We asked skincare experts about what to do about maskne…
We don’t know about you but wearing a face mask for a long period of time has really wreaked havoc with our skin.
The term, coined by Elizabeth Arden’s Consulting Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, is used to describe the breakouts you might get as a result of wearing a face covering. You see, keeping your skin clean is key for solving stressed skin problems, and a mask tends to elevate issues.
Related: Shop the best silk face masks for people with maskne or sensitive skin
When you’re wearing a mask and breathing/talking, it tends to trap in lots of hot air behind it – something many of us find uncomfortable. This trapped air creates a humid, warm environment on the skin under your mask, where bacteria can thrive. But what do the experts suggest for maskne?
The world-famous Dr. Dendy Engelman said: “A lot of patients I’ve been seeing both virtually and socially distanced in person are complaining of Acne Mechanica – or Maskne, a term which I coined. This can be due to the physical friction of the mask on the skin, creating skin occlusions and disrupting the skin’s microbiome. Add to that the humidity and the wearing makeup under your mask, it results in clogged pores and blocked follicles that develop into acne and blemishes.”