Maskne Is Real — Here’s How To Deal

If the existential stress of a global pandemic and the current political climate and finding the perfect gifts for the most un-perfect year ever (that last one we can actually help with) is taking an immense toll on your mental health, 2020 has probably also done a number on your skin. Namely, the bits that are hiding under your mask. Face mask acne, aka maskne, is a cute moniker for a less-cute trend of breakouts cropping up as a result of regular mask-wearing.

"Maskne is a combination of friction, sweat, and heat, called acne mechanical," explains NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD. "When you’re hot, your body naturally cools down by releasing sweat through our pores — but if your pores are blocked by a layer of fabric, now you have sweat and bacteria trapped in a pore with nowhere to go." Cue breakouts. "Over time, this buildup of sweat and bacteria will lead to pimples." Ahead, we consulted the pros for a complete routine to help you deal.

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