Maskne: How to Treat Acne Flares in the Era of Mask Wearing

One of the many unpleasant things that emerged from the pandemic is “maskne.” It is, quite simply, acne due to wearing masks. No one wants to experience it, but many can’t avoid it because protecting oneself from COVID-19 is the priority.

According to a brief published at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mask wearing helps reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 which is largely through airborne transmission. When asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals cough or sneeze, they release a cloud of tiny mucus droplets that carry the virus. Transmission happens when uninfected individuals inhale or come into contact with the infected droplets. A mask can block those droplets from dispersing in the open.

Multilayered fabric masks, surgical masks, and N95s all have varying levels of efficacy, but the bottom line is that all of them provide a much-needed layer of protection against the deadly virus.

How Masks Cause Acne

The downside to wearing masks is that when you sneeze or cough, the particles or irritants that the body expels get trapped along with the accumulated sweat and sebum. This promotes bacteria buildup, which is the main cause of acne breakouts.

If you applied facial products before putting on your mask, they, too, can add to the gunk that clogs the pores on your face.

For people with sensitive skin, the masks themselves are enough to cause pimples. The microfiber in surgical masks, for example, can irritate the skin and trigger itchiness and acne.

Laser Treatment: A Remedy for Severe “Maskne”

For some, the acne is so severe that treatment by a dermatologist becomes necessary. Here at Dr Saami, we recommend laser treatment for aggravated acne due to mask use. IPL (aka intense pulsed light)  has  proven effective at killing bacteria and clearing acne. And while the response to laser therapy varies for each patient, the FDA-approved procedures are generally painless and carry a  low risk of side effects .

Our laser treatment is available when you need it; but in the interest of ensuring your skin’s health, we want to give you tips on how to avoid maskne. Masks will likely be a mainstay in our daily wear for the next few months or years, so the best thing to do is to find ways to mitigate acne and skin irritation.

Prevention Tips

1. Avoid touching your face or moving your mask around. This reduces skin irritation and prevents any bacteria on your hands from reaching your face.
2. Don’t use a lot of “comedogenic” facial products. Avoid wearing makeup when it’s not necessary (e.g., you’re doing errands or aren’t meeting anyone for whom you’d feel the need to dress up).
3. Try out different types of masks and find one that irritates your skin the least. Surgical masks tend to be the least aggravating.
4. Make sure your face is clean before wearing a mask, especially if you must wear one for hours.
5. Wear clean masks every time. Don’t re-use unwashed cloth masks and  don’t reuse one-time use surgical masks and N95s.
6. Cleanse your face regularly and especially after wearing your mask for a long time.
7. Avoid facial cleansers that can dry out your skin. They might irritate your skin, especially after the chafing and friction from wearing your mask.
8. Continue your nightly skincare routine. Include a moisturizer if you haven’t already.
9. Avoid touching your face and wash your hands regularly. The bacteria your hands pick up are just as much a cause of acne as the sweat, oil, and dirt accumulated from wearing masks.
10. For severe maskne, seek treatment from a trusted dermatologist.

Your skin shouldn’t have to suffer as you try to stay safe from the coronavirus. Keep these tips in mind and turn them into habits. If you feel helpless, and you believe your acne requires dermatological treatment, Dr Saami’s clinic can help.

We offer laser treatment and other skin therapies to patients from La Mesa and San Diego, California. Book an appointment today.

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