Key takeaways

  • People can develop breakouts from wearing masks. This condition, popularly known as “maskne” (mask acne), could result from friction, irritation, sweat, or bacteria.
  • You can treat maskne a similar way as regular acne. A good skin care routine involving gentle cleansing, acne treatment, and a noncomedogenic moisturizer may help.
  • Choosing the right mask, keeping it clean, and taking regular breaks from masks, wherever possible, may help prevent maskne.

People may wear masks for various reasons. It may be mandated as part of their job, such as healthcare professionals, or people may simply wish to reduce the transmission of airborne viruses.

In any instance, doing so can lead to skin issues, including acne. It can also trigger conditions such as dermatitis and folliculitis.

If you’re concerned about maskne — whether it’s acne or other skin flare-ups resulting from mask use — read on. We’ll explore why it happens and ways to manage it.

“Maskne” is slang for acne caused by wearing face masks. It became a popular term during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people wore masks to protect themselves and others from the virus, SARS-CoV-2.

Some people who frequently or for long periods wore masks noticed acne on the lower part of their faces, possibly due to the effects of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Medical staff and other professionals who use PPE may also experience maskne. However, it is not a distinct medical condition – it’s just a way of describing where the acne is, and why it happened.

Acne happens when your pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or dirt. The same is true for maskne.

There are several ways in which wearing a mask might make acne more likely:

  • Trapped substances: You already have oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells on your skin. However, when you wear a mask, these substances can accumulate underneath it, or on the mask itself.
  • Sweat and humidity: Masks may trap moisture from your breath or sweat, which could encourage bacterial growth.
  • Friction: The material of a face covering can rub against your skin, potentially causing a type of acne known as “acne mechanica“.

There are several ways to treat acne. Here’s a closer look at your options.

Gently cleanse your face

When you need to wear a mask, continue with your regular skin care routine to maintain healthy skin. This includes washing your face:

  • in the morning
  • at night, after brushing your teeth before bed
  • after sweating

Use lukewarm water and a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to remove excess oil, sweat, and bacteria. Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or perfume.

Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin, as this may worsen inflammation.

Apply an acne treatment

Some cleansers already contain acne-treating ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. But some people prefer a separate acne treatment that sits on the skin longer.

If you have sensitive skin, ask your doctor or dermatologist about the best type of acne medication for your skin.

Use a noncomedogenic moisturizer

Next, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

It’s a myth that all moisturizers are bad for acne-prone skin. Even if you have oily skin, an oil-free moisturizer can add hydration and protect the skin barrier without making your skin greasy.

Look for a noncomedogenic product that won’t block pores.

Take a break from makeup

Try skipping the makeup while you’re treating maskne, or avoiding makeup on the lower half of your face.

Some makeup products can clog the pores.

To prevent maskne in the future, try the following tips.

Choose the right mask

The type of mask you use could affect your skin health. There are several types available, but among the most common are reusable fabric masks and medical-grade disposable PPE.

For all types of masks, look for a model that:

  • fits snugly, but not too tight
  • has two or more layers
  • has a wire at the top to prevent air from leaking around the nose

When choosing a fabric mask, choose one made from soft, natural materials, such as cotton. Some reusable fabric masks have a pouch for inserting medical-grade filters.

Keep the mask clean

If you use a fabric mask, wash it after you wear it once. Use an unscented detergent for sensitive skin and select a program that suits the fabric.

Keep wet or dirty masks in a plastic bag and wash them as soon as possible to prevent mold from developing. After washing, let the mask dry completely.

Toss disposable masks after each use

If you use disposable masks, throw them away after every use. Consider keeping several face masks on hand in case you need a fresh one.

Be sure to dispose of face masks responsibly, as research shows they are contributing to increased plastic pollution. One estimate suggests that 1.56 million face masks entered the world’s oceans in 2020 alone.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands doesn’t just prevent the spread of viruses – it can also prevent acne-causing bacteria from transferring from your hands to your face.

Avoid touching the face unecessarily. If you need to touch the face or adjust your mask, wash your hands with soap and water if possible.

Remove your mask every 4 hours

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every 4 hours. This will help give your skin a break.

If you are wearing a mask to help protect others from an illness you have, remove your face mask only when you can practice physical distancing with people who aren’t in your household.

Wash your face after wearing a mask

Once you’re home, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Follow with a moisturizer to protect your skin. Washing your face is especially important if you’ve been sweating.

Here are some additional tips for those using surgical masks and respirators:

  • Take time to fit the mask so that it provides a seal but is not too tight.
  • Apply a light emollient at least 30 minutes before using facial PPE.
  • Apply a silicon barrier to vulnerable areas of skin, such as the cheeks.
  • Follow guidance for taking breaks with specific mask types, as this may vary.
  • If you have a skin condition and your schedule does not allow for sufficient breaks, speak with your supervisor, who may be able to help.
  • Ask about masks with alternative components that can help avoid triggers.
  • For broken skin, apply a silicon-backed dressing to the nasal bridge and cheeks to protect the area and keep the mask seal intact.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Several other skin conditions can look similar to acne and may also occur when you wear masks. Some examples include:

  • Contact dermatitis: This is the most common mask-related skin condition. It could occur if you’re allergic or sensitive to the material your mask is made from. Contact dermatitis can cause a bumpy rash or blisters, which may resemble pimples.
  • Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that may worsen or appear around the mouth due to friction, irritation, or exposure to heat and sweat.
  • Periofacial dermatitis: This causes a rash of small pimples that develop around the eyes, mouth, or both. It can happen while wearing a mask after using cosmetics or corticosteroid creams, or for no apparent reason.
  • Rosacea: If you have rosacea, wearing a mask may irritate the skin and cause flare-ups. This can lead to pimples and discoloration.
  • Folliculitis: Folliculitis is an infection of your hair follicles. It causes bumps that can resemble an acne breakout. You might also experience itchiness or pain.

If you already have one of these conditions, you may be more prone to developing symptoms around the mouth. But equally, wearing a mask regularly can also cause symptoms to arise for the first time.

If you’re unsure if you have acne or another skin condition, it’s worth getting advice from a doctor. Some of these conditions have treatments that can help to clear or reduce the symptoms.

Below are some common questions about maskne.

Keeping masks clean, giving the skin regular breaks, and cleansing twice per day (or after sweating) may help to keep maskne at bay.

The same products that help with acne more generally can also treat maskne. This includes ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

Typically, disposable N95 and surgical-grade masks are more effective than reusable cloth ones.

Cotton and silk are popular mask fabrics for the general public, but researchers have yet to determine which is best for protecting the skin while preventing particles from entering or leaving the mask.

Maskne, or mask acne, refers to acne breakouts that occur when wearing a face mask. Symptoms may include pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads.

Although maskne can be frustrating, it’s essential to continue wearing face coverings to help prevent illness. Many people must wear them as a part of their career and daily work. Washing your face regularly, moisturizing, and keeping masks clean may help.

If your maskne is severe or persists after trying these recommendations, follow up with your dermatologist or healthcare professional.