Could a new generation of textiles prevent ‘maskne’?

As COVID-19 restrictions continue and extended mask-wearing is expected to become more common, increasing numbers of people are experiencing “maskne”.

This is a term coined on social media for what is essentially a subset of acne mechanica, caused by wearing reusable fabric face masks. Fabric masks cause increased heat and moisture of the skin which, along with fabric-skin friction, can lead to maskne.

A new study by Wan-Lin Teo has looked at the microbiome of maskne and potential new therapies such as biofunctional textiles. While cotton masks are less irritating than reusable masks, they can still cause problems for people with acne if the face mask is worn for a long time. 

A new generation of fabrics known as biofunctional textiles, such as fabric containing silver or copper, could help stop flare-ups of maskne.

Textiles impregnated with silver showed significantly less Staphylococcus aureus and bacterial colonisation after two days of wearing the same mask without washing, compared with a placebo mask. 

Masks containing copper oxide may also have biocidal properties, and may even reduce the risk of hand or environmental contamination due to improper handling of masks.

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