How to treat and prevent Mask Acne or Maskne
Masks can help prevent COVID-19, but it can also cause acne. If you’re not dealing with it right now, you probably know someone experiencing skin irritation and pimples from wearing a mask.
What causes maskne?
While maskne may be a new concern for many individuals who are now wearing masks regularly to slow the spread of COVID-19, it’s a familiar issue for those who wore masks before the pandemic, like healthcare professionals.
The medical term for mask related acne or maskne, is acne mechanica, which is acne caused by excess heat, friction or rubbing of the skin. The constant contact and high humidity caused by wearing a mask for long periods of time can lead to inflammation and irritation of the skin, which can contribute to a rash or acne.
How to treat maskne?
If you’re starting to develop acne from wearing a mask, medical grade acne solutions from mesoestetic is perfect for you. Start with a salicylic acid and lactic acid containing PURIFYING MOUSSE – With keratolytic and purifying active ingredients, it enhances unclogging of pores and prevents imperfections. Followed by a bexaretinyl containing cream, ACNE ONE CREAM which stimulates exfoliation of the pilosebaceous canal, reduces sebum production, controls bacterial proliferation and lessens redness. For stubborn inflamed acne, IMPERFECTION CONTROL CREAM for local use indicated for specific treatment of developing or stubborn acne outbreaks. For blemishes or hyperpigmentation, the PURE RENEWING MASK an intensive treatment that unclogs, purifies and exfoliates oily and acne-prone skin to release it from glares and blemishes.
Make sure to regularly use these treatments after wearing a mask, or at bedtime. Applying them right before you mask can lead to more irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
How to keep maskne from happening
Since we’re going to be wearing masks for the next couple of years, using the correct treatments is key to controlling acne breakouts.
Here are a few tips to try to prevent and control future breakouts:
Try a pure cotton mask
A cotton mask is a good option as it allows your skin to breathe, while protecting others around you. Remember, your mask should fit properly while covering your mouth and nose completely. Also make sure your cotton mask has an N95/KN95 – or equivalent – filter insert
Make sure to wash these masks frequently after wearing them, using a mild detergent, this will help remove dead skin cells and oils that have accumulated in the mask. Please avoid using Fabric softeners as this might aggravate skin irritation and cause more breakouts.
Skip your make-up
Make-up and sweat under your mask can cause clogged pores and irritated skin irritated skin, which can lead to acne breakouts. It’s best to skip Make-up when wearing face masks.
When to see your skin health physician
If the treatments aren’t working or you’re struggling with severe acne, like cystic acne, it may be time to see your doctor or skin health physician. You can do it from the comfort of your own home.
