Wearing a mask can take a toll on your skin causing acne and other skin problems. Mask acne is a condition of the skin people have been struggling with, even more so since we have had to use masks to protect ourselves from coronavirus. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Dr Michele Green a board certified Dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, laser, and dermatologic surgery. She is also has been named "Best Doctors" in New York Magazine.
Dr. Michele Green, can you talk a bit about your career as a dermatologist?
Dr. Michele S. Green is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, lasers and dermatologic surgery. A member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Skin Cancer Foundation Dr. Green is a highly respected and sought-after Physician in the area of cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer. She has been named “Best Doctors” in New York Magazine as a leader in the field of Dermatology. She is affiliated with Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Green graduated from Yale University and attended the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. A leader in non-surgical cosmetic treatments Dr. Green is known for her unique approach and attention to facial symmetry giving her patients a more youthful, natural look. Dr. Green believes no two patients are the same and creates individual treatment plan for each patient according to their specific needs or desire.
Dr. Green in recent years has consulted for global skin care brands such as L'Oreal, Johnson and Johnson, Bioré and RoC on the research, development, and safety testing of worldwide product launches. This experience gave her the ability to develop her own line of specialty products called MGSKINLABS. Dr. Green has also appeared in various magazines and TV shows, along with published papers in professional journals including The Journal of American Academy of Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology where she has written about surgical reconstruction and treatment of malignant melanoma.
2. We love one article in your blog about Maskne, What causes Maskne?
Mask acne, also known as Maskne, is a type of acne that is caused by or amplified by, certain conditions that are created by the masks we are currently wearing. It is most notably acne mechanica which is an acne that football players get under their helmets, or even the kind of acne we get on our body after the gym if we do not bathe soon after. The environment that the masks create is generally what causes maskne. Our skin is unable to breathe and is trapped by sweat, debris, and moisture making it a perfect home for bacteria to thrive, therefore clogging our pores. Those parts of our face are also now physically trapped by a frictional material that may be irritating to our skin. The combination of all of these factors can make for a bad case of maskne.
3. How can I protect my skin from Maskne?
There are a few methods you can try to prevent mask acne. The first method is to try to incorporate washing your face with a cleanser that contains a small amount of exfoliant. Exfoliants that contain a small percentage such as 2%-5% of Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, or Glycolic Acid will help unclog those pores and get rid of that debris and bacteria that creeps into your pores. Alternatively, you can use a gentle cleanser and follow up with retexturing pads that contain these same exfoliants. It is also important to incorporate some type of breathable barrier between your face and the mask. Any lightweight moisturizer should do the trick right before putting on your mask. Another key tip is to remember to wash your mask frequently if you wear a reusable one. Washing your mask ensures you are not re-exposing your face to the same bacteria and debris day after day. If you wear a non-reusable mask and have the ability to choose which one, go for one that does not make your skin itchy or irritated. There are different types of material and figuring out which one is right for you is a trial-and-error process. If mask acne persists, your acne may need a topical antibiotic. Please seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist if your acne is getting worse or not subsiding.
4. What food will be the best to combat acne?
As always, it is best to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet to ensure that your body is getting everything it needs to function properly. A diet that is rich in antioxidants and foods with anti-inflammatory properties are essential in combatting acne. Some foods rich in antioxidants are turmeric, papaya, blueberries, spinach, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, and nuts. Some foods that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties are: ginger, tomatoes, olive oil, fatty fish like tuna and salmon, and whole grain. The Mediterranean diet is a diet known in high anti-inflammatory foods. These foods contain properties which will help fight those bigger, red, inflamed pimples. A food worthy of incorporating in your diet is green tea as it is high in antioxidants but is also a natural antibiotic. It is known for killing some antibiotic resistant bacteria.
5. Generally what kind of skincare is recommended when you have acne?
Although masks are essential to wear right now, it is also super important to remember to clean your skin and allow your face to breathe. It is advisable to wash your face a few times through out the day, if possible. When washing your face, incorporate a small percentage exfoliant into your daily wash routine such as in your cleanser. As masks are known for creating super moist environments in our face, try to add a moisturizer that does not trap your skin. Stick to water based or gel-based moisturizers as they will still protect your skin but also allow it to breathe. To combat oil production, increase cell turnover, and help unclog those pores, consider investing in a low percentage retinol cream such as Djfferin which can be applied daily.
It is important that you do not wait too long to see a dermatologist for persistent breakouts since you want to prevent acne scars. You may need oral antibiotics, retinoids, or Accutane if your acne is severe. These products work by reducing surface bacteria, excess oil and inflammation which results in fewer breakouts. You can also do in office Chemical Peel treatments, Oxygen Facial, Hydrafacial, Microdermabrasion and Acne Surgery which will eliminate and reduce the acne flare.
Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, and sodium sulfacetamide can reduce surface bacteria. In addition, oral antibiotics such as minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline can be taken to control the growth of bacteria in the skin and in the sebaceous glands. Exfoliants such as Dr. Michele Green retexturing pads help control the acne because they contain glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These pads can be used daily on the skin.