What causes maskne in the first place?

Maskne or acne mechanica (professionally), includes any skin issues caused by friction brought about by pressure, friction, rubbing, squeezing, or stretching. Friction causes the upper layer of your skin to release water, causing your skin to lose its natural moisture.

"The constant chafing of the mask in contact with skin can cause the skin barrier to break down and hair follicles to break open, consequently allowing acne-causing bacteria on to the skin," - Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist, New York City.