Exactly as it sounds, maskne is acne and breakouts, skin irritations and sensitised skin caused by heat, pressure and friction on the skin from wearing your mask for prolonged periods. As mandatory masks are not going anywhere for the foreseeable future, here is everything you need to know about ways to treat skin problems, caused by wearing a mask.
Why does maskne happen?
While new to the majority of people, maskne is not a new phenomenon in itself. It’s something people who have to wear masks at work have always struggled with. Think American football, construction workers or some factory workers. Of course, these days a lot more people are experiencing various maskne symptoms.
So, why does it happen? In short, when you breathe or talk while wearing a mask, a lot of hot, moist air is getting trapped inside. This environment is like its own tiny paradise for yeast, bacteria and demodex (types of skin mites that live on your skin), which start to actively spread on your skin.
The constant friction of fabric on your skin can also result in rosacea flare-ups and perioral dermatitis (that’s when pimples appear around your nose and mouth only).
How to prevent maskne
It might seem that your usual skincare, trapped inside the mask, might only make things worse but that’s actually not how it works. If our skin requires an extra protective barrier on a normal day, it requires twice as much when we wear masks!
Dermatologists agree that a light layer of moisturiser or a sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium will lessen the friction and irritation. To prevent bacteria build-up, you can also try applying a topical antibiotic cream or gel before putting on your face mask.
Make sure you always have micellar water in your purse – it helps to quickly rinse sweat and all the nasties that might’ve appeared on your skin while wearing the mask without over-drying the skin.
Another important way to prevent maskne is washing your reusable mask as often as after every single use. Choose fragrance-free hypoallergenic detergent to minimise possible allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Of course, it’s also important to remember that not all materials are beneficial for skin health. The most breathable one is a 100 percent cotton mask.
If you’re wearing disposable masks, do not re-wear them! Even better, consider having an extra mask handy, in case you need to change it after sweating or other accidents.
By the way, adult acne can also be a result of hormonal problems in your body!
Here are five main signs your acne is hormonal.
How to treat maskne
So, what if maskne still happens? Don’t panic, you can still treat this and get your glowing, clean skin back!
There are skincare products available on the market these days that have been specifically created to treat maskne. Of course, the innovators of the skincare world – Korean brands – were the first to introduce such products. But if you’re not in the mood to wait for Dr. Jart+ or Peach & Lily products to be delivered, look at brands available in New Zealand.
For example, BOOST LAB’s scientifically formulated Vitamin B3 Blemish Rescue Serum is available in Farmers and on farmers.co.nz. This serum both protects and reduces maskne and can be used morning and night. Delivering an intensive Vitamin B3 concentrate to the affected area, it helps reduce skin blemishes, acne, enlarged pores, redness and oily skin. The oil-free serum also forms an invisible, breathable shield to protect the skin from all the nasties. Basically, all your anti-maskne needs in one bottle!
Pauline Dubois, Senior Formulation Chemist for BOOST LAB, explains what to look for in products if you want to combat maskne: “Opt for products with anti-microbial and sebum-regulating properties. Additionally, look for ingredients targeting inflammation and improving skin barrier function.”
Another must-have product for acne-prone skin is a good foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. When it comes to cleansers and exfoliators, it’s important not to overdo it. Here is what our expert dermatologist suggests.
If your maskne mostly gives you irritation and that unpleasant feeling of ‘raw’ skin, apply a mild cortisone cream mixed with a moisturiser that contains ceramides. This will protect your skin and relieve itching and irritation.
And of course, you’ll have to skip your makeup routine while treating maskne. Foundation, concealer, highlighter, blush and other products you apply on wider areas tend to clog pores and can only make your condition worse.
