How to prevent mask-ne this fall season; effective skincare and good mask habits
By Lydia Hurley
October 23, 2020
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Masks have been a defining feature of 2020 - they are one of the most effective ways to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19. Something few of us anticipated, though, is the dreaded “mask-ne,”or blemishes from wearing facial masks. Dealing with mask-ne is almost as spooky as not wearing a mask at all, so it’s important to protect your skin from these blemishes.
Wearing masks is essential, but acne resulting from it can be difficult to deal with. According to advice from dermatologists, skincare gurus and students...these are our most effective tips to treat and prevent mask-ne! |
Image Credit: Creative Commons
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What is Mask-ne and What Causes It?
Mask acne, or “mask-ne,” is acne that flares up around the chin, mouth and nose from wearing facial masks for an extended period of time.
Breathing into a mask traps hot air around the mouth area, which is what causes bacteria to grow on the skin.
According to the Cleveland Health Clinic’s website and dermatologist Dr. Amy Kassouf, “These bacterial imbalances and friction from your mask can promote acne and rosacea flare-ups as well as something called perioral dermatitis. This is when fine pimples and pustules appear around the nose and mouth.”
The Johns Hopkins Medical Center states that you are more prone to acne under your mask if you are already acne-prone, or have conditions such as rosacea, eczema, sensitive skin or allergies, but it can happen regardless of your skin type.
Preventative Skincare
It is essential to stick to what works best for your skin in developing a skincare routine, but it may be worthwhile to consider switching up your routine if you find yourself getting breakouts from your mask.
This Skin Type Quiz from skincare expert Renée Rouleau helps you determine your skin type and tailor your skincare routine to it. It is important to remember that regardless of skin type, anyone can be prone to mask acne. Below are a few items to begin a basic skincare routine that can be tailored to any skin type.
A Simple Skincare Routine to Prevent & Treat Mask-ne:
Mask acne, or “mask-ne,” is acne that flares up around the chin, mouth and nose from wearing facial masks for an extended period of time.
Breathing into a mask traps hot air around the mouth area, which is what causes bacteria to grow on the skin.
According to the Cleveland Health Clinic’s website and dermatologist Dr. Amy Kassouf, “These bacterial imbalances and friction from your mask can promote acne and rosacea flare-ups as well as something called perioral dermatitis. This is when fine pimples and pustules appear around the nose and mouth.”
The Johns Hopkins Medical Center states that you are more prone to acne under your mask if you are already acne-prone, or have conditions such as rosacea, eczema, sensitive skin or allergies, but it can happen regardless of your skin type.
Preventative Skincare
It is essential to stick to what works best for your skin in developing a skincare routine, but it may be worthwhile to consider switching up your routine if you find yourself getting breakouts from your mask.
This Skin Type Quiz from skincare expert Renée Rouleau helps you determine your skin type and tailor your skincare routine to it. It is important to remember that regardless of skin type, anyone can be prone to mask acne. Below are a few items to begin a basic skincare routine that can be tailored to any skin type.
A Simple Skincare Routine to Prevent & Treat Mask-ne:
- Makeup Remover - Taking off your makeup at the end of the day is essential so there is no buildup of makeup, oil or dirt on the skin. Sleeping with makeup on and not properly cleansing the skin can cause an increased breakouts. Micellar water and a cotton pad or a makeup-removing cleanser like the Bliss Makeup Melt are both great options and create less waste than makeup wipes!
- Cleanser - It is important to cleanse the skin well after removing makeup or when starting your day. This removes any oil or dirt that may be deep in the skin and ensures there is a clean base to apply other products and keep the skin clean. Depending on your skin type you may opt for a gentle cleanser, moisturizing cleanser or oil-free cleanser. Cetaphil is a great option for most normal skin types.
- Moisturizer - Many people believe that skipping moisturizer is effective to prevent acne, but using a moisturizer actually creates a protective barrier that also fights bacteria and oil buildup. Dr. Kassouf recommends moisturizing morning and night. In the morning, opt for a light moisturizer that contains SPF. This Oil-Free Moisturizer by Neutrogena is a great choice. It is important to use a moisturizer with SPF all year round. At night, SPF is not necessary, so opt for a heavier moisturizing cream that will nourish your skin and help create an effective barrier for the skin. The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
- Topical Solution - Oftentimes an effective skincare regimen can still not be enough to prevent acne and we wind up with bumps around the mask and nose. A topical spot treatment cream containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide helps to treat acne and minimize inflammation of pimples. Some great options are the Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment or a drying lotion like this one from Mario Badescu. Additionally, The Peace Out Acne Healing Dots help to treat and minimize larger breakouts.
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Other Products - If you prefer to use other products like serums, creams or exfoliators, they can also be effective in building a strong skin routine that prevents acne. Use what works best for you, your skin and your budget!
A popular product that skincare guru Hyram Yabro swears by is The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum, which aims to brighten the skin and prevent clogged pores. He discusses their products in his youtube video: “The Truth About The Ordinary: The Good & The Ugly” UMD freshman Ellie Quinn also uses this serum, saying “This serum is the best. I love to use it with a jade roller because it’s super refreshing and works well to brighten my skin.” UMD freshman Camille Lucente uses the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser because “it does a great job at keeping my skin clear and preventing breakouts.” Vitamin C is also a great ingredient in skincare to reduce inflammation from breakouts and help the skin stay luminous. UMD student Melissa Calabrese recommends the Derma E Vitamin C Intense Night Cream to help nourish her skin. Good Mask Habits Wear a breathable mask - To prevent the dreaded mask acne, it is best to wear a mask that isn’t too tight. It should cover your nose and mouth but also will let your skin breathe. Opt for reusable masks made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or polyester. |
Image Credit: Ellie Quinn
Image Credit: Melissa Calabrese
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A company called Jaanuu sells antimicrobial face masks that aim to prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin and the mask itself.
Wash Masks Often - Wash your reusable masks every week to keep them clean! Depending on the material of the mask, they can either be hand washed or washed in the washing machine. It is also worthwhile to use a mesh delicates bag to prevent the masks from becoming tangled in the laundry. Most reusable masks can be put in the dryer, and the high heat kills any remaining bacteria.
Disposable Masks - disposable medical masks cannot be washed like reusable masks can, so be sure to replace these masks after each use.
Alternate Masks - wearing the same mask every day for several hours allows dirt and oil to gather on the fabric each time you put it on. It is important to alternate the mask you wear in order to keep the skin clean and clear as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends washing your reusable masks after each wear, meaning they can only be worn once before they need to be washed.
Wash Masks Often - Wash your reusable masks every week to keep them clean! Depending on the material of the mask, they can either be hand washed or washed in the washing machine. It is also worthwhile to use a mesh delicates bag to prevent the masks from becoming tangled in the laundry. Most reusable masks can be put in the dryer, and the high heat kills any remaining bacteria.
Disposable Masks - disposable medical masks cannot be washed like reusable masks can, so be sure to replace these masks after each use.
Alternate Masks - wearing the same mask every day for several hours allows dirt and oil to gather on the fabric each time you put it on. It is important to alternate the mask you wear in order to keep the skin clean and clear as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends washing your reusable masks after each wear, meaning they can only be worn once before they need to be washed.