What is "maskne" and how to prevent it

Before looking into treatments for maskne, let’s talk about some of the preventative measures you can take before leaving your house with your mask on:

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend washing your cloth mask after every use to prevent the build-up of bacteria. This can be done either in a washing machine or by hand washing.

Now more than ever it’s important to practice proper facial hygiene. Try gently cleansing your face (especially the ‘maskne’ prone areas) in the morning and evening to make sure as much build up from the day is removed. Remember to be gentle on your skin rather than using harsh scrubs, as the aim is to help protect your skin rather than damage it further.

When browsing face masks, look to buy one that covers your nose and mouth without being too tight or too loose to avoid unnecessary friction.

For those who live with acne-prone skin, soft material like silk or cotton are preferable over synthetic materials which are harsher on the skin.

Give your skin a fighting chance by using non-comedogenic (pore-blocking) moisturisers underneath your mask and avoid wearing heavy makeup that will clog up your skin more.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that only those with pre-existing skin conditions experience ‘maskne’. The hot and sweaty environment a mask creates around your nose and mouth can lead to flareups in anyone, although those already living with skin conditions will find their breakouts harder to control.

Below we explore the different types of skin conditions and ways in which we can prevent a mask from making them worse:

Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, but instead occurs when the glands under your skin produce too much sebum (oil). Symptoms of acne include a collection of papules (small red bumps) or pustules (bumps with a build-up of pus in the middle). If you believe you may be experiencing acne, visit LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor and complete the free acne assessment. You can also speak to your GP or a pharmacist for advice and support.

The following treatment options are suggested for those living with acne:

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and red. Heat often makes symptoms of eczema worse, so it’s important to purchase a face covering that allows your skin to breathe. Cotton or silk face masks are the best option for those living with eczema. Additionally, avoid harsh soaps or detergents when washing your face mask.

For best results, try adding an emollient to your skin care routine and if symptoms persist, antihistamines may help to ease the flareup brought on by your skin’s reaction to your mask. Make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about eczema treatment.

It will also be helpful to wear a facemask that is held slightly away from your face to prevent unnecessary rubbing.

Rosacea is a common condition that causes redness in the face. At first this may appear temporary, but over time can develop into more permanent redness and lead to visible blood vessels on the skin. For those living with rosacea, the best advice is to protect your face from the mask. You can achieve this by applying a fragrance free moisturiser to your skin, which will act as a barrier against you and the mask. Managing stress levels and avoiding alcohol can also help prevent rosacea flareups.

Psoriasis leads to rough, red patches on the skin and is thought to be related to the immune system, although the exact causes are not fully understood. Psoriasis does not commonly affect the face, although if you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of facial psoriasis as a result of your mask then it’s important to keep the skin moisturised to prevent it from drying out.

You may also want to speak to a pharmacist or you GP about the ways you can manage your skin condition. Psoriasis can also be triggered by stress and anxiety, so try to keep an eye on your mental wellbeing during the pandemic.

The NHS recommend:

LloydsPharmacy offer a range of different types of face masks and coverings: