Even though the mask mandate has eased in the United States, many people continue to wear face masks in public places as a precaution against catching and spreading airborne diseases. While it’s a good health practice, it can be challenging for people with sensitive skin. They are more prone to mask-induced skin irritations, allergic reactions, and acne breakouts. As such, it can get tricky to strike a balance between staying safe and keeping their skin healthy.
Fortunately, wearing a face mask has several ways to protect your skin. From following a proper skincare routine to opting to buy antibacterial face mask coverings, here are six tips on how you can care for your sensitive skin.
Choose Face Masks Made of Soft Materials
One of the reasons you’re experiencing skin-related problems with your mask is the materials it’s made from. Many disposable surgical masks are constructed from non-woven fabrics made from plastics like polypropylene. Also, fabricating these surgical masks can produce formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation if you wear the mask for hours.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to stick to masks made of cotton. It’s softer and gentler on the
skin. Make sure the inner lining material is smooth, as this will reduce friction. Remember, too much friction can chafe or irritate your skin. Additionally, consider using masks with an antibacterial treatment to prevent bacteria from growing on the fabric’s surface.
Wear Your Mask Properly
In addition to being selective about the material of your mask, how it fits on your face also matters. When wearing a mask, ensure it has a snug yet comfortable fit. If the mask feels too tight, it can keep rubbing on your skin and cause irritation in the area. On the other hand, a loose-fitting mask will keep sliding off your face, and you’ll constantly have to adjust it. Frequently touching your face covering can increase the transfer of germs from your hands to your face.
Wash Cloth Masks After Each Use
When using cloth masks for an extended period, oils and skin cells can collect inside them. This buildup of dirt can cause skin problems like rashes and acne. Also, the increased humidity and bacteria from your breath can settle inside the mask and contribute to the factors that irritate your skin.
As such, it’s best to wash your mask after every use. You can clean the mask by hand or put it into a washing machine along with your regular laundry load, making sure to follow the recommended washing instructions for each mask.
Use hot water and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent to prevent your skin from breaking out. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no detergent residue clings to the fabric, and let the mask completely dry before using it again.
Change Your Face Mask When It Gets Wet
Whether using a reusable or disposable mask, change it into a fresh one once it gets wet. Just as you would want to change out of sweaty clothes, you should replace your mask once it gets too sweaty, gets wet in the rain, or even when your face becomes oily.
The trapped moisture can irritate your skin and add additional friction to your mask. It can also compromise your mask’s protective abilities and make breathing difficult. That’s why it’s good practice to pack a couple of spare masks every time you go out and to change the one you’re wearing as needed.
Introduce A Healthy Skincare Routine
A proper skincare routine can help keep your skin healthy and reduce the chances of having skin problems. You can begin with a simple regimen of cleansing, toning, and moisturising your face daily.
When washing sensitive skin, use a mild cleanser. Typically, fragrances can cause rashes and irritation on the skin. So, it’s best to use fragrance-free products. You can then apply a gentle toner to hydrate and soothe the skin. Make sure to use an alcohol-free toner so it won’t dry out your skin.
Since people with sensitive skin often have dehydrated skin, it’s best to apply a cream-based moisturiser. If you want to get the most out of your moisturiser, pick a product with any of these ingredients:
● Ceramides – They help lock in moisture and protect your skin from drying out and getting
irritated.
● Hyaluronic acid – It keeps the skin hydrated. It also acts as a humectant, drawing in and holding
onto moisture.
● Dimethicone – This helps condition the skin and serves as a barrier to reduce skin irritations.
Avoid Wearing Makeup under The Face Mask
Ideally, it’s best to skip wearing any makeup under your face mask, as the increased humidity under the mask can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. But if you must wear makeup, use a properly formulated remover to cleanse all traces of cosmetics at the end of the day.
Also, change your mask frequently if you’ll be wearing makeup, as the oil from your foundation and other products can transfer to your mask. This buildup of sweat, oil, and dirt can irritate your skin after prolonged exposure.
Wearing a mask is a simple way to keep yourself protected against disease. But having sensitive skin means adding a few more precautions to ensure your skin stays healthy. Hopefully, these tips can help protect your skin wearing a face mask. If you notice skin issues, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for proper treatment.
Leave a Reply