Easy Peasy You

Maskne: With these 10 tips you can avoid pimples through the mouth-nose mask

Posted by Lara Schimweg on May 11, 2022

Whether FFP2 or fabric mask: it can lead to the so-called maskne

updated on 05/11/2022

Yes, we would also rather write about other topics: FFP2 masks. But if you take care of yourself and your health, then sometimes it's still an issue. The mask requirement has largely been abolished. However, that does not mean that you no longer wear a mask in everyday life.

The FFP2 mask or a mouth and nose mask can irritate the skin quite a bit and lead to perioral dermatitis . A moist environment forms under the mask. After all, you breathe in and out regularly.

First of all: pimples or not, the masks make sense, because that's how we protect all our fellow human beings from Corona. Even if the mask is currently causing skin problems or just annoys you, it is important for all of us. We shouldn't forget that.

What is Maskne?

Perhaps you have already noticed that your skin tends to have skin problems when you wear the mask and that unfortunately a few pimples often appear - the so-called maskne. The technical term is perioral dermatitis, also known as stewardess disease or mouth rose. Especially on the chin, around the nose and on the cheeks. Maybe you already have problems in these places anyway. The mask particularly irritates sensitive skin, rosacea and skin that is prone to inflammation and impurities.

Causes of Maskne

The humid environment is not ideal, especially for sensitive skin. Finally, a kind of closed space is created under the mask, where bacteria and fungi can multiply well. Also a wonderful climate for acne Propionibacterium. In such an environment, it feels particularly comfortable and can reproduce well. Of course that's not good for you. Unfortunately, the skin also becomes greasy when it is under such a mask. This is also not an advantage if you are already prone to breakouts.

And as if that wasn't enough: your skin heats up under the mask and your skin sweats to cool down. This is especially a problem with rosacea. Because of the warming under the mask, the blood vessels in the skin dilate and the skin reddens. This then fuels the inflammatory process again. As you can see: No matter what skin type and what problem: the masks are not comfortable for anyone.

Here's what you can do to prevent maskne

How can you soothe the skin, prevent inflammation and reduce redness or pimples and pustules?

Here is a small, helpful list for you that will make your everyday life with the mask a little easier:

Change your mask regularly, at least once a day, more often. Because this way there is no breeding ground for fungi and bacteria that damage your skin.
Only wear your face mask as much as necessary (but always when other people are around).
Clean your skin in the morning with lukewarm water only. If necessary, you can use a mild detergent . Your skin is now very sensitive and you should not clean it too often or irritate it too much. In the evening you should definitely clean your face with a mild cleanser to remove the dirt.
Reduce active ingredients . This is currently better for your particularly sensitive skin. Because if you now use BHA, AHAs or other active ingredients over a large area, it can irritate your skin even more, because the mask has made it even more sensitive. Active ingredients can have a more intensive effect under the mask. If you want to use active ingredients, then it is best in the evening and possibly only selectively where it is necessary.
Take sufficient care of your skin. The best way to help your sensitive skin now is with mild skin care products that soothe your skin and inhibit inflammation. Look for ingredients like green tea, licorice root, centella asiatica, and other anti-inflammatory and soothing antioxidants. An additional soothing moisturizer with antioxidants makes sense these days because your skin is exposed to a lot of stress. This allows your skin to regenerate itself. This point does not apply if you have already contracted perioral dermatitis from the mask. Then unfortunately only a zero therapy helps .
In general, it is best to always use a light cream under the mask. The mask itself has an effect similar to that of a protective cream. Your skin still needs enough moisture and a little oil. It should be cared for neither too little nor too much. With a light cream your skin is protected during the day. But also pay attention to your current skin condition: In winter, or if you have dry patches, a richer cream can be useful. Or you can add a few drops of oil to your cream.
Reduce your makeup. If you would like to put on make-up, accentuate your eyes. It's best for your skin if you don't wear makeup on the area where the mask sits. If you're feeling a little uncomfortable with no coverage at all, switch to mineral makeup. Incidentally, your skin can still benefit from the zinc oxide it contains. Because zinc works against impurities.
Take care of your skin in the evening so that it is more resilient in the morning. In the evening you can give your skin a little more care. Especially if your skin has had to stay under a mask all day, it needs a little extra attention in the evening. In the evening, cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser. Soaps are not suitable for facial cleansing . Cream your skin as usual. And to give your skin a little extra help at night, you can apply a facial oil that suits your skin type. So you have an individual night cream for you and your skin can regenerate wonderfully while you sleep.
You can make a DIY oatmeal face mask to soothe your skin. True face masks are not as effective and long term as a healthy skin care routine. Still, it might make sense now. Because oatmeal has a proven calming effect on the skin. They provide moisture and also have a positive effect against itching.
If pimples do appear: do not squeeze them, because pimples can become inflamed, especially under the mask. In this article, you will learn how to stop popping the pimple .

With these tips, you might be able to soothe your skin a bit during this time and prevent pimples. We hope this helps you.

What is your experience with the face mask? Has your skin changed?

about the author

Lara Schimweg is the founder of Xeno . She studied sports science and health research and is a trained health worker. Lara has rosacea and very sensitive skin.