The pandemic also caused us to become introduced to concept of maskne which involves outbreaks and skin irritation due to face masks. In case you have spotted pimples or irritation on your route around the mouth, nose, and chin, you are not alone. Maskne can be prevented and treated, with proper skincare routine!

What Exactly Is Maskne?

Maskne is not a medical term but an informal term used to describe several skin conditions, which occur as a result of wearing face masks. Examples of such conditions are acne mechanica (breakouts due to friction and pressure on the mask) and contact dermatitis (red irritated areas of the skin that are the result of the mask materials).

Folliculitis or inflamed hair follicles that present as small pus filled bumps and rosacea flare ups are also common. The affected region usually has a characteristic appearance in the mouth, nose, chin, as well as on the cheeks- basically all the parts where the mask touches the skin.

Why Do Masks Cause Breakouts?

Knowledge is power so unfamiliar yourself with the science behind maskne to be in a better position to deal with it A number of reasons act in combination to create the skin problem perfect storm:

Heat and Humidity Buildup

Wearing a mask, you create a humid warm microenvironment when you breathe, speak, or exhale. This moisture penetrates your skin and makes it soft, and it becomes prone to host bacteria. The heat also spurs more production of oil resulting in clogged pores.

Friction and Pressure

Whenever you change your expression, open your mouth or reposition your mask, there will be friction. The repetitive friction can cause irritation to your skin barrier, creating micro-tears in your skin so that bacteria can enter further into your system. Potential areas of pressure around the nose bridge and around where you had the mask wrapped around the chin are more easily susceptible.

Bacterial Overgrowth

Your mask does not only collect moisture, it also collects bacteria accumulated in your breath and saliva. This forms a perfect incubator to acne causing bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes. Moreover, when you wear and wear a mask without appropriate cleaning you carry those bacteria back to your skin with each use.

Disrupted Skin Barrier

The moisture coupled with friction and occlusion can breach your skin protective barrier. When this occurs, your skin becomes hypersensitive to cosmetics, the surrounding environment, and the presence of any bacteria that causes irritation.

Effective Prevention Strategies

The most important thing about preventing maskne is to identify naming each of the contributing factors and eliminating them one by one. To stay clear and still have protection on the skin, here is how to do it:

Choose the Right Mask

The kind of mask material difference is really important Natural and breathing fabrics, such as cotton, permit more air circulation, at the same time offering protection. Shy away from synthetic fabrics that trap heat and moisture. Make sure you have the right fit of disposable masks and do not over fit them.

Think about masks with moisture-wicking features or the ones which are specially made to be worn longer. Inner linings of some masks are made of silk, and this feature prevents sliding across your skin.

Establish a Pre-Mask Routine

To prime you skin to ensure effective barrier protection, apply a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizer before wearing your mask. This will cut down friction and your skin will not feel dry. Do not apply heavy creams and oils because the thick ones can clog pores in the humid mask environment.

Niacinamide and/or salicylic acid should also be added to your morning routine if you have a tendency to get breakouts. These substances can normalize the amount of oil production and avoid clogged pores.

Practice Proper Mask Hygiene

Wash reusable masks after each use with a fragrance free detergent. In the case of disposable masks, change them frequently--when they get wet, or at least every 4-8 hours. You should not reuse a disposable mask since bacteria that grow in a moist environment can multiply very fast.

Tightly packaged in permeable containers, rather than plastic bags where there is a risk of moisture building up. The use of several masks provides the opportunity of rotation and will have a clean mask at all times.

Take Strategic Breaks

When it is safe to do so, take your mask off to allow your skin some space. This is especially important when wear duration is long. A simple break of 10-15 minutes during which you do not put the mask on can deprive your skin of moisture and enable it to breathe.

Treatment Options for Existing Maskne

Do not panic even in case you are already struggling with breakouts. Most maskne is most easily treated through targeted treatment:

Gentle Cleansing

Wash your face twice a day with a PH balanced mild cleanser. Avoid excessive scrubs or excessive cleansing which will only add more irritation to already compromised skin. Seek cleansers that have salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in them, but introduce these slowly to avoid undo dryness.

Targeted Treatments

To treat active breakouts, spot treatments that list benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid can reduce inflammation and clean pores. Apply on affected areas only, and then use moisturizer to avoid extreme dryness.

Retinoids are especially helpful in chronic breakouts due to maskne as they normalize the replication of skin cells and prevent pores being closed. But introduce them gradually and initially just use them at night since they can make you more sun sensitive.

Professional Help

In case of no positive outcomes of the over-the-counter solutions after 6-8 weeks, a dermatologist should be consulted. They may prescribe topical antibiotics, stronger retinoids and other prescription therapies.

Long-Term Skin Health

Keeping the skin healthy under the mask will require discipline and time. Put more effort into helping your skin barrier and less into irritation. Keep in mind that skin benefits are long-term effects: 6-12 weeks of use are necessary to noticeable positive changes.

Pay keen attention to what your skin reacts to; the type of masks, products, and other routines. What may work on others may not work locally on you so anticipate to adapt to what the skin needs.

Final Thoughts

The idea that Maskne is inevitable as a consequence of wearing face protection is false. It is important to discover the reasons why it occurs and to employ intelligent prevention tactics to ensure you have clear and healthy skin. The first thing you can do is wear masks allowing airflow, good hygiene, and adherence to a regular skin care regimen. Contact a skincare expert in case problems continue to occur. Take some steps to keep your skin safe, comfortable, and secure as you feel in your skin.