Aside from makeup smudging on face masks, one of the most frequently asked questions in online beauty groups these days since we started self-quarantine and social distancing is, how to treat skin problems from wearing a face mask. And the most common skin problem arising from wearing them is acne.
You see, a mask creates a moist, hot environment for your skin, as your breathing is being trapped. So it will also trap a build-up of sweat and sebum on the skin under the mask, which can lead to inflammation, rashes, and even acne breakouts.
This is something I personally been experiencing too since I never leave home without a face mask, and luckily, I know how to deal with this. Below are my tips on how to treat (and even avoid) skin problems from wearing a face mask specifically your acne:
1. Wash your face before & after wearing a face mask
Since oil and sebum will be trapped, after you wash your hands, make sure to clean your face before wearing a mask and after you remove it as soon as you arrive home. Opt for foaming cleansers since it removes oil more effectively than hydrating oils or balms. For those with oily skin like me, opt for cleansers with salicylic acid because they work to remove excess oil and dead cells from the surface of the skin, which will prevent potential flareups and clogged pores.
My favorite Salicylic Cleanser is the By Wishtrend Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser, it's strong but not drying on the skin. Another good foaming cleanser is the Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser.
2. Treat Your Acne & Breakouts Gently
Wearing face masks also causes inflammation and rashes, so drying your acne can make the other skin problem worst. So I highly recommend using products that can both hydrate and exfoliate. The Nerdy Derma recommended By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Prep Water which coincidentally, my favorite toner too! It is both hydrating yet an effective exfoliator. But if you have dry skin, I recommend Krave Beauty Kale-lalu-yAHA which is not only a hydrating exfoliator but also moisturizing.
3. Lightly Moisturize
Yes, face masks traps oil and sebum but skin hydration and skin oil production are separate issues. It's important to apply a lightweight moisturizer especially when you're wearing a face mask, even if your skin tends to be oily and acne-prone. It's because you have to protect you skin barrier. Face mask can cause friction on your face too and then using exfoliator to treat the acne can make your skin barrier vulnerable or damaged. And a damaged skin barrier can make inflammation, rashes and acne worst.
My favorite light moisturizer I am using during quarantine is Dr. Oracle 21;STAY A-Thera Emulsion which provides moisture that inflamed acne-prone skin craves. Another good product is the Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief which is specifically formulated to protect and heal skin barrier.
4. Skip Makeup
On my post about how to prevent makeup from smudging on your face mask, my first tip there is to skip foundation. Just focus on eye makeup instead. It's because most foundations and concealers have pore-clogging ingredients that can be irritating under a face mask. And also the increased humidity under the mask could affect your skin's sebum production and potentially lead to an increase in clogged pores and breakouts.
5. Opt For A Breathable Cotton Face Cover
The public should be wearing cloth face coverings, not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, as those are critical supplies that must be reserved for frontline healthcare workers. And so there are now a lot of washable cloth face masks in the market, but make sure to opt for the most comfortable. Cotton is a breathable fabric and will, therefore, be relatively non-irritating for the skin. You can still put a filter pad in it or a coffee filter in between the fabric for added protection.
While you're here...
13% of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines are the healthcare frontliners. Please help them get more protection from the coronavirus by donating Php600 for a PPE Suit or Php800 for a box of 50 surgical masks. Here are the details below on how you can help: