Yes, ‘Maskne’ is a Real Thing

Trying to stay safe from the coronavirus can actually create other problems, including face acne caused by wearing a mask.

“Maskne,” the new acne, can flare up when face coverings rub against the skin or build up humidity under the fabric. There’s even a formal medical name for this: Acne mechanica, which refers to the friction of material against the skin.

If you’re seeing pimples, red bumps, rashes, unusually dry skin or creases across your face, especially around the mouth, it could be caused by mask wearing. Facial coverings can cause you to perspire, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria, and your skin produces more oil, leading to clogged pores and acne.

First things first. Don’t stop wearing your mask.

Wearing a mask along with social distancing are the best things you can do to protect yourself and others from transmitting or catching the coronavirus when you’re out in public. Simple solutions include cleaning washable masks regularly to remove dried sweat, oil and dirt. If you use disposable masks, change them out with the frequency recommended by the manufacturer. Also, you want your mask to fit snugly, but not so tight that the straps dig into your skin.

To minimize your risk of developing maskne, try these tips:

• Choose cotton. A mask made of cotton is more breathable, so you’re less likely to perspire as much. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable.
• Wash your face twice a day, morning and night, with cleanser and tepid water.
• A toner can be dabbed on the skin with a cotton ball to remove excess oil. This can go a long way to preventing maskne.
• Don’t wear makeup under your mask.
• Remove your mask whenever it’s safe to do so, like when you’re alone or at home. Let your skin breathe.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face. This not only reduces the spread of acne, but is a good health practice during a pandemic.
• Cleanse your face with Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser twice a day.
• Apply SK-IN Acne Control Serum 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment on your face before bedtime.
• Apply Vanicream with hyaluronic acid as your moisturizer after cleansing.

Until there’s an effective treatment and vaccine for Covid-19, mask wearing is here to stay. By following these tips you can reduce the chance of developing annoying side effects like maskne that often come with wearing face coverings for hours at a time. 

Let Walk-in Dermatology Treat Your Maskne

If you’re concerned about persistent maskne or any other skin condition, there’s no need to worry silently. Walk-in Dermatology can help. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and experienced medical staff will address your concerns and provide the necessary treatment for all your skin conditions. You can also schedule an appointment with us for maskne treatment. Best of all, there’s no waiting. 

If you can’t make it to one of our offices, we can set up a Video Visit and even prescribe medications remotely. You can also schedule a teen facial or purifying facial with our medical aestheticians to decongest pores and soothe your skin. The bottom line? Don’t wait, contact us today.