Small Talk JOANNA CZECH

The beauty expert, whose clientele includes top model Bella Hadid and reality star Kim Kardashian, is now the ambassador of Dior Skincare. She shares her self-care routine, along with tips to prevent ‘maskne’

What is a skincare philosophy that you live by?

Respect, support and protect. This goes for skincare as well as how we treat ourselves and others.

What is a common skincare mistake that many people make?

Using toner—that’s a misconception because many people still use a toner as the second step of cleansing as opposed to the first step of treating the skin. I can’t imagine, for instance, applying a serum on my face without applying toner first. The efficacy of the product will not be the same if you have not applied a toner.

“Maskne” has become a real problem. How can we prevent these breakouts?

When you wear a mask, it creates a microclimate and we keep breathing carbon dioxide back and forth, so there is not enough of antibacterial oxygen getting into the skin. What I recommend is keeping the skin as clean as possible before wearing the mask, with just a balancing toner and protecting balm or healing ointment to lubricate areas where the mask could potentially irritate the skin. Very often, it’s on the nose bridge as well as on the side and behind the ears. Then, as soon as you arrive home, take the mask off, wash your face, and again balance your skin with toner and use your serums.

How do we soothe breakouts or eczema caused by wearing masks?

Even with microscopic breakouts, I would continue using any product that’s hydrating because sometimes we misunderstand—we have a breakout and then we try to use benzoyl peroxide or anything that’s dehydrating. No, your skin would be producing even more sebum. So keep hydrating your skin with soothing ingredients like colostrum and hyaluronic acid.