MASKNE

Now that the pandemic has us all wearing masks, a nasty side effect has broken out: “Maskne” (MASK-nee) – a combination of the words “mask” and “acne”. All over social media, people claim they are suffering from a new kind of blemish. Maskne is caused by the combination of rubbing from the mask, which irritates the skin, as well as the hot moisture trapped inside, which dilates the pores and allows bacteria and oil to clog them up. Dermatologists say they’ve seen the condition before with athletes who wear a helmet or a baseball cap (* Hatne?) The recommendation is if you wear a cloth mask, wash it frequently. If you’re using a disposable surgical mask, let it dry out for 24 hours before wearing it again.
* Just when I thought I’d finally reached the end of puberty at the age of ___ (your current age).
* Is there a name for the grooves you get in your face from the elastic bands?
* Another fun thing – putting on your mask, exhaling into it, and realizing you need to brush your teeth again.
* I’m starting to think it would be less annoying to wear a beekeeper’s hood.