#22 How To Prevent Acne Breakouts Due To Mask?

What is Acne?

Do you get Acne due to Increased Mask use during this COVID Pandemic?

How to Prevent from Acne due to Mask Usage?

Hi! Welcome to the Post of this week on Acne Prevention due to Mask Use

In this season of COVID pandemic, many people experience Acne due to Increased Mask use.

This post might help you prevent from developing Acne and its complications

What is Acne?

Acne is a very common skin condition characterised by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules).
It usually starts at puberty and varies in severity from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, which most adolescents will have at some time, to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and impact on self-confidence.
For the majority it tends to resolve by the late teens or early twenties, but it can persist for longer in some people.
Acne can develop for the first time in people in their late twenties or even the thirties. It occasionally occurs in young children as blackheads and/or pustules on the cheeks or nose.

What causes acne?

The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of certain hormones, which are present in both men and women. These cause the glands to produce an excess of oil.
At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles.
These two effects result in a build up of oil, producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil and dead skin is visible) and whiteheads.
The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but in those prone to acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.
Some acne can be caused by medication given for other conditions or by certain contraceptive injections or pills. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that trigger acne and other problems.
Acne can be associated with hormonal changes. If you develop unusual hair growth or hair loss, irregular periods or other changes to your body, then mention this to your doctor in case it is relevant.

How Does Mask Cause Acne?

Mask, as a result of constant mechanical rubbing predisposes to Acne. Hence, it is also known as Mechanical Acne.
Improper repeated use of Mask, particularly Cloth mask, due to the presence of Dirt, blocks the pores and predisposes to Acne.
Moist environment created by continuous mask use favours growth of microorganisms

Self care (What can I do?)

Try not to pick or squeeze your spots as this usually aggravates them and may cause scarring.
However your acne affects you, it is important to take action to control it as soon as it appears. This helps to avoid permanent scarring and reduces embarrassment.
Expect to use your treatments for at least two months before you see much improvement. Make sure that you understand how to use them correctly so you get the maximum benefit.
Some topical treatments may dry or irritate the skin when you start using them. If your face goes red and is irritated by a lotion or cream, stop treatment for a few days and try using the treatment less often and then building up gradually.
Make-up may help your confidence. Use products that are oil-free or water- based. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non-comedogenic’ (should not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause acne).
Cleanse your skin and remove make-up with a mild soap or a gentle cleanser and water, or an oil-free soap substitute. Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin and make your acne worse. Remember blackheads are not due to poor washing.
There is little evidence that any foods cause acne, such as chocolate and “fast foods”; however, your health will benefit overall from a balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables.

In Addition to these General measures, there are certain Specific Selfcare measures to Avoid Mask Induced Acne:

Avoid or Minimise wearing Makeup under a mask to reduce the risk of breakouts.
Wash your mask if you are using a reusable one.
Use lightweight moisturiser
Use Salicylic acid Face-wash, mainly before and after wearing the mask.

Consult a Dermatologist at the earliest to Avoid Scarring.

LaShine Skin & Hair Care Blog