Skin care experts offer tips to avoid ‘maskne’
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Mask wearing looks to be a part of our daily lives for awhile, even as a COVID-19 vaccine is approved.
While health experts agree they’re important to wear to keep everyone safe, they can have some detrimental effects on our skin with some people complaining of so called "maskne."
"I don’t really care for it but I know it’s something that I need to do," said Dana Krakowski, who lives in Prior Lake.
Mikelle Brown is the District Manager at Face Foundrie. She said more and more customers are asking about irritation, acne and dryness because of masks.
"So many people have come in and said, ‘Please help, please help my skin,’" Brown said.
In this July 30, 2020, file photo, passengers board a Casco Bay Lines ferry bound for Peaks Island in Portland, Maine.[Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press]
The problem is not enough oxygen is getting into our pores when it’s covered up for hours at a time.
"We’re also breathing out carbon dioxide, so all of that is getting trapped inside your mask and it’s very detrimental to your pores," Brown said.
But there are steps you can take at home or with a professional. At Face Foundrie, they have hydration boosters and they’re offering a new kind of facial.
"This one is using cryotherapy to replenish and stimulate circulation to get the skin working again," Brown said.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your face is wash your mask frequently or wear a clean one every day.
"It’s something we need to do right now, so just taking care of ourselves in the process, and taking care of our skin," Addie Szews, manager at Face Foundrie, said.
Plus, it’s important to wash your face once in the morning and once at night.
"You don’t want to do too much because you’re stripping your skin of any essential oils that it does need," Brown said.
Experts recommend cotton or polyester masks because they’re softer and urge people to, if you can do so safely, give your skin some fresh air every few hours.
"I’m lucky I don’t have to wear one all day, really feel for our health care workers," Krakowski said.
They’re simple tips that can keep your face looking nice and healthy, even if it is all covered up.
To learn more tips from the American Academy of Dermotology Association, click here.