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.

My skin hates winter! So, so much. And this year it’s even worse. Not only is my skin dry, sensitive and blotchy; my face has decided to welcome an old friend… eczema. Thank goodness Cetaphil came to the rescue and is saving my face.

Cetaphil is saving my face

If you are a regular South African beauty blog reader I’m sure you’ve seen reviews of the new Cetaphil face products doing the rounds. I have and I am super jealous. I have read such great reviews and I’m dying to get my hands on the new products. But this post isn’t about the new products on my lust list. It’s about old favourites for body that’s turned out to be my face’s saving grace.

As I’ve mentioned, my skin hates winter. If you’re a regular reader, I apologise as I am sure you are used to me going on and on about it this time every year. It’s much worse this year though. I have eczema-prone skin. I’ve suffered for 41 years but I have never had an outbreak this bad on my face before. I have patches on my cheeks and my forehead. It’s not been a pretty sight. I’ve been able to conceal it with make-up to a certain degree, but it’s the non-stop itching that’s been driving me absolutely crazy. CRAZY! And all of the sudden my skin hates the products it usually loves. Some of the gentlest products in my arsenal now burn my skin. I have also had to put aside all my anti-ageing, pigmentation-fighting and saucer-sized-pore-busting serums. I’m sad.

Cetaphil sent me a few of my favourites to help my body beat the winter-skin blues, but I decided to try them on my face this time round, and I am so glad I did.

Cetaphil Restoraderm for eczema-prone skin

The Cetaphil Restoraderm Body Wash and Body Moisturiser is a godsend for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. That’s a fact. So I decided to try it on my face and I am so glad I did. The wash doesn’t burn my skin or leave it feeling stripped, but it still cleans properly as these pores need a good cleaning every morning and night. The moisturiser has helped a lot to relieve the tightness and the constant itch that drives my up the wall. This clinically proven range has really given me so much relief.

I was still left with severe dry patches on my forehead and cheeks on the really bad days.

Cetaphil Moisturising Cream

Cetaphil Moisturising Cream to the rescue! This is the MOST AMAZING body moisturiser in the world. And, as it turns out, a fabulous night cream. If I had to choose one cream to use for the rest of my life, this is it. And here’s why:

• Intense and lasting moisture to replenish sensitive, dry skin — great for very dry skin

• Clinically proven to provide immediate, long-lasting hydration that soothes dry, sensitive skin

• Unique formula attracts water to the skin and helps prevent moisture loss

• Quick absorbing, rich, non-greasy

• Fragrance-free, mild, non-irritating

My forehead and cheeks (and the rest of me) looks and feels so much better thanks to this cream.

I don’t really know when or how my skin will get back to the ‘pre eczema-breakout-from-hell state’ as my eczema is stress related and the only way to really clear it up is with cortisone. I’m trying my best to avoid that route. But for now I want to thank Cetaphil for these 3 products as they have given me so much relief. My skin looks and feels beter than it has in weeks. Now to work on the stress levels …

xoxo

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