Maskne is a new term describing the acne caused by wearing masks. It is also simply referred to as “mask acne.” The CDC is recommending everyone to wear masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, especially when out in public, and says that “your cloth face covering may protect them. Their cloth face covering may protect you.” This current health crisis and the need to cover our faces has led us to this new medical condition, particularly for health care and front-line workers who work long hours and wear multiple masks as protective barriers daily. Dermatologists describe maskne as “acne mechanica,” the type of acne caused by repetitive physical trauma to the skin, usually by rubbing or scratching. Having to wear a mask for protection has created the perfect storm of oil, sweat, heat, bacteria and friction now called maskne.
Can I prevent maskne? There are many ways to try to avoid getting mask acne. It is important to wash your face before and after wearing a mask with a gentle cleanser. You should moisturize your skin after cleansing to prevent dryness and, if possible, avoid heavy cosmetic use or wearing makeup under a mask. There are many options for face masks available out there. A 100% cotton one would be best if choosing a cloth type and washing daily after each use. It is also important to dispose of and not reuse disposable masks. But with our valley’s hot summer temperatures, and especially for those who must wear masks for work, it may be difficult to prevent getting maskne. There are already several cosmetic websites offering products to treat maskne online. There are also standard single-therapy agents to treat acne commercially, but we as a compounding pharmacy offer many customized options to fit patient needs. Depending on patient-specific needs, various facial cleansing formulations and application therapies such as cleansing pads, facial foam cleanser, facial wash cleanser and topical gel or cream in a special nourishing base are recommended. Please call our pharmacist at (760) 416-0830 for more information.
We are all in it together during this pandemic. Stress and diets high in sugar and processed foods may exacerbate all forms of acne. Reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep, exercising and staying hydrated are simple tasks, yet sometimes they’re very difficult to do on a daily basis. With our compounded options, we may be able to provide relief and help patients address the breakouts and flares caused by maskne. We look forward to meeting and helping solve your skin challenges via compounding.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
What is “maskne” and what can we do about it? (September 2020) by PCCA Clinical services
These statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care, or encourage its abandonment.