5 Simple (but important) Things to Know About Maskne
Must Have Tips for Maskne
Is anyone else’s skin flaring up with acne recently? Well, the culprit might be the very piece of fabric separating you from contracting the deadly virus—COVID-19.
According to a research letter published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 83% of first-line health care workers in the Hubei province of China, the location of the infection’s epicenter, have experienced skin damage from adhering to prevention measures—meaning wearing face masks. The letter details that “the affected sites included the nasal bridge, hands, cheek, and forehead, with the nasal bridge the most commonly affected.”
Yes, unfortunately, another byproduct of the relentless pandemic is now world-wide face mask acne; however, that doesn’t mean you should stop wearing a mask altogether.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 5 simple things you should know about face mask acne and better yet—how to treat mask acne for good.
Together we’ll put an end to COVID-19 and maskne all in one. Here we go!
1. Your mask is a petri dish (horrifying, we know)
Want a definition of exactly what maskne is? Board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Mullans, M.D., explains how maskne happens in a Shape article, “maskne occurs when sweat, skin oils, and bacteria are trapped on the skin while wearing a mask.”
If you had difficultly combatting acne and oily skin before, wearing a mask exacerbates the issue by trapping all that oil, bacteria, and sweat build-up in a dark and damp place on your face.
This is enough to give a skincare enthusiast and well-educated dermatologist NIGHTMARES.
2. Is your mask rubbing you the wrong way?
With prolonged daily use, the rubbing of the mask on your skin can break the skin and its first protective layer, allowing for all that gunk and bacteria to seep into your pores. In the same Shape article, board-certified dermatologist J. Rodney M.D. explains “this type of acne is called acne mechanica, which includes any skin issues due to pressure, friction, rubbing, squeezing, or stretching.”
It’s important to note that this type of acne is not the same as hormone-driven acne which is simply the result of having a period every month, not bacteria building a summer-home on the surface of your skin. Get ahead of this problem and eliminate skin irritation caused by your mask by exfoliating while you can—creating a smooth surface for your mask to glide across.
The Pore Refining Facial Scrub has a clean and therapeutic approach to exfoliating your skin with its mint and cucumber effect. Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, you’ll feel an immediate difference in your skin’s tone and texture after just one use.
This all-natural product will slough off any dead skin (a literal breeding ground for bacteria) and prevent face mask acne from staking a claim on your face.
We also have the Exfoliating Micro Face & Body Scrub for normal to mature skin. Featuring natural ingredients, including, bamboo, chamomile, lavender, jojoba, aloe, and white willow bark, this gentle microdermabrasion will softly exfoliate and supply your skin with the antioxidants and nutrients (Vitamin B5) it needs right now.
3. Maskne doesn’t care what season it is
Dermatologist J. Rodney M.D. weighs in again and explains that “the mask rubbing against your drier-than-usual skin can cause the hair follicles to break open, which then allows acne-causing bacteria into the skin… resulting in folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the follicles that look like pimples.”
If you thought you just had to tough it out for the summer and wait until fall and winter to come around to save the day (and your skin) … well, guess again. Although folliculitis is different in nature, it can have the same impact on your self-confidence.
Looking for a helpful remedy? For normal to dry skin we recommend the Gentle Microderm Face Scrub, its organic micro-exfoliation technique will cleanse and detoxify your pores with bamboo, jojoba beads, and antioxidants.
Best for normal, dry and sensitive skin.
Hydrating | Gel Scrub | Exfoliating
This gel based, hibiscus infused micro scrub contains fruit fibers and jojoba to gently exfoliate on a micro cellular level, while providing deep hydration and softening.
4 oz jar.
4. Heavy moisturizers are a no-go
In a New York Times Article, director of dermatologic surgery at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas Dr. S. Tyler Hollmig explains, “fewer ingredients is better than more.”
Downsizing your skincare routine to a few key products and staying away from applying heavy foundations and face creams will make a world of a difference in your overall skin health and appearance.
In a BBC article, dermatologist Dr. Angeline Young explains “I always tell my patients to opt for more lightweight water-based products underneath the mask… a lightweight moisturizer can also act as an additional protective barrier and prevent chaffing.”
Using a light Clear and Tone Oil-Free Moisturizer can help prevent the mask from chaffing your skin, causing irritation, and introducing bacteria into your pores. This product specifically, controls your skin’s oil production without clogging your pores while hydrating your skin—leaving it silky smooth.
5. Masks make your skin absorb things differently
Another important word of advice to consider: Steer clear of any acids and retinol for day use.
In the same NYT article, Dr. Carrie Kovarik, the associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania and A.A.D.’s Covid-19 task force member explains “now is not the time to try one,” about retinol and products with active ingredients in them.
Instead, save your treatments for the night-time. Apply a blemish serum when you’re safe at home or retiring for the night. This natural spot treatment will zap away any face mask acne with salicylic acid, essential oils, clay, and apple cider vinegar.
Best for acne prone skin.
Effective | Skin Clearing | All Natural
Get overnight, fast acting, zit zapping, blemish treatment — best for targeting acne spots as a preventative spot treatment or to help dry up existing blemishes.
1 oz Roller Bottle
We get it
Face mask acne will make you want to throw your arms up in defeat and never want to leave the house again from fear of wearing a mask. Fortunately for us, if our only problem with wearing a mask is a little acne while others are suffering in the hospital from COVID-19—then so be it.
With a little knowledge of how to treat mask acne and some great products to combat it, the world is yours—just within six feet of course.
References:
Bauer, Shannon. “‘Maskne’ Is a Very Real Thing—Here’s How to Beat Face Mask Breakouts.” Shape. June 15, 2020. Accessed August 7, 2020. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/maskne-face-mask-acne-mechanica
Rubin, Courtney. “Maskne Is the New Acne, and Here’s What Is Causing It.” The New York Times. June 17, 2020. Accessed August 8, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/article/maskne-acne.html
Lan, J., Song, Z., Miao, X., Li, H., Li, Y., Dong, L., . . . Tao, J. (2020). “Skin damage among health care workers managing coronavirus disease-2019." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 82(5), 1215-1216. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.014. March 11, 2020. Accessed August 8, 2020. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2820%2930392-3/fulltext#articleInformation
Tan, Yvette. “‘Maskne’ and bold makeup: How masks are changing how we look.” BBC News. July 25, 2020. Accessed August 7, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-53468051