Facial Dermatoses in the Age of Masks: Acne, Eczema and the New Maskne

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the widespread use of personal protective equipment, particularly face masks, as a key public health intervention. Although effective in mitigating viral transmission, prolonged mask usage has been associated with a growing incidence of facial skin conditions.These include maskne, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and perioral dermatitis which have all been observed with higher frequency since the onset of the pandemic. They arise due to factors such as friction, pressure, heat, occlusion, sweat retention, disruption of the skin microbiome and exposure to chemical irritants found in mask materials. This review explores the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, risk factors and psychosocial implications of mask-induced facial dermatoses, particularly a focus on women and young people where these conditions are influenced by psychological stress, chronic mask use and chemical sensitization. Prevention and management strategies focus on adopting mild skincare routines, employing lipid-rich moisturizers, selecting breathable or biofunctional mask materials and ensuring rigorous mask hygiene. Therapeutic approaches include plant based anti-inflammatory substances, topical and systemic medications for rosacea and acne and barrier repair-approaches. Future directions also include the development of gentle and antibacterial mask materials and the development of teledermatology services.