How to Keep Skin Healthy Under a Face Mask
With masks becoming an essential part of life during the pandemic, many of us are experiencing new problems with our skin. For those with sensitive skin, masks are an irritant or cause sores behind the ears. Sufferers of acne might discover they have more breakouts and a common worry is the appearance of red blotches around the border of the mask.
The good news is that there are simple ways to prevent bad skin caused by masks. Depending on your skin type, here are some dermatologist-approved tips:
Sensitive Skin
You’ll know you have sensitive skin if you deal with some amount of redness on your face. This will take the form of rashes or dilated blood vessels and dry skin/flakiness will often go hand in hand. Masks are particularly problematic for those with sensitive skin, as they will exacerbate existing problems. Usually the issue will be on the mask itself (the fabric, dye or even your laundry detergent), so look for a mask where the inner layer is made from cotton (such as Maskari’s advanced mask) and make sure to use a hypoallergenic washing powder. If friction is the problem and the mask is rubbing against your face, try using a moisturiser to create a skin barrier.
Acne-Prone Skin
Wearing a face mask can increase sweating, which clogs pores and causes blemishes. Those with acne-prone skin may find their acne flares up after using a face mask, particularly during the hotter months. A good to way counter “maskne” is to wear a breathable mask with a cotton inner layer (such as Maskari’s advanced mask) and to avoid wearing makeup underneath. If makeup is a must, adopt a minimalist approach, with less placed around areas where the mask touches your face (the bridge of your nose, around your cheeks and jaw). When removing your mask, wash your hands then take makeup off immediately, if possible. Cleanse and exfoliate your skin to free pores and remove any bacteria that might have transferred from the mask to your face.
Dull Skin
Dull skin tone is a result of dead cells which build up on the skin’s surface. It may make your skin look rough or have a dull, lacklustre appearance. People who wear face masks all day often find that when they take it off their skin appears lacklustre. A big cause of this is a lack of hydration, since coverings to the face impede actions like drinking water or eating water-based snacks like fruit. If you are wearing a face mask in the office or for long periods outside, make sure to keep hydrated throughout the day. Exfoliation is crucial to take away dead skin cells, which build up under the mask, and make sure to always moisturise, massaging the serum into the skin to stimulate blood flow.
