These days, it is a must to wear masks and maintain social distancing because of the corona virus. In this COVID-19 era, masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the virus. However, because of their widespread usage, a lot of people have begun to develop skin problems because of it. Various skin problems can develop beneath your mask the most common of which includes acne breakouts, excessive dryness, rashes, itchiness, and irritated skin.
To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, skin specialists recommend these 10 tips.
Wear the right mask.
Look for the following when choosing a mask that is right for you.
- A close-fitting, but comfortable fit.
- Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton.
- The fabric on the inside should be soft if you have sensitive skin.
- Cotton material inside if you have acne or oily skin.
Wearing a mask that offers a snug fit helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus but it should be comfortable at the same time. You want a snug fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin. A mask can irritate your skin if it is too tight or slides around the face. You are also more likely to repeatedly adjust a poorly fitting mask and when you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and face.
Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon as they are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts.
Stop behind-the-ear soreness: You can find masks with different types of ties and ear loops or get them separately and wear a different type each day to see what suits you best.
Follow a gentle skin care routine.
Wearing a mask can be hard on your skin. Gentle skincare can prevent your mask from causing skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
Dr. Siddhartha Saikia
Skin care plays a vital role in healing your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology has an excellent guide to – Face washing 101.
Moisturize your face daily.
Dry skin is a common skin problem arising due to face masks. Applying a good moisturizer adds a protective layer that can reduce dryness. You should apply a moisturizer immediately after washing your face. Skin specialists recommend using a moisturizer with one of the following ingredients
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Dimethicone
The type of moisturizer will also depend upon your skin type.
- Oily skin/Acne prone skin (or when the weather is humid/hot): Gel moisturizer – this should be preferred if you have acne or tend to break out after applying normal moisturisers.
- Normal or combination skin: Lotion
- Dry to very dry skin: Cream
Avoid skin care products that can irritate your skin.
When you cover your face with a mask, some skin care products that you’ve used in the past may irritate your skin. You should stop applying skin care products and medications that can irritate your skin for example:
- Acne treatments that containing salicylic acid
- Anti-aging products
- Aftershave
- Peels or scrubs
When you wear a mask, even for a short while, it can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce skin problems, avoid trying harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliants, or retinoids especially if you have sensitive skin.
“If you’re already using a tretinoin gel (or retinol) for acne or anti-ageing, apply it at bedtime and don’t increase the amount that you apply.”
If you need to wear a mask while you have irritated skin, apply a moisturiser beforehand which adds a layer of protection, so your skin feels more comfortable.
Dr. Siddhartha Saikia
Makeup when you have a skin problem.
Makeup can worsen a mask-induced skin problem. Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
If you have to apply makeup it is advisable to use an “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” product, such as mineral-based makeup.
Lip care – protect your lips
Dry and cracked or chapped lips are common face-mask skin problems. You can prevent dry lips by applying petroleum jelly to your lips:
- After washing your face.
- Before you put on your mask.
- Before bed.
Be sure to apply the petroleum jelly only to your lips to avoid breakouts.
Wash your cloth face masks.
Sebum and oils are naturally produced by the skin which tends to collect on the mask along with particles which you breathe out. As they build up, they can irritate the skin covered by your mask. You can remove germs, oils, and particles by washing a cloth mask in a washing machine or by hand.
Wash the masks in hot water. Use a fragrance-free detergent. Besides keeping your skin healthy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your cloth face masks after each use to limit the spread of germs.
Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours.
Health care workers working during the COVID-19 pandemic have found that this helps their skin.
Only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands.
Safe places to remove your mask include:
- Inside your car when you’re alone.
- At home.
- At the office, if it is a separate space and disinfected before entering.
Treat your skin.
Acne: There is a new term being used – “maskne” which is acne caused due to the useage of face masks ina person who normally does not develop acne. Sometimes, people who have acne issues can develop flares and breakouts in the mask area especially which falls under the same spectrum. It is recommended that you wash your face after wearing a mask, being sure to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer after washing. If your face mask causes new acne or makes your acne worse, you may need to apply certain anti-acne medications like tretinoin, benzoyl-peroxide, BHAs like salicylic acid gels or washes. Consult a skin specialist near you if that is the case.
Raw, irritated skin: Apply a moisturiser to the irritated spots on your face before bed. This product is designed to protect the skin so that it can heal. The type of moisturiser you need to use depends on the type of your skin (see above).
Sore skin behind your ears: You can change the type of mask you wear, find masks with different types of ties and ear loops. Wear a different type of mask each day. If you need to wear the same type of mask each day, try wearing a ball cap or headband that comes with buttons so that you can wrap the ear loops around the buttons.
Continue the treatment plan that your dermatologist created for you. If you have a skin condition, such as acne or rosacea, it’s especially important to follow your treatment plan recommended by the dermatologist. This can help keep the condition under control.
Continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others
It’s important to continue wearing a mask for your own safety and the safety of others.
“It is recommended to wear a mask in public settings and when you are around people who don’t live in your household. A growing body of evidence has shown that masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. I encourage people to wear face masks in public, practice social distancing, and frequently wash your hands to help protect yourself, your family and your community.”
Dr. Siddhartha Saikia
Consult a certified dermatologist
Life gets busy. Sometimes, it’s hard to care for your skin as planned. You should follow the recommended tips above to prevent skin problems due to mask use but if a skin problem still occurs under your mask, you may need to consult a certified dermatologist near you. With the right skin care, you should notice an improvement in a few days. During the coronavirus pandemic, some skin specialists are seeing patients through telemedicine and in-clinic appointments. Find a dermatologist.