How does wearing a face mask affect your skin?
As we approach the sixth month of the Coronavirus pandemic, the hottest topic on everybody’s lips is face masks. As face coverings are to be mandatory in shops from Friday 24th July in the UK, many are unsure on the impacts they will have to the skin. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) urges us to use face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this article finds out if face coverings can really cause spots and damage the skin. We spoke to a leading dermatologist, Dr Rajkomar from Pall Mall Medical to find out all the answers.
Why are we being asked to wear face masks?
You might be wondering why we are being asked to wear face masks in supermarkets and shops, but not in other in-door places. You also might be questioning - why is the UK making face-coverings mandatory, yet the face-covering debate still limbers on in the US.
However, according to WHO, face masks should be used as part of a strategy to suppress transmission and save lives. You should also maintain a distance of at least 1 metre from others, frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face. Masks act by limiting the spread of infection by preventing people who unknowingly have COVID-19 spreading the disease to others. Individuals can order these masks online - for instance on this site - please note that the N95 masks is typically the most recommended option.
Can wearing a mask lead to skin breakouts?
We spoke with Consultant Dermatologist Vikram Rajkomar who explains:
“Acne is caused by overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Wearing a tight-fitting face mask could mean that sebum and sweat remain in close contact to the skin. Akin to wearing heavy oil-based makeup, this combination increases the risk of acne or breakouts.”
For those of us who suffer with hormonal breakouts on the chin or nose, is this reason enough to avoid putting off wearing a mask or visiting a shop or supermarket all together?
Preventing breakouts caused by masks
Luckily, there are steps we can take to prevent acne flare ups and breakouts, even for those of us who have an allergy to face masks. Dr Rajkomar suggests:
- Ensure that the skin is well hydrated, by drinking enough water and using a fragrance-free moisturiser to the skin to avoid direct rubbing of the mask with the skin.
- Wash the face twice per day with a gentle wash and avoid facial scrubs or exfoliating which can damage your skin.
- Wash the mask regularly as they can accumulate sebum and face oil (including makeup) which leads to development of acne
- If acne is already present, constant rubbing with a face mask will worsen the inflammation, so avoid a tight mask.
- Some people can react to face masks and the use of a mild steroid such as hydrocortisone may be sufficient. Seek advice from your doctor if you think this may be the case.
Dr Rajkomar also mentioned to us: “Wearing a mask is vital to stopping the spread of the disease so ensure you follow the government advice on wearing face masks. However, be sure to remove masks when they’re not needed, for example, in an empty room or in the car.”
What daily changes can I make to avoid breakouts
Simple changes to your day-to-day life can limit the number of breakouts you experience.
Continue using sunblock as the exposed areas of the face still require protection. Eat a well-balanced diet, with low glycaemic index food. Avoid food which increases blood sugar quickly, such as white bread, white rice, sugary drinks and cornflakes, all of which can be linked with increased risk of acne.
And, for the men?
If you’ve grown a beard during lockdown, you may be more at risk of skin issues. Dr Rajkomar explains:
“Beards can lead to folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) which appears similar to some acne lesions.
Having a beard can mean that it is more difficult to clean the face properly, leading to accumulation of sweat, sebum, debris and bacteria and hence development of acne”
Keep your beard clean with a mild beard wash - anything too harsh will strip your skin of its natural oils.
Will wearing a mask be bad for my skin?
The answer is, you may be more prone to breakouts thanks to wearing a mask, but the benefits of wearing one to help stop the spread of COVID-19, well outweigh the negative of a few spots. By following the recommendations of Dr Rajkomar, hopefully your breakouts can be contained.
