Health Tips

Wearing a face mask has become the new normal as it is important to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While face coverings help to keep us safe, they may also cause maskne (mask acne) which is an extremely common skin condition during the pandemic. If you develop breakouts from wearing a mask, do not worry, you are definitely not alone.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MASKNE?

What is maskne?

The term “maskne” involves several skin conditions that can be brought on by wearing a face covering or mask. This includes:

• Acne. It happens when the pores are clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to pimples, blackheads or whiteheads.
• Rosacea. It causes flare-ups which can lead to pimples and redness. Usually worsened by heat and stress.
• Contact dermatitis. It occurs due to allergic/sensitive to certain material of mask. This can lead to red rash, along with irritation and blisters.
• Folliculitis. It happens when yeast or bacteria infects the hair follicles. This can cause bumps which look like an acne breakout.

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What causes maskne?

• In most cases, maskne occurs as the result of clogged pores. This is because the oil, dirt and dead skin cells may build up more and block your pores when you are wearing a mask.
• A mask traps humid moisture when you are breathing. This may aggravate the existing acne or cause new breakouts.
• Friction from the mask repeatedly rubbing against the skin may lead to chafing and irritation.
• Sweat and heat may also cause the skin to become itchy, dry and raw.
• Another possible cause is allergic/sensitive to certain material of masks. It can lead to skin irritation or an allergic outbreak. Likewise, wearing a mask that has been washed in a scented detergent may also trigger skin issues.

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MASKNE PREVENTION AND FIGHTING TIPS

Managing maskne is tricky but there are a few tips that you may practice to prevent and treat maskne effectively.

• Wash your face regularly

To keep your skin healthy, you should continue following regular skin care routine. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face in lukewarm water as it is best for face cleansing and overall skin health. It ensures your cleanser gets the appropriate amount of foaming action, eliminates dirt from the surface of skin and balances your natural skin oils properly. Also, do not rub the skin to prevent irritation. You can pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel.

• Use a gentle cleanser

Opt for a mild, fragrance-free facial cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, do not hesitate to consult doctor or dermatologist about the suitable cleansers for your skin.

• Apply a moisturizer

Wearing mask may cause irritation if your skin tends to be dry or sensitive. Hence, it is vital to apply moisturizer before and after wearing a mask to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizer also act as a barrier between your skin and the mask thereby reducing friction.

• “Break up” with makeup temporarily

Avoid heavy makeup when you are treating maskne. This is because beauty products such as foundation, blusher and concealer may clog your pores and potentially lead to acne. Alternatively, you may choose cosmetics labelled with “non-comedogenic” to prevent clogged pores.

• Choose the right mask

Wear a face mask that fits snuggly but not too tight.

• Change face masks regularly
• Wash fabric masks after every use

A WORD FROM DOC2US

If you have any questions related to maskne, you can consult our professional doctors and healthcare professionals on DOC2US. DOC2US is a mobile application that allows you to talk to a doctor or any healthcare professionals via text chat at any time and from anywhere. For better communication, you can even send our online doctor images or voice messages related to your medical inquiry.

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Disclaimer: As a service to our users and general public, DOC2US provides health education contents. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

REFERENCES

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/maskne
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/maskne
3. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/prevent-face-mask-skin-problems
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-struggle-with-maskne-is-very-real/
5. https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/suffering-from-breakouts-under-your-mask-how-fight-maskne

Written by

Ms. Thor Xiao Xuan