Why Do Masks Cause Acne?

As if the threat of contracting a potentially deadly virus during a global pandemic isn’t enough, there’s a mask. It’s that acne and other skin issues are caused by wearing face coverings. Of course, wearing them is a necessary practice to keep yourself and those around you safe.

Making is a genuine concern for those in healthcare and other jobs where wearing masks is required (or just brilliant). Acne breakouts, rosacea flare-ups, dermatitis, eczema, and even infected hairs can be caused by wearing them. If you’re wondering why there are explanations and possible solutions to the problem.

When you understand what causes masks, you can prevent it. That will make you smile — even if no one else can see it. Don’t skip the show and risk your health and the health of others.

Acne Is as Acne Does

Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria cause acne by clogging pores. However, not all acne is the same. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, papules, nodules, and cysts.

If acne is new for you, you may be wondering what to do about it. You recognize the signs if you suffer from acne before wearing masks for an extended period. You will need to add some oomph to your regular skincare routine.

Fortunately, there are several viable options for acne treatment based on what’s causing your pores to clog. More than likely, the primary culprit is the heat and humidity that builds up behind the mask. Humidity causes sweat to evaporate slowly, and the oil glands ramp up production due to the heat.

If acne is a masking side effect, you might notice it’s worse at certain times, linked to your hormonal cycle. If you already have acne spurred by the hormonal overproduction of oil, the heat and humidity will worsen. Oral contraceptives and anti-androgens like spironolactone and retinoids can help.

Hydroxy acids and thorough skin cleansing will help slough off dead skin cells. To address acne-causing bacteria, those retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, especially in combination, can be the solution.

There should be no need to relive those awkward teenage years just because you have to wear a face covering. Talk to a healthcare professional about ramping up your acne treatment if you already had such a regimen pre-pandemic. If you didn’t, consult a dermatologist or try over-the-counter acne treatments to see whether they help control your mask.

Maximum Protection With Occasional Breaks

Maintaining the protective value of the mask while addressing the various mask issues is paramount. The heat and humidity behind your mask are not the only factors causing trouble. There’s also chafing and skin irritation around the border of the show.

Not all masks are created similarly, so you should understand the differences. Veneers should completely cover your mouth, nose, and chin, or they are useless. They should also snug up to your face, forming a seal while not too tight.

It is recommended that healthcare workers and the severely immunocompromised wear N95 respirator masks. These provide the most excellent protection from aerosol transmission. However, they’re also made of synthetic materials, which increase the likelihood of masking.

Since the onset of more transmissible variants of COVID-19, wearing a KN95 mask has become highly recommended for everyone. Although such acts lack a respirator, they are made of synthetic material that boosts protection. Unfortunately, it also increases the likelihood of masking.

Take 15-minute “mask breaks” in a safe space throughout the day when you can. Give your skin a chance to breathe every time the coast is clear.

The Moisture Paradox

If you have dry skin, you moisturize it. If you have oily skin, watering it can seem counterintuitive. But moisture is the secret to healthy skin and is essential when wearing masks.

The skin’s natural response to arid conditions is more excellent oil production, which causes acne. Therefore, keeping skin moist is the key to reducing irritation and acne. Masks suck the moisture from your skin, particularly along their edges.

Cleansing your face in the morning, after you get home from work, and before bed will help. Swap out any fragrance-heavy cleansers with gentle ones to reduce masking. Then, apply an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer while your skin is still damp to seal in some of that moisture.

You’ll need to add moisturizer if you use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as part of your acne treatment. Remember to skip formulations containing scents and oils or other comedogenic ingredients.

Conventional COVID wisdom states that you should avoid touching your face with your fingers. Although that guidance is intended to prevent you from infecting yourself with the virus, it offers make-fighting benefits, too. Keeping your hands off your face will prevent transferring acne-causing bacteria onto your skin.

Whatever you can do to keep your skin clean and moisturized will be beneficial, including not wearing makeup. You might even want to sleep on silk pillowcases to help retain moisture and shun bacteria. A better night’s sleep will also enable your skin to repair itself.

Maskne is an unfortunate side effect of one of the best protection against COVID-19 transmission. However unpleasant the mask is, unlike COVID, it isn’t potentially deadly. That means shunning covers isn’t viable for eliminating blemishes and irritation.

Fortunately, prescription and OTC acne treatments, moisturizers, and cleansers will help. Since it appears that masks may be around for the foreseeable future, don’t delay finding solutions that work for you. Mask mask-free, and don’t forget to smile … with your eyes.