MASKNE GOT YOU DOWN? TRY THESE 8+ ANTI-ACNE HACKS FOR FLAWLESS SKIN

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rosmy Barrios - September 06, 2024

From the emergence of COVID-19 to the subsequent implementation of iron-fisted lockdown regulations, 2020 was a year fraught with surprises. Coronavirus aside, there was a common issue that silently took the world by storm behind the masks each and every one of us were made to wear.

 ‘Maskne’ – a new term for facemask-related acne[1] – became a serious issue for many participants in the global workforce collective. In an attempt to cope with the rising numbers of this widespread problem, healthcare professionals, dermatologists, and beauty hackers alike attempted to wrap their heads around how to integrate masks into a person’s daily skincare routine.

Thankfully, through revisiting acne in the context of wearing a facemask, it became increasingly clear how to adapt to the times and reclaim our natural beauty!

Acne, facemasks, and more are discussed below, as well as 8 things you can do to avoid contracting ‘Maskne’.

Causes of Acne

First off, what is acne?

Acne is characterized by irritation or inflammation of the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) in the pores of the skin[2].

There are numerous factors that can trigger sebaceous gland irritation and consequently give rise to acne.

The following are thought to be the main causes of acne (either alone or in combination):

• Excessive sebum (oil). Either externally applied or internally generated oil excess can cause acne. The oil traps dirt and dead skin bits, which creates irritation. Sebum is also the perfect growth medium for acne-causing bacteria, like Cutibacterium acnes.
• Heightened testosterone levels. Testosterone is known to stimulate sebum production and excess can lead to too much[3]. This is why acne is commonly worse in adolescent boys and women with hormonal imbalances. Excess cholesterol may also contribute to increased androgen production, as all sex hormones are made from cholesterol.[4]
• External Endocrine disruption. Even though testosterone is considered the main offender, anything known to disrupt hormones can contribute indirectly to acne, as all the hormones are involved in regulating one another[5]. Plastic compounds, such as phthalates and PCB’s[6], are prime examples of endocrine-disrupting compounds that have indirect effects on our ability to regulate testosterone. In some cases, this may contribute toward excess sebum production in the skin.
• Natural hormonal flux. Stress, puberty, menstruation, and other similar physiological perturbations can all contribute toward acne by affecting the hormones.[7]
• The wrong bacteria. Unbeknown to most, the skin is a thriving cesspool of friendly microbial life that helps to deter potential threats from entering the body.[8] When the fine ratio of these bacteria becomes toppled with pathogenic varieties, acne may result.
• Too much abrasion. The skin barrier’s thinnest, outermost layer consists entirely of sebum and is known as the acid mantle[9]. Constantly breaking this layer through excessive abrasion can cause additional irritation and often results in excessive sebum production as the oil glands tend to over-compensate. Abrasion can be due to friction, rubbing or using harsh chemical cleaning agents on the skin that cut grease a little too well.
• Difficulty expelling toxins. The skin is the largest organ we have, and its prime function is excretion[10]. When the skin is not expelling waste properly, it may accumulate in the form of acne, or it may become food for acne-causing organisms. Dehydration, a lack of consistent exercise, malnutrition, sleep deprivation, constipation and several other factors can contribute to inefficient skin function in this regard.

Does My Facemask Make My Acne Worse?

Considering all the factors that are known to cause acne, a facemask can be seen as a threat to those who aspire to maintain a flawless complexion.

To sum it up, a facemask is capable of worsening acne in the following ways:

1. Constant rubbing and friction.
2. Spreading of sebum, skin debris, dust, etc., to unaffected areas.
3. Concentrating waste products from the air we expend, our skin, and sweat.
4. Potential for skin cell endocrine disruption due to plastic compounds present in synthetic textiles.
5. Lower oxygen availability and less cellular energy production resulting in slower overall skin function.
6. Less available energy can also contribute to craving high glycemic load foods that generate quick bursts of energy (often accompanied by dramatic spikes in insulin), such as sugary snacks, oily foods, and energy drinks.
7. Low energy levels may also encourage more sedentary behavior and less exercise.
8. Possible low-key psychological stress of having one’s airways blocked.

8 Beauty Hacks for Beating the “Maskne”

Here are eight pro tips for making the best out of situations that necessitate mask-wearing.

1. Mask Type: Material and Friction

The moment it became clear that they were likely to be part of the “new normal”, industrial sectors everywhere got to work on crafting various types of masks to stifle the spread of Covid-19. For many, mask-wearing in public places continues as a preference to keep infections at bay.

Regardless of the type of mask you decide to wear, you need to make sure it works for your skin if you want to avoid a bad case of maskne. In this regard, the ideal masks are those that:

A. Make as little contact with your face as possible

B. Sit still or are without unnecessary friction

C. Are made from an organic material, like pure cotton or silk

2. Smart Facemask Interaction

In spite of the apparent danger that may be invoked by face touching, there are times when we have to take the risk in order to adjust the straps of our facemasks. This issue can largely be solved by getting one that fits properly.

Aside from fiddling with the facemask, there are times when taking the mask off might be necessary for the sake of having a breather or perhaps just to make an audible phone call. It’s in moments such as these where an intelligent approach can make all the difference to the state of your pores. Instead of pulling the mask up and down throughout the day and letting it hug your chin, take the time to remove it with minimal facial contact.

When handling your facemask, it also helps to refrain from touching the inside and to keep the mask as clean as possible.

3. Oral Hygiene

The mouth is one of the most pathogen-laden sites of the human body. The type of bacteria that accumulate inside decayed teeth can also affect our skin microbiome.

Bacterial proliferation can occur every time we exhale within the confines of our facemasks. If you have worn a mask for an extended period without washing it and noticed a foul odor, you have likely experienced firsthand the growth of bacteria within the mask.

Maintaining scrupulous oral hygiene is absolutely imperative in order to avoid maskne[11][12].

If you are facing any dental complaints, consider booking an appointment with your dentist to make sure you don’t have a tooth infection or something similar.

4. Gentle Skin Cleanliness

 As mentioned above, excessive abrasion due to harsh chemical cleaning agents can cause acne. This cause is further complicated when we factor in the extra layer over our faces; a layer that ought to be cleaned regularly in order to preserve our complexions.

 While hygiene is important, cleaning chemicals can exacerbate the issue. Therefore, it is advisable to employ a gentle approach to cleanliness. Natural facial soaps and organic laundry detergents are great options to adopt.

 Some of the most significant issues with harsh chemical soaps are:

• A dramatic increase in skin pH, which tends to kill off beneficial bacteria.
• The heavy grease-cutting ability, which encourages unbalanced sebum production.
• Certain additives that may irritate the skin or cause endocrine disruption.

 In this respect, natural soaps like castile soap (made from olive oil) are far gentler on the skin. The combination of plant-based compounds to support skin function in the face of irritation[13], a gentle moisturizing action to prevent excess oil stripping, and a more bacteria-friendly pH all make natural soaps more attractive to the discerning consumer.

 If you can’t afford organic laundry detergent, you can use natural soap to hand wash your mask. This may work out better for your skin as natural soap tends to be healthier for the skin than the majority of laundry products available on the market.

5. Switch to Natural Makeup or Avoid It

 Even before the COVID pandemic, makeup was known to be one of the top causes of acne, which it still is.

For those of us who would rather not go out without makeup, there is a growing selection of natural, non-comedogenic makeup that avoids the use of chemicals in their selection of skin-friendly pigments. One should still be wary of natural makeup, as many of the chemicals they avoid are replaced with organic ingredients that are seemingly safer but may still produce adverse effects.[14]

While chemical-free makeup can be a more skin-friendly option, using any makeup at all will still add to the potential friction and dirt-trapping ability of a facemask - which may ultimately exacerbate acne onset.

6. Watch Your Diet

 With there being multiple exceptions to the rule, the connection between acne and diet is largely controversial.[15]

 However, there are certain foods that might be associated with severe acne onset. These include:

• Dairy Products. Due to the growth factors and androgen-stimulating nutrients in cow’s milk, dairy products have a tendency to promote acne[16]. Any products containing whey protein are also known to contribute to acne.[17]
• Excessive Consumption of Fats, Sugar, Alcohol, Energy Drinks and Processed Foods. All of these foods are known to have a high glycemic load and negatively affect the elimination systems of the body, including the skin. High glycemic load foods are associated with acne onset.[18]
• Any Foods Known to Cause Indigestion. If you cannot digest your food properly, it is bound to cause a digestive upset – particularly constipation. Any blockage or disruption in the digestive tract can cause increased levels of toxins to circulate in the body. As the skin is a major organ of excretion, some acne may arise as a result. High protein and fat intake are commonly associated with frequent indigestion, alongside stress and sleep deprivation (due to the neurological component of stomach acid and bile production).

7. Nourish Yourself

Generally speaking, ensuring one maintains adequate dietary nutrition tends to balance out overconsuming foods that are associated with acne onset.

 It would be impossible to fulfill your nutritional requirements by consuming dairy, meat and processed foods without the addition of plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and other wholefood components. Adopting a balanced variety of wholefoods in your diet makes it difficult to consume any food in excess.

 The following foods may be able to help your skin function at its optimum:

• Water. Recycling our fluids helps a lot, especially considering that water is mostly oxygen, and wearing a facemask lowers our oxygen status. Water is known to aid all elimination systems of the body, provided it is not contaminated with plastic compounds or chemicals. Drink plenty of purified water from a glass container throughout the day.
• Herbal Teas. The tannins and other molecules in herbal teas (especially green tea) are known to help with stress[19] and to encourage consistent blood sugar levels[20], which indirectly promotes hormonal stability.
• Bitters and other Digestion Boosting Foods. Foods that leave a bitter taste in the mouth actually get the digestive juices flowing[21]. Most fruits and certain vegetables (like celery) are loaded with digestive enzymes that aid food breakdown in the gut and help to prevent toxin overload. Consuming lots of water-soluble fiber and moderate probiotics can also improve digestion as the bacteria (that feed on the fiber) produce protein-degrading enzymes.
• Sulfur-Rich Foods. Sulfur appears to be involved in many early biochemical steps of generalized bodily elimination. One such important role of sulfur is rounding up and helping to eliminate testosterone[22], an observation that may be of use to those with an excess. Interestingly, sulfur compounds have a history of treating acne in pre-modern medicine[23]. While more research is required to verify these claims, some dermatologists have had success in using sulfur as one part of an acne treatment protocol.

8. Exercise and Acne

Engaging in some form of exercise on a daily basis that increases your heart rate and gets you to break a sweat can be helpful for avoiding maskne.

Regular exercise promotes overall health and circulation, which can support skin health and potentially reduce acne. On that note, make sure to wash your face and clear away all the toxins that will have accumulated on the surface of your skin.

Further benefits of exercise extend to boosting parameters of immunity, which may provide mild protection against acne vulgaris as well as coronavirus.[24]

Conclusion

The emergence of maskne has exacerbated the challenges associated with acne, adding to the complexities of maintaining clear skin. Making sure your mask fits with minimal contact or friction, as well as being made from a material that is gentle on your skin, can make all the difference. Optimal oral, facial, and mask hygiene is essential, with natural, non-comedogenic products preferable for being less aggressive and irritating to the skin. Exercising, consuming a highly nutritious diet, and limiting dairy can also help.

If maskne persists, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional about your skin.

If you find your maskne is not going away after trying what you can, then you ought to consult with a healthcare professional about your skin. With Mya Care, you can easily book a remote appointment with some of the world’s leading dermatologists and skincare specialists without needing to leave the comfort of your own home!

To search for the best healthcare providers worldwide, please use the Mya Care search engine.

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