mask-ne

With the implementation of regular mask wearing during the COVID-19 Pandemic, many experience irregular irritation and breakouts in the mask-distribution to the face. Enter: mask acne - or "mask-ne". Mask-ne is thought to be a sub-category of acne mechanica - otherwise known as physical irritation to the skin that causes breakouts. Masks can be an important tool to limit the spread of communicable diseases such as COVID and the flu. But our skin does not have to suffer! Check out these recommendations for when you need to mask up:

1. Material - Skin on the face is thin and sensitive. The best way I have found when picking out a mask, is to think of it like your underwear! I prefer cotton, breathable fabric that will limit irritation to your skin. Additionally, there are many brands of masks that are cotton and provide an inner lining to better filter small particles that can make it through the cotton. 

2. Topicals - In general, there are two types of acne - inflammatory and comedonal (see this article to learn more about the differences). While masks can cause any kind of acne, the kind I see more frequently in clinic due to masks is inflammatory acne - angry, red bumps. In this case, benzoyl peroxide is a great, cheap ingredient to help combat these spots - and best of all, you can pick it up over-the-counter without a prescription.

3. Regular washing - of both the masks you are using, and your skin. Living in NYC, laundry trips are not practical to do every day. In this case, I have turned to do-it-yourself "laundry machine" so I can have a clean mask every day. When I get home for the day, I fill a small bowl with hot water and add gentle, dye and fragrance free laundry detergent with my mask. I gentle stir and let sit for an hour - then rinse and hang to dry. 

4. Extras - Mask wearing is a new normal for everyone, including for dermatologists. A new addition to my regimen I have also found to be helpful is salicylic acid spray. This over-the-counter ingredient can be sprayed directly into the mask, which has antiseptic properties to help combat bacteria that may cling to the mask with regular use.

I hope these tips help - if you are still experiencing mask-ne, be sure to make an appointment or visit a local skin expert!

It is most important to stay safe in the pandemic, N-95 masks have proven to be most effective against spreading or catching the virus. Extreme particle-blocking masks are a limited resource; this article was intended for those without access or choose not to wear N-95 masks.