It is very important to wear a mask these days to help stop the spread of Covid-19. By wearing a face mask, our first line of defence, we may protect others from dangers of Covid-19 and show respect for them, and vice versa.
Wearing a face mask is a new norm, but it may lead to embarrassing and unpleasant adverse effect for many people, the acne problem. Face masks causing acne is so common, that it has been dubbed as “maskne” = “face mask + acne” on social media platforms.
Wearing face masks with the extra stress during this pandemic, is contributing to an increased moisture rich surroundings for bacteria and organisms to grow. This may lead to further breakdown of skin barrier and worsening of the condition.
Even if it is just a few, acne is significantly linked to self-confidence, affect our interpersonal relationships, social skills, depression, and anxiety.
Acne mechanica
“Maskne” in its technical term is called “acne mechanica”, which is a result of mechanical friction of an object against the skin.
Wearing any type of protective equipment such as a face mask or clothes, can create friction and pressure that will irritate hair follicles that are present on our skin, the face, chest and back. These irritation cause inflammation in the form of acne flare.
The moisture that are trapped underneath the mask fabric, which are worsened with humidity, heat, exercise, skin care and make up. You may not be getting blemishes if you use those products, but instead you may put yourself at a higher risk of getting impaired skin barrier. Signs are dry patches, stinging, inflammation, burning, eczema, etc.
Since we cannot and should not stop wearing masks when going outside, prevention from maskne occuring is the best thing to do.
Treatments options in clinic
There are several treatment options available for mask acne, here are some of the top treatment methods available in Ozhean A.M Clinic:
1. Medical grade facial
It can effectively help in mask causing acne problem.
Depending on the skin condition, medications such as AHA but gentle, hydrating, soothing solution will be used in our medical grade facial.
Our medical grade devices utilize transdermal drug delivery system such as iontophoresis and phonophoresis to transport the active ingredients through the skin into the deeper tissues for better efficacy.
2. Chemical Peel
Chemical peel is an excellent treatment to unclogged pores, reduce oil production and minimize pores. It helps removes superficial dead skin cells without much irritation. It also had a brightening effect on skin tone, stimulate skin renewal and lighten acne scar.
There are many kinds of chemical peels available, consulting professional doctors is the most beneficial because we will prescribe according to your skin condition.
3. Laser treatment
Long-pulsed 1,064-nm Nd:YAG lasers is effective and safe for treatment of inflammatory lesions in the upper and deeper layer of skin, especially acne vulgaris, in Asian patients.
The laser is able to penetrate deeply into the skin, selectively give thermal effect to destroy overactive sebum glands and control inflammation in acne.
It is also able to boost healing process and collagen remodeling.
To know more about our treatments for acne, click here.
Prevention tips on Maskne
1. Wash cloth mask regularly / Do not reuse disposable mask
Cloth masks should be washed and completely dried after every use, whereas disposable mask should not be reused for another day.
We should treat face masks like underwear. It is important to change our masks regularly for disposable mask and wash them daily if they are reusable.
2. Use gentle skin care products
Avoid any products containing SLS or sodium lauryl sulfate, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the barrier. Also, to avoid any products that feels sand or grit.
Cleanse your skin twice a day with fingertips only. Do not use any instruments – no wash cloths. Then pat your face dry using a clean towel, avoid rubbing to harshly. Follow with a fragrance free, water based or light moisturizer.
It is okay to apply products that are moisture rich to repair skin barrier at night, after cleansing with gentle products.
3. Avoid using heavy make ups to cover the acne
Do not use thick consistency with heavy ingredients, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter and oil-based foundation.
The best if you are able to keep your skin free of foundation and use a sunscreen with physical block. Put on your face mask 15 minutes after applying moisturizer or sunscreen.
Keep your lip hydrated with lip conditioners with lip serum and avoid lip gloss or anything that may stick on to the mask
To know more about our signature FIT treatments for acne and other skin conditions, click here.
Prepared by:
Dr Mikayla Chang
To know more about our doctor, please visit here.
Why Ozhean Clinic?
We are first Korea Aesthetic Clinic in Malaysia that uses full adaptation of trademarked FIT program created by a team of experienced Korea’s aesthetic doctors.
In Ozhean Clinic, we provide customized “FIT treatment” according to each individual, to achieve the ideal result with advance instruments, specialized lasers machines, injectable, supplement and program.
With treatments conducted by our Malaysia certified professional doctors, they will do detail consultation, assessment, and propose a most suitable treatment program to achieve your desire result.
