Wearing a face mask out in public is not only required by law, but it is also convenient for those of us that prefer to go makeup-free. I love the fact that with a hat, sunglasses and my face mask I become unrecognizable (a great bonus when you’re not exactly dressed in your Sunday best). However, lately, my skin doesn’t seem to love the idea of a face mask as much as I do. I have been suffering from irritated skin and a few minor breakouts in places they don’t usually appear. My mom later complained of the same thing and after scrolling through Google, I found out that acne caused by wearing a face mask is actually a lot more common than I thought. They’ve called it “Maskne” and it seems to be affecting many who are forced to wear a face mask every day.
So how exactly does wearing a face mask cause acne?
There really is no one size fits all when wearing a face mask – each person has their own preference when it comes to cut and tightness, after all any mask is better than no PPE at all. Often, what happens is that if the mask isn’t tight enough on the skin, it will keep falling off and moving causing friction against the skin as a result. This is especially problematic to those with sensitive skin that is easily irritated. The excess rubbing can easily cause skin irritation and acne seems to follow soon after.
On the other hand, there is the idea of bacteria building up in the mask. Because the mask sits on our skin for long periods of time, trapping in most of our breath, it easily creates a moist environment around the skin and where moisture lies, bacteria thrives. The build-up of bacteria and the friction against the skin can create a killer blow to anyone’s skin, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
Oily skin types and excessive sweat underneath the masks can also create an unpleasant environment for the skin.
What to do about it
In pre-Corona times, those with acne-prone skin would be well aware of how to handle a breakout. But, unfortunately, this ‘new normal’ has left most acne veterans confused as to how we can take care of our skin while still following government regulations.
According to a Chinese study conducted on the effects of PPE on many front-line worker’s skins, possible solutions include a range of topical treatments to help combat acne.
Products containing Benzoyl Peroxide are recommended to kill the P.Acnes bacteria that causes the skin infection.
Products containing Salicylic acid, found in many anti-acne skin products, are recommended to help reduce the inflammation and prevent blocked pores from becoming overly inflamed.
The study also notes the importance of having a good skincare regime especially now with the increased use of face masks and other PPEs. Their recommended first step is to properly cleanse the skin. Cleansing is important as it removes dirt and excess sebum (oils) and controls the bacterial build-up which in turn lessens the chance of the skin becoming infected.
Following that, it is also advised to follow up with a moisturizer suited to your skin-type. The moisturizing step is often forgotten by those with oilier skin-types but is still very important as it helps to keep moisture locked in the skin and prevents excessive drying out. By moisturizing the skin, you are helping to build up your skin’s barrier and keeping sebum levels well regulated.
It is also recommended that you keep your mask as clean as possible, preferably being washed properly after each time you use it. By keeping your mask clean, you’re preventing bacteria from sweat building up. Nobody wants to spend their day in a dirty mask!
If your mask still seems to be greatly contributing to your acne, try out a different cut or fabric. According to CNN Health, a cotton mask is preferred as it gives the skin more breathability.
As painful as they can be, breakouts are completely normal and are just a side effect of being human. We can rest knowing that everybody has experienced a spot or two at least once in their life, especially now that we’re all required to wear face masks. As irritating as face masks may be to the skin, we just have to remind ourselves that they are necessary and that we all have our part to play.