Learn to recognize the symptoms
Another alternative is adding retinol to your skincare routine. Apply a layer of moisturizer, then retinol, then a bit more moisturizer. Start by doing this every other night and see the effects on your skin.
Dermatologist Robert Finney advises that when it comes to maskne, traditional treatments with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid might not be the best option.
He adds: “If the spot treatment is applied where the mask is rubbing, it will likely intensify the effects of the medicine, which can lead to even more irritation and inflammation.” You can, however, use these products at night.
An alternative would be to apply a hydrocolloid patch. These pull out the moisture in the pores and can protect against rubbing.
In this gallery we address maskne as a mild inflammation that can be prevented and treated. But if you experience more severe symptoms, including cysts, we suggest you seek professional help as soon as possible.
If you’re using lots of products, or even harsher ones, it might be a good idea to ease their use and opt for gentler products.
Retinol will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to only use it at night.
If you use a harsher scrub, perhaps swapping it for a glycolic acid-based one might help, as it draws water into the skin.
Again, twice a day should suffice. Do it in the morning and in the evening, but feel free to do it more often if your skin feels irritated or dry.
Opt for oil-free moisturizers as oil can actually make you sweat faster, and you don’t want that while wearing a mask.
Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, so washing your face with it might help clear the pimples.
Make sure you apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer, as they won’t clog your pores, which can lead to breakouts.
You might want to invest in a few different masks. Just make sure they’re washable, and do wash often.
One thing you can do is to experiment with different fabrics and see how those affect your skin. Cotton, silk, or satin are just a few options.
It’s not just your regular face mask that’s the culprit. Exfoliating and cleansing masks might also cause it.
Henry adds: “That friction causes inflammation and irritation which leads to clogged pores—and those clogged pores can lead to deep acne cysts.”
Washing your face twice a day is usually enough. If in doubt, talk to your dermatologist.
This essentially happens because of friction. Dermatologist Dendy Engleman explains: “You irritate the skin, you get clogging of the pores, and then you get sebum and bacteria that proliferate under the skin.”
Mask-induced acne, also known as "maskne," is real and can affect everyone who wears face masks.
For many of us, wearing a face mask is now part of our daily lives. But while wearing a mask can aid when it comes to helping prevent catching and spreading COVID-19, it can also irritate our skin. The benefits definitively outweigh the risks, but we need to be prepared for the side effects and learn how to deal with them. One of these side effects is that we might develop some pimples. But fear not: this mask-induced acne, or "maskne" as it's known, can be prevented and treated.
Browse through the following gallery and learn more about maskne and what you can do about it.
This happens because the outer layer of your skin gets damaged, causing irritation. In medical terms, it’s called "acne mechanica."
According to dermatologist Michelle Henry, “Back when we had the first SARS epidemic, we noticed maskne, dermatitis from masks, and skin breakdown.”
Usually, tiny little whiteheads might appear after you wear a mask.
Choose mineral-based moisturizers containing zinc, as this mineral has anti-inflammatory properties.
A moisturizer containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramide might help protect your skin.
Mask-induced acne: What it is, and what you can do about it
How to prevent and treat "maskne"
HEALTH Skincare
For many of us, wearing a face mask is now part of our daily lives. But while wearing a mask can aid when it comes to helping prevent catching and spreading COVID-19, it can also irritate our skin. The benefits definitively outweigh the risks, but we need to be prepared for the side effects and learn how to deal with them. One of these side effects is that we might develop some pimples. But fear not: this mask-induced acne, or "maskne" as it's known, can be prevented and treated.
Browse through the following gallery and learn more about maskne and what you can do about it.