Hello to all beautiful ladies. We all know, we are going through a rough time. With new cases of Covid-19 being reported and news of new Waves of Covid 19 coming, the new normal has changed. Masks and sanitizers are the new normal now. You hate it but you can’t live without it and has certainly given rise to a number of problems. With dryness and allergic hands (pstt…. wait for my next blog ) to shortness of breath and MASKNE.
So, with that said, lets examine the new normal skin-issues right from the scratch ( no honey! Don’t scratch it).
So, what is Maskne? Well, according to Elizabeth Mullans, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Uptown Dermatology in Houston, Texas, Maskne occurs when sweat, skin oils, and bacteria are trapped on the skin while wearing your mask. This type of acne is called acne mechanica, which includes any skin issues due to pressure, friction, rubbing, squeezing, or stretching. It’s different from other kinds of acne (like the pimples that show up around your period, for example, which are hormonal) because it occurs only in areas where the mask sits against the skin. In healthy skin, there are normal amounts of bacteria and yeast that live there, but when pores become clogged because of excess sweat and moisture from the mask, these organisms overgrow, leading to pimples or acne cysts. The warm, humid weather in the summer months can make mask acne especially cruel. The combination of sweat, oil, and moisture from breathing under the mask can clog pores. In addition, the friction and chafing of the mask in contact with the moist skin can cause the skin to break down. And if my lovely ladies are thinking they wont get it in winter, I unfortunately have a bad news. Unfortunately, the friction and chafing of the mask in contact with the moist skin can cause the skin to break down.
(Credits: shape.com for enlighting information)
Now, we know the problem. What we need next, is to find protection against it (if luckily you still haven’t got that) or if you are someone like me who has suffered this little red pimplehood, then ………. I can share a cure.
So, starting with prevention. Prevention could be assessed from the problem itself. As I have already said it is caused when sweat, skin oils, and bacteria are trapped on the skin while wearing your mask. So, stop wearing mask.(seriously: No). What I mean is to avoid crowded places, minimal visits to grocery shops and try to remain indoors and stay safe. You could also try a four hour rule followed by most of the paramedics and health worker. Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours.
Safe places to remove your mask include:
- Outdoors, only when you can stay at least six feet away from people
- Inside your car when you’re alone
- At home
But if you need to go out then do these things listed below:
1. Avoid very tight masks – Put on a mask which covers both your eyes and mouth and are not very loose. But it shouldn’t be very tight either.
2. Keep your masks clean: Wash your mask with gentle, nonirritating soap after each use and dry it in the dryer or best under the sunlight.
3. Keep the face clean : make sure you are not clogging the pores. A daily cleansing and moisturizing routine can work wonders. Gentle skin care can forestall pores and skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
4. No makeup beneath your mask : Make-up, beneath a mask has larger possibility to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only merchandise labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil free.”
5. Restrict yourself from using a new skin care product: Wearing a masks can already make your skin extra sensitive. Don’t increase it with the aid of attempting harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliant, or retinoid, for the first time. Even if you’ve been using a retinoid (or retinol), follow it as a bedtime routine and don’t increase the levels of retinoid.
6. Some of your previous skin care products might be irritating your skin right now: Yeah! You heard it right. Some of the products which you were using earlier might be making your acne worse. An MD in dermatology, Dr. Kroshinsky recommends cutting back on products that can irritate your skin, such as: Leave-on salicylic acid, Retinoid you apply to your face or even Aftershave.
7. Talk to your dermatologist and follow the treatment plan created for you especially if you have a skin condition, such as acne or rosacea.
So, that’s all about prevention. But, if you are like me who has suffered or already suffering from the mascne then don’t worry people, I have just the right cure for you.
HOW TO TREAT MASKNE
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly (but avoid scrubbing or rubbing) twice a day.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent friction from your mask.
- Use fragrance-free, oil-free products to avoid clogging pores. Avoid leave-on products that get trapped under your mask.
- If your mask irritates your skin at contact points, try using a “barrier” product like Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
- Biotin : Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 belongs to the group of B vitamins. It is naturally found in egg yolks salmon, and leafy greens or taken as a food supplement in capsules. A few small studies have suggested that it has a role in hair and nail growth, helping the hair to be longer and nails stronger. While these effects on hair and nails are not scientifically sound, Biotin may be the cause for more acne breakouts. However I must caution all that as both biotin (Vitamin B7) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) are absorbed from the intestines via the same receptors. Thus taking an overload of biotin, the amount of vitamin B5, that is absorbed decreases. As Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is believed to strengthen the barrier function of the epidermis, its reduction can lead to more acne.
If your maskne doesn’t respond to self-care treatments, see a dermatologist for prescription medications.
I hope the article was helpful. Wishing you all healthy and beautiful skin. Take care of yourself because every woman is beautiful.
You are worth the quiet moment. You are worth the deeper breath. You are worth the time it takes to slow down, be still and rest. MORGAN HARPER NICHOLS
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