Abstract: Ventilating face masks and methods and systems for face mask ventilation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a mask ventilation system can comprise an expandable base layer comprising side edges and a ventilation layer external to the expandable base layer comprising side edges. When the expandable base layer is in an expanded state, the side edges of the ventilation layer and the side edges of the expandable base layer can define one or more ventilation gaps between the expandable base layer and the ventilation layer for diverting at least a portion of the wearer's breath away from the surface, wherein the diversion can decrease the relative humidity on the surface.