Written by Kaz Louise Stoner
Of all the turmoil Covid-19 has brought along to the year 2020, the mandatory use of masks has caused a breakout of breakouts on many people’s skin. Of course, the use of masks is a necessary health precaution and should be adhered to at all times. However, although it might feel trivial to complain, a breakout can cause a person to feel down and self-conscious whilst also being quite painful!
What is acne?
This is essentially a condition by which the skin follicles get clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and debris. It appears in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or red bumps. These pimples can often be painful, irritating, or overwhelming for certain individuals.
Why is this happening?
The Maltese climate does not help. When the weather is humid, the skin tends to produce oil and sebum build-up which can clog pores and lead to increased pimples. This is also the same with sweat. Mix the two together, plus any facial products (such as sunscreen or makeup) and cover your face with a mask, its no wonder our skin is reacting in this way.
Perioral dermatitis is irritation and red bumps around the oral area. This is commonly being seen by dermatologists and skin experts at the moment due to the increased wearing of masks. This shows that it is also the friction of the mask on the face causing the irritation.
‘We think that wearing these masks, combined with stress from the pandemic, is causing an increased moisture-rich environment for bacteria and organisms to proliferate’
Dr. Desai, American Dermatologist
How does anxiety contribute to maskne?
The added anxiety of the general coronavirus situation also plays a large role in our skin’s behaviour. This coupled with stress from catching up with work, returning to university, or general uncertainties about what is happening can make the skin more prone to break out due to the hormones which are causing the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
Stopping mask-use is, of course, out of the question… but here are some tips to help calm the situation down
- Avoid harsh products on the skin
Even though it may be tempting to buy facial washes that include Retin A or chemical peels, this could do more damage than good by leaving the skin even more irritated and vulnerable.
- Wash your mask regularly
As you know, single-use masks should only be used for one single time. However, if you’re using a reusable mask, make sure to wash it after each and every use, especially in the summer months to prevent any unnecessary accumulation of microbes transferring onto your skin. If you begin to sweat excessively in your mask, it might also be worth changing it on the spot after the face is wiped with a clean cloth to prevent further breakouts.
- Using gentle skin products
Using products that work for you, cleanse your face morning and evening, and avoid any oil-based products. Although it might be tempting to buy all the scrubs and attempt an at-home facial, this can all compromise the skin’s protective barrier. Be gentle with your skin and often, the fewer ingredients, the better.
- Avoid make-up
Understandably, going out often involves putting on a little extra make-up… especially if there is a breakout that wants covering! However, makeup can hold onto microbes and sweat more than a bare face. If your face is covered anyway, and it is not necessary, make up should be avoided altogether. However, in unavoidable circumstances, an oil-free foundation should be applied.
A particular incline in healthcare professionals complaining of maskne is on the rise with long hours, day in day out of the mask, and PPE use. A heartfelt thank you to all the team who are selflessly working at the frontline of this pandemic, whose lives have been affected in the largest and even smallest of ways.
