Maskne, also known as acne mechanica, refers to blemishes and skin irritation caused by wearing a mask or protective face covering. From breakouts to clogged pores to dry and chapped skin, maskne can take on a variety of forms depending on your skin type, environment and even the type of mask that you wear.

Wearing a mask creates a “greenhouse effect” on your skin. Lack of ventilation and the continuous breathing of hot air into the mask creates a humid micro-climate that can cause new skin concerns to develop. This hot, humid environment creates prime conditions for clogged pores to occur, especially when sweat, dirt and oil become trapped under the mask. Over time, these clogged pores can lead to other forms of maskne like imperfections and blemishes.

Whether your skin is dry, oily or somewhere in between, wearing a face mask has likely had an impact on your skin. Some of the most common skin concerns caused by masks are:

Damaged Skin Barrier
Continuous friction and pressure from your face mask can cause irritation especially in areas like the top of the nose, chin and cheeks. This constant rubbing, along with the other stresses of wearing a mask, can damage the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to other forms of irritation.

Clogged & Enlarged Pores
The warm environment within the mask can cause pores to enlarge, especially on the nose, cheeks and chin. When dirt or oil is trapped under the mask, these pores can also become clogged or blocked, causing them to look even more enlarged. Clogged pores can lead to other skin concerns like blackheads, whiteheads and breakouts.

Dry & Dehydrated Skin
The unique micro-climate underneath a mask can cause skin’s natural moisture to evaporate. When this occurs, skin can feel extra dry and may even become cracked or uncomfortable in patches underneath the mask. Dehydrated skin may even produce excess oil which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Visible Redness
As skin is irritated by heat, humidity and lack of ventilation, it can look and feel uncomfortable. Friction from the areas where the mask has direct contact to the skin can also result in visible redness and discomfort.

Stay Hydrated
Keeping skin balanced and moisturized is an effective way to help prevent dull skin related to decreased moisture. Apply a moisturizer morning and night and add a hydrating serum to help plump and smooth dry or dehydrated skin. Drinking plenty of water is also important to help boost your body’s overall hydration levels.

All face masks will impact your skin but some create more of a greenhouse effect than others. In addition to your lifestyle and environment, take your skin into consideration when finding the right protection for you.

N95
These types of masks form a tight seal on the skin, creating a more intense greenhouse effect and forming more pressure marks than other types of masks. To help protect your skin while you are wearing an N95 or similar mask, apply a barrier or cica-cream to help reduce friction between your mask and your skin.

Disposable Masks
Disposable, synthetic masks also create a greenhouse effect but—as they do not create a seal around the skin—they are also more likely to let in debris that can become trapped on skin’s surface. If you need to wear a mask for long periods of time, disposable masks can be a good option. Change these masks every few hours or whenever your skin feels moist or oily.

Fabric Masks
Masks made of cotton or other fabrics tend to absorb or wick away moisture from skin’s surface and create less of a greenhouse effect. If you need a mask for short-term wear or plan to be active, these masks can be the best choice.