Maskne is the new acne breakout. Maskne is not something that is new. In fact, maskne breakouts are common to football players and other professions who have prolonged mask-wearing. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that mandates us to wear masks, maskne has undoubtedly become more common in people. Here are some insights on what Maskne is and how to avoid it:
What is Maskne?
Maskne stands for “mask acne,” it’s the type of acne breakout you get from wearing your mask. It is also an umbrella term for several skin conditions that can arise from wearing a mask, such as acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, and folliculitis. Maskne can occur for two major reasons, (1) because of inflammation caused by the friction between your skin and mask or (2) the moisture and growth of microorganisms underneath your mask.
Maskne breakouts are apparent due to their isolated growth underneath the areas covered by your masks, such as your chin and cheeks.
Is It Really an Issue?
According to Dr. Mona Gohara, an associate clinical professor in dermatology at Yale, maskne is real. She even recalls how she could “feel the maskne forming with the oil and sweat swishing around” under the mask. Trusted dermatologists also affirm that maskne has always been an issue in professions requiring mask-wearing. Due to the pandemic, the public is now more susceptible to this because of the mandated mask-wearing.
How Can You Prevent Maskne?
- Wash Your Face
This advice might be a no-brainer, but many people forget the importance of washing their face regularly. The gunk, oil, and moisture you accumulate throughout the day underneath your mask can be major reasons you have acne breakouts. So, to prevent this, it is important that you wash all that dirt away after a long day of wearing a mask.
Note: You may be tempted to scrub your face due to the oily feeling. Do not do it. Scrubbing your face will strip away all the good oils and irritate your skin, leading to breakouts.
- Moisturize
Contrary to popular belief, using moisturizers actually helps prevent acne breakouts. Dry skin can trigger your body to produce more sebum, and this extra oil can clog your pores. Look for moisturizers that are marketed as oil-free or non-comedogenic. Apply moisturizer before and after wearing your mask. Applying moisturizer hydrates the skin and creates a protective barrier between the skin and the mask.
- Avoid Using Makeup
In trying to avoid acne breakouts, you should also avoid putting products that may clog up your pores if you need to wear makeup, opt-out for products labeled as “non-comedogenic,” or try to limit the number of products you use.
- Avoid Using Harsh Products
Acne isn’t always about clogged pores. Sometimes it can be triggered by irritated skin. So, avoid using harsh skin products such as peels, exfoliants, and retinoids which can cause dry and sensitive skin. If retinoids are part of your skincare routine, use them in the evening only and do not apply too much of it.
- Wear a Breathable Mask
Wearing a breathable mask doesn’t just mean a mask you can comfortably breathe through, but also the type of fabric. Choose a mask that is made of cotton. If you’re the type to wear disposable masks, make sure that your mask is not worn too tightly, which can irritate the skin. In short, wear the right fit.
- Keep It Clean!
DO NOT re-wear your disposable mask. Not only is re-wearing your disposable mask a health hazard but the dirt and gunk from the mask can cause you to breakout. Similarly, always wash your cloth mask after every use. If you can change your disposable mask twice throughout the day. A clean mask keeps the germs away from your skin.
- Consider Using Fragrance-Free Soaps
If you’re a cloth mask user, you may consider using fragrance-free soaps to wash it. Fragrance-free soaps do not irritate the skin. You may also opt to use fragrance-free cleansers when you’re washing your face to keep it from being irritated.
- Pay Attention to Yourself
Maskne isn’t only just caused by irritated skin, but your stress levels can also influence your breakouts. High-stress situations can cause hormones to go awry and result in acne breakouts. Pay attention to yourself and allow yourself to de-stress every now and again.
These are the tips to prevent maskne breakouts. If none of these has reduced your maskne, consider visiting a doctor to get your skin the proper treatment for your acne breakouts. While masks can cause acne breakouts, this should not be the reason for you to stop wearing a mask. Protect yourself and others from the COVID-19 virus. Wear a mask.
