“Maskne,” is a term used for acne that can be an effect of wearing a mask. This can occur when the pores of your face are clogged by the oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and sometimes makeup. The mask traps humidity due to breathing or sweat which causes the maskne to transpire. Chafing from the mask and sensitive skin may also be a factor in the outbreaks on mask area of your face.

Thankfully, it is avoidable by making sure your skin stays healthy!

1. WASHING YOUR FACE – In addition to washing your face in the morning and before bed it is important to wash your face after sweating or wearing your mask for a many hours.
2. USE A CLEANSER/MOISTURIZER – A cleanser can remove bacteria and oil from your face and allow your skin time to breathe and reenergize after a full day of mask-wearing. It is best to avoid perfumed cleansers. Moisturizer use will help to rejuvenate your skin and keep it healthy and glowy.
3. USE LESS MAKEUP – Because the application of makeup blocks facial pores, it is best to tone down on the usage or just take a break from your foundation or any other pigmented creams.
4. CHANGE YOUR MASK – Make sure that fabric masks are washed regularly and disposable masks are throw away and replaced. After a sweaty sports practice, it is best to change out your mask so that the sweat from the previous mask will not stay on top of your face.

This article originally appeared in the March 2021 edition of The Nazareth, Volume XCIII, No. 3.