Life these days is anything but ordinary. We’ve all adjusted to a “new normal” that involves maintaining a healthy distance from other people and wearing a mask in public. Simple steps like this help slow the spread of the coronavirus, so it’s well worth a minor inconvenience to protect yourself and others.

Wearing a face mask has always been required for certain professions, but now that make use has become standard a rising phenomenon is starting to gain speed: mask-related acne. Dubbed “maskne” on social media, mask-related acne is by no means a new problem. It has always been an issue among medical professionals, but the stress of the pandemic combined with long periods of mask use has led to increased incidence among the general public.

The truth is maskne is real and this particular problem isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon. Read on to learn the science behind mask-related acne and to learn what you can do to stop it.

What Is Maskne, Anyway?

Even if you were lucky enough to avoid horrible breakouts during your teenage years, you know what acne is. It is a skin condition that develops when the hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.[1] These materials accumulate in your pores, creating a plug that can become infected with bacteria, resulting in the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, and other types of blemishes.

Glands in your skin produce oil called sebum which helps keep your skin soft and hydrated but too much of that oil can lead to breakouts. Excess oil production coupled with fluctuating hormones, high stress levels, and an unhealthy diet can all contribute to an increase in acne. Add to these issues the irritation caused by wearing a mask for extended periods of time and you end up with maskne.[2]

The Science Behind Mask-Related Acne

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting as many as 50 million Americans each year. Acne affects roughly 85% of teens and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 but can continue into your 30s and 40s as well.[3] As common as acne is, many who haven’t had issues with adult acne are starting to have them now.

The important thing to know is that wearing a mask is not a direct cause for acne. Rather, prolonged mask use has the potential to create conditions in the skin that increase the likelihood it will develop.

Face masks cause irritation by pressing or rubbing against the skin which can damage your skin’s protective barrier. This particular form of acne is known as acne mechnica. Acne mechnica refers to localized stress or physical trauma to the skin caused by pressure, friction, rubbing, squeezing, or stretching. It is common in athletes who wear tight clothing or sports equipment like sports bras, compression gear, or football shoulder pads.[4] Acne mechanica differs from hormonal forms of acne.

Warm and humid conditions can also contribute to acne. Some bacteria and yeast are normally present in healthy skin, but when your pores become clogged by excessive sweat and moisture they can reproduce quickly, triggering acne cysts and pimples. When your skin’s moisture barrier becomes compromised, it may become drier than usual. Friction from your mask can then cause the hair follicles to break open which allows bacteria to enter the skin more easily.

Tips to Reduce or Prevent Maskne

Whether you’ve struggled with adult acne in the past or not, maskne is an issue that can develop at any time with continued mask use. Not wearing a mask isn’t an option, so you may be left wondering what you can do to resolve active breakouts and to prevent them from coming back. Preventing maskne is all about keeping your skin as clean and dry as possible.

Follow these simple tips to reduce and prevent mask-related acne:

• Wash your face with a gentle oil-free cleanser before putting on your face mask and after taking it off. Be sure to give your skin time to dry before donning your mask.
• Protect your skin with a light layer of moisturizer (try a thicker layer if your skin is sensitive or prone to eczema) as a barrier against friction and irritation when wearing a mask.
• Wash reusable fabric face masks after each use with fragrance-free detergent and let them air dry. Keep several on hand so you always have a clean one to wear.
• Avoid wearing thick layers of lotion, makeup, or sunscreen on the lower half of your face if you plan to wear a mask for an extended period of time. These can potentially clog the pores and aggravate breakouts.
• If you have facial hair, cleanse and tone your skin before putting on your mask and refresh your skin throughout the day with witch hazel or an alcohol-free toner to keep moisture from triggering breakouts.

Maskne aside, it’s important to pay attention to your skin. If you feel moisture building up under your mask or if your skin starts to feel tender or irritated, step outside to pat your skin dry and give it a moment to breathe. Remember as well that cleansing and moisturizing should be part of your daily routine and always choose skincare products appropriate for your skin type.

Proven Treatments to Conquer Acne

There’s nothing good about mask-related acne but before you start to despair, know this: it is treatable! In fact, maskne is no different from other forms of acne when it comes to treating active breakouts and preventing them from recurring. The same acne treatments you may have relied on during your adolescence are just as effective today in the fight against maskne.

Here are some of the top treatments for mask-related acne:

• Benzoyl Peroxide – Typically used as a spot treatment for acne, benzoyl peroxide is a drying agent that helps control acne-causing bacteria.
• Topical Retinoids – Also available in oral formulas, retinoids are derived from vitamin A and may help prevent your pores from clogging.
• Oral Antibiotics – Designed to control acne-causing bacteria, oral antibiotics are often prescribed in combination with topical acne treatments.
• Oral Contraceptives – This treatment is commonly used to treat hormonal acne and seems to be most effective when estrogen and progesterone are combined in one treatment.
• Spironolactone – Often used as an alternative treatment for hormonal acne, spironolactone is used to control excessive androgen levels.

Few adults today would choose to relive their teenage years if given the option. Fond memories aside, adolescence is rife with challenges ranging from peer pressure and fluctuating hormones to the horrors of acne. If mask-related acne has you struggling with flashbacks to the darker days of your teenage years, seek treatment and follow the steps above to get your maskne under control.