In order to delay the progression of COVID-19we all opted for wearing a mask. From now on, they are essential in certain public places as well as in public transport or at your workplace. In fact the mask acts as a protective barrier against the coronavirus.
Many people have developed a form of acne called malefollowing prolonged wearing of the mask.
However, wearing the mask is not only likely to cause pimples, it can also be responsible for various skin problems, such as eczema, folliculitis, perioral dermatitis or even rosacea.
The origin of the mascne
When we speak or simply when we breathe, hot air is trapped under the mask. Beyond the fact that it is quite uncomfortable for some, it maintains a warm and humid environment: Ideal conditions for bacteria, yeasts or even Demodex multiply on the surface of the skin.
This change in the balance of the skin microbiota combined with friction caused by the mask can be responsible for outbreaks of acne, rosacea….
The term Mascné encompasses various skin problems such as:
- Acne. Acne develops when pores are clogged with excess sebum, dead cells and impurities. It manifests as pimples, whiteheads or blackheads.
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
- Contact dermatitis. It occurs when you develop an allergy to a component of your mask. In fact, this is the most common reaction to wearing a mask, especially when the skin barrier is weakened.
- Urticaria.
- Eczema atopic.
- Folliculitis. This damage to the hair follicles leads to acne-like bumps.
- Couperose rosacea. If you have rosacea, wearing a mask is most likely to cause breakouts and make your flushes and redness worse.
How to get rid of acne under the mask?
We recommend that you continue to wear a mask, to protect yourself and thus preserve those around you. Wearing a mask can greatly disturb the balance of the skin: both because of the humid environment who reigns there, but also following the friction that it generates. Mascne can be avoided, provided you take care of its skin barrier. As seen above, healthy skin is able to play its role as a protective barrier by preventing bacteria from entering it. This is why it is important to prefer gentle, soothing products, repairers and moisturizers.
Let’s take a look at some strategies to put in place to soothe your skin, if you suffer from acne:
Best practices for saying goodbye to mascne
- Cleanse your skin morning and evening and after wearing a mask or sweating, with a gentle, non-aggressive cleanser that respects the skin barrier. Mustela Stelatopia cleansing gel is ideal for effectively cleansing and soothing skin weakened by wearing a mask. The whole family can use it, both on the body and on the face, which makes it very economical.
- You can use products based on centella asiaticaofazelaic acid or of niacinamideto limit the appearance of pimples and calm inflammation.
- Moisturize your skin every evening with soothing and repairing products from the skin barrier. The Cicaplast range from Laroche Posay is specially designed to help the skin to rebuild itself, while calming the redness and the irritation.
- We recommend that you change your mask regularly to limit the chances of irritation, especially after sweating. Better to clean it or change it after each use. Prefer a detergent or a soap without perfume or essential oils and be sure to dry your mask properly.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7528820/
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