8 Tips to Prevent Acne Caused by Face Masks ('Maskne')

Is a mask now officially part of your daily outfit? If so, it might be the cause of your skin breakouts. Masks provide a layer of protection. But they can also irritate the skin, clog pores, and flare acne. Keep reading to learn how to deal with "maskne" - the new term for breakouts caused by masks.

how do face masks cause acne and skin damage?

Skin damage from wearing masks usually affects healthcare workers. But now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone wear masks in public, we are all at risk. There are three main ways masks cause breakouts:

• Rubbing: Masks can cause irritation through friction and chafing, almost like rug burn. The areas most at risk are the bridge of the nose and where elastic bands hit behind the ears. Over time, tight fitting masks can put enough pressure on the skin to cause it to breakdown.
• Irritation: The material of a mask absorbs the skin's natural oils. For some people, this leads to dryness and sensitivity. Residue from detergents and fabric softeners also gets stuck underneath the mask and can cause irritation. When irritation becomes inflammation, you see redness, dry patches, peeling, or dark marks. If you have a skin condition like rosacea or psoriasis, the inflammation can make it flare up.
• Occlusion: Occlusion from a mask also causes issues. Pores get clogged and can become pimples or acne cysts. Your breath trapped beneath the mask makes the skin surface warm and moist. Besides regular acne, this environment can lead to a breakout called folliculitis, which is when yeast or bacteria infect hair follicles.

What's the best material for a face mask?

According to the CDC, surgical masks and N95s should be saved for healthcare workers. They recommend that the public wear cloth masks. The material your mask is made out of affects how well it protects you. It also affects how well you can breathe through it and how your skin responds to it. The best choice for a homemade mask is tightly woven, 100% cotton. It is effective, yet gentle on the skin. An air filter company called Smart air did a study comparing mask fabrics. They found that cotton provides a good balance of protection and breath-ability. Smart Air's study showed natural fibers like cotton filter better than synthetic fibers like polyester. Scarves and bandannas were the least effective. Denim and canvas worked well and were breathable, but would be too rough on the skin.

8 Key Skin Care Tips to Protect Your Face From Irritation

1. Wash your face first: Dirt and oil on your skin will get trapped under the mask and can cause breakouts. Always put your mask on over a clean face. Choose a gentle cleanser that is fragrance free and oil free. Rinse with lukewarm water, not hot. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin.
2. Apply a good moisturizer: Moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and acts like a barrier to friction from your mask. Choose one that is fragrance free and oil free. Look for protective ingredients like ceramide and hyaluronic acid. Avoid heavy products that can clog your skin and make you break out.
3. Skip the makeup: Don't wear makeup underneath your mask. Masks act like occlusive barriers, which means trapped makeup can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Also, residue from makeup can soil your mask fabric.
4. Wear only clean masks: Dirt and oil from your skin plus bacteria from your mouth and nose will end up on your cloth mask. Keep a rotation of masks on hand and wash them after every use.
5. Stick to fragrance free laundry detergent: When washing your mask, choose a fragrance free laundry detergent and lay flat to dry. Fragrance within fabric can be an irritant, so you definitely don't want it on your face.
6. Don't reuse surgical masks: Surgical masks are not meant to be reused because there is no good way to clean them. The CDC does not recommend surgical masks for the public. But if you choose to use one, don't use the same one twice.
7. Protect your ears: Elastic straps loops can cause friction burns on the backs of your ears. If your skin is sensitive or if you'll be wearing a mask for long periods of time, there are alternatives. You can attach the straps to buttons on a headband or to a clip behind your head.
8. Avoid hard products: Medicated products like retinol or benzoyl peroxide are more irritating under a mask. If you're wearing a mask a lot, either use less of them or stop using them altogether.

How to treat different kinds of skin issues from face masks

If your skin is already feeling the effects of mask wearing, here's what you can do for some of the most common problems.

• Dryness/skin peeling: Dryness and peeling can be the first signs of mask irritation. Over time, your skin can become prone to sensitivity, redness, dark marks, and breakdown. To fight this, always apply moisturizer before wearing your mask. Huron Hemp 300mg Hand and Body Cream is a great moisturizer for your skin.
• Redness/swelling: If you have redness and swelling after taking off your mask, icing the skin can help. You can use ice cubes in a bag or frozen peas. Buffer with a paper towel and apply to the skin for a few minutes at t time.
• Acne/breakouts: If you're getting pimples under your mask, make sure your mask and your face is clean. To help clear breakouts try taking Charlotte's Web Capsules or Huron Hemp Private Reserve. Once breakouts are cleared, keep them away with Brothers Apothecary Rose Facial Cream.

The bottom line

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we might be wearing masks for a long time. The right skin care routine can help lessen mask-related skin damage and breakouts. Source: Dr. Maryann Mikhail, MD