A version of this story first appeared on Forbes.com

Mask-wearing has become a part of daily life as we work to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but many mask wearers have noticed new skincare concerns, including the rise of “maskne”, aka acne caused by mask-wearing.

To get to the bottom of these skincare questions and discover how to keep skin looking gorgeous and clear while donning a mask, I spoke with dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman.

Here are her tips on how to avoid maskne and other best practices for mask-wearing:

SIMPLY: What are the main skin concerns you are noticing with mask wearing on the rise?

DR. DENDY ENGELMAN: My patients are seeing a rise in skin issues since COVID-19; anything stress related like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. Because the skin and nervous system are very much connected, increasing stress levels trigger inflammatory skin conditions. In addition, I am treating a lot of acne mechanica, or maskne, which is acne caused by a combination of friction, sweat and heat.

What mistakes are people making when wearing masks in regard to their skincare and makeup routine?

The biggest mistakes I see are people not cleaning their masks, not washing their face, drying out their skin with acne treatments, not moisturizing, not exfoliating properly, and using harsh soap.

Is there a particular type of mask that you recommend that’s gentler on skin?

Silk is best, as it reduces friction against the skin.

What skincare steps can people take to alleviate the threat of “maskne”?

Cleanse: Just like our hands, we need to increase the frequency in which we cleanse. The best method is to double cleanse. First, use an oil based cleanser to lift bacteria and grime away (and any makeup) from the skin. Second, use a gentle cleanser to rinse all the impurities away. Move in circular motions. With this method, cleansing should take 1-2 minutes. Remember to cleanse after every time you go outside or wear your mask. I like Glo Skin Beauty's Gentle Cream Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser (you can use this to wash your mask too).

Exfoliate: Exfoliating will help to decongest pores. Look for a gentle chemical exfoliant that will not only weaken cell bonds but also break down sebum before it clogs a pore. I like The Humane Company Clarifying Toner, as it uses salicylic acid which will break down the buildup of sebum.

Moisturize: It is incredibly important to support the skin barrier right now. Moisturizing will protect hydration from escaping the skin and shield the skin from bacteria and contaminants. I love Glo Skin Beauty's Barrier Balm because it provides a nice shield of moisturize preventing bacteria from getting into pores.

How do you recommend washing masks, and how often should we be switching masks out?

Ideally your mask should be washed after every use, especially if you are sweating or spending a long period of time in it. I would recommend buying a few so you always have a clean mask on hand.