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What is it? -

Mask-induced acne, also known as "maskne," is real and can affect everyone who wears face masks.

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How does it look? -

Usually, tiny little whiteheads might appear after you wear a mask.

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Why does this happen? -

This happens because the outer layer of your skin gets damaged, causing irritation. In medical terms, it’s called "acne mechanica."

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It’s nothing new -

According to dermatologist Michelle Henry, “Back when we had the first SARS epidemic, we noticed maskne, dermatitis from masks, and skin breakdown.”

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What triggers it? -

This essentially happens because of friction. Dermatologist Dendy Engleman explains: “You irritate the skin, you get clogging of the pores, and then you get sebum and bacteria that proliferate under the skin.”

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What triggers it? -

Henry adds: “That friction causes inflammation and irritation which leads to clogged pores—and those clogged pores can lead to deep acne cysts.”

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Most affected areas - This type of acne usually manifests along the chin, over the bridge of the nose, and on the cheeks.

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Other masks also cause it -

It’s not just your regular face mask that’s the culprit. Exfoliating and cleansing masks might also cause it.

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Fabrics -

One thing you can do is to experiment with different fabrics and see how those affect your skin. Cotton, silk, or satin are just a few options.

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Fabrics -

You might want to invest in a few different masks. Just make sure they’re washable, and do wash often.

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What to do -

Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, so washing your face with it might help clear the pimples.

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Face wash - A sulfur-based face wash can also help kill acne bacteria, without irritating your skin further.

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How often? -

Washing your face twice a day is usually enough. If in doubt, talk to your dermatologist.

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Moisturize -

A moisturizer containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramide might help protect your skin.

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Moisturize -

Make sure you apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer, as they won’t clog your pores, which can lead to breakouts.

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How often? -

Again, twice a day should suffice. Do it in the morning and in the evening, but feel free to do it more often if your skin feels irritated or dry.

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Avoid oily products -

Opt for oil-free moisturizers as oil can actually make you sweat faster, and you don’t want that while wearing a mask.

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Minerals -

Choose mineral-based moisturizers containing zinc, as this mineral has anti-inflammatory properties.

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Go easy on skincare -

If you’re using lots of products, or even harsher ones, it might be a good idea to ease their use and opt for gentler products.

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Go easy on skincare -

If you use a harsher scrub, perhaps swapping it for a glycolic acid-based one might help, as it draws water into the skin.

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Treatment -

Dermatologist Robert Finney advises that when it comes to maskne, traditional treatments with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid might not be the best option.

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Mask-induced acne -

He adds: “If the spot treatment is applied where the mask is rubbing, it will likely intensify the effects of the medicine, which can lead to even more irritation and inflammation.” You can, however, use these products at night.

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Patches -

An alternative would be to apply a hydrocolloid patch. These pull out the moisture in the pores and can protect against rubbing.

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Retinol -

Another alternative is adding retinol to your skincare routine. Apply a layer of moisturizer, then retinol, then a bit more moisturizer. Start by doing this every other night and see the effects on your skin.

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Retinol -

Retinol will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to only use it at night.

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When to see a dermatologist -

In this gallery we address maskne as a mild inflammation that can be prevented and treated. But if you experience more severe symptoms, including cysts, we suggest you seek professional help as soon as possible.

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See also - Celebs reveal their struggles with acne

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