Covid-19 took our freedom and gave us mask-induced acne in exchange. We ask a dermatologist what exactly maskne is and how to take care of it.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic changed our world last March, masks and all sorts of face coverings have been our new normal. A necessary accessory that we never thought we would wear – and we hope will soon disappear – face masks cause more than a little discomfort.
Wearing a mask is the first and most effective thing we could do to prevent the spread of the virus, and we might have to wear it long after we all get vaccinated. With the necessity of keeping a mask on at all times – even while in open spaces in many countries around the world – more and more people are experiencing breakouts and other skin irritations such as rosacea, contact dermatitis (usually caused by an allergic reaction to the mask) and folliculitis (itchy bumps caused by an irritation of the hair follicles).
Humidity and friction are not friends of our skin and – especially for acne-prone and oily types – can clog our pores and cause irritations.
How to prevent Maskne?
If you have sensitive skin or if you have to wear a mask for many hours a day due to your job, you might see some signs of irritation even if you do everything right, but there are some precautions you could take to prevent breakouts.
- Remember to wash and cleanse your face every day. As your pores are more prone to get clogged, cleansing your face would prevent those dirty pores from escalating to a full-grown pimple. While cleansing is essential, though, choosing natural and delicate products is a must to avoid further irritation.
- Moisturise the area whenever you can and take excellent care of your skin before going to bed and, once a week, make sure to indulge in some well-deserved self-care with a deeply hydrating mask.
- Avoid makeup as much as you can. If you are experiencing breakouts and flare-ups, it’s better to take care of your skin and let it breathe as much as possible. Nobody can see you behind the mask anyway, so no need to feel self-conscious!
- Use your surgical masks only once and wash your reusable masks often. You don’t want bacteria, oil, makeup and general dirt on your face over and over again.
- Know what you are putting on your face. Just like beauty products, make sure that your reusable masks are made of natural and breathable materials. Be mindful of poorly made masks, toxic dyes, and synthetic fabrics that can worsen your skin’s irritation.
- Eat better. Studies have shown that certain types of food – like sugar and dairy – can cause acne in adults. If you are experiencing bad breakouts, think about what you are putting in your body and see if you can cut out certain things.
Maskne can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential to wear a mask to keep ourselves and others safe in these difficult times. We might have to bite the bullet for a bit longer, but following these tips and taking care of your skin should prevent bad flare-ups and give you a break from maskne at last.
