Maskne was not born in 2020, but this year it has become a bit of a buzzword, with many of us donning masks with all different colours, materials and patterns. (Note: we don’t know who needs to hear this, but pulling a sweater over your mouth on the tube does not count.)
Acne can be caused by many things, and everyone’s skin is different. But Maskne, (or “acne mechanica”), is not acne as we know it. Unlike other forms of acne, it is not caused by factors such as hormones, lifestyle, genetics and diet. Maskne refers to breakouts of pimples, blemishes and spots that are caused by the constant friction between a mask and someone’s skin, causing pressure, heat and rubbing, which causes inflammation, irritated skin and spots. Dermatologists suggest that the constant rubbing of masks against skin causes “micro-tears”, that allow bacteria and dirt to enter pores and clog them up. (Yeah, we know...!).