Like COVID-19 isn’t stressful enough, recent reports state that wearing a facial mask can be very bad for certain types of skin. Don’t worry about face mask skin irritation, however. You will just have to take better care of your face and use specific precautions. Remember, it is still imperative that you wear your custom mask while in a public setting.
Not everyone will experience dermatological issues, but those that do will have to deal with redness, irritation, dryness, and even acne. This is because masks rub and press on your face, and the friction clogs pores or chafes against the surface of the skin. You may even have an allergy to the material that your face covering is made from, and this, too, could cause your skin to break out in rashes.
Fortunately, there are many treatments, products, and home remedies available to lessen or eradicate this timely issue. Here is a look at just a few of the things that you can try to eliminate each possible problem:
1. Taking Aim at Acne
Face mask-induced acne, coined maskne online, is the presence of small pustules that appear after donning a cloth, paper, or medical-grade mask on the face. This is part of a phenomenon called acne mechanica, which, put simply, is acne formed from friction. The back-and-forth movement of a mask pushes bacteria, sebum, and dirt into pores, effectively blocking them. The tiny whiteheads that form are a result of this constant irritation.
How can you put an end to this cycle? First of all, do not wear foundation makeup with a mask. Makeup, like other items on the skin’s surface, has the potential to be pushed into pores by the grinding motions of the mask. This only adds to the other contaminants that are being forced beneath the skin.
Your best course of action is to safeguard the outermost layer of your skin. It is there to protect you from outside irritants while preserving the moisture inside. When this layer is damaged, irritation occurs. Believe it or not, adding an effective moisturizer will protect you against this type of acne because they will prevent the rubbing from the mask. You should try one that contains healthy ingredients, such as those with ceramides, jojoba, or squalene.
Another approach is using a face wash with salicylic acid. This compound helps to remove excess oils and dead skin cells, keeping your pores free from irritants and debris. The anti-inflammatory benefits are also very soothing. You can also try sulfur-based products that target acne by wiping out bacteria without irritating damaged skin. Either way, dermatologists recommend that all people wash their faces thoroughly before masking up and again after their masks are removed.
2. Defend against Dryness
Again, friction is the main culprit when it comes to masks and dry skin. Many of the prevention tactics come down to choosing a mask made from proper material. For example, rayon, polyester, nylon, and other synthetic blends are more likely to cause perspiration, adding to their propensity to irritate skin. They also slide around, chafing vulnerable skin.
Instead, choose tightly-woven, 100% cotton blends that are breathable and well-fitting. Silk actually causes the least amount of friction and may be a viable option for those with extra-delicate skin.
Of course, the best way to obliterate dry skin is to hydrate. So, moisturizing skincare products can never be over-exaggerated in their importance. You should double-down your efforts by looking at creams, lotions, and hyaluronic acid serums to replenish the moisture as much as you possibly can.
Just remember, the best basic moisturizers are hypoallergenic in nature. They are gentle and refreshing, yet they won’t exacerbate the irritation felt in the broken, dried-out skin.
3. Put an End to Redness and Rosacea
Redness and rashes may be caused by friction, as stated above, or they may have a more serious root. Remember, when you are placing an unknown material against your face, there is a possibility of inciting an allergic reaction. You could be reacting to the mask’s dye, the detergent used to wash the mask, or even the nasal adhesive. Just observe where you are breaking out. If it is behind your ears, it could even be the ear strap fabric. However, it is likely to be your detergent if the entire facial area where the mask was shows signs of redness.
If you are experiencing an allergic reaction, change masks or detergents immediately. To treat the issue, try an over-the-counter cream with cortisone. That said, if you have been diagnosed with rosacea, and have been prescribed an oral or topical medication, continue with your treatment while using these suggestions as a supplement to your medical care.
With redness and rosacea, moisturizer as a barrier should be your top priority. If you are experiencing redness, and you do not have any allergies, then your face is likely to be marred because of friction. The constant movement is causing the top layer of the dermis to release moisture. Since you will eventually lack its protection, the skin will become cracked, raw, and red. Oil-free moisturizers applied every other hour are your best solution. You need to hydrate the skin while simultaneously building up a plausible barrier against the mask. Many products that reduce facial redness are first and foremost effective emollients.
While the benefits of mask-wearing outweigh the risks of developing any skin issues, skin problems should not be ignored. If the ideas in this article are not helping, and your skin condition persists, please make an appointment with your doctor. Many physicians are willing to see patients via video conferencing as the pandemic endures.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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