Face it: masks can damage your skin
HOW TO STAY FRESH FACED AND AVOID A MASKNE BREAKOUT
FOR months now, maskwearing has become almost second nature – a trip to the supermarket, to work, or on public transport means putting on a mask to stop the spread of the latest Covid-19 variant Delta.
While face coverings are being worn for good reason, dermatologists are seeing a spike in people seeking help for a raft of skin problems caused by prolonged wear.
“I’m particularly seeing healthcare workers who have to wear masks all day long,” says Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon, dermatologist at the Skin Health Institute.
“They may also be wearing face shields and that creates a hot and sweaty environment for skin.
“But anyone who wears a mask for long periods may be finding that their skin is becoming itchy, dry or inflamed.
“Anyone with existing skin problems, like acne or dermatitis, is particularly at risk of mask-related problems. The combination of heat, sweat and the material from which your mask is made can aggravate skin, particularly around the jawline or anywhere where your mask touches your skin.”
MASKING THE PROBLEM
The most common mask complaints, according to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, are:
Contact dermatitis due to heat, moisture and friction that makes skin red and dry.
Dry and itchy skin caused by loose mask fibres and that trifecta of sweat, friction and rising heat.
Maskne or acne because masks contribute to blocked oil glands and follicles as sebum or oil production increases when the temperature inside your mask rises.
Indentations in spots where the mask places increased pressure on the face or neck.
RETURN OF ADULT ACNE
Sarah, a 29-year-old hospital worker in Sydney, has seen her adult acne flare up since masks became mandatory at work.
Pre-Covid, regular appointments and treatments with a dermatologist had brought the condition under control, but recently her skin has become red and painful to touch.
“There are lots of cystic lumps under the surface of my skin, particularly along my jaw,” Sarah says.
“That flared within one or two weeks of wearing my surgical mask all day.
“It became very angry very quickly and I haven’t seen this intensity of acne since I was a teenager. I’m used to having occasional breakouts but now it flares every couple of weeks and it’s more painful and inflamed.
“My dermatologist has said it’s because I’m constantly breathing on my skin which creates bacteria and congestion for my skin – it can’t breathe as it normally would.
“I know there are bigger issues at play with Covid, but when I can take my mask off I feel very self-conscious about how I look.”
HOW TO AVOID MASKNE
Masks are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, so how can you balance the rules while taking care of your complexion?
To reduce mask friction, apply moisturising lotion to your skin at least 30 minutes before you put on your mask.
If your mask irritates your skin, try a softer variety. If you have to wear a specific type of mask, put two layers of gauze or tissue inside the mask where the irritation occurs. If you notice acne developing, avoid greasy skin care products and use a mild cleanser – look for a product with salicylic acid or antibacterial agents such as benzyl peroxide gel or azelaic acid.
Avoid heavy make-up, too – choose mineral-based products instead.
To reduce itchy skin, snip off any stray, loose mask fibres.
(My skin) became very angry very quickly and I haven’t seen this intensity of acne since I was a teenager