In the spring of 2020, a new accessory took its place in our lives: the mask. At school, in the office and on public transportation, it has made its way into public spaces to keep the COVID-19 virus at bay. But for some, its use has a downside: a tendency to aggravate acne. We give you some tips on how to manage the situation.
Whether it's a home-made or store-bought mask, a surgical mask or a protective mask, wearing a mask has become an indispensable habit. While its purpose is to protect us from the coronavirus (but also from the flu and other viral diseases), which has been well established, it can on the other hand present some inconveniences for the skin.
Indeed, placed on the nose and covering the lower part of the face up to the chin, the mask can cause irritation (redness, itching, etc.) and make existing skin diseases like acne appear or worsen.
Between the heat, friction and humidity, the skin "suffocates" under the mask. Bacteria proliferates and the flow of sebum is disrupted. The result: pimples can appear, especially on areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the nose and chin. To protect yourself effectively while allowing the skin to breathe, the mask must therefore be tight but not too tight.
How can I prevent acne from occurring or worsening? Firstly, by following the recommendations in force: change your disposable mask regularly (every four hours or as soon as it gets wet) and properly maintain an industrial fabric mask. This is because impurities remain embedded in the fabric of washable masks if they are not properly cleaned, making them even more irritating and comedogenic.
I've had a lot more pimples since I started wearing a mask in school. I can see the difference from when I don't wear it. But if I use my cream, I get fewer.
Mathéo, 15 years old
What is your skincare routine for mask-related acne?
Cleansing and moisturising are the basis of a good daily skin care routine. This is even more true with the mask.
Cleanse your skin
Cleansing gel, micellar water, gentle cleansing cream... To cleanse your skin and remove the sebum and impurities that build up under your mask, you're spoilt for choice. Choose the formula that suits you best and apply it morning and night. It should be non-comedogenic, fight blemishes, and be suited to your skin type.
Moisturise your skin
To prevent the skin from "suffocating" and acne from appearing or worsening, it’s best to use a mattifying or blemish-fighting skin care product that lets the skin breathe, has a specific action on pimples and prevents them from reappearing. In the evening, once you’ve removed your mask, apply a concentrated anti-blemish or smoothing night treatment.
So what about make-up: stop or continue wearing it?
Nothing’s stopping you from wearing make-up, either to please yourself or to camouflage your acne spots. But here too, it’s important to follow recommendations and choose the right products: a foundation that’s not non-comedogenic and applied in a thick layer could, for example, block your pores even more. You know the rest: clogged pores under a wet or unwashed mask are ideal for acne to develop or worsen.
To avoid these inconveniences, select dermo-cosmetic products stamped "medical make-up" or "sensitive skin" that you can find in pharmacies and beauty stores. Providing coverage but still non-comedogenic, they will let your skin breathe.
Perhaps your acne existed before the widespread use of masks. Or perhaps it has since appeared? In any case, resist the temptation to pick your pimples if you want to avoid bacterial proliferation and the appearance of new blemishes. And when recommendations and circumstances allow, remove your mask for a few minutes and spray on a thermal spring water with soothing, softening and anti-irritating properties. Your skin will thank you!
Our solutions for mask-related acne
Eau Thermale Avène skincare products designed to reconcile you with your skin
