Maskne Is The New Acne—And Here’s How To Deal

Your “new normal” accessory may be causing your latest breakouts.

Jul 6, 2020

By now, you’ve probably heard of the newest beauty buzzword and less than glamorous addition to the world’s coronavirus lexicon: “maskne.”

A combination of the words “mask” and “acne,” it’s exactly what it sounds like—acne that’s brought about by wearing a face mask. In the medical world, though, this condition is actually called acne mechanica.

“When fabric or gear presses or rubs against the skin for a prolonged period, it can cause pimples from heat, friction, sweat, bacteria, or irritation,” explains Dr. Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines.

These flare-ups usually appear on areas that the mask touches, primarily the cheeks, chin, and even on the nose, and can take on the form of whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic pimples. Sensitive types may also experience red, itchy rashes, a.k.a. contact dermatitis or even rosacea. These reactions can be aggravated on hot days as masks tend to trap humidity, dirt, oil, and sweat.

Maskne, Managed

The good news: Though masks are now considered wardrobe essentials, you don’t necessarily have to endure bad skin in exchange for protection. Here, Dr. Navarro shares five expert tips on how to keep skin clear during the new normal:

1. Choose your mask wisely. He suggests wearing a mask made of a light, breathable material—but one that still offers efficient droplet protection. While cloth masks may be trendy, some tend to be made of thicker material, like neoprene. Switch to a thinner mask if you’re breaking out. “The most commonly used is a three-ply surgical mask, and since this is disposable, we can replace it easily anytime when it becomes soaked with sweat,” he says.

2. Mind the fit. Be wary of masks that cause excessive pressure on your face. “Masks should fit snugly over the cheeks, nose and chin, but not tight,” says Dr. Navarro. “The more heat, friction, and pressure against our skin, the greater the chances of breakouts.

3. Replace or wash masks daily. Surgical masks are meant for one-time use, while cloth masks should be washed regularly. Apart from reducing the risk for virus transmission, this also prevents the buildup of bacteria.

4. Check in with your derma. If symptoms persist, consult your PDS board-certified dermatologist for proper assessment and treatment. Bella Pelle Philippines offers online consultations, giving you easy access to professional solutions without leaving home. You can book a viritual appointment here.

5. Switch to an anti-acne skin care regimen. Dr. Navarro recommends this maskne-fighting routine featuring products from Biologique Recherche.

You may also want to check out these other Biologique Recherche products:

Biologique Recherche Masque Biosensible

Biologique Recherche Serum Biosensible

Biologique Recherche L’Eauxygénante

If you’re not keen on changing up your whole routine, you may also consider these acne-fighting products from Biretix:

Biretix Purifying Cleansing Gel, P980

Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel, P1,150

Biretix Oral, P1,300

 

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Related Reads:

• Is stressing out about COVID-19 causing your breakouts?
• Biologique Recherche’s P50 Lotion is a Real Skincare Game-Changer
• Bella Pelle Philippines Is Now Offering Online Consultations