
Maskne: Mask Acne
Mask irritation, redness, and dry skin patches are often added nuisances
What goes on underneath your mask is interesting: Breathing, sweating, bacteria buildup. People often inadvertently touch the inside of their masks when removing or adjusting it, adding bacteria to the situation. All of this can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, infections, or simply redness and irritation.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association,
“A snug, comfortable fit also reduces skin problems. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask. When you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and your face.”
These are all problems that those, besides people who wear a mask all day for a living (healthcare), did not have to deal with before the pandemic. It’s a real thing now.
Treating Mask Acne
Town & Country Compounding carries creams and gels that provide moisture and protect the skin’s barrier, nourish the skin, and promote faster relief and recovery for patients with various skin conditions, including acne. Our clarifying base is a cream emulsion used in compounds for patients with all forms of skin problems. It is noncomedogenic and has moisturizing properties along with natural ingredients that may improve the appearance of red and blotchy skin.

Commonly requested prescription formulas for Maskne
- Niacinamide/Biotin/Lipoic Acid Topical Gel
- Tretinoin/Erythromycin Topical Cream
- Clindamycin/Tretinoin Topical Gel
- Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel
Commonly Requested Compounded Prescription Formulas for Mask Irritation, Itching, or Redness
For patients who have minor skin irritation, itching, redness, and mild blemishes, physicians often recommend a moisturizer and something to calm the itching such as hydrocortisone, pramoxine, or ketotifen. We can suggest a customized formulation for your prescriber. We can use a noncomedogenic base such as a clarifying base or a moisturizing base without water.
- Ketotifen Topical Cream
- Niacinamide/Hydrocortisone Topical Cream
Prevention with Cleaning
It is important to wash your face before and after wearing and it is a good idea to avoid makeup or irritating anti-aging products if you are having a problem with irritation. You should moisturize your skin after cleansing to prevent dryness.
Commonly Requested Compounded Prescription Facial Cleansers
- Salicylic acid/Niacinamide Facial Cleanser
- Salicylic acid/Mandelic Acid Facial Foam Cleanser
- Salicylic acid/Glycolic Acid Facial Foam Cleanser
Many people have pre-existing chronic inflammatory skin issues such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, so constant use of a mask can cause these conditions to flare up.
Commonly Requested Compounded Prescription Formulas for Rosacea Breakouts
- Azelaic Acid/Metronidazole Topical Gel
- Metronidazole/Niacinamide Topical Cream
Commonly Requested Compounded Prescription Formula for Eczema Flare-ups
- Zinc Pyrithione/Clobetasol Propionate/Cyanocobalamin Topical Cream
WATCH: Town & Country Expert Pharmacists go over Mask Acne, aka “Maskne”, and what can be done to alleviate skin irritation during the current health crisis.
Learn More
Patients & Providers: Please contact our experts for education and referral needs.
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Town & Country Compounding works with patients and providers to find solutions customized for each patient, as medication is not one-size-fits-all. Our pharmacy can then get in contact with your physician and help find a treatment plan that fits your needs.
We can ship out to you. Just email or call the pharmacy.
Reminder: Patients who pick-up from Our Pharmacy:
On an abundance of caution, Town & Country Compounding Pharmacy will be offering ONLY curb-side delivery & shipping until further notice. When placing your refill, please provide a credit card so we may process your order. Once you arrive to our address on the date and time you were confirmed for pick-up, please call us at 201-447-2020, Option 1 so we may bring your prescription to your car. See if we ship to your area.
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