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Face masks fuelling rise in acne flare ups, dermatologists say

Face masks have fuelled a rise in skin problems, according to dermatologists - Getty Images
Face masks have fuelled a rise in skin problems, according to dermatologists - Getty Images

A rising number of people are suffering with skin problems such as acne as a result of face masks, dermatologists say.

Wearing a mask for an extended period may protect you from airborne bacteria but can lead to flare ups in acne, eczema and dermatitis.

The risk is increased if the user is wearing heavy makeup or foundation because it leads to blockages in the skin.

Those with pre-existing skin conditions are also more likely to suffer due to the accumulation of sweat combined with friction and pressure.

Dr Mona Gohara, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, said "there is certainly an increase of acne as a result of mask wearing".

Eczema is also possible as well as allergic or irritant dermatitis caused by detergents they are washed in. The risk of "maskne" is the result of a condition called ‘acne mechanica’.

“This is friction and also the occlusion of clogging of the pores from sweat, spit, humidity and even bacteria," Dr Gohara said.

She said people with a tendency towards acne, those with oily skin who may have been wearing a mask for a long time in a day may suffer, as well as adopters of a poor skincare routine.

“My advice to others is to use a gentle facial cleanser, cleanse your face after taking off the mask, cleanse any cloth masks and don’t use the same mask each day," she added.

“Use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment on active spots and a gentle retinoid as well. Do not use scrubbing or excessive exfoliation and apply a gentle barrier cream to protect the skin from rubbing.”

Dr Vishal Madan, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinic in Manchester, added: "We have definitely seen a rise in patients reporting cases of acne and skin problems from wearing masks.

"Sometimes people are applying vaseline around the mouth as a moisturiser and this loosens the seal between the mouth and the mask. Too much moisturiser can also block off pores and that in itself can result in more spots.

"If you are using too much foundation, the mask adds pressure on the skin which means it will be absorbed into the skin to a deeper level."

Beauty giant L'Oréal has also acknowledged a "strong rise in deep-cleansing products" in recent months.

Jochen Zaumseil, L'Oréal's executive-vice president in Asia-Pacific, said popular skincare brands such as La Roche-Posay and CeraVe had seen a "huge boom".

This includes a rise in demand for sheet masks cleansers.

Dr Tanya Bleiker, president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said “the vast majority of people” should encounter no issues, but advised avoiding “heavy make up or foundation”.

Are you experiencing skin problems as a result of wearing a face covering? Tell us in the comments section below