Michelle Parsons
- Jan 7, 2021
- 2 min read

Why Am I Getting Maskne?

Why am I getting chin acne under my mask?

The increase in chin acne from mask wearing is known as “maskne.” It is a form of acne mechanica induced by rubbing of the mask over the chin when speaking. “Maskne” occurs when the terminal and vellus hairs on the chin, otherwise known as "peach fuzz", are rubbed preferentially because the hair sits above the skin. This rubbing results in mechanical irritation and the onset of acne mechanica. The solution for “maskne” is to keep the chin clean and bacteria free. This is best accomplished by wiping the chin with rubbing alcohol each morning prior to donning the mask. Also, try to select a mask that provides protection, but is long enough to allow for some chin movement independent of the mask. Test your mask by putting it on and opening and closing your mouth. If this can be accomplished without the mask rubbing your chin, then “maskne” can be reduced to the greatest degree possible.

For more stubborn maskne that does not respond to this, we have highly penetrable benzoyl peroxide that kills on contact the bacteria that causes acne, Acne Control by ZO, retail $35. This benzoyl peroxide is micronized to allow penetration into the pores, where this bacteria can hide. Most commercial benzoyl peroxide products are not micronized and do not penetrate into the pores of the skin.

The ZO Skin Health line also has a Complexion Clearing Masque which contains Sulfur (10%) to treat and prevents acne; reduces sebum and calms irritation, retail $52.

You may come in for a complimentary consultation for acne and "maskne" and you may also purchase these products online https://zoskinhealth.com/?practice-ref=7386&practice-name=Renove+Med+Spa

Why are my lips always chapped under my mask and what should I do to ameliorate the problem?

Many people who wear a mask now mouth breathe to move more air through the mask. This means more air is moving through the mouth than normal resulting in drying of the lips. The best solution is to wear a lip balm or vaseline, but this can mess up a good mask by making it sticky inside. Lip balm or vaseline is best applied at night when the lips are at rest. This allows the lips to heal by night and dry out by day. It is also important not to lick the lips during the day or wear a mask that constantly rubs the lips. Be sure the mask is big enough to allow easy speech. We carry Skin Medica HA5 to increase the natural water binding capacity of the skin. HA5 is recommended to increase permanent moisture in the facial skin and we have found it to be particularly helpful for permanently increasing moisture in the lips. HA5 works by increasing the natural hyaluronic acid in your skin, and more hyaluronic acid means more water in your skin. Skin Medica HA5 retails for $120 and we also carry HA5 travel size for $85 (travel sizes not available online). This product can also be purchased on line at https://renovemedspa.brilliantconnections.com/