Wearing a face mask is a crucial step in protecting yourself and others from viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. However, face masks can sometimes lead to unwelcome skin issues. From acne breakouts and peeling skin to uncomfortable rashes and persistent itchiness, many people experience skin problems as a result of wearing masks.
To help you maintain healthy skin while wearing a face mask, board-certified dermatologists recommend the following ten essential tips for Face Mask Skin Care.
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Daily Gentle Cleansing and Moisturizing are Key. Establishing a gentle skin care routine is fundamental to preventing skin problems caused by face masks. Begin by cleansing your face using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, following a consistent face washing regimen. After cleansing, it’s vital to apply a moisturizer that is also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Dry skin is a frequent issue that can arise from wearing a face mask, and a good moisturizer provides a protective layer to combat dryness.
For optimal results, apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face. Dr. Carrie L. Kovarik, a board-certified dermatologist, suggests choosing a moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or dimethicone. Dimethicone is particularly beneficial as it creates a barrier that helps soothe irritated skin. Selecting a moisturizer suited to your specific skin type is also crucial in preventing breakouts. Here’s a quick guide:
- Oily skin (or humid weather): Opt for a gel moisturizer.
- Normal to combination skin: A lotion is usually ideal.
- Dry to very dry skin: Choose a cream for richer hydration.
Even if you are prone to acne, a gel moisturizer can still be beneficial.
Alt text: A woman gently washes her face with a mild cleanser as part of her face mask skin care routine.
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Moisturize Before and After Mask Use. Applying moisturizer is a proactive step in face mask skin care, particularly if you have dry or sensitive skin. It serves as a protective barrier that can significantly reduce the likelihood of irritation and dryness caused by prolonged mask wear. Make it a habit to moisturize your face both before putting on your mask and after removing it to maintain skin hydration and health.
Alt text: A woman applies a hydrating moisturizer to her face, an essential step in face mask skin care to prevent dryness.
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Lip Protection with Petroleum Jelly. Face masks can dry out your lips, leading to uncomfortable chapping. To prevent this, incorporate petroleum jelly into your face mask skin care routine. Apply it to your lips after washing your face, before putting on your mask, and again before bedtime. Ensure you apply petroleum jelly only to your lips to avoid potential breakouts around the mouth area.
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Minimize Makeup Under Your Mask. Wearing makeup under a mask increases the chances of clogged pores and subsequent breakouts. For effective face mask skin care, it’s best to skip makeup when wearing a mask. If makeup is necessary, choose products specifically labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” to minimize skin issues.
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Avoid New Irritating Skin Care Products. Masks can heighten skin sensitivity, even with brief wear. To prevent skin problems, avoid introducing harsh skin care products like chemical peels, exfoliants, or retinoids, especially when you start wearing masks more frequently. Dr. Daniela Kroshinsky, a board-certified dermatologist, advises against using new potentially irritating products to maintain healthy face mask skin care.
Alt text: A close-up shot highlighting how retinoid creams can irritate skin when covered by a face mask, emphasizing the importance of gentle face mask skin care.
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Reduce Use of Irritating Products if Skin Reacts. If you notice skin irritation after wearing a mask, it might be due to your regular skin care products becoming more potent under mask occlusion. Dr. Kroshinsky suggests reducing the use of products known to cause irritation, such as leave-on salicylic acid treatments, retinoids, and aftershave, to improve your face mask skin care routine.
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Choose a Properly Fitting Mask. The fit of your mask significantly impacts potential skin problems. For optimal face mask skin care, select masks that offer:
- Snug and Comfortable Fit: The mask should fit snugly across your nose, sides of your face, and under your chin without gaps. Avoid masks that are too tight or slide around, as these can cause irritation and require frequent adjustments, increasing germ transfer from hands to face.
- Soft, Natural, Breathable Fabrics: For cloth masks, the inner layer against your skin should be made of soft, natural, and breathable fabric like cotton. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and rayon are more likely to irritate skin and cause breakouts.
Wearing a well-fitting mask made of appropriate materials not only protects against respiratory viruses but also contributes to better face mask skin care.
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Take Regular Mask Breaks. Healthcare workers have found that taking a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours can significantly benefit skin health. Incorporating regular mask breaks into your day is a practical face mask skin care strategy, especially for prolonged mask wear.
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Maintain Mask Hygiene. Proper mask hygiene is crucial for both preventing illness and maintaining healthy skin. For effective face mask skin care:
- Disposable Masks: Discard surgical masks after each use.
- Cloth Masks: Wash cloth masks after each use in a washing machine or by hand, following care instructions. Use hot water and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent. Ensure the mask retains its shape and snug fit after washing.
Regularly cleaning or replacing your mask prevents the buildup of makeup, oil, and particles that can irritate your skin.
Alt text: A woman puts on a clean face mask with soft ear loops, demonstrating a step in maintaining good face mask skin care and hygiene.
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Avoid Wet or Dirty Masks. Wearing a wet or dirty mask reduces its effectiveness and can also irritate your skin, leading to skin problems. If your mask becomes wet or dirty, replace it immediately with a clean, dry one. For cloth masks that become damp, store them in a sealed plastic bag until they can be washed to prevent mold growth.
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Continue Treating Existing Skin Conditions. If you have pre-existing skin conditions like acne or rosacea in the mask-covered area, it’s essential to continue your prescribed treatment plan. Consistent treatment is a vital part of face mask skin care for managing these conditions. If you notice any irritation or worsening of your skin condition while wearing a mask, consult your dermatologist for advice.
Addressing Face Mask Skin Problems
Despite your best efforts in face mask skin care, skin problems can still occur. For DIY treatments and further guidance on managing mask-related skin issues, refer to resources recommended by dermatologists for effective solutions and care.
Images Getty Images
References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- “How to use your N95 respirator.” Page last updated 5/16/2023. Page last accessed 2/5/2024.
- “Use and care of masks.” Page last updated 5/11/2023. Page last accessed 2/5/2024.
Written by: Paula Ludmann, MS
Reviewed by: Carrie L. Kovarik, MD, FAAD Natalie Matthews, MD, FAAD Sanna Ronkainen, MD, FAAD
Last updated: 8/7/24
