Do you have maskne? Whether you wear a mask at work, the grocery store, or anywhere else, take a look at what you need to know about this common face covering–related skin issue.
What Is Maskne?
Maskne is a term that describes the acne or irritation face masks can cause. Even though this is likely your first experience with maskne, health care professionals who have always had to wear face coverings for long periods of time are usually familiar with this common skin condition. There are several potential causes of this common condition, including:
· Friction. As a mask rubs against your face, it can cause friction. The result is redness and irritation.
· Heat. Like friction, the heat from your mask can also result in redness and irritation. Heat can also increase sweating. Sweat trapped inside your mask can clog pores and increase the risk of acne development.
· Fabric. The type of fabric your mask may add to the irritation or increase the likelihood your pores will clog. Some masks are pretreated with disinfectants. These can irritate sensitive skin or cause an allergic reaction.
Even though you might think makeup or other cosmetic products could cause maskne, beauty items aren’t the top culprit behind this skin issue. Provided you don’t slather on thick layers of oil-containing moisturizers and lotions, you can wear cosmetic or makeup products under your mask.
Who Gets Maskne?
Anyone who wears a face covering can have maskne. Some people are more likely to develop this issue, such as:
· People who wear masks for prolonged periods. The longer you have on a mask, the more irritation it can cause.
· People with some types of allergies. If you’re allergic to synthetic fabrics or some types of fabric coatings, you may experience maskne.
· People who have rosacea. Heat and friction can worsen this dermatological condition. Pre-existing rosacea may put you more at risk for maskne.
· People with high activity levels. If you exercise often, you may have a higher likelihood of maskne development — especially if you sweat often. Again, sweat can clog your pores and lead to acne.
If you have existing acne, a face mask may add to the irritation. Even though you probably don’t want the aggravation and aesthetic issues of acne, fear of maskne shouldn’t make you skip face mask use. Instead, discuss the prevention and treatment options for your individual needs with a dermatologist.
How Can You Prevent Maskne?
Reduce the risks of maskne with a few easy-to-follow prevention steps. If you’re prone to pimples, have a pre-existing skin condition (such as rosacea or atopic dermatitis), or just want to avoid the issue
· Choose a mild skincare routine. Don’t add harsh chemicals to already-irritated skin. Use a mild facial cleanser and scent-, dye-, or oil-free moisturizer.
· Wash after wearing a mask. If your skin feels oily or is sweaty, wash your face with a gentle cleanser after you remove your mask.
· Choose the right fabric for your skin. If synthetic or treated fabrics irritate your skin, choose a natural fiber. You may need to experiment with different types of masks to find the best option for your skin.
· Make sure your mask fits properly. Not only is proper fit a health issue, it can also reduce the risk of excess rubbing and skin irritation.
· Wash your mask. If you use a cloth or reusable mask, launder it often. Use a scent-free or dye-free gentle detergent to reduce the chances of allergic irritation.
Along with these tips, talk to your doctor. The dermatologist can evaluate the acne or irritation issue, diagnose possible dermatological conditions or allergies, and suggest the right skincare routine for your individual needs.
Does your maskne require a professional evaluation? Contact Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists fo
