Whenever faces are covered for long periods of time or use for long durations, such as in the COVID-19 setting, there exists an increase in friction-induced acne, the masked name being a colloquial “maskne.” This condition usually occurs through the combination of friction, the build-up of heat and moisture between the skin and the mask, as well as the subsequent clogging of pores, inflammation, and finally, breakouts. Understanding what actually causes and developing special treatment concerning maskne is indeed for all masks’ wearers, depending on how many hours they really have to wear the mask. This article analyzes the aspects of maskne causation, prevention, and efficient therapy dysupported by dermatological research.
Causes of Maskne
Maskne is primarily caused by a combination of physical and environmental factors:
- Friction and Its Pressure: Constant friction on the skin due to the wearing of masks leads to tiny tears inside the skin that make it predisposed to bacterial infection and irritation (Del Rosso & Kircik, 2021).
- Trapped Heat and Humidity: Basically wearing a mask creates an environment in which the air is hot and humid and this in turn allows the bacteria to thrive and produces increased amounts of sebum, resulting in clogged pores and eruptions (Damiani et al., 2021).
- Accumulation of Sweat and Oil: Extended wear prevents any air circulation which otherwise brings about an accumulation of sweat, oil, and dead cells on the skin making acne develop (Teo, 2021).
- Irritation from Materials of the Mask: Some synthetic materials used in making masks can evoke allergic reactions or denigrate skin irritation leading to inflammation or redness (Yu et al., 2021).
Preventive Measures
Saving oneself from maskne means putting some form of skincare regimen that does not do irritation and minimize bacteria further while preserving skin barrier integrity into effect.
- Choosing the Right Mask Material
Stay away from irritating manmade materials; use breathable, natural fabric, like cotton.
Say goodbye to synthetic-textured materials that can create a pocket of heat and humidity, which can worsen breakouts.
- Practicing Proper Mask Hygiene
Change out your disposable face mask for a clean one regularly and wash your reusable face mask after each use with a fragrance-free detergent to help remove any bacteria and oil buildup.
Avoid frequent touching of the mask to prevent transferring bacteria from hands to the face.
- Following a Gentle Skincare Routine
Cleansing: Pick a mild cleanser that is non-comedogenic, and remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria without deprivation of skin itself.
Moisturizing: Apply a lightweight moisturizer that is non-greasy to strengthen the barrier of the skin against friction from the mask.
Sun Protection: Apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen to protect skin from the environment and from getting hyperpigmented.
Specialized Treatments for Maskne
Diverse, medically proven therapies are available to manage and prevent maskne in a way that is helpful to the person concerned:
- Topical Treatments
- Salicylic Acid: It is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into the pores to shed off the dead skin cells and lessen the oil buildup (Del Rosso & Kircik, 2021).
- Benzoyl Peroxide: An antibacterial agent that helps to clear off acne-causing bacteria and to reduce inflammation (Teo, 2021).
- Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 reduces inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and is beneficial for irritated skin (Yu et al., 2021).
- Retinoids: The derivate of vitamin A that increases cellular turnover and prevents clogged pores and acne formation; use cautiously as it can aggravate the skin.
- Professional Dermatological Treatments
- Chemical Peels: Dermatologists offer their patients mild chemical peels using glycolic or salicylic acid to exfoliate and help avoid flare-ups of the skin under the mask (Damiani et al., 2021).
- Laser Therapy: Light-based treatments help reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and stimulate the skin’s natural capacity for healing.
- Hydrafacials: Deep cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration are combined to unclog pores and relieve irritated skin.
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Dietary Changes: Limiting high-glycemic foods and milk could have an effect on acne flare-ups (Del Rosso & Kircik, 2021).
- Stress Management: With increased cortisol levels and breakouts, chronic stress can be managed through mindful activities such as meditation, yoga, or exercising to restore balance to the hormones.
- Adequate Water Intake: Drinking an adequate amount of water hydrates the skin and promotes natural healing.
Emerging Treatments and Research
Recently, innovations in dermatological studies have opened ways for newer treatment forms against maskne:
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: An evidence base shows that topical and oral probiotics can restore the balance of the skin’s microbiome and reduce inflammation associated with acne (Yu et al., 2021).
- Blue Light Therapy: Blue light is a non-invasive procedure that kills acne-causing bacteria and heals the inflammation, an alternative to conventional topical treatments.
- Barrier Repair Creams: These formulations containing ceramides and peptides are designed to ameliorate the skin barrier function and build up resilience to friction and irritation.
Maskne is quite a common form of skin issue caused by wearing masks for a long time. However, it can effectively be treated and prevented by following a particular skincare regime along with some special treatments. ” Mask hygiene with skin care of mild formulation and dermatological treatments form a chain that enables people with healthy skin to continue wearing the mask. Research is still in the progress and with new treatments such as probiotics and blue light therapy, the possibility for the future looks bright for mask prevention and treatment.
References
- Damiani, G., Gironi, L. C., Grada, A., & Kridin, K. (2021). The impact of face mask-induced acne during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dermatologic Therapy, 34(2), e14823. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14823
- Del Rosso, J. Q., & Kircik, L. H. (2021). Understanding the pathophysiology and management of mask-induced acne (“maskne”). Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 14(4), 28-34. https://doi.org/10.25251/jcad.2021.14.4.5
- Teo, W. L. (2021). Diagnostic and management considerations for “maskne” in the era of COVID-19. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 84(2), 520-521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.09.063
- Yu, N., Zheng, H., & Lin, L. (2021). The role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of mask-related skin conditions. International Journal of Dermatology, 60(10), 1175-1182. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.15678
