Face masks have been more prominent in recent years, and we have all used and worn them. The unfortunate consequence of not washing your mask often or using the same one over and over again is mask acne – and no one wants to be bothered with acne, particularly on their face.

As more cities and states across the country require people to wear face coverings in public to combat the spread of COVID-19, those with sensitive skin are now fighting another battle – mask breakouts, a skin condition that occurs when a person’s mask becomes infected with the virus known as “maskne.” This condition, which is a mix of skin irritation and acne, is not new to medical professionals, but it has grown increasingly prevalent among mask-wearing populations as a result of Covid-19 and nations with high pollution levels.

If you’re one of the people who have been struggling with mask acne, we are here to tell you that there is a solution. In this blog you’ll read about how this type of acne happens, how to prevent it and how to treat it. Let’s get right into it…

Maskne: What Is It And Why Does It Occur?

Maskne has a real medical word, “Acne Mechanica,” which refers to a skin disease caused by extended use of face personal protection equipment. Masks trap heat, resulting in friction and occlusion on the skin. They provide the ideal condition for breakouts when paired with the heated moisture produced by breathing or sweating. Pores get blocked, resulting in pimples or acne cysts. If you already have acne, applying a mask might aggravate the condition even more.

Even if you do not have acne, extended occlusion, heat, and perspiration caused by wearing a mask may cause your skin to become very fatigued, irritated, itchy, or dry.

What Is The Main Cause Of Maskne?

Maskne occurs when perspiration, oil, dirt, and germs accumulate on the surface of the skin, blocking the pores. Because masks create a humid atmosphere and prevent big particles from leaving, pore-clogging materials that would ordinarily be carried away by the air get stuck against your skin. This is a formula for outbreaks, even more so when layers of cosmetics or skin care products with oils are added.

Along with acne, masks may cause the following problems:

• Itching and chafing,
• Hair follicles that are inflamed,
• Rosacea flare-ups,
• Dermatitis perioralis is also known as small bumps around the mouth,
• Among others.

The more your mask comes into contact with your skin, the more likely you may encounter irritation. A typical cause is wearing an ill-fitting mask or often putting it on and taking it off.

Why Do You Develop Acne When You Wear A Mask?

Masks may accelerate the process mentioned above. When worn correctly, a mask forms a seal. This is when a little bit of a catch-22 situation arises. To begin, the good news is that by containing germs, you protect yourself and people around you from sickness, most notably coronavirus or COVID-19. What about the negative news? By allowing bacteria to remain, your skin receives additional damage. On the face, extra oil, perspiration, grime, debris, and germs get trapped.

Additionally, the mask’s seal raises the warmth and humidity level on the face. When combined with friction, this fact may jeopardize the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

All of these factors contribute to the breakdown of the skin’s structure, causing irritation and puffiness, as well as inciting breakouts.

What You Should Know About Maskne Skin Disorders

In general, “maskne” refers to a group of skin disorders that may occur as a result of wearing a face mask or covering, as we’ve stated above. Some of the skin concerns and conditions that can arise or worsen include the following:

Acne

Acne occurs when your pores get blocked with debris, oil, and dead skin cells. This condition may result in pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. Although it is more common if you have a family history of acne, it may strike anybody. It seems to be the most prevalent among those who use surgical masks and some kinds of respirators.

Rosacea

If you have rosacea, wearing a mask may aggravate the condition. This might result in additional inflamed acne and redness.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis develops when an individual is allergic or sensitive to the material used to make their mask. It may cause a red rash, discomfort, and blisters. It is the most common form of mask response, often affecting the cheeks and nasal bridge. Individuals who wear a mask for six hours or more without a break, as well as those with a weakened skin barrier, are more at risk. Dry, scaly patches to skin ulceration are all possible symptoms.

Eczema Atopica

Also known as atopic dermatitis, skin symptoms might develop or worsen in persons who have sensitive skin owing to eczema as a result of the mask’s irritating action.

Periocular Dermatitis

This is a disorder characterized by the development of tiny pimples around the eyes and lips. This may occur when wearing a mask, after the use of cosmetics or corticosteroid creams, or for no apparent reason at all.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis, or hair follicle infection, results in lumps that resemble acne breakouts. Additionally, you may endure itching or soreness.

Urticaria

Wheals, or hives, may occur as a consequence of the downward pressure exerted by some kinds of masks or as a result of contact with allergens such as latex in people who are sensitive. Allergic urticaria often manifests immediately and resolves within 24 hours after eliminating the trigger.

Eczema Seborrhoeic

This kind of dermatitis causes the development of greasy yellow scales, most often on the scalp, forehead, brows, and in the wrinkles around the nose and lips.

If you already have one of these disorders, you may be predisposed to develop maskne, but wearing a mask on a regular basis may also trigger the onset of symptoms.

Certain masks and face coverings, such as those used in hospital settings, might result in more severe skin changes due to the material used and the way the protective equipment fits.

How to Avoid Maskne

How do you avoid maskne without taking off your mask? While some people may be required to wear a mask everyday it can be difficult to treat the acne properly and in a way that will prevent it from happening again. Here are some helpful tips to avoid mask acne in the first place.

Reusable Masks Should Be Washed Often, Or Disposable Masks Should Be Replaced Every Use

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests cleaning cloth masks at least everyday, either in a washing machine or by hand. We suggest stocking up on many masks so you can switch them out and always have a clean one on hand.

Utilize Fewer But Higher-Quality Skincare Products

Avoid over-saturating your skin with substances it does not need; this may result in increased pore blockage. Begin with the simplest procedure possible: a mild cleanser and moisturizer with retinol at night. Consult a Visage Clinic skincare specialist for recommendations on the simplest and most effective skincare routine for you. We’d be delighted to assist you with this.

Reduce The Intensity Of Your Lower-Face Makeup

Reduce your reliance on full-coverage foundation under your mask. Consider using a tinted moisturizer or even going makeup-free. It will assist your skin in breathing as much as possible, and no one but you will notice any difference.

Maskne: How to Prevent And Treat

Our experts suggest avoiding maskne, also known as mask breakouts, by following a regular face-washing regimen with a fragrance-free cleanser, applying moisturizer often, and either using a disposable mask or washing your mask in a mild detergent after four or more hours of usage.

At Visage Med Spa, we provide a choice of high-quality skincare products and treatments to assist with alleviating your condition. These include the following:

Chemical Peels

Our chemical acne peel is a combination of AHA’s and BHA’s that successfully treats all types of acne as well as acne-prone or oily skin. This treatment ultimately addresses the acne already on the skin and treats it in a gentle but efficient manner.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that improves the overall look of your skin. It combines an exfoliating technique with suction to gently peel away the damaged skin’s top layers. After that, your skin is gently loaded with beneficial nutrients to maximize results.

Microneedling

Our microneedling therapy assists in the reduction of acne and acne scars. The technique stimulates the creation of new collagen in your skin, promoting self-healing. This therapy is excellent for minimizing the look of acne scars such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.

Why Choose Our Services And Mask Acne Treatments

Visage Clinic has an unmatched awareness of every skincare requirement in the market. Our unique skin care products and services are targeted to treat many different types of skin concerns and conditions. Not only can it help with general acne but it can help treat mask acne that you’ve been struggling with. Why choose Visage Med Spa? For the following reasons:

Formulations That Are Enriched With Only The Best Ingredients

We offer treatments and services that have proprietary formulations of active ingredients, which include vibrant botanicals and vitamin-rich antioxidants, leaving the skin smooth and luscious.

Genuine Solutions For Mask Acne And Other Concerns

Our treatments are intelligently created to address the unique skin care demands of each individual and to provide the most benefit to the skin.

Exceptional Results

Medical-grade and pH-balanced chemicals provide outcomes that are unequaled by over-the-counter products on a cellular level.

Treat Your Mask Acne With The Help Of Our Treatments In Toronto

You do not have to live with maskne and endure the unpleasant breakouts and rashes associated with it. There are many methods to prevent and cure skin concerns caused by masks, including a regular skincare practice, skincare products, and the treatments we provide at our med spa. We can offer the finest skincare products and treatments for your skin type, so you may look forward to less problems and cleaner, brighter skin in a couple of weeks. Contact our Visage team to learn more!