Mask-ne (Mask-related Acne)
What is mask-ne?
Mask-ne (or mask-related acne) became common during the COVID era, especially among healthcare workers. It happens when masks trap sweat, oil, and bacteria, clogging pores and irritating the skin.
The good news: treatment is simple, and over-the-counter options work well when used correctly.
When you walk down the acne aisle, it can feel overwhelming—there are hundreds of choices. But remember, price ≠ results. Expensive brands often contain the same active ingredients as more affordable store brands. What matters most is consistency and using the right ingredients.
How do I treat mask-ne?
Most people with mask-ne will benefit from simply adding a medicated wash in the shower:
Medicated acne wash – I recommend benzoyl peroxide (BP) or azelaic acid over other ingredients. A liquid wash in the shower makes your routine easier (see below).
Most brands make BP cleansers, but expensive doesn’t mean better.
Higher strengths (10%) cause more dryness without extra benefit—stay under 5%.
My top pick: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (4% BP).
Other good option: AcneFree 2.5% BP wash.
Azelaic acid is safe in pregnancy but and great for teens (often paired with niacinamide).
Salicylic acid works, but head-to-head studies show BP is more effective.
Additional tips:
Camouflage redness – Clinique’s Redness Solutions base or foundation is excellent for reducing the redness of acne while you wait for breakouts to heal. In my experience, it works better than acne cover-up patches.
Eat for clearer skin – Diet can affect acne. Fast food and junk food often make breakouts worse, especially when combined with stress. Switching as many meals as possible to whole-food, plant-based options can help improve acne and reduce flares.
Steps for using a medicated acne wash:
In the shower, rinse your face (and chest/back if you have acne there).
Apply the benzoyl peroxide wash and leave it on for 5–10 minutes so the medication can soak in before rinsing.
Use benzoyl peroxide wash once or twice daily. You do not need another face wash. Avoid exfoliating scrubs.
Notes:
Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness. Apply plenty of moisturizer until your skin adjusts and acne improves (usually after a few weeks).
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothing.
What if my mask-ne isn’t getting better?
Most people can clear mask-ne with the steps above, but sometimes prescription creams or pills are needed—especially if scarring starts to appear. If over-the-counter options aren’t helping, find a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.