According to Dr. Vincent, one of the country's leading health and wellness experts, antioxidant researcher, clinical nutritionist and food scientist, mask acne is becoming one of the leading skin complaints he is being asked about by people of all ages.
Dr. Vincent knows a lot about skin care. He founded Renovatio, the world's most potent antioxidant produced using only Australian apples. His products, which include supplements and a skin care range, not only support health and wellness, they help the body to perform at optimum levels.
"With many people now wearing masks across the country, I am being inundated with questions from people wanting to know how to treat skin rashes and acne breakouts due to wearing a mask," Dr. Vincent said.
"It doesn't matter what type of mask you wear, they all create friction and place pressure on the skin and also impact the degree to which your skin can breathe and access fresh air.
"The skin on our face is particularly sensitive. In fact, the skin on our face is thinner than the skin on our body, except the chest, so we need to work harder to take care of it.
"The term to describe acne that is caused by friction and pressure on the skin is acne machanica. This type of acne breakout occurs when the skin is rubbed or experiences friction or pressure - such as heavy clothing, bulky protective gear, or constant movement from a face mask.
Dr. Vincent states that while acne mechanica can evolve from a preexisting acne issue, it can also occur by itself.
"Skin rashes and acne mechanica can be stressful and upsetting to deal with, especially if you haven't experienced acne before," Dr. Vincent said.
"Acne mechanica can cause inflammatory skin lesions such as papules and pustules, which are essentially pimples. If your skin is not allowed to breathe, the condition can worsen or be difficult to treat. This is especially difficult for people who are working in front line roles and need to wear a mask for an extended period of time."
Dr. Vincent has put together some tips to help people treat and manage acne mechanica and face rashes.
Allow your skin to breathe
"Fresh air is critical for skin health. When you are not working or wearing a mask, allow your skin to breathe. Spend time outdoors or in an area where you have access to clean fresh air. Try to get as much fresh air as possible and avoid going places where you have to wear a mask, " Dr Vincent said.
Avoid makeup
"Unfortunately makeup clogs up the skin. While wearing a mask, try to keep makeup to a minimum or have make up free days. This will help your skin to breathe and go through its natural process of shedding dead skin cells," Dr Vincent added.
Topical treatments
"Topical treatments such as activated phenolics skin cream and retinoids can be used to soothe, reduce inflammation and support the growth of new skin cells. Retinoids are related to vitamin A. Tretinoin (retinoic acid) is a vitamin A derived cream that has been used for the treatment of acne for many years, however this may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Activated phenolics are super strength antioxidants extracted from apples that support cellular health and can be easily absorbed by the body," Dr. Vincent explained.
"Whether you have a rash or are experiencing acne mechanica it is important to support your skin with the right treatment in order to calm, soothe and repair the skin."