Today, we’re living in a new normal that requires wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Because of this, some of us are experiencing new or worsening breakouts that dermatologists are calling "maskne."
“Maskne” also known as Acne mechanica, is a form of acne that occurs from pressure, friction or rubbing of the skin. Wearing a mask regularly creates an occlusive, moist and warm environment which can be hard on your skin barrier. The combination of an aggravated skin barrier and sweat trapped under a mask can lead to acne breakouts especially for those with acne prone skin.
The irritation caused by wearing a mask can also exacerbate existing conditions such as perioral dermatitis, malassezia folliculitis, and more. If this is the case, we recommend seeing your dermatologist to help come up with a treatment plan.
If you are noticing a few pimples here and there, don’t despair! There are ways to help lessen and prevent further breakouts.
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when wearing a mask!
1. Examine your mask! If you are using a mask made from fabric, examine the materials you are using. You want to use an absorbent, smooth fabric while avoiding abrasive material.
2. Always wear a clean mask! If you are using a fabric mask, make sure to wash it after every use. It is recommended to wash your mask with hot water using a detergent that is safe for sensitive skin. Don’t forget to dry them! The heat from a dryer can help with the sanitizing process. If you are using disposable masks, make sure to use a new one each day or more frequently if you use each mask for long periods of time.
3. Do not touch your face! If you are experiencing breakouts, try your best to not touch them. No picking, popping, or squeezing. This can lead to further irritation and scarring. Applying a spot treatment such as our Dermaspace Overnight Spot Treatment to a pimple can help prevent the urge to pick.
4. Keep your skin clean. You want to wash your skin morning and night with a gentle cleanser that won’t further damage your moisture barrier. Avoid using hot water as that can further irritate your skin. Dermaspace Gentle Cleansing Gel is a great option for Maskne sufferers because it’s free from unwanted allergens, fragrance, and soaps.
5. MOISTURIZE! Do you have oily skin? Moisturize. Do you have dry skin? Moisturize. Maskne is caused by a compromised moisture barrier due to friction, that leads to irritation, which results in breakouts. How do you repair your moisture barrier? Moisturize regularly. Before applying your mask use a gentle moisturizer, wait until it dries, then apply your mask. Dermaspace oil free moisturizing lotion is a fantastic option for people experiencing irritation and or breakouts caused by masks. If your skin is lacking moisture, look for a serum with humectant ingredients. An example of that would be Dermaspace Hyaluronic Acid Firming Boost, which you can apply morning and night on damp skin, follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration. It's important to create a barrier in between the mask and your skin for protection.
6. Try to avoid wearing makeup underneath your mask. This includes lip balm, chapstick, or lipstick! The combination of comedogenic makeup, trapped sweat, and irritation, can lead to unwanted breakouts.
7. Be gentle with your skin while treating maskne! Especially if you are experiencing irritation due to a compromised moisture barrier. Avoid rubbing the skin, using hot water, or steam. Use, but don’t overuse, products that have ingredients that help with acne but won’t irritate your skin such as Dermaspace salicylic face and body wash.
Dermaspace is here for you. If you’re experiencing maskne, just know that your not alone. If you have any questions feel free to reach out and someone from the Dermaspace team will gladly help!
XO,
Cora S.