How to Prevent Mask Acne Breakouts

Mask acne, or "mascne" has become a real problem for people that are wearing facemasks for long periods of time. Facial skin can be very sensitive, and can breakout easily. Here are some easy tips and tricks to show you how to prevent mask acne that can really help minimize mask related breakouts.

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If you are a long time reader here, then you know that I am a proponent of natural cleaning and skincare. If you are new here, be sure to check out my Cleaning Page where I share hundreds of cleaning tips and cleaning recipes HERE. I am super passionate about making sure that everything I share has been tested and mom approved by me :) I put together this post about mask acne after getting many questions from readers and hearing from some friends that are really struggling with breakouts caused by wearing a mask. This post is NOT affiliated with any political party or belief.

What causes mask acne?

Many states and countries have put mask mandates into place, which means that people are wearing facial coverings for long periods of time. Because facial skin is typically pretty sensitive, wearing a mask can cause your face to breakout, dry out and become chafed and inflamed.

• If you wear a reusable cloth mask, then the fabric will absorb your sweat, facial oils and/or makeup.
• Masks can rub against your face causing chafing and inflammation.
• Face masks that are washed in harsh detergents can cause breakouts.
• Moisture and heat buildup inside of your mask.

How to Prevent Mask Acne

• Don't wear a surgical mask over and over again. They cannot be washed and are meant for one time usage. Using them over and over again allows bacteria to grow in them, which can be transferred to your skin.
• Always wear a clean mask.
• Wear masks made with soft, breathable material. I love these 100% Cotton Masks the most.
• Wash fabric face masks with a gentle face wash instead of harsh detergents. Most laundry detergents have perfumes and other ingredients that can cause breakouts on sensitive skin. I wash my face mask with the same face wash that I use to clean my face daily, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
• Moisturize your face often with a gentle moisturizer. I love Cetaphil Gentle Moisturizer for sensitive skin.
• Ditch the makeup. If you know you are going to be wearing a mask, try not to wear makeup in the area that your face mask is going to cover if at all possible. If you must wear makeup, try a gentle, oil free, non-comedogenic foundation like this one from Neutrogena.
• Wash your face with a gentle skin cleanser before and after wearing a mask for long periods of time.
• Place a barrier between your face mask and your skin. If I am going to be wearing a mask for a long period of time, I like to place a thin layer of Aquaphor on my face to protect it from moisture buildup and chafing from my mask. This stuff is amazing and helps heal and protect the most sensitive skin!
• Don't touch your face! I know this one is hard, but when you touch your face, you are transferring germs, bacteria, dirt and oil to your face from your fingers, then placing a mask over it, which will cause more irritation to your skin.

I hope these easy tips will help make wearing a mask a little less irritating. Times are definitely hard enough without having added stress from skin breakouts. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comment section below and I'll do my best to answer them!