As we all know there is an increase in COVID-19 cases day by day and for our and others’ prevention we wear masks in many public places like grocery stores, restaurants, and many more. Though wearing this mask can lead to acne problems (maskne), itchiness, redness, rashes, and many more skin problems but there is nothing to get so scared of, as we are here to give you the best tips so that you can save yourself from skin problems along with COVID-19 pandemic.
Safety should be your priority and that’s why it is a must to wear a mask but as many people suffer from skin problems because of the material of mask or friction caused between skin and mask or else they are already suffering from several skin problems from early times which leads to exaggeration in skin problems. So, here we will be giving you some tips so that you can maintain your safety with a glowing.
Contents
What is Maskne?
If you are getting pimples, acne, blackheads, irritation on the nose, cheeks, chin, and many more skin problems just because of wearing a mask then it can be called maskne which can be also termed as mask acne. Wearing a mask not only causes pimples but also irritation, redness, and bumpiness.
Maskne is not just acne but it also appears with rashes such as contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or hives. If you are dealing with maskne then the main reason behind it is the friction of your skin with your wearing mask. You can also deal with a flare if you are wearing a mask for a long time with an existing skin condition rosacea. Rosacea isn’t acne, it is irritation and redness on your skin which quite looks similar to acne and it’s also treated differently.
Skin problems that you might cause by wearing a face mask and are as follows:
Folliculitis: the infection caused because of your hair follicles is termed folliculitis. Folliculitis causes bumps that look like an acne breakout. This will also lead to problems like itchiness or pain.
- Contact dermatitis: if you are allergic or sensitive to the mask material then it is termed contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can cause red rashes, irritation, or blisters.
- Rosacea: if you are having rosacea then you might have flare-ups because of wearing a mask. This leads to pimples and redness.
- Acne: if your skin pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt then it can cause acne. This will lead to pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads problems.
What Causes Maskne?
The exact cause of maskne may vary as there are various skin conditions involved in maskne. If you already have oily skin, bacteria, and dead skin cells on your skin and still if you wear a mask without any skin precautions then it exaggerates your skin problem and blocks your skin pores.
Because of breathing and sweating your mask traps humidity which again increases the risk of acne. You can also suffer from skin problems like chafing and irritation because of skin-mask friction. Maybe you are also sensitive and allergic to the mask material. You can also have irritation on your skin because of wearing a mask that has been washed in a scented detergent.
Using sunscreen, makeup and other cosmetics can worsen your maskne problem. If you are wearing makeup on your face then it gets trapped into your mask and it also clogged your skin pores which cause more breakouts.
Best six tips for preventing Maskne:
Take help from the dermatologist:
There are many skin problems like infection, dermatitis, acne, itchiness, and many more. But classifying the skin problem is essential for one as different skin problems like pimples, rosacea is treated differently. Treatments like topical medication, a habit change, or both can only be known after knowing the exact skin issue so that your doctor can fix the issues.
Choose the right mask:
It’s important to be attentive to which type of mask you wear just to avoid skin issues.
Try to wear a face mask that:
- Not too tight and can be worn comfortably
- Requires two or more layers of fabrics.
- The material of the mask should be natural and soft like cotton as they are breathable and less likely to make you sweat.
- Avoid material like nylon or rayon for the face. mask as they irritate the skin.
Remove your mask every 4 hours
It’s suggested by a dermatology association of America that one should remove the mask for 15 minutes every four hours as it gives you a break for the skin. While removing the mask you should keep in mind that you maintain distance from people and also wash your hands before taking a mask break.
Wash your face after wearing a mask
You should use a gentle cleanser for your face after removing the mask. You can also follow the moisturizers just to protect your skin. Wash your face after removing the mask as wearing a mask also causes sweating which leads to skin problems so washing your face is a type of prevention for this.
Follow skin routine consistently
As soon as you are clear about your skin problem with the help of your doctor then you can figure out what products would help you to get rid of the particular skin problem you are suffering from. And then you just have to follow the daily skin routine given by your doctor.
Take a break from makeup
While you are dealing with maskne then you need to skip your makeup for a while as if you didn’t, then it can exaggerate your skin problem. Cosmetics like foundation, concealer, and blush can clog your pores and lead to skin problems.
Please always consult your local doctor before trying out any new products. Feel free to comment below.
