Maskne: a phenomenon that is truly a sign of our times. While we’re used to “face mask” referring to our hydrating, anti-aging, skin-restoring products, these days, it’s more common to think of the protective fabric face coverings we wear while social distancing to keep ourselves and others safe. And while those face masks are critical to our health and safety as recommended by the center for disease control (CDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID), they do not benefit our skin the way our dual mask sets do.
Enter: Maskne, the acne and skin problems brought on by our fabric or medical grade face masks.
While health care workers who wear N95 masks regularly are familiar with the maskne phenomenon, those who are new to face masks are startled by the outbreaks we get from wearing them.
Maskne is a broad term for skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, types of acne (like acne mechanica and cystic acne) skin breakouts, irritations, and impurities on the skin where the mask rubs, touches, and covers.
The causes of maskne are plenty, and usually occur when you’ve been wearing masks for a long period of time. Firstly, as you are breathing hot air inside your mask, the humidity and bacteria from your breath are trapped up against your skin. This creates a warm, humid environment — and an ideal setting for yeast, bacteria and other flora to wreak havoc on your skin and clog your pores. Friction and the rubbing of the fabric against the skin also can cause these unsightly bumps to appear. And if your maskne is itchy and looks more like a rash, you likely have contact dermatitis.
You can prevent against getting mask acne in a few ways:
While maskne is a huge pain, protective masks are non-negotiable. Understanding we can’t just ditch the face mask, we’ve created a game changing Skin Saver: Maskne Prevention Antimicrobial, Washable and Cooling Mask Liner to prevent maskne as you keep yourself and others safe. Learn more about this incredible product and maskne skin saver!