5 ways to keep your skin happy and healthy now that we're wearing face masks
The last few months have introduced countless things I never thought I’d do, say or write about—and suffice to say, this post is one of them. But now that we’re all living in new world where face masks are essential, what does this mean for our skin? You’ve probably seen the photos of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel with raw, irritated skin caused by wearing PPE for hours on end. This isn’t likely to happen to laypeople like ourselves who wear fabric masks when we leave our homes, but when hot, moist (sorry) breath mixes with oil and sweat, there’s a chance certain skin conditions like acne and rosacea can worsen. So what can you do?
Choose your mask fabric wisely
I saw a photo of an Olsen twin wearing what looked like a leather face mask and didn’t really understand how that could work. (Upon further inspection this couture-level mask did have vents to provide airflow.) I’m all for making a fashion statement whenever possible, but let’s be practical here. Tightly-woven cotton or another natural fabric is the best bet, as synthetics like nylon, polyester and rayon are more likely to make you sweat.Stop irritation at the source
If you experience mask-related skin issues, it should be fairly easy to identify when your problem is caused by friction or moisture. But those with especially sensitive skin can react to fabric dyes and detergent as well. In any event, it may be worth trying a free-and-clear detergent or a new mask to see if your skin improves. If not, the good news is most dermatologists are offering virtual consultations that can help figure out what’s going on—and prescribe an effective solution to help get your skin back on track.Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Extra hydration creates a protective barrier between your skin and your mask that helps reduce friction. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll definitely want to use an oil-free moisturizer and drugstore brands like CeraVe are perfectly suitable for reapplying often when you’re wearing a mask.Stick to gentle cleansing
While you may be tempted to scrub or aggressively wash your face after wearing a mask for a prolonged period of time, it’s a better idea to take it easy on your skin. A gentle face wash can get the job done without causing extra irritation.Rethink your makeup
You don’t really need to pile on the foundation and concealer while wearing a mask, do you? This is just asking for clogged pores and subsequent breakouts. And while you’re at it, skip the lipstick and lip gloss as well because once it gets on your mask it can be transferred to skin around the mouth.
Whether you opt for a “fashion” or medical-grade face mask, or a bandana, silk scarf or old tee shirt, just remember that the point of covering our noses and mouths is to protect everyone else around us. We’re all in this together, so don’t leave home without a mask—and wear it, please.
