MASKNE, NOT PLAIN ACNE

COVID-19 pandemic has made masks an indispensable part of our lives and the need to cover our faces has led us to this new medical condition called “Maskne”. Dermatologists describe maskne as “acne mechanica,” the type of acne caused by repetitive physical trauma to the skin.

Maskne is acne breakouts along the jaw, cheeks, and mouth caused by repetitive rubbing and scratching of the skin by mask.

So why Maskne and not plain acne? The difference between acne and maskne is one thing: a face mask. Due to the nature of face masks, skin cells that would usually be shedding throughout the day are trapped on the surface and have nowhere to go.

How does the mask play into maskne?

Moisture

When confined beneath the fabric of a mask, Breathing for hours creates humidity which becomes a breeding ground for acne. “This can lead to problems in pore structure and congestion, blemishes and excessive oil retention, leading to yeast overgrowth and a worsening of acne and rosacea like conditions.

Bacteria

Sweat, oil, and makeup can be trapped under the mask and clog pores. Also, bacteria are constantly being reintroduced into your skin thanks to your hands. Every time you adjust your mask, you’re introducing pore-clogging oil and dirt into your pores from your hands.

Friction

As you go about your day, your mask moves around your face, damaging the skin’s protective layer, sometimes called the “skin barrier.” And without that protective barrier, it’s easier for bacteria and grime to settle into your pores and lead to inflammation.

Warm weather

Heat and humidity can exacerbate acne by increasing sweat and oil production.

Cold weather

Mask can lead to maskne in heat or sleet. Cold weather can dry out the skin, making it easier for the mask to chafe the skin and break down and welcome pimple-causing irritants into the pores.

Skin Barrier and Maskne

When we talk of the skin barrier, that normally refers to the epidermis, which is the superficial most layer and is further made up of 5 sublayers. The skin barrier is like a coat of armour, that protects the largest organ of your body. It keeps outside microbes from entering into the dermal layers, and it also prevents trans-epidermal water loss. Overdoing the skin rituals at home with face masks, scrubs, washes, and toners compromise the barrier.

How to look after the skin barrier as well as treat maskne? Simplify the skin regime and focus on calming, nourishing products instead. Incorporate these rituals to prevent and treat maskne:

Cleanse! Washing face morning and night can prevent the build-up of bacteria, oil, and other pore-clogging elements. But steer clear of super-drying acne face washes —after hours of rubbing and chafing, your skin needs a gentler formula to keep the skin barrier intact.

Toning is an essential part, to soothe the skin. Opt for something with aloe vera, cucumber extract to optimise moisturiser absorption. A mist too can be used to replenish that lost moisture and feel fresh, that too the “no-touch but spray” maintains the hygiene.

Moisturising regularly is an essential part. Using a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer with ceramides, hyaluronic acid help strengthen the skin barrier, preventing skin irritation from the mask as well as retaining the moisture.

Anti-blemish creams can be very useful if the skin is prone to having blemishes post-acne. A good hydrating anti-blemish cream with healing properties can be used under the mask.

Choose the sunscreen wisely according to the skin type. When in doubt, choose a mineral that sits on the top of the skin and deflect or scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. These sunscreens are typically formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and are better tolerated by patients with acne-prone skin.

Use a gentle exfoliant and hydrator to help clear away the pore-clogging particles. Once or max twice a week exfoliation is recommended.

With just one or two zits look for spot treatments with skin-soothing ingredients to avoid the dreaded dry out. Without stripping skin in the process, the spot can be treated with one or more of these ingredients: Salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc,2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Wearing acne patch, which are small moisture-absorbing hydrocolloid circular bandages can be worn overnight, or under the mask.

Skin worthy tips:

• Hold off on makeup: it can mix with sweat, oil, and condensation from the breath to make a heady pore-clogging environment under the mask.

• Do not squeeze or pop: a popped zit not only takes longer to heal, spreads bacteria and make the flare-up bigger.

• Hand hygiene: the habit of constantly touching the face, can introduce irritants to the face. Frequent hand wash with lukewarm water and soap is advised and don’t forget to moisturize them.

• De-stress and decompress: tress can lead to more severe acne — not to mention disrupt your healthy diet and sleeping habits. meditation apps, teletherapy sessions or simple self-care practices have proven to be helpful.

Smart Mask Practices

How you manage your mask can help amplify the effects of skincare treatment. All you need is a mask with: A comfortable fit (not too tight); Mask hygiene – Toss masks in the washing machine, or hand wash with soap and hot water, and a bit of white vinegar – known for its antibacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties. Store clean masks in paper bags to keep them free from germs.

A silk mask is best for acne-prone skin but you can’t go wrong with a cotton fabric too. You can also opt for anti-microbial masks with woven strands of silver and copper. Masks can cause rashes such as perioral dermatitis or contact dermatitis, related to skin sensitivity, and allergy to maybe the processing chemicals used to wash the mask, or even the fabric of the mask. A dermatologist will be best suited to diagnose it and recommend treatment.”

No matter how you’re using your mask, maskne will probably be a consistent issue in the future. And left untreated, things could only get worse. It’s better to be safe than sorry.