“Maskne is Real, Friends. Here's How I Cured Mine”

Has the pandemic played havoc with your skin? Find out how to fix it...

- Lauren Balsamo

Let me start by saying that I am totally and completely aware that, in the grand scheme of things, this is a very small problem to be complaining about right now. But unlike the utter sh*tshow that the global pandemic has brought about, it is a problem that is relatively easy to fix. And, as a skin-obsessed beauty editor, I just need five minutes to talk/vent about it.

Is that okay?

So, maskne—and yes, that is the official name for the very common, very annoying form of acne that comes from wearing face masks—was something I dealt with constantly during the first low months of quarantine, back in 2020. Because, duh, I wore a mask absolutely everywhere outside my home (and still do). And because face coverings create a humid environment that traps sweat, oil, and bacteria on the skin, explains US-based dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner, “this can cause whiteheads, red bumps, and pustules.” But! All of this, I learned, is actually pretty preventable and treatable if you know the right steps to take. Which, after reading these pages, you will. And my now-clear skin is proof.

1. Wear a 100 Percent Cotton Mask