Are you suffering from mask acne? Here are the 10+ best tips to treat and prevent mask acne.
Is mask acne the new acne?
Mask acne or maskne isn’t a new phenomenon, however, it has become more widespread since the spread of COVID-19.
Wearing masks can cause skin issues or worsen existing ones, unfortunately, they are a key element against the fight of Covid-19.
Masks reduce the risk of exposure from an infected person and prevent onward transmission from an infected person.
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a research letter where it was reported that at least 83% of health care workers from China suffered skin problems on the face.
What is Mask Acne?
Acne mechanica, also known as "mask acne" or "maskne", is a skin condition that occurs when facial personal protective equipment is worn over a prolonged period of time.
Why Mask Acne happens?
Masks trap hot air which creates a warm and humid environment for yeast, bacteria, fungi and skin flora to grow.
The bacterial imbalances, friction and occlusion produced by the masks cause acne, dryness, itchiness, rosacea flare-ups and perioral dermatitis.
Other Common Skin Conditions
Mask Wearers Suffer From
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: some masks contain chemicals that cause allergic reactions.
- Rosacea: worsens with heat and stress.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and dandruff.
- Folliculitis: hair follicles infected with yeast or bacteria.
10+ Best Tips To
Treat and Prevent Mask Acne
Here's a list of the 10+ best tips to treat and prevent mask acne:
- Cleanse your face: use a cleanser that's free of oil and fragrance to prevent dirt and sebum from causing breakouts. If you're suffering from mask acne, then use a cleanser with salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil and to prevent further breakouts.
5+ Oil and Fragrance Free Cleansers You Want To Try Out
These are the 5+ oil and fragrance free cleansers you want to try out to treat and prevent mask acne:
Liquid Neutrogena®
The Liquid Neutrogena® is an oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic cleanser that gently removes oil, dirt, grime, impurities and bacteria.
Suitable for:
Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Drunk Elephant
Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
The Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is a vegan, cruelty-free, SLS-free, silicones-free, essential oils-free and fragrance-free cleanser that gently cleanses excess oil, grime and makeup.
It contains mild surfactant blend to deeply cleanse the skin while supporting the skin barrier, glycerin to hydrate the skin, cucumis melo cantalupensis (cantaloupe) to soothe and hydrate the skin and virgin marula oil to boost the power of cleansing and removing makeup.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Neutrogena® Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
The Neutrogena® Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a soap-free, oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-developed cleanser that gently removes oil, dirt, grime, impurities and bacteria.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Fresh®
Soy Face Cleanser®
The Fresh® Soy Face Cleanser® is a cleanser formulated without a list of over 50 harmful ingredients that gently cleanses impurities and makeup while toning the skin.
It contains amino acid-rich soy proteins to maintain elasticity and suppleness, cucumber extract to soothe the skin and rosewater to provide calming and balancing properties.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin
Clinique
Liquid Facial Soap
The Clinique Liquid Facial Soaps are gluten-free, oil-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, phthalates-free, parabens-free, fragrance-free, allergy tested and dermatologist developed cleansers that gently cleanse the skin.
Depending on your skin type, there are 3 different cleansers you can choose from.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Vanicream™
Gentle Facial Cleanser
The Vanicream™ Gentle Facial Cleanser is a gluten-free, soap-free, oil-free, preservative-free, parabens-free, sulfate-free, cocamidopropyl betaine-free, formaldehyde-free, fragrance-free, botanical extract-free, lanolin-free, dye-free and dermatologist-tested cleanser.
It removes oil, dirt and makeup leaving the skin clean and soft.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a non-comedogenic, non-irritating, fragrance-free and dermatologists-developed cleanser that removes debris, dirt and makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier and stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
It contains MVE technology to hydrate and moisturize the skin, ceramides to restore and maintain the skin’s barrier and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and retain moisture in the skin.
Suitable for: Normal skin Dry skin
CeraVe
Foaming Facial Cleanser
The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a non-comedogenic, non-irritating, fragrance-free and dermatologists-developed cleanser that removes debris, dirt and makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier and stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
It contains ceramides to restore and maintain the skin’s barrier, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and retain moisture in the skin and niacinamide to help the skin barrier and calm the skin.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin
- Use dandruff shampoo: that has ketoconazole or selenium sulfide to calm the skin and remove excess yeast around the nose and mouth. Try either the ketoconazole or selenium sulfide dandruff shampoo:
Nizoral
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue
Antidandruff Shampoo
- Use moisturizer: that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid or dimethicone to deeply hydrate, provide extra protection and reduce friction; the moisturizer acts like a barrier between the skin and mask to treat and prevent mask acne.
- Use 2.5% benzoyl peroxide at night: it's an antiseptic, which means that it reduces the number of germs and bacteria on the surface of the skin. Be aware that benzoyl peroxide bleaches and stains the fabric of your mask.
Dr Song 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Advanced Acne Gel
CLEAR Paula's Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
Acne.org Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide – 2.5%)
- Use topical sulfur-containing acne products: sulfur absorbs excess sebum and dries out dead skin cells which unclogs pores to prevent breakouts, caused by mask acne.
Sulfur-Containing Acne Products You Don't Want To Miss Out On
Here are some of the most popular sulfur-containing acne products, to treat and prevent mask acne, you don't want to miss out on:
Kate Somerville Eradikate® Daily Foaming Cleanser
The Eradikate® Daily Foaming Cleanser is a cruelty-free, parabens-free, sulfates SLS and SLES-free, phthalates-free, retinyl palmitate-free, oxybenzone-free, formaldehydes-free, formaldehyde-releasing agents-free, coal tar-free, hydroquinone-free, triclosan-free, triclocarban-free and mineral oil-free cleanser.
It cleanses without irritating or over drying the skin, prevents blemishes, unclogs the pores, balances oily skin and shrinks the appearance of pores.
It contains sulfur to absorb excess sebum and dry out dead skin cells, honey and rice bran extracts to calm and soothe the skin and natural at extract to absorb and balance sebum.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin
Tarte Knockout Tingle Treatment Toner
The Tarte Knockout Tingle Treatment Toner is a vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, parabens-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, phthalates-free, triclosan-free, mineral oil-free and dermatologist-tested toner that resurfaces the skin and balances its pH.
It contains water to deliver and retain the skin’s natural moisture, glycerin to hydrate and restore the skin’s moisture, niacinamide to help the skin barrier and calm the skin, salicylic acid to promote cell renewal, lactic acid to exfoliates the skin, arctium lappa root extract to calm inflammation and reduce irritation and sulfur to promote cell turnover and reduce the appearance of large pores.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask
The Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask is a gluten-free, sulfates SLS and SLES-free and phthalates-free mask that exfoliates the skin, absorbs excess sebum, cleanses clogged pores and clears and prevents blemishes.
It contains sulfur 10% to clear the skin and address blemishes and blackheads, kaolin and bentonite clay to absorb excess sebum and clean clogged pores and aloe vera to calm and hydrate the skin.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin
Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
The Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask is a vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, parabens-free, sulfates SLS and SLES-free, phthalates-free, retinyl palmitate-free, oxybenzone-free, formaldehydes-free, formaldehyde-releasing agents-free, coal tar-free, hydroquinone-free, triclosan-free, triclocarban-free and mineral oil-free mask that absorbs excess sebum and targets blemishes.
It contains sulfur to unclog the pores, absorb sebum and support the skin, apple fruit extract to hydrate the skin and kaolin clay to absorb excess sebum and nourish the skin.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin
Lancer® Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask
The Lancer® Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask is a paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free and synthetic fragrance-free mask that clarifies and detoxes the skin.
It contains sulfur to clear blackheads and whiteheads, azelaic acid to encourage cell turnover and clean the pores, green tea to provide the skin with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, green clay to absorb sebum and remove impurities, botanicals to balance the skin and fruit extracts to hydrate the skin.
Suitable for: Oily skin
Murad Clarifying Mask
The Murad Clarifying Mask is a gluten, parabens-free, sulfates-free, phthalates-free, formaldehyde-free, oxybenzone-free, petrolatum-free and mineral oil-free mask that absorbs sebum, draws out impurities and treats and prevent breakouts.
It contains sulfur to reduce acne blemishes and clear the skin, licorice root extract and zinc oxide to promote healing and kaolin clay to absorb sebum and draw out impurities.
Suitable for: Oily skin Combination skin
Kate Somerville EradiKate® Acne Treatment
The Kate Somerville EradiKate® Acne Treatment is a cruelty-free, parabens-free, sulfates SLS and SLES-free, phthalates-free, retinyl palmitate-free, oxybenzone-free, formaldehydes-free, formaldehyde-releasing agents-free, coal tar-free, hydroquinone-free, triclosan-free, triclocarban-free and mineral oil-free acne treatment that shrinks pimples, dries zits and prevents breakouts.
It contains sulfur to exfoliate dead skin cells, BHAs to provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and clear blackheads and whiteheads and zinc oxide to absorb excess sebum.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
The Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment is a gluten-free, parabens-free, sulfates-free and phthalates-free acne spot treatment that reduces blemishes and redness.
It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate, clear and balance the skin, patented pine and thyme-inspired complex to fight irritants and horse chestnut and oat to reduce redness and soothe the skin.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask
The Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask is a vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, sulfates SLS and SLES-free, parabens-free, formaldehydes-free, formaldehyde-releasing agents-free, phthalates-free, mineral oil-free, retinyl palmitate-free, oxybenzone-free, coal tar-free, hydroquinone-free, triclosan-free and triclocarban-free treatment mask that addresses breakouts.
It contains sulfur to absorb and dry out excess sebum, niacimide to promote clear skin, zinc pca to balance sebum while offering the skin hydration, tea tree and manuka oils to clear congested skin and bentonite to by absorb dirt and sebum from the pores.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin
- Avoid using retinoids, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and harsh skin care products: which can further irritate the skin.
- Avoid wearing makeup (at least temporary): according to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing makeup under a mask clogs pores which cause breakouts.
- Consider the material of the mask: dermatologists recommend using 100% cotton mask to allow the skin to breathe and wick away moisture.
10 Best Masks To Prevent Mask Acne
Here are 10 of the best masks to prevent mask acne:
Outdoor Research
Face Mask Kit
The Outdoor Research Face Mask Kit is a fully customizable, durable, breathable, non-irritating, water and stain repellent and microbe and germ resistant mask that treats and prevents mask acne and that, according with ASTM test standards, filters 95% of viruses, bacteria and particles.
MDacne
Anti-Acne Face Mask
The MDacne Anti-Acne Face Mask is a vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, non-toxic, biodegradable, eco-friendly and dermatologist tested and approved mask that keeps the skin clear by preventing mask acne.
The Futon Shop
Copper Infused Organic Cotton Barrier Face Mask
The The Futon Shop Copper Infused Organic Cotton Barrier Face Mask is a washable, reusable, sustainable, breathable, lightweight, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic mask infused with copper to stop and kill bacteria and pathogens which treats and prevents mask acne.
Halolife
Mask With Nanofilter™ Technology
The Halolife Mask With Nanofilter™ Technology is an adjustable, comfortable, soft, breathable, durable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic mask that captures 99% of all particulates down to 0.1µ to treat and prevent mask acne.
EnerPlex Premium 3-Ply Reusable Face Mask
The EnerPlex Premium 3-Ply Reusable Face Mask is a washable, reusable, breathable, comfortable, durable strong and water resistant mask that restricts the passage of of viruses, bacteria and particles to treat and prevent mask acne while allowing breathability.
New Republic Face Mask
The New Republic Face Mask is a 100% cotton and clean mask that restricts the passage of of viruses, bacteria and particles to treat and prevent mask acne while allowing breathability.
Vida Protective Mask With PM2.5 Carbon Filter
The Vida Protective Mask With PM2.5 Carbon Filter is a 100% cotton, washable, reusable, breathable and adjustable mask that restricts the passage of of viruses, bacteria and particles to treat and prevent mask acne while allowing breathability.
The Big Silk Face Mask
The Big Silk Face Mask is a 100% mulberry silk, washable, reusable, adjustable, breathable and hypoallergenic mask that prevents mask acne and breakouts.
Roseward Mulberry Silk Mask
The Roseward Mulberry Silk Mask is a washable, reusable, sustainable, breathable, comfortable and hypoallergenic mask that prevent dehydration and airborne particles from trespassing to treat and prevent mask acne.
KN95 Protective Mask
The KN95 Protective Mask is a disposable mask that filters 95% tiny particles protecting against PM2.5, haze proof and dust pollen.
The KN95 Protective Mask is a best seller on Amazon, unfortunately, it's not FDA-approved.
If you're looking for a KN95 mask that's approved by the FDA, I recommend the Powecom KN95 Protective Mask.
- Wash your mask: If you're wearing a reusable mask, to avoid mask acne, wash it every time it's used as it contains dirt, oil and sweat which causes breakouts and further aggravating the state of your skin.
- Choose a fragrance-free laundry detergent: wash your reusable mask with a fragrance-free laundry detergent because fragrances clog the pores and irritate the skin which contribute to mask acne.
Laundry Detergents You Should Be Using To Prevent Mask Acne
These are the laundry detergents you should be using to prevent mask acne:
Tide Free & Gentle
The Tide Free & Gentle is a perfume-free, dye-free and hypoallergenic laundry detergent that removes more dirt, food and stains than the leading laundry detergents.
Charlie's Laundry Soap
These Charlie's Laundry Soaps are fragrance-free, hand washing-safe, hypoallergenic, environment-safe and septic-safe laundry detergents that deeply cleans fabric by removing oils, greases, fats and odors.
Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent (Fragrance Free)
The Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent is a cruelty-free, optical brighteners-free, 1,4 dioxane-free, chlorine-free, phthalates-free, phosphates-free, sulfates-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, non-allergenic and dermatologist and pediatrician tested laundry detergent.
It deeply cleanses the fabric in 1 wash while also being gentle.
All Stainlifters Free and Clear
These All Stainlifters Free and Clear are perfume-free and dye-free laundry detergents that clean fabric without leaving residue.
If you want to be extra safe to avoid dirt and germs from contaminating the mask, keep it sealed in a bag. These sealed bag will do the work:
If you're not a fan of sealed bag, then opt for mask cases:
- Skip the fabric softener: fabric softeners contain a waxy substance that's left behind on your masks that clogs the pore causing mask acne.
- Follow a regular skin care routine: a skin care routine prevents acne, treats wrinkles and keeps skin looking radiant and glowy.
- Stay away from harsh skin care products: medicated skin care products contain ingredients that are more irritating to the skin under a mask.
- Streamline your skin care routine: reduce the amount of skin care products and adopt a basic skin care routine; a mild fragrance-free gentle cleanser and moisturizer. The fewer products the better because masks create occlusion which intensifies product delivery to your skin; products with acids or retinols can be irritating.
- Use sunscreen: despite the material your mask is made of, it doesn't protect you against harmful and damaging UV rays. Read more about the importance of sunscreen.
- Avoid touching your face: to prevent spreading illness and bacteria that lead to acne.
- Take your mask off as much as possible: in places where you don't need to wear the mask, especially at home, take it off to let your skin breathe.
Mask acne irritates and aggravates the skin, unfortunately, it's not an option to ditch your mask.
Why you need to keep your mask clean?
Washing your mask after each use, with a fragrance-free laundry detergent reduces skin irritation and the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Can certain mask fabrics cause mask acne?
Lightweight fabrics are better for your skin because they allow breathability, unfortunately, their level of protection is limited and not enough to block out COVID-19; tight fabrics as well as masks with several layers offer the best protection.
What fabric is suitable for a mask?
The best suitable fabrics for a face mask are cotton and chiffon and cotton and natural silk because they effectively filter out the virus, covid-19, and block pathogens.
How to handle your mask after use?
When you reach home, take off your mask and place it in the laundry bin, you can either wash it right away or wait 48 hours since on clothing the virus doesn't survive long.
How often should you wash your mask?
You should wash your face mask after each use because covid stays active on fabric for a long period of time.
Besides covid, masks collect oil, sweat and makeup which could aggravate the state of your skin.
If you're unable to wash your mask after each use, then buy several masks and take turns with each.
How can you disinfect your cloth mask?
To disinfect your mask, wash your cloth mask with quality detergents at a high temperature and it will kill the virus.
If you don't want to run a machine load for one cloth mask then you can hand-wash it; to deep cleanse your mask make sure that the right amount of chemical is being used.
Soak your mask for 10 minutes in hot water and then rinse it, it will remove all pathogens.
What is the appropriate temperature to wash a mask?
The appropriate temperature to wash a mask is at a temperature of more than 60 degrees because viruses don't survive high temperatures.
Can makeup, lotions or sunscreen make mask acne worse?
Lotions and sunscreen calm and balance the normal skin flora by acting like a barrier against friction and irritation.
Be aware that thick layers of lotions or sunscreen become occluded on your skin which aggravate breakouts; this occurs more easily when wearing a mask.
What about makeup?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should avoid using makeup under a mask because it causes clogged pores and worsens breakouts.
When to make a doctor’s appointment?
If there's no difference in your skin after implementing all the suggested tips, consider visiting your dermatologist, specially if you notice signs of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the best tips to treat and prevent mask acne:
- Cleanse your face.
- Use dandruff shampoo.
- Use moisturizer.
- Use 2.5% benzoyl peroxide at night.
- Use topical sulfur-containing acne products.
- Avoid using retinoids, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and harsh skin care products.
- Avoid wearing makeup (at least temporary).
- Consider the material of the mask.
- Wash your mask.
- Choose a fragrance-free laundry detergent.
- Skip the fabric softener.
- Follow a regular skin care routine.
- Stay away from harsh skin care products.
- Streamline your skin care routine.
- Use sunscreen.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Take your mask off as much as possible.
Leave a Reply