Tips To Treat + Prevent “Maskne” From A Plastic Surgeon

If your skin has been acting up lately, it could be because of your mask.  Maskne, aka mask acne, caused by our omnipresent face coverings is a real problem as we deal with COVID-19. Here’s more about the condition and what we can do about it. 

What is Maskne?

The skin surface of the face and scalp plays a great part (up to 80%) in regulating our body temperature. Air flow across skin picks up moisture from our head and face when our body temperature increases. The evaporation of water, or sweat, requires heat. The heat then leaves the body with the evaporated sweat and thus the skin is cooled.

Masks prevent airflow to the face letting the consequences of a damp, warm environment to foster bacteria growth. Breakouts are what we see with acne. Bacteria are always on skin surfaces and easily get trapped in hair follicles and acne breakouts are enhanced in skin that isn’t kept clean. There is a form of acne that football players get called, Acne Mechanica. These acne breakouts are a result of wearing shoulder pads and/or chin straps that rub directly on skin to grind in bacterial and grime. That is similar to what your mask is doing.

Six ‘Maskne’ Solutions to clear up your skin

1. Wash Regularly
   Keep skin clean with regular washings morning and evening with a gentle surfactant cleanser.
2. Hydrate
   Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily and set a good sleep pattern to optimize skin health and natural hydration.
3. Let Skin Breathe
   Remove masks for 5 minutes every hour during the day (when alone or properly distanced outdoors) to give skin “rest” and prevent bacterial invasion and skin maceration or irritation.
4. Adopt A Targeted Skin Care Regimen
   Using a medicated face wash and toner with salicylic acid will help clear acne fast and prevent future breakouts. You can also get a spot treatment to visibly reduce pimples. Look for a formula with benzoyl peroxide and soothing botanicals like aloe and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract to cut down on inflammation.
5. Choose The Right Mask
   Make sure your mask fits well. Masks that don’t fit your face can rub on certain areas and cause irritation, leading to breakouts.
6. Wash Your Mask Nightly!
   Each day should begin with wearing a clean mask. Using the same mask every day that has not been cleaned or sterilized is asking for trouble!

Use these tips to stay clean and stay clear and remember, have patience. Maskne won’t disappear overnight, but by making a few changes to your routine your skin will healthy and glowing in no time.