Suffering from breakouts under your mask? How to fight ‘maskne’

The medical term for “maskne” is acne mechanica, a skin condition brought on by prolonged wear of masks & facial personal protective equipment.

Wearing masks can impose heat, friction and occlusion on the skin and when combined with a moist environment from breathing, talking or sweating, leads to breakouts.

Pores get clogged and can become pimples or acne cysts. On top of that, the prolonged occlusion, heat and sweat can cause the skin to become dry, itchy and raw.

• Allergic contact dermatitis  – Some manufactured masks may contain a chemical that causes an allergic reaction. Formaldehyde and bronopol can be found in polypropylene surgical masks.
• Rosacea  – Classically worsened by heat and stress, mask wearing can increase flares.
• Seborrheic dermatitis – It causes scaly plaques, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff.
• Folliculitis  – When yeast or bacteria infect hair follicles.