How to Treat and Prevent ‘Maskne’

By Staff
Published on February 24, 2021
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by AdobeStock/Maridav

Sponsored by Derma E

The new normal of frequently wearing masks can, unfortunately, come with acne. When skin is often covered, it can break out along the jawline, chin, cheeks, nose, and mouth, a pattern that many have been referring to as “maskne” or mask acne. Maskne is the result of wearing face masks for a prolonged period. When masks are worn for a few hours at a time, aren’t frequently cleaned or are worn over makeup, a person can experience breakouts. While mask-wearing is a new phenomenon for many, those who are required to wear masks professionally have most likely had to deal with maskne at some point in time.

Why does maskne occur?

Masks can trap hot air, which can be a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. In addition to trapping hot air, when masks rub against skin, the resulting friction can lead to inflammation, which can cause skin breakouts.

Who’s at risk of getting maskne?

Many people who work as health care professionals, athletes who wear helmets, motorcyclists, and others who often wear masks for long periods of time may develop some form of maskne. Teens and adults who wear masks for prolonged periods of time can be at risk of developing maskne as well.

How can you prevent maskne?

While wearing masks frequently may be unavoidable, there are ways to effectively prevent maskne. If you have oily skin that’s prone to breakouts, you may want to change your masks throughout the day. If you wear typical medical masks, buy a large pack of masks and keep a few on hand so that if your face becomes sweaty or oily throughout the day, you can change into a new mask. If you wear a cloth mask, wash it with a gentle cleanser, and don’t wear it when it’s dirty. It’s easy for dirt, debris, bacteria, and makeup to occupy your mask, so keeping a clean one on hand can be key to avoiding breakouts. In addition to wearing clean masks and changing them frequently, cleansing your skin daily with a cleanser suited to your specific skin needs can also help prevent maskne.

Ways to treat maskne

Maskne can be treated gently by using natural acne skin care products. Using gentle cleansers that are sulfate-free can help clear up maskne while keeping skin hydrated. If your skin is itchy, raw, and irritated, use a soothing moisturizer that can help with itching. Using products that contain shea and cocoa butters can help calm the skin. Hemp seed oil can help moisturize without clogging pores. Colloidal sulfur is a popular and highly effective way to treat maskne without overly drying the skin. Tea tree oil is also highly effective for toning and cleansing skin.

Doing weekly face masks to detoxify skin can also help treat maskne. Ingredients such as activated charcoal work to draw out toxins from the skin, as well as help unclog pores without overly drying the skin. As with preventing maskne, if you currently have it, be sure to wear clean masks, and change them frequently. Keep your masks in a clean area and away from perfumes or fragrances that can get into your skin.

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