How to protect your skin from damage when you wear a mask.

Wearing a mask for long periods can cause slight discomfort. The repeated rubbing of the mask can cause irritation and redness or even burns from the friction. Breathing within the mask for long periods of time creates excess humidity which can clog the epidermis and cause the appearance of pimples or clogged pores.

Areas of the face that are most affected by mascne:

• The top of the nose: this is in particular the area that supports the metal bar which is supposed to keep the mask on the nose. Due to its size, the nose is the first element of the face to wear the mask and therefore to suffer the inconvenience.

 

• Under the eyes: Worn fairly high, the mask can also rub under the eyes, especially at the pockets. These are very fragile areas, where the skin is very thin and therefore likely to be damaged quickly.

 

• The lips: The friction with the tissue added to the lack of renewed air in the mask promotes dehydration of our upper and lower lips. So take care of it.

 

• The chin: For those who do not have a beard, rubbing can also be the source of irritation and very annoying small pimples.

 

• The ears: The elastic bands that hold the mask are disruptive elements that we are not used to wearing. They shoot our ears while rubbing on them. So watch out for irritations and pains which can be very unpleasant.

For those of us who don’t work in a medical facility or lab regularly, constant mask-wearing is still a new part of our routine. Protect those around you and your skin barrier with these tips.

1. Wear the correct mask size: Wear a mask to your size to avoid friction and tightness. It is probably a matter of common sense, yet I see them every day on the street wearing masks that are too small.
2. Wear soft and extra-soft fabrics: whenever possible, avoid paper masks. These are the most irritating masks for the face. Choose fabric masks made from cotton, linen, flannel, or poplin.
3. Apply your moisturizer just before wearing your mask to optimize the benefits of the treatment before contact with this potentially irritating accessory.
4. To prevent pimples and inflammation, you must dry them out (by applying clay on them, for example) and treat them effectively.
5. Prevent skin dryness, particularly in the most fragile areas, such as the lips, and those where the mask rubs with lip care and balms.
6. Limit makeup, especially foundation. This tends to amplify the risk of pimples and redness by further preventing the skin from breathing.
7. If you have chosen a surgical mask, place a tissue between it and the skin, to minimize aggression and discomfort.
8. Adapt your skincare regimen. Skin dries up or is it tight? Opt for a milder cleanser and a suitable moisturizer. Conversely, if the skin becomes oily and favorable to the appearance of pimples, it is thoroughly cleaned and put on anti-acne care.

You can apply a serum with a high dose of hyaluronic acid or an aloe vera gel by light pressure on your entire face. These active ingredients have been recognized for many years for their smoothing and plumping properties. During the day, you can also spray a moisturizing mist on your face to restore freshness.