What is Maskne?
There is no doubt that Covid-19 has changed the face of this country, literally and figuratively. While mask-wearing presents numerous socio-cultural and psychological challenges, it’s also changing the landscape of our skin, especially for those on the front-lines or with underlying skin conditions. When our faces are partially occluded by masks, it creates a new micro-environment on our face, making it a prime breeding ground for the proliferation of pathogens (think yeast, mites, and bacteria).
The term “maskne” was first coined by dermatologist Dr. Engelman, a consulting dermatologist for beauty conglomerate Elizabeth Arden. It is used to describe a new occurrence or worsening of pimples and blemishes that is triggered by wearing masks for long periods of time.“Maskne” is a variant of acne mechanica, commonly associated with protective headgear worn by athletes, where irritation arises as a result of tactile-skin friction.
The new skin ecosystem created by mask-wearing thrives on darkness, moisture/humidity, low oxygen, occlusion, and irritation caused by mechanical factors such as friction. In this new micro-environment the skin micro-biome and skin barrier – which are are beauty buzzwords of late – may become compromised. And if you’re someone who has proclivities to stress, skin sensitivity, rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), perioral dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or pityrosporum folliculitis (a yeast that infects hair follicles), wearing a mask can aggravate your baseline condition.
How can I prevent “Maskne”?
The most effective way to help protect your skin against pathogens is to support the function of your skin instead of stripping it. Your skin will function better as a result, which will create a stronger defense system against inflammation. So, as we consistently remind our SMD patients, the right skincare routine – and the right mask – is essential.
Gentle exfoliation & spot treatment
To help prevent the formation of blemishes, we suggest a gentle wash with salicylic or glycolic acids. Our SMD Clarifying Foaming Cleanser (sold in practice only) or Glycolic 10% Moisturizing Cleanser may be used 2-3 times a week. For stubborn spots or pimples, you can lightly spot treat with Benzyl Peroxide 2-3 times a week. We suggest our SMD BenziGel 5 (sold in practice only). These remedies are excellent for those that are prone to acne, pimples/blemishes. If you have other baseline conditions such as perioral dermatitis, these products could aggravate your skin. When in doubt, always consult your provider.
Hydration
For overall hydration, keeping inflammation at bay, and an instant pick-me-up (which is always welcome), a good Hyaluronic Acid serum is a must. Our SMD Absolute Hydrating Serum works wonders to plump the skin and reduce inflammation.
A good moisturizer is also key – especially if you have dry skin. Look out for emollients such as butters or Squalane, Ceramides (lipids/fats), and Niacinamide in the formulation. What you want is something that will help restore your skin barrier, protect your skin while you’re wearing a mask, fight breakouts, and prevent trans-epidermal-water loss (TEWL), in the event your skin is already impaired due to inflammation. Try our SMD Age Defy Lipid Rich Cream if you like a luxurious, cooling cream. It’s non-greasy or heavy, and contains all the right ingredients.
Facial oils are great moisturizers, especially for mature skin, but we don’t recommend using one in the morning if you are prone to blemishes. We recommend using it at night. You don’t necessarily want to layer an occlusive on top of an occlusive. In other words, a mask over an oil.
The right mask
At SMD, we promote a soft, breathable mask like cotton or a synthetic bio-functional mask, such as the one by Jaanuu. This soft, versatile mask is antimicrobial (treated with the Silvadur™ antimicrobial preservative technology) and soaks up moisture to keep you cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Plus, it has soft ear loops that don’t tug or cause discomfort. We also suggest choosing a lighter color mask that disperses heat rather than absorbs it (especially if you live in a sunny climate), and remember to wash your mask regularly to prevent the growth of microbes.
The upside to mask-wearing
While we can easily drum up the negative qualities associated with wearing a mask, there are a few upsides. You’re getting extra protection again UVA and UVB rays from the sun. While we might not be able to see visible benefits now, maybe ten years from now we will look at our smoother jaw contours and reflect on this time with a newfound appreciation…or not!
Masks have also provided individuals who received more invasive cosmetic procedures this past year with some privacy and the space to be a little more at ease during the recovery process. This past year saw a formidable uptick in cosmetic procedures, which we wrote about earlier this year.
Written by Maya
Reviewed by Drs. Smith and Fardin