Why do we wear protective masks?
The purpose of the protective mask is to “catch” microorganisms that would otherwise be exhaled or cough out. A protective mask is used to control the spread of the disease, along with other measures.
What happens to our skin under protective masks?
Sweat, dirt, and makeup that accumulates under the mask irritate our skin.
Constant rubbing of any type of fabric on the skin can lead to irritation. It can cause rashes and even pimples. When health workers wear masks for hours they might experience even more serious skin damage.
How to protect our facial skin?
Choose masks made from natural, soft materials
The fabric from which the mask is made greatly affects your facial skin. Choose natural and soft materials such as cotton, so your skin will not sweat unnecessarily.
The reason why irritation occurs is primarily that we breathe directly into the mask, which is why heat is retained inside it. The skin becomes sweaty and this can cause acne. If we add friction on top of it irritation occurs. Therefore, avoid synthetic materials!
Clean and hydrate your skin
It is more necessary than ever, however, some precautions should be taken.
- Avoid aggressive facial cleansers such as scrubs that remove “dead” facial skin cells. It is best to stick to gentle, simple formulas such as creams and serums for severely damaged skin.
- Anti-inflammatory foams for facial cleansing and sebum control are useful for regulating impurities and inflammation and help the face with the long-term wearing of the mask. Their effective active facial cleansing ingredients remove makeup, sebum, and dirt particles, wash away impurities, and reduce shine.
- Facial cleansing products with salicylic acid deeply cleanse the pores of grease and this prevents their clogging.
- Moisturizers nourish and hydrate the skin. If your skin is sensitive, use rich creams just before applying the protective mask. They should prevent redness and irritation.
- Important! After wearing the mask – wash your hands and face! In addition to clean water, you can also clean your face with an antibacterial toner that will remove all bacteria from the skin.
Avoid makeup
The facial skin needs to breathe so try to avoid makeup for the period in which you are wearing the mask. Makeup can clog the oil glands and pores which can cause acne and create an additional problem for people with problematic skin.
Additional face protection
You can previously protect the skin in the area where the mask touches the face (nose, cheeks) with extra thin hydrocolloid bandages. They contain colloidal particles that act on the rapid healing of wounds and inflammation. Cheaper version Vaseline and compresses can also help heal wounds, and serve as a barrier before applying a face protection mask.
Sun protection
Don’t forget to protect your face from harmful UV rays!
The skin in the conditions of wearing masks is additionally sensitive and needs to be protected. Excessive sun exposure is harmful and it causes skin aging.
Treatments against damaged skin
In addition to the above tips for protecting facial skin, it is important to mention treatments for damaged facial skin.
Because the skin under protective masks is prone to significant damage, it needs additional hydration in the form of treatments that regulate pH and activate facial skin enzymes. Skin treatments not only provide the skin with regeneration and rejuvenation, but they also provide protection from external influences.
Using masks is important to protect against the spread of disease, and with these tips, your facial skin will also be more protected and healthier.
In case your skin problem needs professional attention to feel free to contact Health Oasis. We will support you in finding the right specialist for you. To contact Health Oasis click here.
Photos by silviarita and melli666 from pixabay
