Expert tips: this is what you can do against maskne

I have no idea what's going on with my chin recently, but I have strong suspicions that it's maskné. That's exactly what you think it is: an irritated skin due to wearing face masks. Time to call in skin expert Annelijn van Ierland from Skinkliniek for some clear answers.

1. First of all: how does it happen?
‘The medical term is acne mechanica. The friction on the skin causes irritation, but you can also get acne because the skin is blocked. You see it more often in men on the neck, due to the collar of a shirt causing friction. Maskné is actually the condition of the skin that arises from using a protection for the nose and mouth; it can also occur from a scarf, for example. The drier skin is more sensitive to this and irritates a bit faster. It's basically just skin irritation.’
2. Which face mask do you think we should use?
‘It's not just about the fabric, but also about the model. I would advise alternating between a mask that has loops behind your ears and one that you secure behind your head. Otherwise, you run the risk of irritation behind the ears as well. It's important to use a soft and breathable mask, for example, made of cotton, but it should have at least two layers for protection. Perhaps the most important thing is that it fits comfortably and well, which reduces skin problems. The tighter the mask, the greater the chance of irritation.’

3. How do you ensure it gets less?
‘Apply a mild cream to your skin before and after wearing a mask. It's important to cleanse your face twice a day; so when you get home, immediately wash the dirt off your skin and apply a bit of cream. Don't over-cleanse, as that puts more strain on your skin barrier and makes you more sensitive to irritation. So, it's not necessary to cleanse again in the evening, as it can be too much. And make sure there is no perfume in your products. Furthermore, it's important to take off your mask for twenty minutes every four hours, if the rules allow it, of course. And switch to a soft mask, made of cotton or silk, if you have skin problems. If you suffer from maskné, you can use an exfoliant with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide from the pharmacy. This should only be done when your mask is off and can stay off for a while.’

4. Can we do something to prevent it?
‘A reusable mask should be washed every day, and a disposable mask should be replaced after four hours of wearing. You also exhale moisture, which saturates the mask. It may be that the mask rubs a bit against your lips, causing irritation, so protect them with a little bit of Vaseline. When wearing a mask, skip the makeup on the area of skin that is covered. You can certainly do your eyes, but skip foundation, powders, and concealers for now. Also, avoid other products that can irritate the skin.’
5. And what should you definitely not do in the case of maskné?
‘Definitely don't start scrubbing, as that removes dead skin cells. This is not a problem in itself, but often you damage or irritate the skin with this treatment, and that's the last thing you want, especially if you're also wearing a mask. Want to do something anyway? Then use a very fine and mild scrub or a peeling in the evening; the latter is actually the best for your skin.”