While rules are relaxing around wearing facemasks (in England), some may decide to wear them for a little longer yet. So, the plight of those affected by maskne doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon.
The term maskne was coined at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and is a catch-all phrase to describe acne mechanica – a skin condition caused by friction and associated with wearing a PPE mask.
A form of acne which occurs when airless environments cause P Acne bacteria to proliferate, friction to break down the barrier function of the skin, and trap humidity resulting in increased sebum – an oily matter – that further activates inflammation in nearby skin cells. Those affected by the condition often struggle with acute and angry acne breakouts that appear on areas of the face that are usually covered by a face mask, such as the cheeks, nose, chin and jawline.
We asked internationally-renowned skin expert and Harley Street aesthetics practitioner, Dr Yusra of the Dr Yusra Clinic, how maskne is best treated and what steps can be taken to prevent an outbreak. Dr Yusra recommends making certain lifestyle changes, as well as adapting beauty regimes to include new products and remove others.
Cleansers
Dr Yusra says “it is really important to ensure that you cleanse your face in the morning and double cleanser in the evening. I love the Obagi foaming gel for this.” She also recommends pore therapy – a prescription item that contains 2% salicylic acid to reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin. For angry maskne with pustule spots, this will help to reduce it quickly.
Hypochlorous acid
This can be bought over the counter and is called Clinisept or you can purchase Thoclor, a stabilised and pure form of hypochlorous acid. Dr Yusra recommends using it every day after washing your face in the morning and evening, spraying it onto the affected area and leaving it to dry. Hypochlorous acid acts as an anti-inflammatory and has similar effects to an alpha hydroxy acids, exfoliating the upper layer of the skin gently to reduce congestion. It also has disinfecting properties, killing the bacteria that causes acne, acting as a mild exfoliant and helping to reduce inflammation.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide or BPO degrades and releases oxygen to kill P acnes. It can be bought over the counter, or the more effective forms are available on prescription. In accordance with the National Institute of Clinical Evidence, this is the first line measure for the treatment of acne and works well on moderate outbreaks that are angry, red and painful to reduce inflammation. However, it needs to be used in moderation as overuse can lead to dryness and irritation and so it is best to moisturise well after use as well as layer on SPF if the area is exposed to the sun as BPO can lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation. Dr Yusra recommends Obagi Clenziderm therapeutic lotion due to its fast-acting properties which is available on prescription only.
HydraFacial
HydraFacial is a six-step medical-grade facial which helps to resurface the skin. Says Dr Yusra: “ HydraFacial has specific acne protocols to help and to reduce inflammation and acne breakouts. It uses hydrodermabrasion, a salicylic acid skin peel and glycolic acid skin peel and one treatment per week, for six weeks, with progressive medical resurfacing and an increasing percentage of peels will help to control and improve acne quickly.”
Exfoliants
Removing harsh and abrasive exfoliants from a beauty regime can also make a difference. Dr Yusra says: ”Do not exfoliate with any harsh abrasive exfoliants because they can cause more problems than good by creating microtears in the skin, damaging the skin barrier function.” Harsh exfoliants could include those that have ingredients such as apricot kernels or crystals. Instead choose a liquid exfoliant like glycolic, lactic or phytic acid to gently remove dead skin, respecting and maintaining the integrity of the skin”.
Oil-based makeup
“Stay away from any oil-based makeups” is another of Dr Yusra’s tips for preventing any further breakouts, this is because they are comedogenic and will cause congestion. Oil is a barrier and can trap and encourage bacterial proliferation and breakouts. She also advises always ensuring that brushes used to apply makeup are clean.
Mineral SPF
According to Dr Yusra, not all SPFs are created equal and many products are actually chemical SPFs that are reliant on a chemical reaction to provide adequate protection. She recommends avoiding these if you can afford a mineral SPF. This is because chemical SPFs can clog the pores and cause breakouts. Dr Yusra recommends using a zinc oxide based SPF because zinc is very healing on the surface of the skin. Dr Yusra always opts for a mineral SPF, with her preferred products being either Obagi SPF50 matte or Colorscience mineral face shield.
Clean masks
A clean mask is crucial for keeping the maskne at bay. Good mask hygiene involves making sure that your mask is clean and changing it every time it becomes wet. Says Dr Yusra “You can also spray Clinisept inside the mask to kill bacteria that stagnates on it during the day. Also consider the type of mask you wear – cotton is more breathable and therefore gentler on your skin”
Specialist consultation
For those with persistent acne then Dr Yusra recommends a consultation with a skin specialist. As a result of the pandemic many clinics are now holding virtual consultation so getting sorted with the right blend of products for each individual case, can now happen pretty quickly.
Top image: Unsplash
