A new contagious word is bouncing in recent weeks on social media and on all the most important fashion magazines: “Maskne”. You may not have heard of it yet, but you will almost certainly have experienced the harmful effects of this new "accessory" on your skin.
What is the Maskne
"Maskne" comes from "mask" and "acne", the scientific name is " Acne Mechanica ", and refers to acne caused by prolonged use of the mask . This type of rash is caused, in fact, by humidity, sweat but also by the rubbing and pressure exerted by the mask.
The effects of the Maskne
The effects of the Mask can be seen on the area covered by the mask: nose, cheeks, lip contour and chin. On these areas redness and white pimples may appear and an itchy sensation may occur . If our skin is already prone to rashes we may notice a worsening. However, we cannot speak of real acne, but only of inflammation generated by a non-optimal use of the mask.
Acne is not the only problem we can face in this period. We may notice the onset of dermatitis, allergies caused by the type of fabric (for example polyester), rosacea and eczema. It is not a completely unknown phenomenon, athletes often deal with this type of irritation caused by skin rubbing with sports equipment.
What can we do to protect our skin? Unfortunately we cannot avoid wearing the mask and we will have to get used to all those little annoyances that it entails, such as that terrible greenhouse effect that is created between the nose and the mouth. Who hasn't tried it? However, we can avoid some wrong behaviors and instead take some small precautions that will help us fight and prevent annoying rashes.
5 tips to prevent and fight Maskne
We have collected here a series of useful tips based mostly on common sense and on the indications generally provided by dermatologists. Find out if you are doing something wrong with your routine and the way you use the mask.
Mask: must always be clean and breathable
Replace the mask after each use. If you work with the mask all day, it is advisable to replace it several times during the day. If you use a fabric face mask, remember to wash it after use and avoid bleach and fragrances. You should also choose a breathable fabric such as cotton or silk. Polyester, on the other hand, retains moisture and prevents the skin from breathing. Also make sure the mask is not too tight causing too much pressure. Adjustable fabric masks could be a great solution.
Makeup: Avoid foundation
Choosing a heavy makeup is not exactly ideal, in particular the foundation tends to clog the pores and therefore our skin struggles even more to breathe under the mask. If you don't feel comfortable without a little makeup, opt for a tinted cream or a BB cream. Instead, focus on the eyebrows, mascara and eyeshadow.
Skincare: Pay attention to the products you use
Stop touching your face. Use mild facial cleansers and avoid those that are too astringent which could remove the skin's natural protective barrier. Choose professional products for your daily routine. The products you used before may no longer be effective at this stage.
Apply a moisturizing and emollient cream to prevent irritation and redness. Your skin may be drier than usual now, choose moisturizers that contain aloe, cucumber or glycerin.
Let your skin breathe
Moisten your skin 30 minutes before putting on the mask and remove it every two hours to allow your skin to breathe, but only if you can do so safely.
Do you know other tricks to fight the Maskne? Share your tips in the comments.