As people across the country are required to wear a double masks in public now to overcome the spread of COVID-19, many individuals with sensitive skin are facing acne and skin issues due to constant masks on their face for long hours.
Wearing a mask imposes friction, heat and occlusion on the skin and when combined with a moist environment from sweating, talking and breathing results in breakouts. Sweat and heat cause itchy and dry skin.
How to prevent clogging of pores and acne caused by wearing a face mask?
• Wash your face: Use a gentle fragrance-free and oil-free cleanser to rinse your face. It will help to prevent the trapping of oil and dirt on your skin and prevent breakouts.
• Don’t forget to apply a moisturiser: It helps to keep your skin hydrated and acts as a barrier between your mask and face reducing friction. Use moisturisers that contain dimethicone, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, as they help provide extra protection to your skin. It is a trial and error method, and choosing the right kind of formulation takes time.
• Avoid using makeup: If you use makeup under the mask, then it may cause clogged pores and lead to breakouts.
• Wash your mask: If you use a cotton mask, then it is very important to wash it after every use because its surface contains oil and dirt. It becomes a breeding environment for bacteria from your mouth and nose.
• Select a fragrance-free detergent: Don’t use a fabric softener and stay away from fragrant detergents to wash your mask as they can cause skin irritation and lead to breakouts.
• Avoid using hard products: Products with salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide can irritate your skin under the mask, so be careful about what to use and how much to use.
