Dr. Truitt, a San Diego dermatologist, talks about how to keep your skin healthy, pandemic or no pandemic.

  1. Guard against “maskne” by using cotton or natural fiber masks. Wash or change your masks frequently. Remove your mask whenever you can safely. Acne Mechanica is a type of acne that occurs due to friction and pressure on the skin.
  2. Simplify your routine: reduce the number of skin care products. Sometimes simple and gentle is better. Your “acne” may actually be dry skin or eczema being exacerbated by frequent mask wearing. I recommend a product with hyaluronic acid such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost or Trader Joe’s Nourish Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum.

3. Use sunscreen even while you’re on social media or Zoom meetings. Studies show that blue light emitted by mobile phones, laptops, and computer screens can accelerate aging of the skin. Blue is the shortest wavelength of the visible light spectrum and the closest to the UV radiation spectrum known to cause skin aging and skin cancer. Use sunscreen with zinc oxide (mineral) of at least 5% and minimum SPF 30. I recommend Elta MD and Colorescience as they both have a tint variety which studies have shown may reduce the blue light effects. Screen filters or protectors to block blue light may also be helpful.

4. Traditional acne and anti-aging products may make Maskne even worse. Retinol and Vitamin C (which I normally love!) may increase irritation with repeated mask usage. Again, simple may be your best path forward with a gentle cleanser like Neutrogena or Cerave cleanser with intermittent usage of an acne wash like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

5. Finally, try alternative treatments. If you develop skin irritation, consider changing your anti-acne, anti-aging, or antioxidant products. Consider a 2 week washout period with a gentle, non-irritating line such as Vanicream.