Caring for Your Skin Beneath Your Face Mask

Restrictions implemented by the CDC for entering businesses or going to work may be loosening in some areas. However, recommendations still have most of us wearing a mask when leaving home to prevent further spread of Covid-19. As many front-line workers and medical personnel already know, wearing a mask can cause irritation and damage to facial skin. Whether you’re wearing a DIY mask or something you bought online, or even if you are wearing a bandana to cover your nose and mouth, chafing, irritation, and acne breakouts can result. Our staff has put together this list of tips you can follow to protect your skin under your face coverings.

Choose a Cotton Mask

Unless you’re a healthcare worker, save the N95 and surgical masks for those professionals who need them. Masks made from woven cotton instead of synthetics are soft, less likely to rub against your skin, and breathable. These masks are best suited to avoid rashes and irritation. You may want to have one that has an internal pocket that makes it easy to slip in more filtration like a coffee filter for added protection.

Wash Your Face and Masks Often

If you choose a fitted mask, it will come in direct contact with your skin. This close proximity makes it a collection area for oil, dirt, and sweat buildup. We suggest you wash your face often with a gentle cleanser before putting on your mask and after you remove it. It can be helpful to keep individually-packaged face cleaning wipes for when you are not at home. If your mask is not disposable, you should wash it before reusing it. It makes sense to have multiple masks available to ensure you are always putting on a clean one.

Reduce Friction

Is your mask rubbing your skin raw? We suggest a medical-grade ointment or salve to protect your sensitive skin from chafing or friction. Vaseline or Aquaphor are easy to find products that will help to protect your skin. But if you want the best available, choose an occlusive balm with skin healing capacity like Chemist Confessions Balm Voyage. And if you are a healthcare hero wearing those N95 masks, keep hydrocolloid bandages handy to protect from cuts and abrasions and help wounds heal.

Skip Makeup if You’re Breaking Out

Acne thrives in a warm, humid environment, which is what face masks can create during prolonged use. The environment under your mask can affect your sebum production and lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you have acne emerging around your mouth, chin, and nose, try skipping makeup, especially concealer and foundation. Of course, anything above the mask is fair game.

Treat Breakouts with TLC

If you notice breakouts, it may be tempting to break out the big guns. But a healthy skin barrier is the most critical during these uncertain times. Skip the harsh acne treatments in deference to soothing products that calm irritation and redness. Salicylic acid is an excellent choice because it penetrates clogged pores and reduces inflammation. Also, acne patches used under the masks are handy as they are hidden anyway.

If you need more information about proper skin health, call us today for a consultation.