Maskne: Why the mask causes inflammation and how to avoid irritation?
1. Why does irritation and inflammation occur?
A mask that is attached to the face causes friction and squeezing in areas of tight contact - usually the bridge of the nose and under the eyes. If you wear the mask for a long time, red streaks, abrasions, irritation and even small wounds and abrasions may appear on these areas of the skin. If the mask has to be worn every day, then the skin does not have time to recover from damage and irritation progresses, occupying an ever larger surface and causing discomfort. In fact, these irritations can be compared to calluses on the feet - areas of hardened skin appear as a result of the same pressure from uncomfortable shoes.
2. Another problem is inflammation
Any friction and irritation causes damage to the skin, which facilitates the penetration of bacteria and dirt into the skin. This causes inflammation ("maskne"). Typically, these pimples are localized in the chin, nose and cheeks. Sweat and moisture, which are especially active under the mask, accumulate on the skin and clog the pores. Even our own breathing can lead to the appearance of a mask: with each exhalation, the moisture under the mask increases, creating a greenhouse effect. Increased humidity affects the pH of the skin, and this can lead to more active growth of bacteria and the appearance of inflammation.
To prevent inflammation, you need to change your daily skin care routine and carefully choose the mask you wear every day. If it is a reusable protective dressing, then a mask made of silk or with a silk lining is better. Firstly, this material is suitable for people with sensitive skin and has antimicrobial properties. Secondly, silk is highly hygroscopic - that is, it absorbs moisture well (for example, sweat and condensation formed when breathing under a mask). A cotton mask is better than a neoprene mask as it is less irritating to the skin. But dense material absorbs moisture worse, can create a greenhouse effect and chafe the skin. The most common thin neoprene models can increase perspiration and cause mechanical irritation by adhering tightly to the skin.
However, any reusable mask must be carefully processed after each use - both to protect against the virus and to prevent inflammation (oil and dirt accumulated on tissue can cause mask). The reusable mask does not last forever and after a certain number of uses it will have to be replaced with a new one.
Disposable masks can also cause irritation and inflammation, but are safer as they have to be changed more often and discarded after use. Respiratory masks (for example, model 95) are more reliable in protecting against coronavirus, but, in turn, squeeze the area of the bridge of the nose and under the eyes, causing irritation.
If inflammation and irritation have already begun, you should add cleansers with anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients (for example, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, chamomile extract) to your daily skin care.
Use mild exfoliants (exfoliators) several times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent new inflammation. The inflammations themselves can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. It is important not to overdry the skin.
Monitor skin hydration carefully. You can choose a moisturizer with anti-inflammatory ingredients (for example, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, sodium alginate). For example, with niacinamide - it rebuilds the skin barrier by promoting the production of ceramides - proteins that hold water in the skin.
5. Microbioserum preparations for the prevention and treatment of MASKNE:
T1 anti-inflammatory tonic
Keratinase B - cleansing mask (antibacterial)
Propolis-PP - anti-inflammatory serum
Microbiome-S - revitalizing serum
Scar Treatment enzyme complex - acne correction serum
And of course, change your mask regularly. If the mask is disposable, do it every two hours, it is better to change the reusable one during the day (and wash at home).
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