Is mask acne normal?

[wingsnthat]

YABU = no
YANBU = yes

Basically I’m just trying to gauge whether wearing face coverings for extended periods of time (eg full shift) can cause skin issues for everyone, or if it’s just those with skin disorders. I definitely get problems but dunno if I’m in the minority or not

@MadMadMadamMim yes you’ve hit the nail on the head - it’s not necessarily about changing masks frequently. I think it’s just that having a mask on creates the perfect environment underneath it for acne or rashes or other skin issues to form rapidly. It’s the heat x moisture

I have quite sensitive skin, get psoriasis and usually get quite dry skin too. Have never suffered with acne though.

Masks fortunately cause me no issues. They don't for Dh or 19y Dd either.

I used to work in operating theatres, so would wear them for hours at a time. Never met anyone with any sort of acne due to masks. But then, we wore a clean one every time. General public probably using the same one from the bottom of their bag for weeks at a time.

@Abraxan sounds like your psoriasis is well managed! Any tips?

Yeah its pretty well documented at this stage that it causes skin issues for a lot of people.

We wear them for work. Some of the girls who suffer Maskne have said putting on salicylic acid helps them. They use the me + range? It helps with oily skin and helps prevent the pimples.

As in they pop the acid on the mask itself. S oi it works when the mask is on.

@NoMoreHGTVPlease what! I am trying that tomorrow thank you! Love salicylic acid

I have to wear an IIR mask at work, I’m not allowed to wear a cotton mask and I’ve been getting really sore spots around my nose and my psoriasis on my face is really flaring up, especially around my eyes.
I change mask every 3 hours to try and help and make sure in really cleansing my face when I wash, but I cannot wait to get rid of them. I’m hoping they’ll be gone come June!

My beauty salon have said it’s so common they all just call it macne!

My DD, in her late 30s has awful spots on her cheeks from wearing a mask all day.

I don't have to wear one for long periods but I do find my throat and the inside of my nose feel terribly dry after wearing one for even just going to the supermarket; and no, I don't take a dirty one out of my handbag, as a pp suggested the general public do. I use a fresh one each time.

[quote wingsnthat]@NoMoreHGTVPlease what! I am trying that tomorrow thank you! Love salicylic acid[/quote]
Give it a go. Once they are cleared then swap to niacinamide to protect the skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated.