Wearing masks has become a common practice in the post-COVID-19 era, but it can also have unintended consequences for people with sensitive skin. A recent study by researchers from the Peking University First Hospital in China found that mask-wearing can disrupt the skin barrier function and alter the skin microbiome profile, potentially leading to increased skin sensitivity and discomfort. The good news is that applying a moisturizer containing lipids and probiotics before wearing a mask can help mitigate these adverse effects and aid in barrier repair.
Mask-Induced Skin Barrier Disruption
The study, published in Scientific Reports, involved 30 female volunteers with self-reported sensitive skin. The researchers found that wearing a medical mask for just three hours significantly increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema index (EI), and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) in the masked areas, indicating a weakening of the skin barrier function. Interestingly, the mask-wearing also had a negative impact on the adjacent, unmasked areas, although to a lesser extent.
Alteration of the Skin Microbiome
The researchers also analyzed the skin microbiome before and after mask-wearing. They found that mask-wearing led to a significant decrease in bacterial diversity, as measured by the Shannon index. The abundance of certain bacteria, such as Cutibacterium, increased, while the abundance of others, like Streptococcus and Prevotella, decreased. These changes in the skin microbiome profile could further contribute to skin sensitivity and discomfort.
Mitigating Mask-Related Discomforts with Moisturizer
The good news is that the researchers found that applying a moisturizer containing lipids and probiotics before wearing a mask can help mitigate the adverse effects. The moisturizer-treated side showed reduced TEWL and erythema (redness) after mask-wearing, as well as faster barrier recovery. The researchers believe that the moisturizer’s barrier-repairing ingredients and probiotic components helped strengthen the skin’s resilience and create a more suitable microenvironment for recovery.
Implications for Sensitive Skin Management
These findings have important implications for individuals with sensitive skin who need to wear masks regularly. The study suggests that proactive skincare strategies, such as using a moisturizer with barrier-repairing and microbiome-modulating ingredients, can help protect the skin and reduce mask-related discomforts. As mask-wearing becomes a long-term habit, this research highlights the importance of considering the skin’s needs and taking steps to maintain its health and resilience.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Shaomin Zhong, Yanyun Lai, Jun Na, Yan Wu.
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