Maskne: How to prevent acne breakouts from wearing face masks

A mask side-effect has been identified overseas, leading experts to coin a new term to describe it. Now Aussies want to know if it will affect them.

There’s nothing fun about getting a painful spot or battling acne at the best of times – let alone in the midst of a global pandemic.

But now there’s another reason you could be experiencing an annoying flare-up – your mandatory face mask.

With compulsory facial coverings now in effect in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire in a bid to battle the second wave of coronavirus infections, experts have warned it could lead to a spike in “maskne”.

What’s maskne I hear you ask? And you’re not alone in questioning it. It is a new term created in 2020 to describe what dermatologists would otherwise call “acne mechanica”, a nasty irritation caused by excess heat, pressure and skin rubbing.

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From midnight, face masks are mandatory in parts of Victoria. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AAP

Emily Doig from Micro Glow, a Melbourne-based natural skincare brand, said people who had been wearing masks throughout the COVID-19 outbreak had been reporting skin issues.

“It happens because the mask is trapping dirt, dead skin cells and oil in the pores,” Ms Doig said in a blog post.

“It can also cause skin conditions like miliaria (heat rash) and rosacea to flare up.”

The skincare specialist said that teamed with the mask rubbing on your face, it was the “perfect storm of grossness”.

The COVID-induced skin condition was first reported in the US where several states have made it mandatory to cover your mouth and nose in public.

Skincare brand Carbon Theory, which specialises in treating acne-prone skin and launched in Priceline in May, said its social media accounts had been inundated with messages from people saying their masks were causing them acne and breakouts.

People in Melbourne hot spots now have to wear a mandatory mask. Picture: Instagram / Melissa Leong

TIPS TO AVOID ‘MASKNE’

Aside from staying home to minimise how often you have to wear a mask, a top tip from Micro Glow is to “skip make-up”.

Just stick to brows and lashes and wear masks made from breathable fibres.

If you’re looking for some serious mask make-up inspiration, this video from TikTok user @wholegrain2000 for Aussies in Victoria is sure to help get you started.

@wholegrain2000

Getting your priorities right when covid takes over ##TodayYearsOld ##fyp ##covid ##australia ##forupage ##xyzb ##PokemonGO ##TikTokAustralia ##makeup

♬ Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra

Another tip is basic but important – keep your mask clean.

“Don’t shove it in your handbag and then on your face,” Ms Doig said.

Ensure you’re keeping skin clean, double cleansing morning and night too.

Carbon Theory’s $15 Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Breakout Control Cleansing Bar has been repeatedly snapped up during lockdown and isolation periods, selling out in a matter of hours.

It’s currently back in stock and offers an affordable option, especially for those who struggle with pimples normally.

Ms Doig also recommends keeping the area hydrated and applying a barrier cream.

Side-effects aside, masks have been proven to slow the spread of coronavirus, and those seen not wearing one in Victoria’s hot spots will cop a $200 fine.

Continue the conversation @RebekahScanlan | [e-mail]