Mask-ne (Mask-related Acne)
What is Mask-ne?
Mask-ne (or mask-related acne) is common in the age of COVID, and it is often worst with healthcare workers. It is caused by masks clogging pores and irritating the skin. Treatment is pretty straightforward, and good over-the-counter options are available if you know how to use them.
The acne aisle at the store is overwhelming with hundreds of options. So, what do you buy? First, price ≠ results. Just because it is more expensive doesn’t mean it works better. In fact, often the most expensive routines have the exact same active ingredients as the store brands.
How do I treat Mask-ne?
Most people with mask-ne will benefit from simply adding a medicated wash in the shower:
Medicated acne wash – I recommend benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid in a liquid wash to use in the shower to simplify your skincare routine. My favorite medicated acne wash right now is CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (4% benzoyl peroxide). I also like AcneFree’s 2.5% wash. Azelaic acid appears to be the safest ingredient for acne in pregnant women, and my favorite is The Ordinary’s azelaic acid suspension or azelaic acid cream. I have no problem with salicylic acid, but both dry the skin, and benzoyl peroxide usually works better than salicylic acid. See instructions below.
Steps for using a medicated benzoyl peroxide wash:
Once you get into the shower, rinse your face.
Apply the benzoyl peroxide wash and leave it on for at least 5-10 minutes for the medication to soak into your skin before rinsing off.
Benzoyl peroxide wash or azelaic acid wash can be used once or twice a day as your face wash. You do not need another face wash. Avoid exfoliating face washes.
NOTE: Benzoyl peroxide will dry you out. Apply lots of moisturizing cream to fight the dryness until your skin gets used to the benzoyl peroxide and your mask-ne starts to improve after a few weeks. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothing.
What if my mask-ne isn’t getting better?
Usually, the steps above can help most people get their mask-ne better. Sometimes prescription creams or pills are needed, especially if there is scarring. If over-the-counter options are not working, look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
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