In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, wearing a face mask has become part of our daily routine.
If you develop breakouts from wearing a mask, you’re not alone. This condition, known as “maskne” (mask acne), is a common side effect of using a mask.
Maskne doesn’t simply cause pimples, though. It may also result in skin issues including redness, bumpiness, and irritation.
Generally, “maskne” is an umbrella term for several skin conditions that can be caused by wearing a face mask or covering. It can include:
Acne. Acne happens when your pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt. It can cause pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads.
Rosacea. If you have rosacea, wearing a mask may cause flare-ups. This can lead to pimples and redness.
Contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when you’re allergic or sensitive to the material of your mask. It can result in a red rash, along with irritation and blisters.
Folliculitis. Folliculitis, or an infection of your hair follicles, causes bumps that look like an acne breakout. You might also experience itchiness or pain. If you already have one of these conditions, you may be more prone to developing maskne.
The Cause
Because maskne can involve various skin conditions, the exact cause of your symptoms may vary.
In most cases, maskne is the result of clogged pores. You already have oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells on your skin. But when you wear a mask, these substances can build up more and block your pores.
A mask also traps humidity due to your breathing and sweating, which may increase the risk of acne.
Another possible cause is friction. The material of a face covering can rub against your skin, leading to chafing and irritation.
Also you may be sensitive or allergic to the material of your face covering. Some masks are pretreated with chemicals or feel rough on the skin. Similarly, wearing a mask that’s been washed in a scented detergent may cause irritation.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat maskne symptoms.
During the pandemic, continue following your regular skin care routine to keep your skin healthy. Wash your face regularly:
once in the morning
once at night, before going to bed
after sweating or wearing a mask
When washing your face, use lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your skin as this may cause irritation.
Use a gentle cleanser
A gentle cleanser can help remove excess oil, sweat, and bacteria. Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or perfume. These ingredients can cause irritation and make it harder for your symptoms to heal. Voguecare recommends Nature Pure's Alcohol Free Cleanser.
Use a noncomedogenic moisturizer
After washing your face, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Take a break from makeup
Skip the makeup while you’re treating maskne. Beauty products such as foundation, concealer, and blush can clog your pores and prolong healing.
Microcurrent Treatment Facials
Each treatment is unique to the patient and a treatment plan is made based on the patient's skin at the time of the visit. A customized regimen will be created to enhance your results.
Blue LED
LED devices use short wavelengths of blue light to help kill bacteria and reduce oil in pores. Blue light is the shallowest penetrating wavelength, and is proven to kill acne-causing Propionibacterium (P. acnes). Blue light therapy also helps condition your skin, getting rid of free radicals that oxidize and age your face. The treatment also has anti-inflammatory benefits, which decreases other symptoms of acne, such as redness.
Voguecare has help many of its clients be free from acne using a wide variety of treatments and recommending a daily skin care home regiment. Email or call today to find out more: 508-765-5616.
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