Melasma is a blotchy brown darkening of the skin on the face. It is called the “mask of pregnancy” because it tends to occur during or after pregnancy. It gets worse with sunlight. The sun is hard to avoid, but a combination of over-the-counter options + daily sun protection can really help.

Mask-ne is common in the age of COVID. It is caused by masks clogging pores and irritating the skin. Treatment is pretty straightforward, and good over-the-counter options are available if you know how to use them.