Maskne: Face Masks May Be Irritating Your Skin. Here is How to Prevent It
By Face masks have become an everyday accessory we just can’t afford to forget while going out. The regular usage offer protection against the virus. But as they say, everything has its side effects. Now, many people are reporting skin problems due to the regular use of face masks. Named as “maskne” or “mask acne”, this skin condition is affecting a large number of people.
So what exactly is Maskne?
As per dermatologists, wearing masks can create friction between the skin and the fabric which can lead to acnes.
The seriousness of this new skin condition is such that the American Academy of Dermatology (A.A.D.) has released data on it.
As per Dr Faheem Latheef, a Consultant dermatologist and acne specialist, “With the COVID-19 pandemic stress levels have certainly resulted in flare ups of pre-existing acne and other related skin conditions but in addition to this a new type of acne, dubbed ‘maskne’ – these are little pimples that appear at sites occluded by face masks worn during the pandemic.”
Some have even tweeted about maskne on social media platforms.
How to Prevent Maskne?
With so many people getting affected with maskne, dermatologists have come up with various ways to prevent this skin condition.
Read on thoroughly to stay away from maskne:
Choose the Right Mask: Not every mask is the perfect one for you. Before buying one, make sure it is made of cotton or any light fabric and is nicely ventilated. Since humidity is high in India nowadays, bacteria can easily get trapped in your mask and lead to break outs. The best fabrics you can choose are cotton, silk or satin as they don’t create much friction.
- Changes Masks Often: Do not wear a mask for more than a few hours. It can increase the chances of getting maskne. You can rather opt for wearing face shield or just invest in multiple masks to be on safer side.
- Adopt a Skincare Routine: Just choosing and changing masks is not enough. You need to follow the right skincare routine. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser at least three times a day. This will remove dirt, oil and humidity from face. Also, don’t forget to moisturize.
Many months have passed by since coronavirus became a pandemic affecting the world. Now, things which seemed to be a far reality are an integral part of our daily lives.
Maskne is one thing that is turning out to be big issue for people due to regular use of masks. Thus, don’t forget to follow the above-listed precautions to be safe. In case, you still suffer from maskne, the best thing to do is consult a dermatologist.