My husband asked me to talk about skincare since he has been breaking out regularly because he wears a mask all day at work. How about you? Are you also experiencing blemishes, rashes or itchiness caused by wearing a mask constantly?
Yep, wearing a mask can be hard on your skin. However, it is important to wear one to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Here are nine ways to reduce the skin problems you may be contending with:
1. Wash your face. Simple right? Yet, many people (especially men) are not in the habit of washing their faces at night before bed. And others may wash their faces in the morning, but not clean makeup off thoroughly at night. After cleansing at night, I apply micellar water with a cotton pad all over my face to ensure all makeup is removed.
If I had to choose, I would pick nighttime as the best time to clean my face thoroughly, right before bed. In the morning, a splash of water and then some moisturizer or moisturizing oil is sufficient.
Of course, if you workout and work up a really good sweat, wash your face after that. Sweating is an irritant, hence the reason we are breaking out wearing masks.
2. Put a lip balm on your lips to keep them from drying out. Apply in the morning, after washing and moisturizing your face, before you put on your mask, and at night before you go to bed. Reapply as needed.
3. Skip the makeup now as wearing a mask over it just invites clogged pores.
4. And now is not the time to try new skin products, as you won't know which is irritating your skin. The product, the mask, or both.
5. Right now, less is more. So cut back or remove any skin care products that might irritate your skin more with a mask on, such as salicylic acid, retinol or retinoid products and aftershave.
6. Wear a mask that fits, that is made of breathable fabric. If the mask is too tight, it will irritate your delicate skin. If it is too loose you will be touching your face more, readjusting it and that just adds to bacteria, which increases the chance of breakouts. If you are wearing a mask made of synthetic material, such as polyester or rayon, it will also cause irritation.
7. If you have to wear a mask all day at work, take a 15 minute break from wearing one, every four hours. Before you remove it, though, wash your hands.
8. And lastly, keep your cloth masks clean. Wash by hand or in the washing machine. I recommend using a detergent that has no fragrance and is hypoallergenic.
9. Exfoliate the dead skin cells regularly to get your natural glow back. Here is a bonus nighttime skincare regimen for you to try:
Exfoliating Mask*:
Mix this into a paste and scrub gently all over your face, rinsing with warm water.
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
*Limit to 2-3 times per week
Now you have nine ways to prevent COVID-related face blemishes. If you do get a breakout anyway, just use a concealer. Nothing wrong with that.
And I would be remiss if I didn't remind you that a healthy glow is also attributed to healthy habits such as drinking enough water, getting enough sleep and eating whole, nutritious foods. Naturally!