How to Treat and Prevent Maskne For All Skin Types

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged at the end of 2019, quickly became a global health crisis, impacting millions worldwide.

It originated in Wuhan, China, and the novel coronavirus spread across continents, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic disruptions.

It was a pretty scary time because the virus was spreading at an uncontrollable rate.

To curb the transmission of the virus, public health measures became a necessity.

One of the most universally adopted preventive measures was the use of face masks. I know not on brand 🥲.

Masks, previously more common in select professions and regions, suddenly became an integral part of our daily lives.

These coverings, ranging from cloth masks to medical-grade masks, act as a barrier to respiratory droplets, which are a primary mode of COVID-19 transmission.

As countries and regions implemented mask mandates, face masks transitioned from being a medical accessory to an essential, often mandated, everyday item.

With the stage set for understanding maskne, it's essential to delve deeper into its causes, prevention, and treatment.

 

Face Mask Skin Problems

As the world adapted to the necessity of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new buzzword began to circulate in beauty and health communities: "maskne".

Maskne, a blend of "mask" and "acne", refers to the breakout of pimples and blemishes caused by wearing face masks for extended periods.

Facial masks caused the skin around the mouth and nose to break out due to an increase in humidity and sebum.

59.6% of individuals who regularly wore face masks experienced an acne outbreak even thought they didn't have acne-prone skin 🤯

Were you included in the 59% of people who experienced acne from wearing face coverings?

While masks have been crucial in our defence against the coronavirus, our skin, it seems, has been bearing the brunt of this protective measure.

This unexpected side effect of the global health crisis has many searching for answers, remedies, and ways to keep their skin clear while staying safe.

As we unravel the mystery of maskne in this post, you'll discover its causes, prevention methods, and solutions to keep your complexion radiant even beneath the mask. 

 

Wearing a Mask Causes Acne Breakouts

While the blemishes and bumps might look similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between traditional acne and the new found maskne.

Regular acne, a skin condition many of us have grappled with at various life stages, can be triggered by a myriad of factors ranging from hormonal changes and stress to diet and genetics.

These breakouts can manifest anywhere on the body but are predominantly found on the face, back, and chest.

On the other hand, maskne, as its name suggests, is directly associated with the prolonged wearing of face masks.

The friction of the mask against our skin, combined with the trapped moisture, sweat, and bacteria in the confined space, creates a perfect micro-environment for breakouts.

Typically appearing on the lower half of the face, especially along the lines where the mask makes contact, maskne tends to present as small pimples, redness, and even skin irritation.

Understanding these differences is key not only for accurate identification but also for tailoring treatment and preventive measures for each condition.

 

What Are the Causes of Wearing a Face Mask?

As face masks have turned into daily essentials, many have started experiencing a frustrating side effect – maskne.

But what's really causing these sudden and often persistent breakouts? Let's delve into the root causes:

1. Friction and Pressure: Wearing a mask exerts pressure on your face, and this friction can lead to micro-tears in the skin. These tiny tears make it easier for dirt and bacteria to penetrate, leading to breakouts. Plus, the continuous rubbing can cause skin irritation, known as acne mechanica, a specific type of breakout caused by friction or rubbing of the skin.

2. Trapped Moisture: Breathing under a mask creates a humid environment. This humidity traps your breath, sweat, and oil right on your skin, leading to clogged pores. And as we know, clogged pores are the perfect breeding grounds for acne.

3. Bacterial Growth: Throughout the day, bacteria from your mouth and nose can get trapped inside your mask. Combined with the warm, humid environment, your mask can become a hotbed for bacterial growth, which in turn can lead to skin infections and breakouts.

4. Reduced Airflow: Masks, by design, limit the amount of air reaching your skin. This reduced airflow can cause your skin to become dry on the surface but oily underneath – a problematic combination. This oily under-layer can contribute to the formation of pimples and other blemishes.

5. Makeup and Skincare Products: Some of us might still be wearing makeup under our masks or using heavier skincare products. These can mix with sweat and oil, leading to blocked pores. Plus, certain products may not react well to the increased humidity, further triggering breakouts.

6. Stress: The pandemic has brought about a myriad of stresses, both direct and indirect. Our skin can react to these internal stressors, and when combined with the external pressures of mask-wearing, it can result in an increased likelihood of maskne.

Understanding these causes is the first step in a proactive approach to combating maskne.

With knowledge as our weapon, we can tailor our skincare routines and mask-wearing habits to ensure our skin remains as healthy as possible in these trying times.

Developing Maskne Regardless of Skin Type

If you've noticed a sudden surge of skin issues concentrated primarily around the areas where your mask sits, you might be dealing with maskne.

Recognising the symptoms early can aid in timely intervention and management. Let's shed light on the typical signs of this contemporary skin concern:

1. Location-Specific Breakouts: Maskne predominantly manifests on the lower half of the face, especially in areas covered by your mask – the bridge of the nose, cheeks, chin, and around the mouth.

2. Variety of Blemishes: From small whiteheads and blackheads to larger, painful pimples, maskne can present a range of blemishes. You might also spot tiny, itchy pustules or raised red bumps.

3. Redness and Irritation: The constant friction between the mask fabric and your skin can lead to areas of redness and irritation. Over time, this can evolve into rough patches or even areas of raw skin.

4. Rosacea or Eczema Flare-ups: Individuals with pre-existing conditions like rosacea or eczema might notice a worsening of their symptoms due to the trapped heat and moisture.

5. Increased Skin Sensitivity: You might find your skin becoming more sensitive to products you've used for years, showing reactions like burning, stinging, or itching after application.

6. Dryness or Flakiness: Ironically, while the mask traps humidity and sweat leading to breakouts, it can also cause certain areas, especially where the mask's edges rub, to become overly dry or flaky.

7. Tight or Itchy Feeling: The confined environment can sometimes make the skin feel unusually tight or itchy, especially after removing the mask.

Understanding and being able to identify these symptoms is crucial in differentiating maskne from other skin conditions.

It equips you to adapt your skincare regimen appropriately and seek professional help when needed.

Remember, early recognition and intervention can prevent prolonged skin distress and aid in faster healing. 

 

How Can You Manage Maskne?

During the pandemic, this was an ongoing question for those wearing masks in public places 😷.

The age-old adage, "prevention is better than cure," couldn't be more apt when it comes to maskne.

As face masks remain a critical tool in our public health arsenal, finding ways to minimise their impact on our skin is essential.

Here are some strategies to help you stave off maskne and maintain a clear complexion:

• Cotton masks – cotton is a soft breathable fabric compared to polyester; therefore, you are going to experience less friction and irritation from wearing cotton masks. You are also able to wash cotton masks, reducing any bacteria building up.

• Regularly change your mask – if you decide to wear disposable masks, change them regularly, sweat and bacteria will build up underneath the mask and result in maskne. Replace your mask regularly to allow your skin to breathe.

• Clean Masks are Crucial: If you're using reusable fabric masks, wash them after every use. This ensures that accumulated dirt, oil, and bacteria don't get a chance to linger and cause breakouts. Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent to minimise potential skin irritants.

• Skincare products – avoid testing new skincare products or harsh treatments as they may irritate your skin. Regular mask-wearing can make your skin sensitive, ensure that you are cleansing properly, twice a day with a cleanser that has acne-fighting ingredients.

• Wear Makeup – wearing makeup underneath your skin is likely to result in clogged pores and breakouts. However, if makeup is something that needs to be worn opt for non-comedogenic products as these won't clog pores.

• Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet: Healthy skin starts from within. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help strengthen your skin's natural defence against breakouts.

• Manage Stress: Since stress can exacerbate skin issues, find ways to manage and reduce it, whether through exercise, meditation, hobbies, or seeking support.

By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can wear your mask with confidence, knowing that you're not only protecting your health but also proactively caring for your skin.

Remember, with the right prevention measures, maskne doesn't stand a chance!

 

Treating Maskne with Effective Treatment Options

If, despite your best prevention efforts, maskne still makes an unwelcome appearance, don't fret; several treatments can help clear and soothe your skin.

Begin with over-the-counter products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide – these can target acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and remove dead skin cells.

If your skin leans on the drier side, consider a hydrating treatment containing hyaluronic acid to restore moisture balance and keep skin hydrated.

For more stubborn or persistent breakouts, topical retinoids might be beneficial, but they should be used with caution and preferably under dermatological guidance.

And speaking of professionals, if maskne is proving particularly troublesome, it might be time to see a dermatologist.

They can offer prescription treatments or recommend specific therapies like light or laser treatments to address more severe mask-related skin issues.

Remember, while maskne might be a novel challenge in our lives, the skincare world is well-equipped with solutions to tackle it effectively.

 

Final Thoughts: Face Mask Related Acne

In the unexpected twists and turns of our pandemic journey, maskne has surfaced as a testament to the adaptability of our lives—and our skin.

This new skincare hurdle, borne from our collective commitment to safety, underscores the ever-evolving challenges we face. But with understanding comes empowerment and fewer acne breakouts.

By identifying the causes, recognising the symptoms, and equipping ourselves with prevention and treatment strategies, we can face mask acne with informed confidence.

Maskne is but a temporary visitor in the grand scheme of our lives, and with knowledge and care, we can ensure that both our health and our skin emerge from these times stronger than ever.

I hope that you learned something new about how to prevent breakouts whilst wearing a face mask regardless of if you have oily skin, dry skin or sensitive skin 🙂

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FAQs: How to Prevent Maskne and Keep Skin Healthy

What is maskne?

Maskne was a term first coined during the COVID-19 pandemic, the term is a blend of "mask" and "acne". It refers to the acne or skin breakouts caused by wearing face masks for prolonged periods.

Why am I getting acne from my face mask?

The humid environment inside a mask, combined with friction and pressure against the skin, can lead to clogged pores. This, coupled with trapped sweat, oil, and bacteria, creates an ideal setting for acne.

Is maskne different from regular acne?

While they may appear similar, maskne is specifically linked to prolonged mask usage. It often appears in areas where the mask makes contact with the face, like the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin.

How can I prevent maskne?

Ensure your mask fits well without being too tight, choose natural breathable fabrics, keep your mask clean, adjust your skincare routine, and limit makeup under the mask.

How can I treat maskne?

Over-the-counter products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide can help. For more severe cases, consulting a dermatologist for prescription treatments or specific therapies might be necessary.

Should I change my skincare routine because of maskne?

Adapting your skincare routine can help. Opt for non-comedogenic, gentle cleansers, and light moisturiser. Also, consider avoiding heavy makeup beneath the mask.

How often should I wash my fabric mask?

It's recommended to wash reusable masks after every use to remove accumulated dirt, oil, and bacteria.

Is maskne only related to COVID-19 mask-wearing?

While the term gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, any prolonged face mask usage (e.g., in certain professions) can lead to similar skin issues.

Do medical-grade masks cause more or less maskne compared to fabric masks?

Both can cause maskne if they create friction or trap humidity. However, breathable fabric masks, especially those made of cotton, may be gentler on the skin for some individuals.

 

 

P.S. Feel free to check out the articles that helped us put this blog post on Maskne:

• Maskne: Mask-induced acne flare during Coronavirus disease-19. What is it and how to manage it? - Link

• Maskne: The Epidemic within the Pandemic: From Diagnosis to Therapy by Cristina Beatrice Spigariolo, Serena Giacalone & Gianluca Nazzaro – Link