There is no telling when this pandemic will end. And until that happens, wearing face masks is paramount.
Although it provides protection and helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it can take a toll on your skin—maskne. The medical term is Acne Mechanica, a skin condition caused by prolonged wearing of face masks.
And because it looks like face masks will remain a staple in our wardrobes for months to come, we got in touch with some people on how to deal with maskne—because we have enough problems already.
Dr. Sugar Emily L. Estella-Mantilla, M.D., FPAAAMMI, DAMI
American Academy Aesthetic Dermatologist
What causes maskne?
Maskne is caused by accumulation of sebum or oil and sweat which clogs pores and creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The constant rubbing of the face mask in our skin causes irritation and eventually breakouts. Our breathing also creates humidity between the mask and the skin.
What are some of the steps we can do to avoid getting maskne?
- Use a gentle face cleanser. Acne prone skin is generally irritated and inflamed. Gentle cleansers soothe the skin and moisturizes it at the same time. Cleanse your face two to three times daily. It’s important to give your skin time to breathe. If you’re at home or alone, don’t wear a face mask.
- Moisturizers fool the skin into thinking that there is enough moisture, creating a negative feedback in the sebaceous gland to stop oil production.
- Use BHAs particularly Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid that serves as an anti-inflammatory agent in the inflammatory process of acne and controls oil production.
- For acne-prone skin, get facials regularly. Getting a facial helps declog pores. Some facial treatments include laser, chemical peels and phototherapy.
- Consult a certified doctor. Acne can greatly affect someone’s self-esteem especially with acne scars. Do not wait until it is difficult to treat.
What are some habits we should practice while we’re still required to wear face masks?
Avoid products and comedogenic make-up. Do not sleep without cleansing the face and change your pillowcase routinely.
Dr. Randolph M. Libres, PhD, MD, FPAPSHPI
Aesthetic and Primary Skin Doctor
What are some of the steps we can take to avoid getting maskne?
- Observe face mask hygiene. Under the mask, there will be increased humidity, accumulation of dirt, oil and bacterial growth; all factors that can promote the formation of pimples. This kind of acne really is mechanical in nature, in which masks can serve as a pad that can increase the chances of clogging the pores leading to acne, together with all the other factors mentioned. Change your face mask regularly every six hours to avoid accumulation of dirt, oil, dead skin cells and bacteria that can clog the pores and contribute to acne formation. If you can, take a break from using a face mask for 15 minutes every two hours.
- Wear a cloth mask when not at work and wash it with mild, unscented soap after every use instead of using alcohol or strong detergents which can irritate the face. Use glycolic acid soap as a face wash twice a day if possible.
- Avoid processed food. Whole food or unprocessed food is the safest and healthiest way to go paired with adequate sleep and water intake.
What if one is already experiencing maskne?
Avoid picking or manipulating the pimples as this will only lead to worsening of the acne and scar formation. Also, topical retinoids can be applied thinly on the face every evening. Topical antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide can be applied on affected areas.
Are there any food or habits we should avoid while we’re still required to wear masks?
Use a face wash or any skincare product that is ideal for your skin type. We all have unique reactions to skin products so do not be swayed by popular recommendations.
Danika Cinco
Content Marketing Specialist
When did you notice you had maskne?
It happened a month during lockdown. I started breaking out around the cheek and chin area which gradually worsened over time.
What are some steps you can share that will help combat maskne?
- Keep your skincare routine simple. At the start of the lockdown, I had too much time on my hands. I was picking on my skin and noticing every little breakout and buying a new product almost every two weeks. I realized I was putting too much stress on my skin instead of helping it.
- Use clean masks. If you’re using reusable masks, make sure it’s made of a soft breathable fiber that will not be rough on your skin.
- Consult your dermatologist. At the end of the day, hours worth of skincare videos does not match your dermatologist’s opinion. I could have saved thousands of pesos if I went straight to my dermatologist instead of experimenting with products.
Do you have some skincare must-haves you felt helped further improve your skin?
I’m currently using Klenzit CMS prescribed by my dermatologist which really helped a lot. Aside from that, Paula’s Choice BHA also helped and I use Cerave Moisturizing Cream as my moisturizer. Lastly, I make sure that my masks are clean and I never forget SPF!