Combatting Maskne – Many states are now requiring the general population to wear face masks when in public to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, many are suffering from a new skin issue, cleverly coined as “maskne”. When you breathe or talk while wearing a mask, warm air is trapped against your skin. This air creates a warm, moist environment ideal for the growth of yeast, bacteria and other flora. These bacterial imbalances, coupled with friction from wearing a mask, can lead to acne and other skin problems. To avoid this common skin problem, follow these six expert tips for mask prevention during COVID-19. Use the right products to clean your skin Cleansing your skin every night before bed is always necessary, but this is especially true if you’ve been wearing a face mask all day. Using a cleanser that suits your skin type is essential to properly caring for your complexion. What we recommend The coronavirus has been shown to be very susceptible to detergents that easily penetrate the virus’ protective coat. If you work in a high-risk environment and your skin is potentially exposed to viruses during the day, use a gentle cleanser to clean your skin after removing the mask, even if you have dry skin. Apply a soothing toner after cleansing Using a protective toner makes your skin less hospitable to acne-causing bacteria. Always apply a soothing toner after cleansing but before moisturizing. Applying your skin care products in this order lowers your skin’s pH level, making it less likely that acne bacteria will remain on your skin under the mask. What we recommend for the Soothing Toner from ZO Skin Health is a pH balanced toner that removes impurities and revives dull and sensitive skin. Soothe and support your skin cells while visibly reducing pore size without dryness or irritation. Use Tanning Pads to Prevent Clogged Pores If you’re experiencing excess oil production under the mask, your skin may benefit from incorporating tanning pads into your skin care routine. By preventing clogged pores, you reduce the chances of breakouts. What we recommend ZO Skin Health Skin Renewal Pads help minimize surface oil and exfoliate dead cells and pore-clogging dirt. These dual-action exfoliating pads help reduce excess oil while soothing and calming irritated skin. Neutralize acne-causing bacteria with spot treatments If you’re still feeling blemishes from your mask rubbing against your skin, try applying an acne spot treatment underneath your mask. Spot treatments that contain acne-fighting ingredients will create a physical barrier between your skin and the outside environment. What we recommend To combat acne caused by wearing a mask, we recommend Acne Control by ZO Skin Health. This maximum-strength acne-fighting formula controls surface oil, neutralizes bacteria and prevents future breakouts. Avoid makeup with acne-causing ingredients Make adjustments to your makeup routine when you know you’ll be wearing a mask for an extended period of time to help reduce acne breakouts. Avoid wearing pore-clogging lipsticks and foundations under a mask to reduce the chances of breakouts. Do not reuse disposable masks Disposable masks are the best option for anyone with skin allergies to laundry detergents or certain fabrics. Disposable masks are not meant to be reused, as they can contain bacteria, dirt, oil and makeup. Wearing this type of mask more than once can quickly lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you decide on a cloth mask, wash it after each use. Still struggling with acne from wearing a mask? We are here to help! The new norm requires us to wear masks regularly, and sometimes for longer periods, such as while working or going out in public. While covering our mouths and noses helps us do our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19, mask-related acne is a current problem for many. If you struggle with acne from wearing a mask, the Vein & Laser Institute is here to help! Contact us today to discuss which acne fighting products we recommend for your specific skin type. In August only, we’re also offering 25% off acne products and services – use code “SKIN” in our online store to inquire or schedule a consultation to learn more about related services!
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Combatting Maskne
5 Places You Forget to Apply Sunscreen on Your Skin Reversing Visible Signs of Sun Damage with LimeLight IPL Skin Some call this a “mask,” describing the type of acne caused by wearing a face covering that traps oil, sweat, and bacteria under it. Before the pandemic, the condition—officially known as acne mechanics—was most commonly seen in athletes and workers who wore helmets and chinstraps, says Sarah Perkins, MD, a dermatologist at Yale Medicine. When the mask is rubbed on the skin, it can irritate the small hair follicles, causing inflammation and generating acne.
How To Prevent Mask Acne (aka Maskne)
“It’s common in lacrosse and football players, and also in police officers who wear heavy-duty vests,” she says. “Anything that covers the skin, especially if there is heat and sweating, can cause acne – not just on the face, but also on the back and shoulders. “Right now I’m hearing from a lot of patients whose acne flares up because of wearing masks.”
Surgical masks and N95 respirators can trap a good amount of moisture and humidity and lead to skin problems, but even cloth masks can irritate the skin, notes Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, a dermatologic surgeon at Yale Medicine. “In addition to acne caused by friction, we also see perioral dermatitis, a rosacea-spectrum rash that occurs around the mouth and nose,” she says.
Given that wearing masks is a key component in preventing the spread of COVID-19, we can expect wearing them to be a part of our daily lives for some time. Dr. Perkins and Suozzi offer the following tips to prevent or minimize mask-related skin problems.
Avoid products that contain fragrances or too many chemicals, advises Dr. Suozzi. “The moisture created under the mask concentrates those ingredients around your face, making them more likely to cause irritation,” she explains. “A really gentle, unscented cleanser is a good place to start. Aggressive exfoliation and topical acids will make your skin too sensitive.”
Tips For Avoiding A “maskne” Breakout
It’s also important to be gentle when cleaning your skin after sweating under the mask. “Your natural inclination may be to over-cleanse your face if you break out, but if your skin is already irritated, this will only make it worse,” explains Dr. Perkins. “Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer.
If you’re wearing a mask, consider skipping makeup, because it’s just one more thing that can clog your pores, says Dr. Suozzi. “In fact, this pandemic is an opportunity to give your skin a break from over-processing and reset it,” she adds.
Instead, stick to a soothing moisturizer and wait 15 to 30 minutes to let the product soak into the skin before putting on your mask, advises Dr. Suozzi.
And if you’re also applying sunscreen (which can be included in your moisturizer), Dr. Suozzi recommends sticking with a mineral-based one (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) rather than a chemical one, which can to further irritate your skin under the mask.
How To Prevent And Treat Maskne
While healthcare workers should wear medical-grade masks, the general public — and especially those struggling with skin rashes — may do best with washable, cotton masks, doctors say.
“A cotton breathing mask that you wash regularly is ideal,” says Dr. Perkins. “If you need to wear your mask for a long time but can take a break from it, you can put it in a paper bag to let it dry between uses throughout the day.”
For mild cases of masking, over-the-counter face washes and topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help. “If you have more sensitive or dry skin, try salicylic first,” suggests Dr. Perkins.
But for mask cases that don’t resolve easily, Dr. Suozzi recommends seeing a dermatologist. “It can be a quick telehealth appointment where you get a prescription for medication to get it under control,” she says.
What’s The Best Way To Address Maskne?
Typical acne medications often don’t work on the mask, she adds. “For acne mechanics, retinoid medications such as Retin-A are often effective, but they can also cause skin irritation, which can be made worse by wearing a mask,” says Dr. Suozzi. “But there are products for acne/rosacea type conditions that can be prescribed or even found over the counter.”
Maybe masks aren’t the source of your skin problems right now. “There are many reasons why your skin may not be at its best during a global pandemic,” says Dr. Perkins. “We know that a diet high in sugar and processed foods can make acne worse in someone who is predisposed to it.” We also know that stress affects hormone levels, which can cause acne and other conditions to flare up.”
Plus, sleeping and eating patterns may be different right now for many people. “If you don’t have to get up at 7 a.m., you might be staying up later or eating things you wouldn’t normally eat,” she adds.
And if the mask sticks a little, there is
How To Prevent & Get Rid Of Maskne, Mascne Or Acne Mechanica
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