Never in my life would I have thought that wearing a face mask when leaving home would be the ‘new normal’. And I hate seeing my girl wearing one! It sucks, but we do what we have to. Our skin has also suffered because of it. Here are a few tips on how to care for your skin while wearing a mask.
How to care for your skin while wearing a mask
The constant wearing of face masks has resulted in both Cara’s and my eczema rearing its ugly head and I’ve also been starting to experience ‘maskne’. Yes, that’s a thing.
Maskne is the latest and not-so-luxurious term to enter the world of COVID-19. As the name suggests, Maskne, is acne that results from wearing a face mask or dermatologically known as acne mechanica. This type of acne is commonly triggered by sweat, friction, and pressure on the skin and causes inflammation, unpleasant red rashes and tiny clusters of pimples around the nose and mouth specifically. Cetaphil, a leader in gentle skincare products, shares some tips to help take care of your skin while wearing a mask:
Choose a soft and breathable mask
Cloth face masks can now be easily purchased from a variety of places online or home-made. It is recommended to use a mask with three layers, selecting a non-woven (or similar) fabric with strong filtering capability as the middle layer, and the accompanying inner and outer layers for comfort, structure and some additional protection. It is recommended to wash re-usable masks regularly as they are prone to collect dirt, oils, bacteria, and germs, which may exacerbate skin problems. It should also be noted that the Department of Health has discouraged the public from using the N-95 masks, as these have been reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
We bought satin face masks from Hello Honey and they feel great against the skin. And they are beautiful and affordable. Less irritation means less fiddling with the mask.
Include a gentle skin cleanser into your skin care routine
Select a skin cleanser like the Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser, a mild, non-irritating, non-drying gentle skin cleanser for even the most sensitive skin. This cleanser can be used without water. So, if you have irritated or sensitive skin, gently swipe a cotton round with the cleanser over your skin.
I would suggest that you cleanse and moisturise your skin as soon as you remove the mask.
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is a staple in our home. We swear by Cetaphil.
Create a skin care barrier by using a moisturiser
Apply a moisturiser like the Cetaphil® Daily Hydrating Lotion after cleansing. This lightweight, oil-free moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid provides instant hydration, maintaining the skins protective barrier, and helps to protect skin from dryness.
Don’t forget your Sun Protection Factor, even in the colder months
Although half of our face is covered by our face masks, it is still important to apply an SPF on a daily basis, as some of the skin is exposed to the harmful sun rays when going for morning walks. Opt for a non-comedogenic and oil-free option as they work to decrease excess oil that can clog pores and lead to acne.
Keep in contact with your dermatologist
If you are concerned about the health of your skin or keep experiencing skin breakouts, keep in contact with your dermatologist. Some dermatologists are offering a Telehealth solution, which is the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies.
*Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels