Maskne: The Truth Behind the Phenomenon

Breakouts can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, no matter your age. Though acne tends to resolve with age, between 40 and 55 percent of the adult population experience persistent acne. Acne is often triggered by hormones and excess oil production in the skin but can also increase in times of stress. The uncertainty of a global pandemic combined with the more frequent use of face masks has set the stage for a growing phenomenon: mask-related acne or maskne.

Here’s what you need to know about the science behind mask-related acne including what it is, how it develops, and how to get it under control.

The Basics: Mask-Related Acne

Your skin is covered with tiny holes called pores that connect to oil glands beneath the skin. These glands produce an oil called sebum which helps carry dead skin cells to the surface. Acne develops when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells to form a plug that may then become infected by bacteria. This results in swelling and the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, and other blemishes.

Acne can develop anywhere on the body but most commonly forms on the face, neck, back, and chest. Friction from tight clothing and trapped moisture from sweating can contribute to breakouts, though acne can also be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, and other factors.

In the current pandemic, frequent mask use has been linked to an increase in facial acne. When you breathe or talk into a mask, the warm moist air becomes trapped against your face which creates the ideal conditions for acne. This particular form of mask-related acne has been dubbed maskne.

Tips to Reduce and Prevent Maskne

Your skin is as unique as you are, so it’s important to select skincare products appropriate for your skin type. In addition to choosing products wisely, taking steps to keep your skin clean, dry, and hydrated may help reduce or prevent breakouts exacerbated by mask use.

Follow these simple tips to keep your skin clean and clear:

• Wash your face in the morning and evening with a gentle oil-free cleanser and let your skin dry before putting on your mask.
• Support your skin’s natural moisture barrier by applying moisturizer appropriate for your skin type after cleansing – avoid anything too heavy during the day.
• Choose makeup and skincare products that are non-comedogenic – formulated so they won’t clog your pores and trigger breakouts.
• Keep several masks on hand and wash them after a single day’s use in fragrance-free detergent – let air dry before wearing it again.
• Give your skin a break to breathe when it’s safe to take your mask off – outdoors, at home, and when you’re away from other people.

The key to preventing maskne is to keep your skin clean and dry. When breakouts happen, treat them promptly to keep them from getting worse.

Proven Steps to Treat Your Acne

Whether you experience mask-related acne or simply the occasional breakout, it’s important to treat the issue promptly so it doesn’t get worse. Acne treatments range from over-the-counter spot treatments to prescription medications, depending on the severity of your acne.

Here’s an overview of the top acne treatments to consider:

• Benzoyl Peroxide – An over-the-counter spot treatment for breakouts, benzoyl peroxide is a drying agent that helps kill acne-causing bacteria.
• Retinoids – Available in both topical and oral treatments, retinoids are derived from vitamin A and help control breakouts by preventing clogged pores.
• Oral Antibiotics – Often prescribed in combination with topical treatments, oral antibiotics help control acne-causing bacteria.
• Contraceptives – Oral contraceptives, particularly treatments that combine estrogen and progesterone, may help treat hormonal acne.
• Spironolactone – Another potential treatment for hormonal acne, spironolactone helps control excessive androgen levels.

Though you may not want to believe it, maskne is very real. The good news is there are simple things you can do to treat it and prevent it from coming back. Follow the tips above to keep your skin healthy and use acne treatments as needed to get your breakouts under control.