Maskne: Pimples through the mouth and nose protection

Maskne
Mouth and nose protection for pimples

© Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock

Did you notice that your skin has become more blemished in the last few months? Then you may also suffer from what is known as maskne – skin blemishes that arise from wearing mouth and nose protection. You can read here what you can do against pimples under the mask.

You can now hear it everywhere: Those affected report that their skin has deteriorated significantly since the beginning of the corona pandemic. The mask (the name is a combination of the words “mask” and “acne”) is particularly noticeable in the lower skin area of ​​the face. And men and women who were previously able to look forward to a clear complexion now have problems with blemishes and pimples. But what is that exactly?

Maskne: what is it?

Even if it is a completely new experience for most – the mask has been around for a long time and not just since Corona. Especially people who work in the nursing profession or in the medical field can tell a song about the fact that their skin is prone to problems under the mask. The lower half of the face, i.e. the part of the face that is under the face mask, is affected by blemishes, pimples, redness and enlarged pores.

Maskne: This is how it is made

The mask is a so-called “mechanical acne”, which results from the friction of the mask on the skin. If the mouth and nose mask is worn over a long period of time, the constant rubbing of the mask on the skin of the face can cause minor injuries to the skin barrier. These are so small that they cannot be seen at first. But bacteria and small dirt particles can quickly settle here and penetrate the skin. Then there is slight inflammation, which shows up in the form of pimples and blemishes. The skin actually needs time to regenerate, but when the mask has to be worn again and again, the condition of the skin usually worsens or at least there is no improvement.

The friction under the mask is accompanied by the high humidity caused by sweating. Many skin types are also sensitive to this moist environment under the mouth and nose protection. This can not only cause pimples, but also so-called perioral dermatitis, which is popularly known as stewardess disease.

Here’s how it works: remove pimples

Maskne: What can I do if I have one?

The right facial care is the be-all and end-all in order to get a grip on an emerging or already existing mask. Above all, you should pay attention to a daily thorough cleaning and the right moisturizing care for your face.

Cleaning at Maskne

You should take some time every day to cleanse the skin. Especially in the evening, it is important to free the skin of any residue that has accumulated under the mask. You shouldn’t be too aggressive here, a gentle cleansing cream or lotion or a mild cleansing foam is the right choice. These should be able to remove makeup residue and dirt particles. It becomes even more thorough if an equally mild cleanser, for example oil-based, is used before washing the face, which can also remove waterproof make-up well.

Even if the cleansing of the face should be as mild as possible; Once a week, pamper your skin with an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and flakes.

Make face peeling yourself

Moisturizing the skin at Maskne

Every skin needs sufficient moisture to be resistant. The type of moisture you supply your skin with naturally depends on your skin type. Dry skin requires more intensive care than oily skin. For example, the latter benefits from a product that contains hyaluronic acid.

Be careful if the mask is already very pronounced! In this case, it is advisable that you use a product specifically designed for moisturizing acne skin. These are best found in the pharmacy and some of these creams require a prescription. If you suffer from severe acne, it is advisable to see a dermatologist anyway.

Tips and tricks for proper facial care

When the skin itches and burns

A common problem with a mask: the skin itches and burns. Again, there are a number of care products that can help. These should preferably contain ingredients such as aloe vera, urea or chamomile. Panthenol or a product enriched with ceramides also make the natural skin barrier strong and resilient.

That helps immediately: itchy skin

Maskne: I can do that so that it doesn’t even arise

  • You should Change mask regularly. As a rule, it only takes about 20 minutes for the mouth and nose protection to become soaked – a true Eldorado for bacteria. After a day at the latest: Put it away!
  • Yours Mask should fit properly. It shouldn’t be loose, of course, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it presses or even cuts into your skin.
  • If possible, you should it is best not to use make-up under the mask wear. In combination with the mask and the moisture created underneath, this can lead to even more irritation.
  • As already described above, the daily cleaning important for the skin in the fight against the mask. So that this doesn’t happen in the first place, you should follow a well-chosen cleansing routine that suits your skin type every day.

Sources used: pharmische-zeitung.de, gala.de