Open AccessChanges in skin wrinkles and pores due to long‐term mask wear
Author(s) -
Park Minhye,
Kim Hongbi,
Kim Suyeon,
Lee Juseon,
Kim Sungeun,
Byun Ji Won,
HwangBo Jeon,
Park Keun Hyung
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/srt.13019
Subject(s) - moisturizer , medicine , skin thickness , dermatology , materials science , wrinkle , composite material , chemistry , food science
Background The spread of COVID‐19 has made mask wear essential. Expecting that long‐term mask wear would change the characteristics of skin, this study investigated changes in skin wrinkles and pores caused by long‐term mask wear and whether or not use of moisturizers has an effect on any changes. Materials and methods The study participants were 20 women who were instructed to wear a mask for at least 6 hours a day for 4 weeks. Measurements of skin wrinkles and pores were obtained before and after the 4 weeks of mask wear. The effects of application of a moisturizer were assessed by applying moisturizer within the mask‐wearing area. They completed a questionnaire about skin changes at the end of the study period. Results After wearing the mask for 4 weeks, there was a significant increase in the skin wrinkles and pores; both variables decreased significantly in skin areas where a moisturizer had been applied. The results of the questionnaire‐based survey indicated the study participants considered that long‐term wearing of a mask had affected their skin. Conclusion Wearing a mask for extended periods increases skin wrinkles and pores and using a moisturizer when wearing the mask helps to reduce this problem.