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The 'new normal' is normalizing so many things in our day-to-day life. Who would have thought that gathering together and hanging out in public would become so difficult? And also that masks would become an integral part of our lives? It is safe to say that since last year, we have overcome so many things together. We might stand a few feet apart, but we sure are in this together.
As we are getting accustomed to this new normal, we also have to face the fact that masks that are saving us also come with some side effects on the skin. With an uptick in so many skin conditions, due to prolonged wearing of masks, one such common condition that is getting popular is: mask-induced acne or simply put: Maskne. But first, let's understand what are all the possible skin conditions that are caused by wearing masks for a longer period of time.
Acne: Acne is not new to us, and we all know that when our skin's pores are clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, then acne can develop. This painful skin condition can also cause blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. It is not age-specific and individuals of any age group can develop acne.
Rosacea: This skin condition brings redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts to the areas covered beneath the masks. It has become a widespread skin condition that has affected more than 14 million people in the United States.
Folliculitis: It is an infection of the hair follicles that causes bumps that resemble acne. They can be itchy and painful.
Atopic dermatitis: It is one of the most common types of eczema. In this skin condition, an individual may experience patches of dry, itchy skin that may crack, bleed or get infected.
Contact dermatitis: If an individual is sensitive to the material of the mask he/she is wearing they may develop contact dermatitis. It is another type of eczema that may cause blistering and irritation.
Seborrheic dermatitis: It is another inflammatory skin condition that can cause red, itchy, and flaky skin.
Perioral dermatitis: In this condition, an individual may develop a rash around the mouth. Sometimes, it is also known as periorificial dermatitis.
Rubbing: Masks can cause irritation on the skin through friction and chafing. It is almost like a rug burn. The areas that are at maximum risk are the bridge of the nose and behind the ears (where the elastic bands of the mask hit). If you are wearing a tight-fitting mask, then over time, it can put enough pressure on the skin causing it to break down.
Irritation: The material of the mask absorbs the skin's natural oils leading to dryness and sensitivity of the skin. If you are washing your reusable masks in detergents and fabric softeners then the residue from them can also get stuck underneath the mask and cause irritation. Irritation can then cause skin inflammation, redness, dry patches, peeling, and dark spots. If you have skin conditions like psoriasis or rosacea, then chances are they can get worse.
Occlusion: Clogging of pores is one of the major causes of acne breakouts. When you wear a mask, your breath that is trapped beneath the mask makes the skin surface warm and moist, making it vulnerable to breakouts and bacterial infections.
If you are taking all the precautions, and even then your skin condition is not getting better, then you must consult your dermatologist. Don't dwell on finding cures in your kitchen. A visit to your dermatologist may help you understand where you are going wrong in your skin's health.
No matter how worse your skin condition is, always remember that removing masks in public and compromising your health is not the solution. These skin conditions take time to heal, so be patient. Follow the right skincare routine, and mask etiquettes. If your skin condition is severe and you can't bear wearing a mask for a long time, try to stay indoors as much as possible.
Stay safe and stay healthy!
