The pandemic has compelled us to wear face masks for prolonged hours every day. Thanks to that, many people are suffering from an outbreak of spots as the skin reacts to being covered up all the time. #Maskne began trending on social media, after a lot of people shared pictures of their acne, caused due to wearing masks. Often clustered around a person’s chin, nose and mouth, this acne is the result of skin irritation, rubbing and friction.
‘The friction of fabric against the skin causes this acne’
Elaborating on what causes this condition, dermatologist Dr Shoba Sudeep says, “When you breathe, the warm air gets trapped inside the mask, leading to the growth of Demodex (a microscopic mite that can survive only on human skin). The bacteria are mainly responsible for the acne. This and friction of the mask give rise to various skin issues like acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and perioral dermatitis (a facial rash). It also exacerbates the underlying conditions. For instance, if the patient already has atopic dermatitis, then it can increase that.”
Keep your face clean; wash your masks daily, the best way to handle this is to wear minimal or no makeup at all. Since most office meetings are being conducted online from home these days, people can keep their makeup basic. And if you have to go to your office, try to highlight only your eyes. It is always good to have more than one mask. That way, masks can be washed properly and aired well before wearing.
Make it a habit to clean your face with a mild cleanser after removing the mask and then apply a water-based moisturiser, says Dr Shoba. “Even while cleaning your mask, use a mild detergent. If the acne problem persists, refrain from self-treatment and reach out to a dermatologist for clinical diagnosis and help,” she adds. Applying sunscreen with minerals like zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) can help reduce friction and breakout, as it helps to form a protective layer around the mouth, she further explains.
Acne due to wearing face masks has been a common problem among medical professionals…
Although maskne has been a trending topic on social media of late, this skin condition is not a new one, according to dermatologists. “It is a common problem among medical professionals. General physicians, surgeons and paramedic professionals have long been known to suffer from this acne due to wearing masks for long hours,” says Dr Shoba Sudeep, dermatologist.
Ways to help avoid maskne
* Keep your makeup minimal
* Choose your mask carefully; avoid wearing designer and embroidered masks, as they may cause more friction
* Stay away from thick and sticky moisturisers. Instead, go for water-based moisturisers
* Wash your face with a mild cleanser. If you are not able to do so, splash water and blot out excess water or sweat with a tissue
