The Coronavirus pandemic has made us hyper-aware of our personal hygiene, to say the least. As of April, most Indian states made it mandatory for everyone to wear a mask while stepping outdoors. However, while as important wearing a mask is, it certainly comes with its own repertoire of serious skin issues. According to Dermatologist Chris Huerter, MD at CHI Health, while wearing a face mask for the first time, or for extended periods of time, a few problems can come into play: Maskne, Perioral Dermatitis, and Friction irritations. Reiterating the fact are many health care providers and frontline workers who’ve been wearing specialized masks for hours at a stretch—resulting in painful skin rashes, chafing, and abrasions. ‘Hero’ wounds if you will.
So how do you keep your skin happy whilst wearing a face mask? Let’s find out…
WHAT: MASKNE
One of the major skin issues that everyone is most likely to face is maskne (RE: Acne caused due to masks). “When fabric or gear presses or rubs against the skin for a prolonged period, it can cause pimples from heat, friction, sweat, bacteria, or irritation - a condition (also common in athletes) called acne mechanica”, explains Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, and board-certified Dermatologist. This appears in the form of white shallow whiteheads or facial redness along with the contained areas and line of contact of the mask. Another way a cloth mask can cause breakouts is when you don't wash it often and dirt and bacteria accumulate in the fabric. Yikes.
Solution: The most important thing you can do to prevent irritation and breakouts is to keep your skin clean and well moisturized. Always wash and exfoliate your skin with a pH-balanced cleanser, an oil-free anti-acne product like the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash before and after putting on a mask.
WHAT: CONTACT AND PERIORAL DERMATITIS
Another painful ramification of wearing face masks is ‘Contact Dermatitis’ and ‘Perioral Dermatitis’— an inflammatory rash involving the skin around the chin, mouth, and jawline. These appear in the form of uncomfortable redness caused by trapped oil, dirt, and sweat between a person’s face and the fabric. Sometimes certain kinds of synthetic fabrics as well as changes in humidity can also trigger it.
Solution: Dr. Chris Huerter advises, “If you experience this irritation, try over-the-counter cortisone”. You can also opt for masks fashioned out of breathable and natural fabrics (cotton, bamboo, or natural silk). A Sulfur wash such as The Legend Surfer Face Wash can also help treat the breakouts.
WHAT: FRICTION IRRITATIONS. CHAFFING AND SCARS
This one is most commonly observed on frontline workers who wear masks for an extensive period of masks—sans any breaks. In fact, the more you wear the mask, the worse it becomes. This in turn leads to painful skin breakage, soreness, chaffing, and dark abrasive marks across the face where the mask is in contact with the skin.
Solution: First and foremost, ensure masks are fitted correctly and aren’t too tight. You can opt for masks that can be tied instead of the ones with elastic bands for a custom fit. To avoid friction and prevent cuts, apply a thick cream on the areas where the mask will rub against your skin—behind the ears and on the bridge of the nose. You can apply an oil-free makeup primer like the Deborah Face Perfect Primer to reduce friction from the mask on the skin. Thin bandages can also be placed in high-impact areas like the nose and cheeks to relieve some pressure.
IMPORTANT TIPS TO MAINTAIN SKIN HEALTH
- Exfoliate with Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant twice a week to get rid of all the dead cells to prevent blackheads, whiteheads, etc.
- If you already have oily or acne-prone skin, stay away from heavy moisturizers and opt for non-comedogenic and fragrance-free moisturizer instead.
- To prevent/treat breakouts, try Salicylic Acid-based products such as the Kama Ayurveda Anti Acne Cleansing Foam.
- Opt for a gel-based sunscreen such as Plum Green Tea Day-Light Sunscreen Gel SPF 35 PA+++ that is light and won’t make your skin sticky.
- To calm down your skin, apply a DIY face mask with cooling ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Cucumber, curd, etc, or try the Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask – Cucumber.
- To give your skin an extra boost, opt for a skin mist infused with vitamins and spritz some throughout the day like Lotus Organics Divine Petals Toner-Mist.
- Instead of dipping your fingers in a pot of cream, preferably use a moisturizer that comes with a pump and nozzle. That will help avoid contamination. Try not to share your moisturizer with anyone else.
- Keep facial wipes such as Kara Aloe Vera & Mint Oil Cleansing & Hydrating Face Wipes ready to soak up the excess oil, grime, and sweat.
- Skip heavy makeup products in favor of breathable formulas or mineral-based makeup. Taking off makeup before going to sleep is non-negotiable.
- Washing your mask regularly and opting for ones made of natural fabrics can go a long way to help prevent breakouts.
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