Face Mask Acne is Now a Thing

How to prevent “Maskne” this summer.

Wearing face masks are now mandatory and essential to keeping us safe in public. I have noticed several skin issues that have arisen due to the wearing of masks. Wearing a face mask for extended periods of time can lead to several unsightly skin problems.

Especially during the summer heat, excessive sweat and bacterial build up between the mask and your skin. This can lead to clogged pores, acne breakouts and increased vascularity or redness with bumps. The masks can occlude the skin and prevent the release of heat that creates your own humidity, which causes dull irritated skin. Masks also provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to irritation and breakouts. Your normal skin care routine; cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and sunblock help the natural shedding process of dead skin and also protects the skin barrier. Wearing a face mask can interfere with the shedding process. Those dead skin cells are trapped in your pores and create a buildup of sebum and bacteria which creates problems. If you are prone to eczema or rosacea, these irritations may trigger your symptoms.

What can you do?

1. Most important is to clean your face often throughout the day when you are wearing a face mask. On the go cleansing cloths are great, Colorescience hydrating cleansing cloths are easy and effective, also ZO Skin Health Complexion Pads and Oil Controlling Pads are both amazing for instant quick cleaning.
2. Don’t skip the exfoliation process, super important with mask wearing. You may use a physical scrub like Valmont Face Exfoliator, ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish or Dual Action Scrub. All three are excellent to use in the shower after cleansing your skin to assist in deep cleaning. Another option for exfoliation is chemical exfoliators for nighttime use, try Epionce Lytic TX, ZO Skin Health Enzymatic Peel or NeoCutis Nouvelle Retinol. These exfoliation steps will aid in the removal of dead skin cells, dirt debris and bacteria that can clog pores. Please don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin barrier.
3. Try to avoid wearing makeup on your lower face and focus on your eyes instead. Don’t forget a good lip balm, the lips are in constant contact with the mask and tend to dry out.
4. Take care of yourself with a skin treatment for deep pore cleansing, extra exfoliation and overall skin pampering. Blume Skin & Body has several COVID-19 rescue skin treatments to choose from. My favorites are: ZO Skin Health 5 in 1 Super Facial, HydraFacial and OxyGeneo. All three of these skin treatments will exfoliate, purify, hydrate and promote oxygen to rescue the skin. Blume Skin & Body is a medical skin care center with the strictest sanitation protocols. The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority.

What type of mask is best?
1. Cotton face masks are the best for your skin. Light and breathable, think of your favorite T-Shirt. The mask should be 2-3 layers and cover your nose and mouth to be effective.
2. Wash your mask. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your mask after every use. It is recommended to have several masks to rotate so you always have a clean mask to wear. It is best to wash your masks in gentle detergent that is fragrance free to reduce the chance of an allergic irritation.

To schedule an appointment for a skin treatment or consultation, please call (480) 699-7999 or request an appointment through our website: https://blumeskintreatment.com.

Sandra Caldwell is a Licensed Medical Aesthetician and Laser Safety Officer at Blume Skin & Body.