Maskne: What is it, treatment and how to avoid?
Keys, ID card, wallet, sanitizer, and a face mask have become the new step-out checklist. Unfortunately, face masks have become a part of our daily lives, thanks to the pandemic. While a mask protects us from the coronavirus, wearing it for an extended time period makes your skin break out, resulting in maskne or mask acne. Here's more about it.
What is maskne?
Maskne is a word that combines "mask" and "acne." The term, maskne appeared during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 to refer to the acne that happens because of wearing a face mask.
What causes it?
The natural oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells build up and collect when you wear a mask, blocking your pores and causing maskne. When your skin comes in contact with the mask for a prolonged period, the friction it causes results in skin irritation and welcomes dirt to accumulate, leading to pimples. Masks also trap humidity caused due to sweating, which increases acne risk.
How to treat maskne?
1. Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your skin too much as it can lead to skin irritation. 2. Make sure you use a gentle cleanser as it can eliminate bacteria, excess sebum, and sweat. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid-induced medicated cleansers are recommended in case of severe maskne.
Apply a moisturizer and cortisone cream; avoid makeup
3. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate the skin and avoid clogging of the pores. 4. If your maskne is causing irritation, apply a mild cortisone cream. However, it would be best to consult a dermatologist in case the acne aggravates. 5. Ditch the makeup as it can prolong the healing process and block your pores again.
How to prevent maskne?
1. Wash your masks frequently with water and dry them fully. This can help remove acne-causing bacteria. 2. Dermatologists recommend applying an anti-microbial topical cream before putting on the face mask. 3. A study recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every four hours to provide your skin with a break. 5. Once you are back home, wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Lastly, choose the right face mask
Choosing the right mask is important. The mask should be breathable. If you start to feel moist under it, change it. Choose a multi-layer cotton mask. The fit of your mask also makes a difference. It should neither be too tight nor too loose. Strictly avoid synthetic or nylon face masks as they can cause skin irritation.
