maskne

noun

mask·​ne ˈmask-nē 

: a breakout of acne or a related skin condition (such as dermatitis or folliculitis) that is caused by wearing a face mask (such as a surgical mask) over an extended period of time

Maskne occurs when people wear tight-fitting masks for long periods of time. A mask creates a moist environment from breathing, talking or sweating, which can block pores, leading to acne or other skin conditions …

—Laura Lane

Simplifying your skincare routine can also help combat maskne. You should cleanse and moisturize your skin daily using a mild, fragrance-free cleaner and a light moisturizer with sunscreen …

—Olivia Murray

called also mask acne

Examples of maskne in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In among the discourse around adapting to working from home, staying healthy during lockdown conditions and the best skincare products to combat 'maskne' – all of which are legitimate concerns – something is being lost. —Clare Seal @myfrugalyear, refinery29.com, 23 Oct. 2020

Made of food grade silicone material, this bracket offers more space for breathing and helps reduce friction between your mask and face to protect makeup and potentially help keep maskne at bay. —Susan Brickell, Health.com, 8 Oct. 2020

Ahead, Bock shares her favorite products to combat travel and maskne breakouts. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2022

Facial sprays are portable, convenient, help cleanse skin while on-the-go, and can combat maskne. —Shannon M. Bauer, Health.com, 4 May 2021

If maskne has been a major pain, try switching to disposable masks. —Blake Newby, Allure, 14 Oct. 2020

If getting rid of acne (or maskne) is your goal, try drinking more tap water first. —Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 10 Aug. 2021

Slather on the sunscreen, other facial products and makeup, and your odds of maskne go up even more. —Stephanie Dolgoff, Good Housekeeping, 29 Sep. 2020

In a recent chat with Teen Vogue, the actress got candid about her very 2020 skincare struggles, admitting that her own personal battle with maskne is what influenced her to release this line. —Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, 21 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

blend of mask entry 1 and acne

First Known Use

2020, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

maskne

noun

mask·​ne ˈmask-nē 

: a breakout of acne or related skin conditions (such as dermatitis, eczema, or folliculitis) that is caused by wearing a face mask (such as a surgical mask) over an extended period of time

On facial skin, PPE [=personal protective equipment] creates a "dead space" between the face and the mask; this space traps sweat, oils, and dead skin cells beneath them that creates an ideal environment in terms of heat, humidity, and nourishment for the growth of bacteria. … Thus, typical maskne locations are areas covered by PPE such as the chin, nose and areas around it, cheeks, and areas around the mouth.

—Izabela U. Malczynska et al., Dermatology and Therapy

The primary preventive measure for maskne is face washing in the morning and at the end of the day, using mild, non-soap cleansers that maintain the skin barrier.

—Ayla Hadžavdić and Zrinka Bukvić Mokos, Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica

called also mask acne