Skincare Routine for Nurses Wearing Masks All Day
Wearing a mask for 8–12 hours a day is just part of life for nurses. All that friction, sweat, and trapped bacteria can cause acne, redness, and dry skin, what many call “maskne.” The good news? A simple skincare routine can keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and shift-ready.
Keep your skin happy during long shifts with these easy steps and top picks.
Morning Skincare Routine (Before Your Shift)
Fresh Face First
Start with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to gently remove oil, sweat, and bacteria without stripping your skin. Dermatologists recommend washing your face in the morning, at night, and after heavy sweating to keep pores clear and prevent breakouts, helping your skin stay comfortable throughout long shifts.
Our Top Picks
First on our list is the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. It is a simple, fragrance-free cleanser that removes dirt and oil without harsh ingredients. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and leaves the skin feeling clean and comfortable.
The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant is a lightweight liquid exfoliant with salicylic acid that helps unclog pores and smooth skin texture. It’s commonly used to reduce blackheads, breakouts, and uneven skin tone without harsh scrubbing.
Moisture Boost
Hydration is key, even if your skin tends to be oily. A non-comedogenic moisturizer helps protect your skin barrier and soothes irritation from mask friction.
Tip: Apply moisturizer 15–30 minutes before wearing your mask so it fully absorbs.
Our Top Picks
SimplyVital Collagen Face Moisturizer is a lightweight cream that helps keep skin hydrated and smooth. It absorbs quickly and works well for daily use on the face and neck.
Next on our list is the medicube Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer. This lightweight gel-cream keeps skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. It absorbs quickly, making it perfect for daily use, especially if you like a fresh, light feel on your skin.
Don’t Skip SPF
UV rays can still get through windows and may worsen hyperpigmentation caused by mask irritation. Protect your skin with a lightweight, non-greasy SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Our Top Picks
The TULA Sunscreen Gel is a lightweight gel that protects your skin from the sun without feeling heavy. It absorbs quickly and gives a natural, subtle glow, perfect for everyday wear, alone or under makeup.
CeraVe Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50 is a lightweight, mineral sunscreen that protects sensitive skin without leaving a white cast. It absorbs easily, feels comfortable all day, and includes niacinamide to help calm and support the skin.
Night Skincare Routine (After Your Shift)
Bye-Bye Grime
After a long shift, give your skin a double cleanse to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria.
Step 1: Oil cleanser or micellar water to lift away makeup and grime.
Step 2: Gentle foaming cleanser to finish fresh and clean.
Double cleansing goes deeper than a single wash, helping prevent breakouts, unclog pores, and keep your skin happy under that mask.
Our Top Picks
ANUA Heartleaf Cleansing Oil is a gentle oil cleanser that helps remove makeup, excess oil, and impurities without stripping the skin. It’s designed to calm irritation and support clearer, smoother skin, making it easy to include in your daily routine.
This Gentle Foaming Cleanser from Cetaphil is a soft, fragrance‑free foaming face wash that removes dirt, oil, and makeup without drying out your skin. It feels light and refreshing, making it easy to use every day in your routine.
Soothe & Clear
A few times a week, give your skin a little extra help with simple, gentle ingredients:
Salicylic Acid – clears out clogged pores and helps prevent breakouts
Niacinamide – soothes redness and calms irritated skin
Retinoids – great for acne and anti-aging, but start slow and use with care
A little extra care with these actives goes a long way.
Our Top Picks
This lightweight serum with niacinamide helps support a clearer, more even skin tone. It feels smooth and easy to layer with other products in your routine.
CeraVe Post‑Acne Refining Retinol Serum is a lightweight serum with retinol and exfoliating acids that helps smooth skin texture and fade post‑breakout marks. It’s designed to be gentle enough for regular use while supporting clearer, more even‑looking skin.
Lock in Hydration
End your day with a thicker night cream packed with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to support barrier repair while you sleep. This helps strengthen your skin’s natural defenses, lock in moisture, and soothe irritation caused by long hours in a mask. Consistently using a barrier-repair moisturizer can leave your skin feeling softer, looking healthier, and better protected against mask-related dryness and redness.
Our Top Picks
This moisturizer from medicube is a creamy hydrator with collagen and niacinamide that helps support your skin’s moisture barrier and leave it feeling soft. It’s easy to layer into your daily routine and works well for everyday hydration.
The CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is a rich, hydrating night cream that helps nourish and support your skin while you sleep. It feels soothing and helps keep skin soft and comfortable overnight.
How to Keep Your Skin Healthy Under a Mask?
Take Mask Breaks
Dermatologists suggest removing your mask for about 15 minutes every 4 hours when safe to reduce friction and moisture buildup.
Wash or Change Masks Often
Dirty masks trap oil and bacteria—wash reusable masks after each use or discard disposable ones.
Skip Heavy Makeup
Foundation and concealer under masks clog pores and worsen breakouts.
Reduce Friction
Use masks that fit comfortably and avoid rubbing or touching your face frequently.
Final Thoughts
Wearing masks is unavoidable in healthcare, yet skin problems don’t have to be. A simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting can help prevent maskne, dryness, and irritation. With the right products and habits, your skin can stay healthy and comfortable even during the longest shifts.
