Mask relief: Salmon complex moisturiser eases sensitive skin problems caused by face masks

Researchers in Korea noted that wearing masks had become essential for many people in view of the COVID-19 pandemic,

However, the number of people complaining of skin problems caused by wearing masks is increasing.

Therefore, they investigated the characteristics of changes in sensitive skin caused by wearing a mask, and if moisturiser could help improve problems.

Writing in the journal, Skin Research and Technology​, they explained: “Twenty healthy Korean women with sensitive skin participated in this study. ​

“To determine any skin-related changes caused by mask-wearing, we evaluated redness, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and moisture at 2.5 mm below the surface before and 4hours after wearing a Korea Filter 94 mask. ​

“In addition, we tested whether applying a moisturiser for 30 min after mask removal could reverse any mask-induced changes.”​

They found that skin redness and TEWL were significantly increased at four hours after wearing a mask, while skin hydration and the 2.5 mm moisture were significantly decreased.

After applying the moisturiser, skin redness and TEWL were significantly decreased compared to their values four hours after wearing masks, whereas skin hydration and the 2.5 mm moisture were significantly increased.

They added: “Moreover, after applying the moisturiser, skin redness and TEWL were significantly reduced compared to the pre-masking baseline, whereas skin hydration was significantly increased; the 2.5 mm moisture showed no significant change.​”​

Collagen

The moisturiser used was  KAHI Multi Balm, by KOREATECH Co. Ltd. This product contains three types of salmon complex (hydrolyzed collagen, soluble proteoglycan, and sodium DNA) as well as fermented Jeju oil and adenosine to help moisturize the skin and improve wrinkles.

The subjects applied the moisturizer immediately after the mask was removed, then were measured 30 minutes later.

In a previous study, the group found that using moisturiser while wearing the mask for a long time helps in reducing skin wrinkles and pores

In further studies they plan to investigate and compare the use of moisturiser and skin self-recovery in short durations.

“Further, we plan to investigate additional effects of mask-wearing on sensitive skin as well as to compare sensitive and nonsensitive skin types,”​ they added.

Source: Skin Research and Technology

https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13173​​

“The effects of wearing a face mask and of subsequent moisturizer use on the characteristics of sensitive skin”

Authors: Mi Ae Yoo​, et al.​