Amorepacific Publishes Paper on Skin Changes When Wearing Masks

Confirmed Induction of Skin Changes Such as Dryness and Redness in a Short Time

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Amorepacific Technical Research Center has announced the results of a study on the effects of mask-wearing on the skin. This paper, which investigated skin changes according to the duration of mask-wearing during the day, was published online in the SCI-level international journal Skin Research and Technology.

Due to the high transmission rate of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the possibility of droplet infection, wearing personal protective equipment such as masks is essential for disease prevention. However, physical irritation caused by mask materials and the hot and humid environment inside the sealed mask can also induce skin changes. Amorepacific Technical Research Center tracked and observed skin changes caused by mask-wearing to address skin troubles arising from mask use.

The study found that mask-wearing increased skin temperature and redness in a short time. In the area around the mouth, which is directly affected by breath inside the sealed mask, the skin became dry. Although it was expected that the moisture inside the mask would make the skin moist, it was confirmed that the area around the mouth can become dry due to the breath warmed by body temperature. Since persistent skin dryness can lead to aging signs such as loss of elasticity and wrinkles, skin exposed to mask-wearing environments requires proper moisturizing and soothing care.

Until now, skin damage has been reported in occupational groups such as medical staff who wear masks for long hours, but there have been no studies on skin changes caused by mask-wearing in the general public. Masks have become an essential daily item for everyone due to COVID-19, and such situations may occur again in the future. This study informs that typical mask-wearing environments can affect the skin and that skin changes caused by mask-wearing can appear even in a short time.

Amorepacific Technical Research Center plans to apply these research results to product development and propose solutions to maintain healthy skin while using masks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.