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Lucy Chen, a Board-certified dermatologist from Miami, says that breakouts that appear in areas where the mask shield touches the skin or in areas covered by the mask are telltale signs of maskne.
Reusing disposable masks does not make for an efficient option when you consider the goal of protection against COVID-19. It is important to dispose of masks every day or the moment the mask appears damp, dirty or damaged.
Sensitive skin tends to get aggravated when it is rubbed or touched. Breakouts are also aggravated when oil, dust, or dirt collect on the pores. Friction on the skin and blocking of pores can worsen acne.
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Dr Anna Chien, a dermatologist at Johns Hopkins, says that people with issues like allergies, acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and sensitivity to dryness or humidity may be more likely to experience maskne.
Nazanin Saedi, MD, explains that maskne results from pressure, friction, rubbing, or stretching in areas covered by a mask. The breakouts resulting from these are called maskne. Further, as the pores get blocked by oil, sweat, and makeup, the chances of maskne increase.
While there may be no alternative to wearing masks, the kind of masks worn is a choice. Breathable cotton masks are ideal, especially for sensitive skin and prolonged use. Drying the mask out in paper bags is another good way to allow the mask and skin to breathe.
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To prevent maskne, it is important to ensure the mask is not too tight but fits snugly. When too tight, the mask will feel constricting and rub against the skin. If too loose, you may need to touch the mask often and transmit dirt and germs to the face.
Healthcare workers or any other individual who wears their masks for extended hours are at higher risk of developing maskne. The increased humidity caused due to prolonged wear can cause flaring up of the skin and contribute to maskne.
Dermatologist Dr Mariana Vergara recommends cleansing twice a day as a preventive measure against maskne. She also suggests using a gentle cleanser that is mild on the skin and does not irritate it further.
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According to Dr Hadley King, the presence of redness, irritation, abrasions, or even post-inflammatory pigmentation are signals of maskne. These are inevitable when using well-fitted masks for extended periods, according to the dermatologist.
Healthy skin can be maintained by washing masks regularly using mild detergents. Washing your hands before touching your face or mask is another essential hygiene-check in preventing the spread of germs and build-up of maskne.
According to Dr Shari Lipner, professor of Dermatology, skin that is irritated by friction tends to trap sweat, oil, and bacteria easily. This directly impacts the formation of maskne, which is caused due to wearing a mask.
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Masks trap warm, exhaled air between the skin and the mask, thus acting as an insulator. Our breath adds moisture and humidity to the warmth. This is the perfect breeding ground for microbes to live and thrive, causing bacterial and yeast infections.
Moisturisers keep the skin moist and hydrated. They also help form a barrier between the skin and mask. This can prevent friction and also protect against infection. Fragrance-free moisturisers and creams with hyaluronic acid and ceramides are ideal.