Wearing masks can lead to breakouts known as maskne, which happens when the mask traps moisture, oil, and bacteria against your skin. This creates a perfect environment for pimples to form, especially around the mouth, chin, and cheeks.
One main cause is the warmth and humidity inside the mask. As you breathe, sweat, and talk, moisture builds up. This softens your skin and makes dead skin cells stick together more easily. Those cells mix with natural oils called sebum and clog your pores. Clogged pores turn into blackheads or whiteheads, the starting point for breakouts.[1][2]
Bacteria play a big role too. Masks cover areas with lots of oil glands, like the T-zone of your face. The damp, airtight space lets bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes grow fast. These bacteria break down oils into irritating substances that spark inflammation, leading to red, painful pimples.[1][2]
Friction from the mask rubbing against your skin adds to the problem. Constant movement irritates the surface, weakening your skin’s protective barrier. This lets bacteria and irritants get deeper into pores. People who wear masks for long shifts, like healthcare workers, often see more breakouts from this repeated rubbing.[1]
Extra oil production worsens things. The heat under the mask signals your skin to make more sebum, which is thicker and greasier in that environment. Combined with less oxygen reaching the skin, it feeds the clogged pores and bacteria even more.[1][2]
Poor hygiene can make it worse. If you touch your mask often or do not wash it regularly, dirt, makeup, and sweat build up. This transfers extra grime to your face every time you put it on.[2]
Some masks are more likely to cause issues. Tight-fitting ones or those made from rough fabrics increase friction and trapping. N95 masks, for example, are notorious for this because they seal so well against the skin.[1]
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12735603/
https://zentcare.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-rid-of-acne
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12679517/
https://mohs-md.com/a-dermatology-experts-guide-to-safe-at-home-led-masks-microcurrent-tools/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/charcoal-peel-off-masks-look-effective-but-doctors-say-they-may-be-harming-your-skin/articleshow/126215207.cms
https://theinia.com/a/blog/do-red-light-masks-actually-help-with-acne
