Mask protection is essential, what to do if acne occurs? Three tips to solve acne troubles!

Editor's note: Since the outbreak, everyone has developed the habit of wearing masks. While wearing masks brings protection, it also brings some "troubles", such as acne after wearing it for a long time. Why does wearing a mask cause acne? How to avoid acne?

1. What is acne?

The scientific name of acne is acne, which is an infectious inflammation of the sebaceous glands of the hair follicles. It often occurs in areas such as the face, chest and upper back where sebaceous glands are densely distributed and sebum secretion is abundant.

Most sebaceous glands open at the entrance of hair follicles. Once the entrance of hair follicles is blocked, the skin is prone to inflammatory reactions due to the stimulation of excessive fatty acids from sebum metabolites and the action of excessive growth of Propionibacterium acnes in a closed environment.

The direct cause of acne is excessive oil secretion and excessive keratinization of the sebaceous gland ducts of the hair follicles, which causes the hair follicle openings to become smaller, the ducts to become clogged, and sebum to accumulate. These two conditions provide fatty acids and an anaerobic environment for Propionibacterium acnes, accelerating their reproduction.

2. Wearing a mask and acne

Let's take a look at the structure of the mask. Disposable masks are generally divided into three layers: the outer layer is a water-blocking layer that can block splashing liquids; the middle layer is a filter layer that can effectively block particles; the inner layer is a water-absorbing layer that can absorb moisture from the wearer's mouth and nose. Wearing a mask for a long time will cause the environment between the face and the mask to be humid and hot, causing the epithelial cells of the hair follicle sebaceous gland duct to increase in water content and volume, leading to acute blockage, thus causing acne.

When wearing a mask, you must distinguish the inside and outside, otherwise it will not only fail to provide protection, but may also cause skin discomfort. Generally speaking, the dark side of the mask is the outside, which is the water-blocking layer. The lighter side is the inside (water-absorbing layer). For masks with white on both sides, you need to check the metal strip of the mask. Generally, the metal strip of the mask will only protrude on one side and not on the other side. The protruding side should be the outside, otherwise it will not fit effectively when the nose clip is pressed down. In addition, you can also use the folds on the mask fabric to help you distinguish. Generally, the folds that open downwards are the outside.

While wearing a mask, if the inside of the mask is damp, you should replace the mask; if you feel damp and stuffy, you can choose an open place with few people to take off the mask and rest for a while.

3. Other reasons for acne caused by wearing a mask

If you wear the mask correctly, for the right amount of time, and replace it promptly when it gets wet, but you still get acne, it may be that the skin care products you use are too oily or too thick!

In the dry winter, female friends like to choose mineral oil products. Although these products can moisturize, because the moisture on the skin surface evaporates slower when wearing a mask than when not wearing a mask, mineral oil products will increase the burden on the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to choose light skin care products and avoid using products containing mineral oil, vegetable oil, and silane ingredients.

In addition, female friends should also pay attention to their diet. Eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and fiber, eat less or avoid high-fat, high-sugar, spicy and irritating foods, do not smoke or drink. Keep a regular work and rest schedule, do not stay up late. Keep a happy mood and learn to reduce stress.

How to avoid acne? Here are three tips!

1. Choose a suitable mask according to the nature of your work. If you are not a front-line worker or a high-risk patient of infection who goes to the hospital for medical treatment, you do not need to wear an N95 mask. You can choose a lighter and more breathable disposable mask and replace it regularly.

2. When changing masks, you can use oil-absorbing tissue to absorb excess facial oil. Choose soothing and moisturizing products with a lighter texture, and avoid using ointments, powder creams and cosmetics that are too occlusive on the area covered by the mask.

3. Limit a diet high in fat and sugar, limit the intake of dairy products, eat less stimulating food, get more rest, drink more water, and eat more vegetables and fruits.

Never squeeze pimples with your hands

Never squeeze the pimples that come out with your hands. If the symptoms are mild, such as blackheads and a small number of papules, they can be treated by proper cleaning and external use of low-concentration salicylic acid acne products on the market. If it is ineffective or it is moderate to severe acne (a large number of inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, etc.), you need to go to the dermatology department for treatment.

Some patients with sensitive skin may be allergic to the mask material or trace amounts of gas disinfectant residues, which may trigger acne. Such patients need to see a dermatologist for confirmation. (People's Health Network compiled from Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Yangcheng Evening News)