Mask + Acne = Maskne
Is wearing a mask making you breakout? You’re likely experiencing “Maskne”, AKA- acne caused by wearing a face mask.
Now that face masks are a regular extension of our everyday attire and it seems we spend more time wearing them than not, it’s no surprise that even people with typically clear skin are seeing pesky pimples and stubborn blackheads pop up around their chin, jawline, nose and mouth.
What Causes Maskne?
Let’s dive into some of the reasons why your mask may be causing acne.
Your mask is dirty. Cloth / re-usable face masks should be washed after every use. Skin cells, oils, sweat, makeup and dirt collect on the inside of the mask and can make acne and skin irritation worse. Side note- opt for a gentle detergent if you have sensitive skin to avoid further irritation.
You’re wearing foundation and makeup under your mask. Ditch the foundation and makeup, at least on the areas of your face that your face will cover. Foundation and makeup can clog your pores, trapping bacteria inside and making the perfect recipe for acne.
Your mask is rubbing against your skin. When your mask rubs against your skin, the friction can cause irritation including, you guessed it, acne! This can be difficult to avoid especially around the bridge of your nose.
Your skincare regimen needs to be adjusted. Not washing your face before putting on your mask and after you take your mask off is an easy way to breakout. It’s important to wash your skin to prevent the sweat, bacteria and dead skin cells that’s trapped under your mask from clogging your pores. Using the wrong cleansers, moisturizers and exfoliants can also cause problems and further irritate your skin.
For some, maskne may be unavoidable especially if you’re wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time or you already have oily or acne prone skin but a visit or video appointment with your Dermatologist can help narrow down the causes and offer potential treatments.
How to Treat and Prevent Maskne
Treating and preventing maskne is dependent on your individual skin type, daily environment and diligence in following a routine. Some cases of maskne may be more aggressive than others but here are some tips help keep maskne at bay.
Wash Your Face and Your Mask. If you’re able to safely do so, wash your face multiple times during day with a gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic facial cleanser. Gentle, facial cleansing wipes are an alternative option if you aren’t able to wash with soap and water. As for your mask, you should wash your cloth /re-wearable mask after every use. Use a gentle detergent if you have sensitive skin or irritation caused by fragrances and dyes.
Avoid Makeup. Avoid makeup if possible, including foundation and cover-up. If going make-up free isn’t an option, ensure your makeup is oil free and non-comedogenic. For those wearing a mask but unable to skip makeup, consider only applying makeup on the areas of your face that your mask will not cover.
Try a Different Mask. If your cloth mask is rough, abrasive or rubbing you the wrong way, literally, find a softer, better fitting alternative when possible.
Hydrate and Exfoliate (Hello HydraFacial). A great way to deep clean your pores and hydrate your skin is with a HydraFacial treatment. HydraFacial uses gentle exfoliation and patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate skin to effectively exfoliate away dry, dead skin cells at the surface. And, it’s great for all skin types, even for teen acne.
See a Dermatologist. Acne can be stubborn and because you and your skin have individual needs, consider scheduling an appointment with a Dermatologist who can help create a treatment plan specifically for you. Not only can a Dermatologist prescribe medications if needed, they can also advise on OTC products, skincare regimens and even offer treatments such as HydraFacials, Chemical Peels, IPL and more. At Advanced Specialty Care, our Dermatologists offer both in-office and virtual telehealth appointments.
It’s important to take care of your skin since it’s the first barrier against infection. Keeping skin healthy can also help keep your body healthy!
Dermatology appointments are available at Advanced Specialty Care’s Danbury, Norwalk, Ridgefield and Stamford locations as well as online through virtual telehealth appointments. Call (203) 830-4700 to schedule a dermatology appointment or click here to schedule online.
The physicians at Advanced Specialty Care want you to know that we are here for your ENT, Allergy, Audiology, Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Dermatology needs. We have remained open to continue to service our community and to help reduce the strain on hospitals and Emergency Rooms during this time of need.
To ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff, we’ve implemented advanced protective measures including enforced social distancing, rigorous screening, disinfecting and masking protocols within our offices. Read more about our COVID safety measures here.
Telehealth appointment services are also now available for both new and existing patients via phone or video call where appropriate and in-office visits remain available for all specialties.
(203) 830-4700 | www.ASCDOCS.com