Maskne real or Hoax?

 Have you noticed since the start of 2020 you’ve developed acne on your cheeks and chin? This acne on your face might not be regular acne; it could be maskne. Maskne has become a very popular topic and it has taken the world by storm. Although this may sound like a hoax, maskne is real, and people from all over have been reporting their struggle with this issue. Interestingly enough, maskne has been around since before 2020; however, it was only an issue for people in the medical field who had to wear masks for a long period. Now with the pandemic, maskne has become a global problem. Consequently, many people want to know what it is and why it's causing bumps on their faces. 

Maskne is a result of regularly wearing masks for long periods. According to Dr. Kassof, when you breathe you create a humid environment in your mask. This environment allows yeast, bacteria, and other harmful microbes to grow on your skin. These microbes are what cause maskne. Moreover, irritation to the skin from the mask can increase the risks of maskne. This makes maskne an even bigger problem. Although we can’t avoid wearing masks, there are things we can do to decrease the chances of getting acne. 

Scientists suggest wearing light layers of moisturizer and sunscreen to reduce the risk of acne. Moisturizer and sunscreen can serve as protective barriers to the skin and limit irritation. They also propose that people wear disposable masks or clean their reusable masks regularly. Some companies sell silk and cotton masks that are marketed to reduce maskne. Nonetheless, there is not enough research on the effectiveness of these products, so it is necessary to purchase these masks. Let me know in the comments if you struggle with maskne or know someone who does.

Sources 

1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-struggle-with-maskne-is-very-real/

2. https://www.healthline.com/health/maskne