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Maskne — The New Normal.
You may have been experiencing an influx of breakouts the past several weeks and blamed stress as the cause - you'd be insane to not be stress triggered at the present times. Working from home your skin has probably gotten a much needed breather from make up so it has to be the stress, right?
Although its not only the added anxiety from coronavirus & police brutality that's causing acne. If you've been diligently wearing your face mask to stop the spread of the virus and experiencing pimples in places certain places (top of nose, chin & cheeks) then it may be what derms & esties call "maskne."
Face mask breakouts have been so prominent the term maskne has been added to the Urban Dictionary which is pretty much as credible as Webster. LOL.
How do I know its maskne & not acne?
Location and distribution would be key here. Maskne will most likely be formed at the point of contact of the mask; along the chin, bridge of nose and cheeks. You'll most likely see breakouts from a cloth mask, especially if unwashed although it applies to paper and medical masks.
What Causes Maskne?
There are three main ways masks cause breakouts says Maryann Mikhail, MD of Miami Miller School of Medicine, she explains below.
- Rubbing:Masks can cause irritation through friction and chafing, almost like rug burn. The areas most at risk are the bridge of the nose and where elastic bands hit behind the ears. Over time, tightly fitting masks can put enough pressure on the skin to cause it to breakdown.
- Irritation:The material of a mask absorbs the skin’s natural oils. For some people, this leads to dryness and sensitivity. Residue from detergents and fabric softeners also gets stuck underneath the mask and can cause irritation. When irritation becomes inflammation, you see redness, dry patches, peeling, or dark marks. If you have a skin condition like rosacea or psoriasis, the inflammation can make it flare.
- Occlusion:Occlusion from a mask also causes issues. Pores get clogged and can become pimples or acne cysts. Your breath trapped beneath the mask makes the skin surface warm and moist. Besides regular acne, this environment can lead to a breakout called folliculitis, which is when yeast or bacteria infect hair follicles.
How Can I Prevent Maskne?
- Wash Your Face - Always put your mask over a clean face. Dirt and sebum on the skin will get trapped causing breakouts. Opt for a gentle moisturizer, free of fragrance.
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- Go Make Up Free - Mask create an environment with less oxygen for the skin; an occlusive barrier which traps make up therefore clogging pores (I am not a medical professional, I have no clue about oxygen levels for breathing).
- Don't Be Harsh On Skin - Medicated products and rigorous at home treatments like scrubs may sensitize skin and cause irritation under a mask. Use chemical exfoliants to dissolve dead skin cells on the surface.
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- Try a More Breathable Fabric - The less friction, the better. Materials like cloth are more prone to irritation, an alternative would be a silk or silk like material mask. Though this fabric should be handled delicately and not machine washed; you'll notice more comfort and the skin relieved.
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- Wear Only Clean Masks - "Dirt and oil from your skin plus bacteria from your mouth and nose will end up on your cloth mask. Keep a rotation of masks on hand and wash them after every use." Says Maryann Mikhail, MD. This goes for surgical masks as well, do not reuse them.
- Use a Good Moisturizer - Esthetician, Alicia Yoon states
"You need products for the barrier and calming ingredients. It’s all about getting that barrier back intact." Yoon recommends skin care with jojoba, squalene, or ceramides to help repair the barrier. You can also add hyaluronic acid serums or creams to replenish the lost hydration.
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- Don't Skip the SPF - Even though most your face is covered, it's no reason to skip sunscreen. Let me make this clear; NO reason is acceptable for skipping sunscreen. Look for non-comedogenic and oil-free options as they work to decrease excess oil that can clog pores and lead to acne. My personal favorite are mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide, they are great for all skin types including acne-prone & sensitive.
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Bottom Line
Because of the pandemic face masks may be around for awhile; with a proper skincare routine and prevention techniques your risk of masks related breakouts will be reduced.
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