Everywhere we go, we see people wearing a face mask. This is an effective and easy way to shield ourselves and each other from the threat of COVID-19.
But since face masks are staying directly on our skin for long periods of time, especially when we're outside, they can cause disaster on our face. We call this occurrence in this time of pandemic a "maskne."
Popular Science defines and describes this instance as a "dermatological condition-a portmanteau of 'mask' and 'acne,'" affecting people regardless of age and skin type. It occurs in anyone, irrespective of whether he has a history of skin irritation or none.
It doesn't really matter too, whether we wear a mask for long hours at a time, or just a couple of minutes each day. Maskne should definitely not be a reason for us to stop putting on a mask each time we are unable to physically distance ourselves, although it can cause discomfort and leave a permanent mark on our skin.
How Does Maskne Occur?
We get acne when dead skin cells, sebum, or the oil our skin naturally produces, or bacteria block our pores, leading to blemishes including blackheads, pimples, cysts, or whiteheads.
There are different acne types depending on their causes and breakouts. Dermatology experts say they can be hormonal, genetic, or at times, stress related.
Essentially, Maskne is a specific type, also known as acne mechanica, resulting from friction and pressure. According to associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University's School of Medicine, Dr. Mona Gohara, this condition "is very common in athletes playing football, lacrosse, or any kind of discipline" when and where they are required to wear the mask.
In general, the skin is doing a good job peeling sebum and dead cells. Nevertheless, when a mask frequently rubs against our skin, it will then prevent the natural removal of gunk while literally smearing it, too, around our face, not to mention stuffing it into our pores.
Gahora also said, if one has sensitive or dry skin, the constant friction may lead to irritation or chafing, which removes the oil's natural barrier that protects the skin, making it even more susceptible to clogged pores.
More so, the professor added, the specific and rather tropical environment inside the mask we wear does not help either.
Material Matters to Prevent Maskne
One who has experienced having maskne will surely agree that treating the condition would take a lot of time and effort.
Therefore, for those who haven't had any breakout, you're lucky because fighting maskne is much easier. The first thing to do is to choose your face mask wisely.
It is important that the one you are wearing is the right mask. Meaning, it is the one that gives you a comfortable fit and that is made of material that allows you and your skin to breathe.
To be sure, Gahora recommended natural fabrics that are tightly woven and pure cotton or silk for the avoidance of acne. The latter-mentioned material will also help avoid chaffing for those with sensitive skin.
According to Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology founder and director, Dr. Carolyn Jacob, there are no studies yet that support such a claim that putting on natural fibers has any impact on maskne. However, she added, she'd "rather be safe" and recommended, too, masks made from this material type.
Experts have also proposed the avoidance of synthetic fibers since they are typically do not breathe, too. If they are stretchy, they are less likely as effective at preventing an individual form, possibly spreading the COVID-19 infection.
ALSO READ : It May Feel Uncomfortable, But Wearing Mask During Exercise Should Not Damage Oxygen Intake
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