8 Tips to Prevent Mask Acne (‘Maskne’)

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, wearing masks has become a regular part of life.  Masks are important because they provide a layer of protection against different airborne infections. But they can also irritate the skin, clog pores, and flare acne. 

Keep reading to learn how to deal with mask acne, or “maskne” — the term for breakouts caused by frequent mask use. 

How do face masks cause acne?

Wearing a mask can cause acne in a few ways:

• Rubbing: Masks can irritate through friction and chafing, almost like a rug burn. The areas most at risk are the angle of the jaw and the bridge of the nose, where elastic bands hit behind the ears. Over time, tightly fitting masks can put enough pressure on the skin to cause it to break down. 

• Irritation: The material of a mask absorbs the skin’s natural oils. For some people, this leads to skin dryness and sensitivity. And residue from detergents and fabric softeners may get stuck underneath the mask and can cause skin irritation, too. 

• Occlusion: Masks that sit on the skin for a long time cause occlusion. This means pores can get clogged and become pimples or acne cysts. Your breath trapped beneath the mask also makes the skin surface warm and moist. Besides regular acne, this environment can lead to folliculitis, a type of breakout where yeast or bacteria infect hair follicles.

Promotional Disclosureinfo_outlined

SPECIAL OFFER

One Prescription + One Pump + Once a Day

Introducing CABTREO: the treatment that has clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide all in one topical application. Now cash pay patients pay no more than $100 using GoodRx.

Learn more

8 tips to protect your face from mask acne (‘maskne’)

Wearing a mask doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop acne or other skin problems. But when you wear a mask, take these steps to protect your skin and prevent breakouts. 

1. Wash your face first

Dirt and oil on your skin can get trapped under the mask and cause breakouts. Always put your mask on over a clean face. Choose a gentle cleanser that’s free of fragrance and oil. Rinse with lukewarm water, not hot water. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin.

2. Apply a good moisturizer

Moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and acts like a barrier to friction from a mask. Again, choose one that is fragrance free and oil free. Look for protective ingredients, like ceramide and hyaluronic acid. Avoid heavy products that can clog your skin and make you break out.

3. Skip the makeup

Don’t wear makeup underneath your mask. Layering an occlusive mask on top of layers of makeup increases the likelihood of clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, residue from makeup can soil your mask fabric.

4. Only wear clean masks

Your mask will collect dirt and oil from your skin plus bacteria from your mouth and nose. So change your masks regularly and wash them after every use.

5. Stick to fragrance-free laundry detergent

When washing your mask, make sure you choose a fragrance-free laundry detergent. Fragrance in fabric can be a skin irritant, so you definitely don’t want it on your face.

6. Don’t reuse surgical masks

Surgical masks are not meant to be reused because there’s no good way to clean them. If you choose to use one, don’t use the same one twice. 

7. Protect your ears

Elastic strap loops can cause friction burns on the back of your ears. If your skin is sensitive, or if you wear a mask for long periods of time, there are alternatives. You can attach the straps to buttons on a headband or to a clip behind your head.

8. Avoid harsh products

Medicated products, like retinol or benzoyl peroxide, are more irritating under a mask. This is because more product can be absorbed into the skin than without a mask, which could cause even more irritation. If you’re wearing a mask a lot, either use less of these products or pause using them altogether. 

How to treat different kinds of skin issues from face masks 

Is your skin already feeling the effects of wearing a mask? Here are some common skin issues and what you can do to treat them.

Dryness/skin peeling

Dryness and peeling can be the first signs of mask irritation. Over time, your skin can become prone to sensitivity, redness, dark marks, and breakdown. To fight this, always apply moisturizer before wearing a mask. After taking it off, apply pure petrolatum ointment.

Redness/swelling

If you have redness and swelling after taking off your mask, icing the skin can help. You can use ice cubes in a bag or frozen peas. Buffer with a paper towel and apply to the skin for a few minutes at a time. 

Then use a small amount of over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream. Be careful not to use it too much or too often — no more than a few times a day for 1 to 2 days at a time. Overuse can thin the skin and make you break out more. Don’t apply your mask right on top of the hydrocortisone. That traps it in and makes it stronger.

Skin breakdown

If you have fissures or breaks in the skin, cover them with a hydrocolloid dressing before putting on a mask. After removing the mask and washing your face, apply pure petrolatum wherever you need it. Another option is a prescription barrier cream like EpiCeram, Hylatopic, or Eletone.

Acne/breakouts

If you’re getting pimples under your mask, change your moisturizer. Look for something light that is “non-comedogenic.” This means it won’t clog your pores. You can also add a glycolic acid wash or a sulfur soap to your regimen. 

Avoid leave-on products that can get trapped under the mask. If your breakouts are severe or don’t get better, you might need prescription medications. 

What’s the best material for a face mask?

The material your mask is made out of affects how well it protects you. It also affects how easy it is to breathe through — and the risk of it causing mask acne. 

The best choice for a mask is tightly woven, 100% cotton. It’s effective, yet gentle on the skin. An air filter company — Smart Air — did a study comparing mask fabrics. They found that cotton provides a good balance of protection and breathability. Here’s what the study found: 

• Natural fibers like cotton filter better than synthetic fibers like polyester. 

• Scarves and bandanas are the least effective fabrics. 

• Denim and canvas work well and are breathable, but they’re too rough on the skin. 

When should you see a doctor for mask acne?

If you have skin damage or mask acne that doesn’t respond to skin-care changes, your primary care provider or a dermatologist can help. Many now offer virtual visits. Signs of a skin infection include spreading redness, pain, or drainage of pus. If this happens, seek more urgent medical attention.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Maryann Mikhail, MD

Maryann Mikhail, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer based in South Florida. She is the founder of Waverly DermSpa in Fort Lauderdale and holds a voluntary faculty position at the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami MIller School of Medicine.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts

References

Robertson, P. (2020). What are the best materials for making DIY masks? Smart Air.