Skip to main content

How to get rid of maskne – chin acne caused by your mask

It crept up a bit on you at first, didn’t it? You thought it was due to stress, or relying on junk food to get you through the start of COVID, or acclimating to working from home. Then you realized the truth. The mask that is protecting you from getting sick is also waging a war of pimply proportions on your face.

Let’s talk about maskne — chin acne due to wearing a mask. While you can cover the chin acne with the mask, it can create a vicious cycle. Instead, let’s dive into how to treat and prevent getting chin acne caused by your mask so you can stay protected and be ready for mask-free life.

Related Videos
A woman wearing a face mask.

Wash your mask

Don’t reuse a mask without washing it

If you prefer reusable masks, wash them often. The second your mask hits the air it starts collecting bacteria, dust, and other particles. The second you put it on your face you start to add sweat, dead skin cells, and more bacteria.

Wash your masks with a gentle, mild soap and skip the bleach or other chemical cleaner. Your face will not like that and bleach will start to break down the fibers in the mask.

Don’t use anyone else’s mask

Do we really have to say anything more about this one? We’re trying to prevent the spread of germs, here.

The kind of mask you get matters

Everyone has their favorite mask. You have the one with the pattern you like or that one with the funny saying you got off of Etsy. But there are certain materials you should skip because they will irritate your skin.

Don’t get masks made of

  • Rayon
  • Nylon
  • Synthetic fabrics

Look for masks made of

  • Silk
  • Cotton
  • Natural fabrics
  • Softer fabrics

Making sure your mask is as soft and natural as possible is a great step in keeping your chin acne-free. Your skin won’t become irritated and your pores won’t become as clogged. Silk masks are the best option. Silk is antibacterial, which is a plus. But it will glide across your skin and not tear and pull.

A man looking at acne along his jaw.

Wash that face

Clean your face every time you take your mask off, even if it’s just toner

You have to clean your face when you take that mask off. If you can’t fully wash your face every time you remove your mask give the area a quick going over with an alcohol-free toner.

When you put a mask on you are placing any bacteria, germs, dirt, and other particles it has picked up in direct contact with your face. Yes, that mask is keeping people’s sick germs away from you. But if you keep your mask in your purse or hanging in your car, it’s constantly collecting bits of grit and grime. Your skin will thank you if you at least clean your face with toner consistently, even on the days you don’t wear a mask.

Go makeup-free

At the very least, don’t wear foundation, concealer, or blush

If you have to wear a mask to work, you are only showing off your eyes anyway. You can still rock the cat eye and your favorite lid color. But concealer and foundation clog your pores normally. Add to that a mask that is going to rub against your skin and drive that product deeper into your dermis and the combination will lead to even more acne.

A woman holding a face mask while looking at a blemish on her chin.

A moisturizer is a must

You need to create a healing barrier between your skin and the mask. The right moisturizer is important no matter what is causing your acne. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating moisturizer. If you have oily skin, reach for a gel moisturizer.

While we don’t see masks going away any time soon, we do want your maskne to. If you already suffer from acne, eczema, or rosacea in normal times, wearing a mask is probably making it worse. You can still keep yourself and your loved ones safe by wearing your mask while not having your face pay the price. Making sure you are following these tips every day will help your skin clear up and prevent future maskne breakouts.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Beauty products for your personal needs
the best face oil for glowing skin

Sometimes it is hard for people to dedicate time to pamper their bodies. Sometimes showering and taking a bath is not enough to keep your body pampered. It requires time and effort. Such as waxing your legs, clipping your nails, and cleaning your teeth. Do you know that plaque can build up around your teeth? Do you also know that your nails can grow in, which usually happens with your toes? The body does not only need to bathe but to keep the nails and teeth well kept. It is also great for the face to wash it daily and moisturize it daily.

You need certain items to pamper your body, and it keeps well-kept besides bathing it. Sometimes your skin needs to heal or be moisturized. Your nails need to be cut constantly to avoid any possibilities of usually a painful ingrown toenail or ingrown fingernail. It is the same way how to handle your teeth with extra care. There is something called plaque that builds up around your teeth. Plaque can give you the possibility of bleeding gums and tooth decay, which results in a toothache. Dental flaws and a dental tool that removes plaque will help you prevent having gum diseases and tooth decay.

Read more
Why you need to use sunscreen in the winter, too
A woman applying lotion to her face outside in the winter.

While summer still feels like it's ages away, you still need to think about protecting your skin from the sun. Even though the days are shorter, you shouldn't be slacking on the SPF.

According to the Skin Cancer Society,  "snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV light" making it even more dangerous than the sunlight you are exposed to in the summer. So if you plan on participating in any winter sports, you need to be even more careful.

Read more
All things beauty: product guide
A woman putting on face cream.

We all love new beauty products. We fill our time researching them, opening countless article tabs, checking reviews, and then anticipate their arrival after we purchase until they finally end up at our doorstep. At which point we pry the boxes open, excited to use them. We want the best products. But we also look for affordable pricing, durability, and aesthetically pleasing designs. From groomed eyebrows and flawless, glowing skin to tamed, straightened beards, and wearing backless, sheer outfits, we want things that work. Below are five great beauty products that will aid in our everyday tasks, make them run smoother, and help us look and feel great in the process.

So, whether you’re looking for a product that will offer groomed eyebrows, flawless skin, a seamlessly styled beard, strong nails, or nipple covers, these will go above and beyond your expectations. Throw away your dull, old tweezers. You will be able to pluck those hard-to-reach hairs your current tweezers aren’t getting. Are you interested in trying a micro derma roller? The two-pack provides flawless, glowing skin and value compared to countless dollars spent for micro-needling sessions. Style your beard and keep your hair tamed in a matter of minutes. Provide salon-style nails without the price tag and wear that outfit. Find everything you want out of beauty in one place without going over budget.

Read more