Enhanced Fluctuations in Facial Pore Size, Redness, and TEWL Caused by Mask Usage Are Normalized by the Application of a Moisturizer

Abstract

Mask wearing is described as one of the main public health measures against COVID-19. Mask wearing induces various types of subjective and objective facial skin damage, such as hair pore dilatation and redness. Facial pore size and redness show morning-to-evening intra-day fluctuations. It remains unknown whether mask usage affects fluctuations in pore size and redness. We measured facial skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pore size, and redness four times a day for 6 weeks in 20 healthy young women. After a 2-week no-mask-usage period (baseline period), all subjects wore unwoven masks for 2 weeks; then, for the following 2 weeks, they applied masks after the topical application of a moisturizer containing a Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF) skin care formula (Pitera™). We demonstrated that mask wearing significantly increased the intra-day fluctuations of pore size, redness, and TEWL. In addition, significant correlations were evident among these three parameters. Notably, these mask-induced skin changes were significantly improved, achieving a return to baseline levels, by the application of a GFF-containing moisturizer. In conclusion, mask wearing aggravates intra-day fluctuations in pore size and redness. Appropriate moisturization can minimize this mask-related skin damage, most likely by normalizing the elevated TEWL.

Keywords: COVID-19; GFF Pitera™; Galactomyces ferment filtrate-containing skin care formula; TEWL; facial imaging; fluctuation; mask usage; pore size; redness; skin hydration.

Figure 1

(A). Correlation between Δ fluctuation in TEWL and Δ fluctuation in pore size. (B). Correlation between Δ fluctuation in TEWL and Δ fluctuation in redness.

Figure 2

Effect of moisturization on the mask-induced enlargement of pore size. *; p < 0.05.

Figure 3

Effects of moisturization on the Δ fluctuation in skin hydration (A), Δ fluctuation in TEWL (B), Δ fluctuation in pore size (C), and Δ fluctuation in redness (D). *; p < 0.05. **; p < 0.01.

Figure 4

Case 1. Facial images taken after face washing in the morning. (A) Final day of non-mask period (phase I), (B) Final day of mask period (phase II), (C) Final day of GFF Pitera™ + mask period (phase III).

Figure 5

Case 2. Facial images taken after face washing in the morning. (A) Final day of non-mask period (phase I), (B) Final day of mask period (phase II), (C) Final day of GFF Pitera™ + mask period (phase III).