Maskne, What is it and how can we redeuce it?

Mask acne (maskne) is a new variant of acne, associated with the use of PPE in healthcare workers.

Masks have been essential to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, however, long term daily use of facial masks can lead to many skin issues.

Maskne has been diagnosed in healthcare workers from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and is now recognised widely across the general population as a result of the widespread use of face masks.

Although mask acne is not familiar to most of us, it has been a long-term issue for people working in professions that require wearing a face mask.

Mask acne can affect anyone with a previous acne history, such as hormonal acne or acne vulgaris. Even people who have never suffered from acne before. 

The most effective way to keep current pimples safe from bacteria or friction when wearing a face mask is to apply an Absorbzit Patch before placing your mask on. Besides healing acne, they will also prevent it from getting inflamed! We would also recommend changing your mask every 2 hours and cleaning your skin in between uses.

Why wearing a mask can cause acne.

When wearing a mask, sweat and oil can easily become trapped in the fabric of the mask. This creates an environment on your skin that is more likely to lead to maskne. This trapped sweat and oil can also lead to an increased buildup of bacteria on the skin, which can result in pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and other types of acne. Therefore, it is important to remember to wash and replace your masks frequently to avoid the risk of developing maskne.

One of the major causes of maskne is when a face mask rubs against your skin. This friction can irritate the skin, leading to redness and the formation of pimples and acne. It is especially important to make sure that your mask fits properly so that it does not rub against your skin too much, causing discomfort and breakouts. You may want to look for masks with adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit that won’t put too much pressure on any area of your face. In addition, make sure to wash your face and your mask frequently to reduce the buildup of sweat, oil, and dirt that can further exacerbate any existing skin issues.

Many people may not realise that the fabric of some masks can cause skin irritation and even lead to acne or pimples. This is because the fabric of the mask may be too rough or have an abrasive texture, which can rub against your skin, leading to irritation. Certain fabrics, like synthetic materials, can also trap sweat and oils on your skin, leading to clogged pores and an increase in breakouts. If you find that a certain material irritates your skin, try to find a softer material for your mask.

When it comes to maskne, or acne caused by wearing a face mask, some masks are simply not designed to let your skin breathe. Many disposable paper or cloth masks can trap sweat and oil against the skin and prevent air from passing through the material, leading to a buildup of bacteria on the skin. This can cause pimples and acne breakouts as bacteria clogs your pores. Look for masks made of breathable fabrics like cotton that allow air to flow through and prevent moisture buildup.

While it would make sense for acne to get more severe from wearing these products under your mask, some doctors say that it can help calm and balance the skin flora. You should apply a thin layer if you have oily or acne-prone skin.