Yes, maskne is a thing.
This is probably the only issue that everyone can agree on right now… that wearing masks causes maskne; proven by the existence of a name for the affliction!
So while everyone argues about everything else, let’s get to the causes , treatments and how to prevent it!
What Causes Maskne?
When I was a teenager I had to train myself to stop touching my face because our hands spread bacteria to our faces. As soon as I broke that habit I had less acne.
Similarly if you do not change your pillow case often enough, you might end up with breakouts from bacteria on your pillow case.
Now think about wearing a mask on your face for hours. It is in constant contact with your face and any bacteria that might be present is constantly touching or rubbing against your face.
Breathing into the mask causes a moist, humid environment and bacteria thrives on this.
It is also possible that the mask is causing contact dermatitis from rubbing. If you have a lot of little red bumps this can be a rash rather than breakouts and you will benefit from using a barrier cream to protect your skin from the mask rubbing.
If you must wear a mask at your job or in other settings, here are some tips to minimise the effects that it has on your skin.
Preventing Maskne:
To prevent maskne or reduce the maskne that you already have try these tips:
- Use a disposable mask and dispose of it (thoughtfully, I am seeing them everywhere and our oceans do not need masks) for a new one as often as possible.
- Do not wear make-up underneath the mask. If you still want to wear make-up I suggest wearing it on your forehead and other parts of your face that are not covered by the mask. The oils in foundation can attract bacteria especially underneath the mask. Another idea is to wear a tinted moisturiser for a bit of coverage rather than a foundation.
- Take your mask off as often as you can. Keep make-up wipes in your bag and clean your face before putting on a new disposable mask.
- Follow a good skincare routine. Cleanse your face in the morning, after you finish work (particularly if you have to wear a mask at work) and before bed. Exfoliate regularly.
Treating Maskne:
As mentioned above, follow a good skincare routine. A facial peel at a clinic such as a lactic acidLactic acid, is an AHA derived from milk that is used as a chemical exfoliant. The acid helps to brighten, reduce the look of wr... peel or glycolicGlycolic acid works by breaking down the substance that holds dead skin cells together, promoting cell turnover and leaving the ... peel will really help.
As aforementioned, if your maskne is actually contact dermatitis, ask your pharmacist for advice on a good barrier cream to protect your skin in the spot that the mask is rubbing against. This might be a cortisone cream or a gentle, soothing cream that you can wear underneath the mask.
If you have maskne I suggest the following:
- Cleanse in the morning and apply moisturiser. If you have to wear a mask for prolonged periods, avoid wearing make-up or try wearing a tinted moisturiser.
- Use disposable masks and change them everyday. More than once a day would be preferable.
- Keep make-up wipes in your bag and clean your skin throughout the day.
- Cleanse your face when you get home from work and again in the evening.
- Exfoliate at least 2-3 times per week.
- Moisturise with something gentle and soothing because the mask will no doubt have irritated your skin throughout the day.
I hope this helps!
JJ xx
