing skin problems are exacerbated and even those who have not had any problems with acne are not always spared. When choosing a new facial care product, it is important that the new product matches the skin type and the acute problem. A customer with rosacea shouldn't use aggressive acne creams, because the skin is much too sensitive, especially in the cheek area, I speak from experience. For years I have tried to alleviate supposed impurities with appropriate care products against impure skin. My very sensitive skin has lost this with redness and dry spots. Today I use the Anti-Rougeurs series from Avene (including the soothing Calm Mask). Especially for rosacea and reddened, sensitive skin. Lo and behold, my skin is much better.

Your skin, on the other hand, is rather insensitive, are you only currently struggling with impurities and pimples? Then you should treat them specifically with the right products. The products of the Avene Cleanance series are very suitable for facial skin that is not particularly sensitive or very dry. In the first step, the face is cleaned with the Cleanance cleansing gel. It is foamed with water and thoroughly frees the skin of dirt particles and also removes make-up. In the next step you should use a facial toner (tonic). The tonic also removes make-up (including waterproof make-up) and clears the skin. The toner is applied with a cotton pad and does not have to be rinsed off with water. Residues of the washing gel are also removed so that the skin is now optimally prepared for the right care cream. For more severe acne complaints, we would be happy to recommend the Cleanance Comedomed concentrate in pharmacies.

It has an antibacterial effect and can be applied both in the morning and in the evening. The concentrate reduces pimples and blackheads and prevents them from recurring. It is quickly absorbed because it is oil-free and leaves the skin feeling pleasant and matted. All products from the Avene Cleanance series have a sebum-regulating effect, so that oily and shiny skin appears more balanced and the complexion appears fresh.

Does your skin tighten a little after cleansing? 

Then there is a lack of moisture and you should avoid using an acne cream that is too strong. Rather use the Hydrance moist emulsion (light) or the moisturizing cream (rich). This means that facial skin that has been stressed by the cleansing is well cared for, both during the day and at night. Of course, all products of the Avene series can be combined with each other, so every skin is properly cared for.
A tip for a mask emergency? In our pharmacy and probably in many of my colleagues' handbags (mine too, of course), the Avene thermal water spray is always at hand. The thermal water is, in the truest sense, the source of all Avene products. It has an immediate cooling effect, soothes irritated skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Simply spray onto the face, neck and décolleté and you will notice the cooling effect and the skin is ready for more time under the mouth and nose protection.

The right care products are not enough for you? Do you want to put an end to the impurities? Then use the Benzaknen gel. This gel is available in different strengths, whereby you can use the 5% gel for the face. The active ingredient in Benzaknen Gel is benzoyl peroxide. This active ingredient has an antimicrobial effect, it regulates excess sebum production and prevents the skin from becoming excessively horny. The gel is applied to the cleansed skin 1-2 times a day. If there are only single, inflamed pimples, the gel can only be used selectively. If there is no significant improvement after a treatment time of approx. 4-12 weeks, treatment with the 10% gel can be started if necessary. As a rule, inflammation and impurities subside quickly and reliably. Since it is a grease-free gel, the skin can feel dry or tense after applying the gel. Proper care is essential.

Finally, a great tip: 

Change or wash your mouth and nose mask regularly. Germs, bacteria and dirt particles literally adhere to the mask and favor the impurities and pimples and the "maskne" cycle begins again ...
All the best to you .... Ines