Are you suffering from Maskne?

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Are you suffering from breakouts from wearing a mask daily? You may be experiencing Mask Acne, or “Maskne”

Wearing a mask is mandatory in all shops and public areas to help against the fight of Covid-19, but how can we fight what’s happening under the mask – skin irritation and “maskne”

What is “Maskne”?

The medical term for “maskne” is Acne Mechanica which is acne, a skin condition brought on by prolonged wear of facial coverings which cause excess friction & rubbing of the mask on the skin or a heated / moist environment from breathing, talking, sneezing or coughing in your mask.

What are the signs?

When pores get clogged up, you may notice skin irritations such as spots, pimples, whiteheads and blackheads, as well as dry itchy skin.

What are the potential areas of concern?

Anywhere on your face where your mask is positioned on the skin, so the bridge of the nose, cheeks and chin area. If you are prone to acne you will know the areas of your skin which tend to be oily or experience regular breakouts.

What can I do to prevent a breakout?

  • When choosing your face covering, you’ll want a fabric that’s soft enough to sit on your skin without any discomfort. The more uncomfortable you are, the more likely it is you will touch your face or fix it, so first things first – make sure the mask fits correctly.
  • Wear a mask made from good quality natural fabric such cotton or silk with multiple layers, which are ideal for sensitive acne-prone skin.
  • Keep your mask clean and wash it daily in a fragrance free detergent or soap. Fabric softeners are too fragrant and will make wearing your mask difficult to breathe in.
  • If you are wearing a mask for a length of time, it’s a good idea to bring 2 or 3 with you and change regularly throughout the day. Your worn mask contains dirt and oil and can become a breeding ground for bacteria from your nose and mouth.
  • Treat your mask like underwear – keep it clean, don’t share it with anyone and make sure the fit is right so you are comfortable in it at all times.

How can I care for my skin when not wearing a mask?

  • Clean your face before putting on your mask. It’s important to cleanse twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening.
  • Choose an active cleanser with Salicylic acid that exfoliates and decongests your skin. La Roche Posay Effaclar fresh, foaming gel facial wash is specifically formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin. Gently cleanses the skin thanks to its high tolerance foaming power.
  • Keep your skin hydrated and swap out heavy moisturisers to more lighter formulas to keep your skin balanced and healthy. Vichy Aqualia Thermal light moisturizer is expertly designed to intensely hydrate & moisturise dehydrated skin
  • Protect and nourish your face with a hydrating moisturizer rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid. CeraVe Facial Moisturiser with 30 SPF has a light but long-lasting formula which releases a steady stream of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides throughout the day and night.

Call in to your local Haven Pharmacy for advice on what skincare routine is suitable for your skin, as well as over the counter treatments