Maskne is a Real Thing

Once you make it past your teens and twenties, you may think your struggles with acne are finally over. The reality is that acne can carry over into adulthood. As many 22% of women have acne in adulthood, according to studies cited in a 2018 review.

Though acne can affect people at any age, there are certain conditions that can increase your risk. Even with daily skin care, factors like chronic stress and wearing tight-fitting clothing can contribute to breakouts.

In the midst of the pandemic, these conditions have become common. Masks have been identified as one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, wearing a mask for long periods of time can lead to a new problem: mask-related acne, or “maskne.”

What is Maskne and What Causes It?

Maskne, the nickname given to mask-related acne, is not a new thing. Dr. Amy Kassouf, the dermatologist for the Cleveland Clinic, says it has always been an issue for professionals who wear a mask regularly at work. Kassouf notes that it became more common among the general public once mask use became widespread.

Acne develops when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, and bacteria can add to the inflammation. Dr. Nazanin Saedi, board-certified dermatologist at Thomas Jefferson University, suggests breathing for hours while wearing a mask creates a humid environment that can become “a breeding ground for acne.”

Masks trap heat and moisture, which can let yeast, bacteria and skin mites multiply. Together with friction, this can trigger acne and flare-ups of rosacea and perioral dermatitis.

Simple Tips to Prevent and Treat Maskne

You don’t have to choose between protecting your health and protecting your skin. By taking a few simple steps you can minimize your risk of developing maskne without putting anyone at risk.

Here are some simple tips to help prevent acne from developing under your mask:

• Take the mask off when you’re at home and away from other people. Give your skin time to breathe and recover from the excess friction.
• If you wear a reusable cloth mask, wash it after each use, ideally with a fragrance-free detergent. Keep several cloth masks on hand so you can wear a fresh one every day.
• Make sure your cloth mask is completely dry before you put it back on – if it isn’t dry the added moisture can make acne-causing conditions worse for the skin under the mask.
• Wash your face daily using a mild cleanser. If your skin is acne-prone, a cleanser with salicylic acid may help.
• Keep your skin hydrated. A light layer of moisturizer can act as a barrier between your skin and the mask. Choose lighter products for oily skin.

Prevention is often the best medicine, so keeping your mask clean and washing your face may help protect you from maskne. If you do develop maskne, the following proven acne treatments may help:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Sold over the counter in washes, gels and creams, benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria. It can bleach fabrics, including masks.
• Retinoids: Available in creams, gels, and lotions, retinoids are derived from vitamin A. These acne treatments work by preventing plugging of the hair follicles. Adapalene is sold over the counter, while stronger retinoids need a prescription.
• Oral Antibiotics: Prescribed for moderate to severe acne, usually alongside benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid, oral antibiotics reduce bacteria and inflammation. Topical antibiotics aren’t recommended alone because of the risk of antibiotic resistance.
• Oral Contraceptives: For women whose acne worsens around their menstrual cycle, birth control pills may help. Certain combined pills containing estrogen and a progestin are FDA-approved to treat acne.
• Spironolactone: This prescription medicine blocks androgen hormones and can help women with stubborn hormonal acne. It can cause serious birth defects, so it isn’t used during pregnancy.

In addition to treating maskne with proven methods, be good to your skin. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid harsh scrubs. Choose products that support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and avoid touching your face as much as possible. You may also want to take a second glance at your daily skincare regimen. Mask friction and stress can make your skin more sensitive, so products you’ve used for years might now irritate it. See a dermatologist if breakouts don’t improve.

HP Thoughts: Pregnant women contract pimples, too! Surprised? Read our post to learn more: How to Rid of Acne During Pregnancy.

Sources

• The Struggle With Maskne Is Very Real, Cleveland Clinic
• Adult-onset acne: prevalence, impact, and management challenges, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (PMC)
• Acne: Diagnosis and treatment, American Academy of Dermatology