All you need to know about 'Maskne'
Considering the increase in the number of Delta variant cases, vaccines have become the need of the hour. Additionally, authorities and health officials have urged people to stay vigilant and follow all COVID-appropriate protocols. Basic precautions like wearing a mask has become extremely essential in recent times, especially amid the rising fear of a possible third wave.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently updated their COVID guidelines and recommended people to wear masks at all times, even if they were fully vaccinated.
However, long hours of masking has increased the problem of 'maskne' in people - different skin conditions caused by masks.
The growing problem of 'Maskne'
In an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus, wearing a mask has become very crucial.
Everywhere you go, you'll find people wearing masks at all times. Whether at a grocery store or at a park or anywhere else, masks have become extremely essential in our day to day lives. This however has led to a common side effect known as 'maskne'.
Maskne is a combination of two words, mask and acne. Wearing masks for long hours can cause several skin conditions, which can trigger not just pimples, but also redness, itchiness and painful bumps on the skin. Some of the skin issues faced by people with maskne are.
- Acne - Acne is a result of clogged pores resulting in pimples and white/blackheads.
- Rosacea - Rosacea is a condition where your skin experiences inflammation, leading to redness.
- Folliculitis - Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause pain and itchiness.
- Contact dermatitis - Contact dermatitis takes place when the skin comes in contact with materials that it is allergic to.
What causes maskne?
Wearing masks for long hours prevents your skin from breathing. The mask traps all the humidity while you breath and sweat, leading to clogged pores. This in turn causes acne, leading to pimples, redness and itchiness.
In addition to that, friction can also be a cause of mask-induced acne. Due to constant rubbing of the material on the skin can lead to chafs and irritation. Apart from that, if your skin is sensitive to the cloth material, it may have an allergic reaction to it.
How to prevent maskne?
Like any other skin problem, preventing and treating maskne involves certain steps. Besides being regular about your skin routines, you should also be careful about choosing the right mask. While wearing a mask is of utmost importance in today's time, you should also find time for your skin to breathe in between. That said, here are some ways you can steer clear of skin complications caused by masks.
Read more: Confused between COVID-19 and allergy? Here is how to differentiate
Wash your face regularly and moisturize
The pandemic has either made us very active or very negligent about self-care. Just like the pre-COVID era it is important that we continue taking care of ourselves and our skin.
Given the rising skin issues caused by masks, it is very important that you remember to cleanse your face every once in a while. Wash your face regularly. Once in the morning, once before going to sleep and every time when you go out with your mask on and come back sweating. Doing so will refresh your skin and eliminate the presence of impurities.
After washing your face, remember to moisturize your skin with non-comedogenic cream suitable to your skin. This will avoid pore-clogging and prevent your skin from developing acne.
Choosing your face masks wisely
Wearing a face mask is important, but choosing the right mask is all the more essential. If your skin is incompatible with the material of the mask you use, it may cause allergic reactions, leading to acne and other skin conditions. Masks made with nylon and synthetic fiber should be avoided and for those of you who have sensitive skin should wear cotton masks.
Apply non-comedogenic makeup
If you're someone who loves applying makeup on your face, then resort to non-comedogenic makeup. Chemical creams can lead to skin reactions that can cause inflammation and redness. That said, avoid using make-up at all, but if you have to, apply products that have low chemical content.