Why Mask Wearing Triggered New Skin Issues
During the years when face masks became a daily must for many people, a wave of new skin problems popped up on faces. Doctors started calling it “maskne,” a mix of mask and acne, because wearing masks for hours led to breakouts, redness, and irritation in spots like the cheeks, jawline, and nose.[1] This happened because masks rubbed against the skin nonstop, creating friction that damaged the skin’s outer layer.[1][2]
The rubbing from mask materials caused tiny tears in the delicate skin around the jaw, cheeks, and nose bridge.[1] This friction stripped away natural oils that keep skin protected and moist, leaving it dry, flaky, and prone to cracks.[2] Tight masks made it worse by pressing too hard, squeezing tiny blood vessels under the skin and cutting off oxygen flow, which irritated the area and sped up breakdowns like sores.[3]
Trapped moisture added to the trouble. Sweat and breath built up under the mask, creating a warm, damp spot where bacteria thrived and clogged pores, sparking acne and inflammation.[1] Too much wetness softened the skin, making it easier to break down, while dryness from air leaks or low humidity caused dermatitis and more itching.[3]
Some masks let in tiny pollution particles through the fabric, which slipped into pores and triggered rashes, itching, and swelling by messing with skin cells.[4] Signs of damage showed up as lingering redness, a tight feeling, burning, stinging, or extra sensitivity to soaps and creams.[5]
People with sensitive skin, allergies, or conditions like eczema felt these effects strongest, as their skin barriers were already weak.[4] Long hours in masks day after day turned small irritations into ongoing issues that did not heal easily.
Sources
https://www.apollopharmacy.in/blogs/article/how-to-prevent-and-treat-acne
https://www.beeda-teyoudas.com/blog/can-medical-face-masks-cause-skin-problems-2257346.html
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap/how-to-treat-cpap-pressure-sores
https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/bangkok/content/pm-2-5-health-effects
https://www.thestonearms.co.uk/29-0007-experts-reviewed-that-trending-face-mask-brand-and-the-hidden-risks-might-surprise-you/
