Who would have thought that a small piece of fabric would one day play such an important role in our lives? After almost two years of the pandemic, face masks have become a matter of course. With them, we protect not only ourselves but, more importantly, those around us. However, medical masks (especially FFP2 masks) have one small drawback: many suffer from pimples or skin irritations after wearing them. The phenomenon, of course, has long had a name: "maskne." We'll tell you why this skin problem arises and how to alleviate it.
Acne + mask = maskne. How does this skin irritation arise?
As the name suggests, maskne is a type of acne caused by daily wearing of face masks. The blemishes appear in the chin area or on the sides of the cheeks. People who are already prone to blemish-prone skin are particularly likely to complain about this problem.
People with very sensitive skin are more likely to experience redness, irritation, or contact dermatitis. These skin problems are caused by two factors. First, the friction of the fabric irritates and aggravates the skin. The skin barrier is damaged, making it vulnerable to dirt and bacteria. Second, moisture and sweat build up under the mask, damaging the skin. Regular wear can lead to redness, pimples, and pustules.
Prevention and relief with the right skin care
When it comes to preventing and treating maskne, facial cleansing is key. Sweat, dirt, and bacteria accumulate on the skin throughout the day. The warm, humid air beneath the mask also provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria . Therefore, your face should be thoroughly washed morning and evening, ideally every time you remove the mask.
Regular exfoliation is also important to deeply remove sebum and dirt from the pores. Afterwards, the skin should be intensively cared for with a day or night moisturizer. On the one hand, our skin needs more care and moisture than usual during the cooler season, even without a mask. On the other hand, moisture helps keep the skin's protective barrier intact. This allows the skin to better protect itself against friction, dirt, and bacteria.
In addition to proper cleansing and moisturizing of the skin, special acne treatments can help effectively combat pimples and reduce inflammation. The magic ingredient here is salicylic acid. This highly effective acid exfoliates the skin gently and without friction. This peeling effect removes dead skin cells and impurities, while also preventing the formation of new pimples.
Tip :
Retinol products, combined with the friction of the mask, can irritate the skin. We therefore recommend applying them in the evening before bedtime. This way, they can work to their full potential overnight without disrupting the skin's balance.
Four tips on how to use the medical mask correctly
Not only facial care plays a crucial role, but also the correct and hygienic use of medical masks. If you follow these five rules, you'll minimize the risk of a maskne outbreak.
1. Change frequently: Change your surgical mask regularly, ideally several times a day. You should change your FFP2 mask daily. As a guide, after more than 20 minutes, the mask will already be so moist that it can have a negative effect on your skin. Ideally, therefore, you should always have clean replacement masks with you.
2. Good fit: The face mask should fit well. If it slips around on your face, this can further irritate your skin. Constantly adjusting the mask with your fingers increases the risk of spreading bacteria to your mask and face.
3. Hygienic storage: Don't just put your mask in your handbag or jacket pocket, but store it in a sealable plastic bag, for example, when you take it off for a short time.
4. No makeup: It's better to avoid makeup, as it smudges under the mask anyway. It also clogs pores and can lead to breakouts.
Our product recommendations for Maskne
With the right products tailored to your personal skin type, you can relieve blemishes, pimples, and redness and prevent new irritations. Our Cleansing Foam deeply cleanses the skin, laying the foundation for subsequent care. The Facial Toner removes cleanser residue, soothes the skin, and balances the pH. Regular use of the Enzyme Peel helps unclog pores and remove excess sebum.
With our new Clear Skin Serum with 2% salicylic acid, you can fight impurities and spots. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes, while antibacterial salicylic acid gently rids your skin of impurities and dead skin cells. Its anti-inflammatory effect reduces existing spots and prevents new ones from forming. To further strengthen the skin's protective barrier, complete your skincare routine with a soothing, nourishing day or night cream—for example, our Daily Hydration. This way you can stay healthy throughout the winter without worrying about skin problems.
