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Treating Maskne, Acne Triggered By Face Masks

You’ve done your part by wearing a face mask, but now you’re suffering from breakouts around the mouth and chin that don’t seem to go away. Maskne, acne triggered by face masks, has become more common as a result of the recent pandemic. I’m finding that many patients are still suffering from face-mask-triggered breakouts.

Face masks, particularly if you’re re-wearing a cloth mask without washing it first, can trap dirt and grime already on the mask and/or skin, as well as oil or sebum from the skin and bacteria. This can cause the pores to clog and breakouts to occur. 

What’s more: the friction of a mask rubbing against your skin can trigger irritated, dry skin. This irritation can also cause acne-like bumps around the lower face.

How to Prevent Maskne

The first thing you need to do is make sure you’re putting on a clean mask every time. The best way is to keep a Ziploc bag of disposable or clean cloth masks in your car or bag. Always put the masks you’ve worn either in the trash or, if re-usable, in the washing machine before you wear them again.

I’ve also partnered with an amazing skincare line called SkinBetter. This skincare line is made in the United States, and all the products in the line are completely non comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores. Not only does the entire line get results, all the products are free from dyes, parabens, gluten, phthalates, and formaldehyde. They’re also cruelty-free, which is a cause important to me.

See my SkinBetter recommendations in the daily to-do list below; you can purchase them directly at my office or online by clicking here. Not only are they good for maskne, acne triggered by face masks, these products are effective, non-irritating, and result in smoother, more even-toned skin in just weeks.

• Wash your face twice daily.

If you’re not already washing your face morning and night, now there’s even more reason to do it. Having a clean “canvas” to start your day with will help to prevent trapped dirt, sebum, and bacteria—all of which can contribute to maskne. I use the SkinBetter Oxygen Infusion Wash ($38), which is effective for oily skin. Those with dry skin should use the SkinBetter Cleansing Gel ($45).

• Treat problem areas.

After cleansing at night, I recommend using the SkinBetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum ($125), a gentle serum that contains both skin-clearing retinoids and salicylic acid. Or, if you have dry skin that’s developing breakouts, try the SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($125), a non-irritating cream that contains both retinoids and glycolic acid. I also recommend using the SkinBetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads ($105) once a week at night. These powerful peel pads contain retinoids and a mix of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids to keep skin clear, but they also boost skin smoothness and clarity and reduce lines and wrinkles.

You don’t want to use retinoids during the day as they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, why these products are only for use at night.

In-office peels can also exfoliate the skin at a deeper level than many at-home products. When done in office, I tailor each peel and its ingredients to each patient and his/her skin type and needs.

Here’s a recap of what each of these ingredients do for the skin:

  • Retinoids, which are made up of vitamin A, not only exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells to keep skin radiant and clear, they also prevent the formation of pimples and may even help control the skin’s oil production. What’s more, they also boost the production of elastin and collagen (skin-firming proteins).
  • Salicylic acid helps to decrease oil and inflammation, both of which contribute to breakouts, and dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. The result after using regularly: clear and more radiant skin.
  • Glycolic acid not only breaks up dead skin cells so they don’t clog the pores, it also helps build collagen so you can keep skin clear and youthful looking!
  • Lactic acid loosens the bond between dead skin cells to brighten, smooth, and even skin tone, while also making it look firmer.

• Hydrate!

You want to be sure to moisturize your skin with a lightweight hydrator every day. I prefer daily moisturizers with skin-protective antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of skin. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin—and helps the skin to hold on to it. I love the SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum ($155), which also evens out skin tone and redness. The SkinBetter Solo Hydrating Defense ($160) is designed for men, but I use it on my skin and love it, so either product would work for this second skincare step.

• Apply SPF.

Even if you’re wearing a mask on and off—or are now mask free completely—you need sun protection during the day. SkinBetter has several products under the SunBetter name, including both tinted (which I love) and non-tinted products. All offer effective sun protection SPF50 or greater. Some even come in a compact for on-the-go touchups. Makeup can be applied over all the sunscreens, which is a plus. Try the SunBetter Sheer SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion ($75); it’s a 100 percent mineral, non-nano sunscreen (no shaking required!).

• Switch to a silk mask.

Silk is softer and gentler on the skin that other fabrics, why some people swear by silk masks to prevent breakouts. Silk is also lighter and more breathable. Try these favorites before they sell out again!

We’ve learned a lot from this recent COVID pandemic, one of which is that a mask protects. Even if you’re not wearing a mask as often anymore, it’s always good to have one on hand to protect yourself. Putting into practice these skincare steps now will not only clear up and prevent maskne, acne triggered by face masks; it will also result in smoother, more even-toned, younger-looking skin.

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