Steps for children and teens to prevent mask acne

Wearing a face mask can result in the skin’s pores becoming clogged, which can cause pimples to form. The warm environment of the mask also promotes the growth of bacteria on the skin, which can lead to an acne flare.

The best way to treat acne is to prevent it in the first place. Dr. Hussain offers the following mask-acne prevention tips for children and teens to follow. (Adults can try these, too, if needed.):

Wash your face with a gentle, oil-free cleanser twice a day, rinsing thoroughly. You should also wash your face before you put your mask on and after you take it off, as well as after exercise.
Apply a gentle moisturizing cream to your skin before putting on your mask to help reduce friction. Select a non-comedogenic cream that’s less likely to block pores. Wear sunscreen if you will be spending any time outdoors. (If you wear an N95 mask, talk to your doctor, since moisturizers can decrease the efficiency of the mask.)