#FaceFacts - Wearing surgical masks can damage your skin – here’s how you can take better care of it
Considering the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us have been donning surgical masks or even
N95 masks as precautionary measures against the spread of virus.
However, did you know that by wearing a mask for long hours you could be damaging your skin instead?
The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to choose beauty over your health or vice versa: you just have to take better care of your skin and pay more attention to your beauty routine! These tips and tricks will help you to keep your skin just as healthy:
AVOID USING OILY BEAUTY PRODUCTS - When you wear tight surgical masks for long periods of time, the oil from your cosmetic products or excess sebum from your pores gets on the inside of your mask and stays in contact with your skin for as long as you are donning the mask. Now just imagine that your skin is already finding it hard to breathe within the confines of your mask, and all that oil is just staying on your skin for hours – a sure recipe for clogged pores and acne breakouts!
USE MATTIFYING BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN LESS OILY - those with combination or oilier skin types should use products that can whisk away oil from the face and mattify the skin for long hours. Pressed powders and matte foundations are your best bet.
WEAR LESS OR EVEN NO MAKEUP - the truth is that thick makeup and lack of good ventilation simply do not go well together. We recommend that you skip makeup completely or do lighter makeup so that it’s easier for your skin to breathe.
REMEMBER TO EXFOLIATE - If you are wearing surgical masks regularly, exfoliating is a must-do if you want to prevent acne breakouts. Chemical exfoliators are perfect for penetrating deep into your pores to clear out dead skin and oil which may have accumulated there throughout the time that you wear your surgical masks. We recommend you exfoliate two to three times a week, depending on your skin type and mask-wearing habits.
ALWAYS DOUBLE CLEANSE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE WEARING MAKEUP - By cleansing your face twice, you make sure that you are thoroughly removing sweat, bacteria, and old skin cells all the way from deep inside the pores, but of course without drying out your skin.
BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH ACNE BREAKOUTS & OTHER SKIN ISSUES ON YOUR CHEEKS AND JAW - Chances are you are going to have acne breakouts or other skin issues including rashes, rosacea flareups and peeling skin. Stock up on your usual acne and sensitive skin cures.
Stay Safe – Stay Home – Stay Connected
Virtual Dermatology Now Available at DermDox Dermatology. Consultations from the safety of your home. All you need is a smartphone and connect to us through FaceTime or Skype. Medicare and most private insurances accepted. Call now: 570.459.0029
