N95 respirators alter facial skin physiological functions and lipidome composition in health care personnel.

BACKGROUND

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, wearing medical respirators and masks was essential to prevent transmission.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the effects of N95 mask usage by measuring facial skin biophysical characteristics and changes in the lipidome.

METHODS

Sixty healthy volunteers wore N95 respirators for 3 or 6 h. Facial images were acquired and physiological parameters were measured in specific facial areas, before and after mask-wearing. Lipidome analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

After N95 respirator usage, facial erythema was observed in both the 3 and 6 h groups. Both sebum secretion and trans-epidermal water loss increased significantly in mask-covered cheeks and chins after 6 h of mask wearing compared with before mask wearing (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis revealed significant differences in lipid composition after mask wearing compared with before. The ceramide subclass NS exhibited a positive correlation with stratum corneum hydration, whereas the AP subclass was negatively correlated with trans-epidermal water loss in the 6 h group.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged wear of N95 respirators may impair facial skin function and alter lipidome composition.