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.