Maskne. It’s a thing.
Face Masks. We know, they’re controversial. But we’re tackling them - because maskne is a thing!
Even though more than half of Americans have been fully vaccinated, mask-wearing is seemingly far from over. The spreading variants have caused many cities to once again recommend, or even require masks indoors, regardless of a person’s vaccination status. The CDC has recommended that masks be worn in schools + they are still required on most forms of public trans - which means maskne — pimples caused by wearing a cloth mask — isn’t going anywhere either. Unfortunately.
The technical term for maskne is ‘acne mechanica’ + it is the result of the mechanical friction of fabric against the skin. That friction can lead to inflammation + irritation of the skin that impacts the pores, contributing to acne. And, even more unfortunate, it can be exacerbated by moisture getting caught in the mask from humidity and sweating.
The good news is, you are not doomed to break out whenever you wear a face mask. A few simple changes to your mask-wearing + skincare routine can make a big difference in getting rid of maskne + stopping it from forming in the first place.
Choosing the Right Face Mask
One of the first steps in preventing maskne is choosing the right face masks. With a little internet research, by and far, professional consensus widely agrees that you should stick with lightweight cotton or silk, both of which are gentler on the skin + create less friction than synthetics like polyester + rayon. Cotton + silk are noted as being easier to breathe through. Another thing to do is get a mask that fits well. If you’re adjusting your mask frequently, it may not be the right fit + can make the friction worse, making your mask dirtier.
Keep it Clean Friends
After that, it’s just keeping it clean. Using dye-free, fragrance-free detergents + fabric softeners helps as well. It’s often scents + dyes that can cause the problem. Wearing a clean mask is a must. That means you’ll want to wash your mask daily, so make sure you buy enough masks to last between laundry days. Or, as we like to call them, laundry + chill days.