Maskne : Causes, care, best creams and skincare

Cause

This refers to the mask, which:

• Raises the temperature of the air between the mask and the facial skin
• Increases sweat retention, especially in people with hyperhidrosis
• Reduces air circulation, promoting the buildup and proliferation of bacteria

Substances to Use

For treating maskne, opt for seborregulatory, antibacterial, and soothing ingredients such as: niacinamide, beta-hydroxy acids, and retinol.

It’s important to maintain a high level of hydration, so care for your skin with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are humectants that reduce transepidermal water loss.

Helpful Tips

Use a cleanser that removes sebum, dirt, and bacteria, but to prevent inflammation and peeling and thus avoid the rebound effect (i.e., excess sebum production), only cleanse twice a day, no more!

Protect your skin from the harsh environment created by the mask and treat any resulting acne breakouts.

Fortunately, we need to wear masks less and less these days, but research is underway for new functional fabrics with intrinsic properties, such as antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity, which will have significant dermatological applications.

How to Prevent Maskne

Here’s what you can do to prevent maskne:

• Do not reuse the same mask for multiple days
• Avoid using mask disinfectants
• Wash your hands before putting on the mask and after removing it
• Apply moisturizer before and after wearing the mask
• If possible, take 15-minute breaks every 2 hours from wearing it and remove the mask (always in accordance with current regulations and laws)

Generally, we do not recommend a specific type of mask, as it should be chosen based on the circumstances, personal exposure risk, and current regulations. However, white-colored masks reduce the potential risk of maskne.