The face mask has been an incredible resilient force against the transmission of coronavirus, and it is essential that we continue to wear them. However, how can we keep our skin healthy underneath?

 

Is wearing a face mask affecting your skin’s health?

Long hours of keeping your face enwrapped by a mask would eventually result in skin problems. Apart from sweat caused by sultry weather, the covered areas of the face are in constant contact with the vapour of your exhalation. Those who have oily skin are especially prone to developing moisture that clogs the pores, and your skin health degenerates.

 

What effective measures can we take to maintain a radiant and healthy complexion alongside wearing masks?

Regular Cleansing without Fail

Keep itchiness or peeling skin at bay by deep cleaning your face with a mild cleanser that is free from artificial fragrance. Include face washing in your hand-washing regime of the day. A face wash containing salicylic acid is a must apply for oily skin before putting it on and after removing the face-covering in respect to the number of times, it is worn in a day. Foaming cleansers have far-reaching effects than hydrating balms.

Minimal Makeup

If a no-makeup look freaks you out, then you must opt for the foundation with a light formulation. The best is to go without it. Let your skin breathe under the mask without extra coverage formed by the foundation layer. The skin secretes its own natural oils that combine with humidity under the cover and any substance applied to fully block the pores. Stay satisfied with a minimum eye-makeup and settle for healthy skin.

Avoid N-95 Masks 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend that the general public wear N95 respirators to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including coronavirus (COVID-19). Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for health care workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

The solution lies in comfy masks made of cotton that absorb sweat, humidity, dries easily, and allows your skin to breathe. Another advantage of wearing a cotton mask is that it can be matched with your outfit’s colour!

Regular Washing of Masks

The microbes, fumes, and dust gathered by your daily wearable face cover are the most important risk factors to healthy skin that go unnoticed. You must have a bunch of face masks at your disposal so that you need not go unmasked after having washed it.

Protect your lips by applying petroleum jelly.

Dry skin and chapped lips are common face mask skin problems. You can prevent chapped lips by applying petroleum jelly to your lips:

• After washing your face
• Before you put on your mask
• Before bed

To prevent breakouts, take care to apply the petroleum jelly only to your lips.

Avoid Wearing at a Stretch

An irritation or itchy skin around the ears must not be ignored since that is one of the delicate body portions. Make sure to remove the mask for an average of 15 minutes within every 4 hours of constant wearing. Get masks with tender, elastic loops, or opt for the doctors’ back-tying masks. Don’t forget to moisturize the covered face parts, specifically around the ear, to prevent soreness after face-washing.

Avoiding unnecessary cosmetic applications on the skin does not mean that you would stop applying dermatologist prescribed ointments if you are not finished with the existent skin treatment. Besides, your skin is what you eat. Replace your junk snacking with fruit smoothies for your smooth and lively skin against the ill-effects of round the clock mask-wearing.

While your skin’s health is important- continue to wear those face coverings when out and about as they really have been our saving grace!