What You Need To Know About Maskne
Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear that this crisis will most likely change our daily lives for the perceivable future. One of the most apparent aspects is that we’re now required to wear a mask in order to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of COVID-19. While masks are a cheap and effective protective measure, they can unfortunately lead to acne breakouts. On social media, this has been referred to as maskne. Though it can be very inconvenient, there are practical ways to prevent it or treat it if it occurs.
Maskne: The Causes
Yes, maskne has become a viral social media phenomenon. However, it’s not just a meme: it has a scientific basis of explanation. When you’re wearing a mask, you’re entrapping hot air on your face for an extended period of time. Not only does it feel uncomfortable, this humid environment is the optimal condition for and can lead to the growth of bacteria, yeast, and flora which subsequently may cause acne.
Do I need to change my skincare routine?
When you experience an acne outbreak, initially you may want to reassess your entire skin care routine. But just because you have acne, doesn’t mean you necessarily have to stop using makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizer. In fact, those things can actually stabilize your skin flora levels. In addition, a layer of moisturizer and sunscreen can help your skin mitigate the irritation and friction that’s caused by wearing a mask. On the other hand, thick layers of sunscreen, makeup, and moisturizer can exacerbate the situation and lead to outbreaks.
Do I need to change the fabric of my mask?
A mask made from a lighter fabric may feel more comfortable and lead to less skin problems. You want to find the right balance of protection and comfort. Months into the pandemic, there are numerous options out there to choose from. You can look for a mask that’s comfortable but still effective.
What You Can Do To Prevent Maskne Breakouts
There are plenty of practical, easy things you can do to reduce your risk of getting an acne outbreak. Here are a few:
Wash your mask: Frequently wash your mask so it doesn’t accrue a lot of bacteria that can trigger acne outbreaks. Wash it at the end of the day.
Have an extra mask: When you’re out and about, bring an extra mask with you to put on just in case your mask gets dirty or wet.
Take your mask off when you can: Though masks are great at keeping you safe, they aren’t necessary if you are already in a safe environment. Feel free to take off your mask when you can social distance and aren’t in a crowded area.
Cleansers: Use a cleanser to clean your face. We recommend double-cleansing, first with an oil-based cleanser then a gentle foaming wash. Our current favorite oil cleanser is this one, which blends from oil to milk and washes off easily without leaving a film of oil behind.
Hyaluronc acid: Use a hyaluronic acid to keep your face’s natural moisture balance.
Masks to Combat Maskne
How To Treat Maskne
Unfortunately, maskne may still happen even if you take precautions. While it’s definitely inconvenient, it’s treatable. You can find a treatment plan that works for you. You may need to use one or more treatments. These are a few of your options that have been scientifically proven to work:
Benzoyl peroxide: This drying agent has been proven to dry out acne.
Retinoids: Dermatologists who specialize in women with moderate to severe acne prescribe tretinoin as their go-to acne treatment.
Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics are also a potential treatment for acne if it is caused by a certain bacterial overgrowth. However, it can also exacerbate it by suppressing a balanced gut microbiome in addition to a sleuth of other imbalances such as mood. Dermatologists may prescribe antibiotic medications along with topical treatments. Inquire with your primary care provider.
Masks are part of our new reality. Time and time again, it’s been shown to be an effective way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As members of society, we should all do part to protect others and ourselves. Though you may see people discuss maskne on social media, you don’t have to get too stressed about the prospect of getting it if you’re careful and take steps to prevent and treat it. With the right strategies and preemptive measures, you can reduce your chance of getting it. If you end up having a maskne outbreak, there are numerous scientifically proven methods out there to treat it.
