Mask wearing can be detrimental to the skin and can be a cause of conditions like acne, rosacea and heat rash. This is according to Dr Louis Fick, a dermatologist at Winelands Dermatology in Stellenbosch.
However, Fick said that the skin irritations linked to the wearing of masks can be prevented through regular mask maintenance and simple skincare regimens.
“[Mask wearing] can indeed be detrimental to your skin and conditions such as acne, rosacea, as well as milliaria (heat rash) are at issue here,” explained Fick.
“When someone already has bad acne, the mask does not play a role in the cause, but it can make it worse,” said Dr Louis Fick, a dermatologist from Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Kimberley Schoeman
What causes maskne?
Face masks can induce pressure ulcers on the skin beneath their edges, explained Dr Johann de Wet of the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute in Stellenbosch.
“Maskne is caused by or exacerbated by occlusion, [which is] the moisture, sweat, oil and impurities being trapped and causing acne,” said Fick.
Wearing a mask may not be the only cause of skin breakouts around the mouth and chin, as stress and hormones are also known causes of breakouts, according to Fick.
How do you prevent or treat maskne?
One way to prevent maskne is to avoid public situations that require mask wearing. This means limiting the number of activities that involve leaving the house and wearing a mask, said Fick.
Cotton cloth masks, surgical masks, designer masks made from special materials and buffs acting as masks are some of the types of masks recommended to reduce maskne, according to De Wet.
“[Mask-wearing] definitely added more steps to my skincare routine. There are more things that I use now because there are more things I have to do now to reduce and prevent and clear up [skin irritation],” explained Kayla Gordon-Hogg, a student at Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: Kimberley Schoeman
Washing cloth masks daily and replacing disposable masks regularly can also mitigate maskne, according to Fick.
“A barrier ointment such as Vaseline can be used to protect against mask-related skin damage,” said De Wet.
The skin damage that occurs due to mask wearing is not permanent, according to Fick.
“The skin implications are fortunately reversible and should improve with interventions. When this type of sanitisation is no longer needed, the skin should recover completely,” said Fick.
Kayla Gordon-Hogg, a language and culture student at Stellenbosch University, said she has noticed the impact mask-wearing has had on her skin.
“I did suffer from spots before, but it was never as bad around my mouth before I had to wear a mask everyday. I can definitely see how it’s gotten worse,” said Gordon-Hogg.