'Maskne': What Is It And How You Can Avoid It
You may have noticed your skin having flare-ups and breakouts since the announcement of mandatory mask-wearing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dubbed ‘maskne’ on social media platforms, its actually a condition known as Acne Mechanica, a type of acne that is triggered by heat, repetitive trauma to the skin, friction and rubbing from garments and accessories such as helmets, hats, masks, headbands and bra-straps. It can appear anywhere on the body, but in current circumstances we are seeing more and more of this as a result of mask-wearing and sometimes there are other contributing factors such as diet and stress.
The combination of heat and friction stimulates sebaceous glands and sweat glands to secrete more oil and sweat which becomes trapped within the follicle and can become inflamed and cause acneic erruptions, Most commonly seen as papules and pustules on the skin, but can eventuate into more cystic lesions. Similarly, mask wearing can also exacerbate other related conditions such as perioral dermatitis and rosacea as both these conditions are aggravated by heat, humidity and friction to the skin.
How do you know if its Acne Mechanica?
It can be difficult to identify acne mechanica as it often looks like regular acne but there are some clues to look out for:
The acne mainly appears in areas that are covered by tight fighting garments or accessories
Its flares up when exercising and in heat
It worsens when covered by synthetic fibres
What can you do about it?
There are several things you can do to treat and avoid further exacerbating acne mechanica
Acne Treatments
One of the most common and most effective treatments used topically to treat acne mechanica is salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acid), an oil soluble chemical exfoliant that penetrates deeply into the follicles to effectively dislodge blockages. It also has anti-inflammatory action.
Choosing The Right Mask
Synthetic fabrics should be avoided as these encourage heat, sweat and promote the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When choosing a mask, look for natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo. If using disposable mask options you should change them over after 4 hours and dispose of them safely.
Caring For Your Skin
While it can be tempting to over-cleanse and over-exfoliate the skin you should refrain from doing so as this will result in disruption to the protective layer of the skin, the acid mantle and can further irritate the skin and worsen the condition.
When considering your skin care, try to stick to minimal products if you will be wearing a mask. Cleanse your skin before wearing and apply a light SPF moisturiser. Wait for the moisturiser to absorb before applying the face mask. Avoid make-up and tinted moisturisers as these sit on the surface of the skin and in combination with the humid conditions under the surface of the mask, will contribute to bacteria build-up and pore clogging.
Avoid touching your face, especially being tempted to squeeze as this will further spread bacteria and cause scarring. You may need to speak to a skin therapist about alternative treatment options and skin care recommendations.
Consider Your Diet
What you are eating may also be contributing to the condition. Avoiding sugary high-glycemic index foods and drinks as these can contribute to inflammation and prolong it. Instead, choose whole foods with a variety of fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy greens, as well rich sources of essential fatty acids which help to reduce inflammation and promote optimal skin health.
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