Is your face mask affecting your skin?
Is your face mask affecting your skin?
2020 has been the year of the face mask. In recent weeks the government has updated its COVID-19 legislation, making face coverings mandatory in all shops and takeaways, as well as on all public transport. With talk of these rules being extended further to include outdoor public spaces and workplaces, it seems that face masks will be a big part of our lives for the foreseeable future.
While this may be good news for public health, it could cause real problems for those with sensitive skin. Face masks have been linked to a number of skin conditions, including acne, rashes, and other allergic reactions. Here are a few to watch out for.
Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term for conditions that cause the skin to become dry, red and itchy. Contact dermatitis is one of the most common types, and is caused by prolonged contact with an unfriendly material or substance. In this case, the material from a face mask can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
Bacteria build-up
Although masks are designed to keep germs out, they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. The warmth of your breath and the lack of circulating air inside your mask can cause germs to grow and multiply. This can be bad for your skin, and for your health in general.
ACNE
Acne can be triggered by a number of factors. The constant movement of a mask against your skin, combined with the general stress of the current situation, is the perfect recipe for a flare-up. This has become so common that many have started referring to the phenomenon as "Maskne".
HEAT RASH
Heat rash is a common allergy caused by increased body temperature and sweating. Heat, humidity and CO2 from your breath can trigger an allergic reaction as your immune system tries to get rid of trapped sweat and dead skin cells inside your mask.