I don’t think anyone predicted that the summer 2020 vibe would be sitting around wondering how to prevent mask acne. But here we are. It’s a Thing. The internet calls it “maskne.” Similar to the acne you get from wearing a ball cap, helmet, or sweat band too long, it’s simply the pimples you get from wearing your mask a lot.

Dr. Sameer Bashey, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles and New York City, clarifies that mask acne is a kind of “occlusive” acne, where something tight-fitting presses against the skin and traps pore-blocking dirt and sweat. And while it’s common under yoga pants and backpack straps in hot and humid places, Dr. Bashey points out that masks are especially prone to this problem: “Masks trap your breath, which keeps the inside of your mask humid,” he says. “This can encourage bacterial growth around covered areas, which can exacerbate acne accumulation.”

The usual recommendation for someone suffering from occlusive acne is to take a break from whatever’s irritating you. (Maybe do yoga in some loose shorts for a couple of days.) This is less of an option given the ongoing pandemic—you gotta wear your mask! But there’s still a lot you can do.

The big one is making sure your mask is clean. “You can use a disposable mask, or if using the same mask, ensure you're washing it frequently to remove all the sweat, dirt and oil that accumulates by wearing it,” says Bashey.

Then, be particular with your skincare routine. Start by washing your face morning and night. (Which you were already doing, pre-global meltdown, right?) After that, Dr. Bashey suggests a relatively gentle, maintenance routine. (As opposed to one that aggressively targets anti-aging.)

How to Prevent Mask Acne With Your Skincare Routine1. Start with a gentle cleanser

For your twice-daily cleanser, Bashey says to look for something that can cleanse without aggravating the pre-existing problem. “I'd also advise on scrubbing less frequently,” he says of your exfoliation regimen. “But do not abandon this altogether.”

So exfoliate once weekly, or combine the steps once a week with a gentle but potent salicylic acid cleanser, which works to unclog pores and dissolve dead surface cells.

For a daily cleanse:

Aesop gentle cleansing milk$53

Nordstrom

For once-weekly exfoliation:

Dr. Dennis Gross gentle exfoliating cleanser$38

Sephora

2. Pick a heavy-duty hydrator

After cleansing, slather on a potent moisturizer. This will increase the barrier functions of your skin: keeping bad stuff out, and keeping moisture in. “Maintaining your skin barrier can help combat reactions to irritation and can reduce the risk of further skin complications—acne and other skin condition flare-ups.”

The Super Healer:

ZO Skin Health$106

ZO Skin Health

The SPF Option:

Mario Badescu SPF 30 oil-free moisturizer$28

Sephora

3. Avoid irritating ingredients

“Minimize the use of medicated products like retinol or benzoyl peroxide,” says Bashey, even if these ingredients are typically used to counter and prevent acne. “The idea is to help your skin stay in its optimal state, through regular cleansing and hydration. This gives you the best ability to combat environmental stressors that can irritate your skin and worsen acne.”

4. Consider the other face masks (the deep-cleansing and ultra-hydrating ones)

Once a week, you can double-down on pore cleansing (with charcoal or clay face masks) and subcutaneous moisture (with a hyper-hydrating mask), in that order.

The Best Cleansing Sheet Mask

Wolf Project cleansing clay sheet masks (5 pack)$29.50

Amazon

The Best Cleansing Face Mask

Terres D'Afrique clay mask$55

Terres D'Afrique

The Best Leave-On Moisture Mask

MUDMASKY overnight repair mask$45

Amazon

The Best Serum-Packed Sheet Mask

HETIME hydrating sheet masks (4 pack)$30

Amazon

Read MoreWhere to Buy Stylish and Breathable Face Masks Right Now

Time for a restock.

By The Editors of GQ



Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQSkincareCoronavirus