Season‐ and facial site‐specific skin changes due to long‐term mask wearing during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Background As people have regularly worn facial masks due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, mask‐wear‐related adverse effects on the skin have been recognized. The aim of this study was to explore skin changes, their seasonal variations in the general population caused by commonly used masks and a possible mechanism underlying negative effects of mask‐wearing. Materials and methods Eighteen Japanese females participated in the study during summer and winter in Japan. Skin characteristics were measured in the non‐mask‐wearing preauricular area and the mask‐wearing cheek and perioral areas. Results Trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) on the cheek area tended to be increased in winter, which was positively correlated with skin scaliness on the same area. Ceramide (CER) content and composition in the mask‐covered stratum corneum (SC) were slightly changed between summer and winter, and CER [NP]/[NS] ratio was negatively correlated with the TEWL on the perioral skin in winter. Skin hydration and sebum secretion were higher on the cheek compared to the perioral area in summer. Skin redness was particularly high on the cheek in winter. Conclusion Mask‐wear‐related skin changes were season‐ and facial site‐specific, and alterations in SC CER may play a role in barrier‐related skin problems caused by mask use.

Efficacy of a moisturizing cream and facial mask for alleviating skin problems associated with medical mask use: A half‐face, randomized controlled study

“…1,6 Upon removal of the mask, rapid evaporation of accumulated moisture on the skin occurs, triggering extensive water loss, and consequently leading to dehydration of the stratum corneum. 12,13 This effect disrupts the skin's barrier function, potentially culminating in skin dryness, and desquamation. Concurrently, prolonged mask usage prompts a trend toward reddening of the skin.…”

“…Concurrently, prolonged mask usage prompts a trend toward reddening of the skin. 13,14 This is primarily due to the elevation in skin temperature, which stimulates the thermoregulatory mechanisms, causing skin blood vessels to dilate, and blood flow to increase. 15,16 Although these effects generally revert to normal post-mask removal, persistent erythema may ensue in cases of extended mask wear due to inflammatory responses.…”

“…Prolonged use of medical masks results in a notable rise in temperature and humidity inside the mask, leading to a significant increase in skin surface temperature 1,6 . Upon removal of the mask, rapid evaporation of accumulated moisture on the skin occurs, triggering extensive water loss, and consequently leading to dehydration of the stratum corneum 12,13 . This effect disrupts the skin's barrier function, potentially culminating in skin dryness, and desquamation.…”

“…This effect disrupts the skin's barrier function, potentially culminating in skin dryness, and desquamation. Concurrently, prolonged mask usage prompts a trend toward reddening of the skin 13,14 . This is primarily due to the elevation in skin temperature, which stimulates the thermoregulatory mechanisms, causing skin blood vessels to dilate, and blood flow to increase 15,16 .…”