The medical term for maskne is acne mechanica, a skin condition caused by prolonged periods of wearing personal facial protective equipment. Maskne is not a new condition, as medical professionals can attest; the condition has, however, become more widespread amongst the general population in recent times.
When you wear masks for extended periods, you impose heat and friction upon the skin on your face, particularly around the mouth, nose and chin. The moisture generated when you breathe can become trapped on your skin when you wear a mask, leading to an increase in humidity that can further irritate the skin.
This can cause your skin to become dry, raw and itchy, and it can also lead to the pores on your face becoming blocked with sweat, oil, moisture and dirt. These blocked pores can then develop into pimples or, in more severe cases, acne cysts.
The resulting spots can be a source of discomfort, as they often form a noticeable circle around the nose and mouth.