What is ‘Maskne’?

It’s said that you learn something new every day. Take the word ‘Maskne’ as one of them!

The pandemic has opened our eyes to many things, changing our usual way of thinking and doing in order to protect the well-being of ourselves and those around us. I think many of us can say we have learned a lot about ourselves too, finding our own way to cope with a restricted way of living so that very soon we can return to our more familiar routines.

The challenges of living through a pandemic has meant adopting a series of habits which can in turn present their own difficulties. One of these difficulties is ‘Maskne’. But what is Maskne? Many of us have not even heard about this condition before let alone be affected by it. Maskne is quite simply acne that’s caused by wearing a face mask, AKA ‘face mask acne’.

It’s quite the norm when leaving the house, to pick up your phone, your keys and a face mask. Face masks have become the must have accessory these days, not because of their stylish appeal, but because they are required by law and are an effective addition to our attire in the fight against Covid. However, those that wear a mask regularly and for long periods of time, may find that their skin has developed spots and pimples. This is because the environment under the mask provides the right conditions for acne to thrive. The skin under your mask can become very warm and sweaty, which when mixed with make-up, excess oil and bacteria, can cause blocked pores and inflammation. Wearing certain materials closely against your skin can sometimes cause friction.

Until coronavirus is under control we will need to continue wearing a face mask when we are in shops or using public transport, so for now the best way to keep maskne in check is to take extra care of our skin. Your face mask will be more effective, as well as being kinder to your skin, if it is clean. So making sure you wash it regularly or changing disposable masks often, is a must. Many people undertake a daily routine of cleansing the skin. This is even more important while face masks are being worn and you want to avoid breakouts, cleansing twice a day and when the face mask is removed. Hydration is your skin’s natural barrier, so ensuring you drink plenty of water as well as applying a gentle moisturiser will help to prevent the skin from drying out. Many people affected by Maskne are going for a more minimal look with their make-up, avoiding congestion from the build-up of sebum and bacteria being mixed in with heavily applied cosmetics.

Acne prone skin can benefit from non-comedogenic products that are more gentle and are less likely to clog the skin. However, if you visit Āatma Aesthetics they stock the ZO Skin Health range of skincare products, by Obagi. Through a thorough consultation, done virtually or over the phone, Dr. Shaan can recommend the perfect products to compliment your skin. Mask wearing is likely to be with us for some time yet, so it’s important that we understand that caring for your complexion is the best way to tackle Maskne. Speak with Dr Shaan today and he’ll guide you to a clearer, healthier complexion.