Face Masks Can Cause Skin Irritation
The current global Covid-19 pandemic forced us to adapt to including face masks in our daily attires rapidly. We are going to wear face masks for a while because Covoid-19 does not seem to end despite consistent preventive strategies. One month ago, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced that people should wear masks in public places, especially in situations where social distancing is challenging to maintain.
While masks can be effective at minimizing the infection rate of airborne diseases, some challenges come with them. For example, improperly handled masks or too much exposure could result in maskne. Other conditions include acne and rosacea.
Below are the top 5 tips that you can use to keep your skin healthy and prevent it from irritating when using face masks.
Moisturize Your Skin
Moisturizers, especially from Aloe Vera, work perfectly to decrease friction between the skin and mask. During friction, it is natural for the epidermis to lose water and ends up becoming less protective against foreign contacts, such as the mask. Soon, you start feeling dry, and the pain materializes into impossible to bear inflammations.
Use a Lenient, Regular and Breathable Material
There are several sites online that have affordable and lenient materials that make a mask comfortable to wear. However, it would be best if you did not opt for just an attractive mask. You should consider the elasticity, tightness, fabric of the material before concluding on a specific face mask.
A face mask should be fit, natural, soft, and breathable, considering that you will be covering the nose and mouth. It means that a cotton type of cloth is the best choice and you can get them from used clothes like an old t-shirt or a sheet.
It is essential to consider that the material has at least two layers that are tight and woven cotton. Experts recommend such materials because they act as a good filter that blocks breathing droplets from another person, especially when they sneeze. On the other hand, it still allows you to breathe easily and comfortably without any difficulties.
Moreover, you should try as much as possible to avoid synthetic materials. Some people end up having allergies that make them sneeze or even cause nasal blockage. In other cases, synthetic materials mostly make you sweat, and that dampens the material making someone extremely uncomfortable.
Identify Cause of Irritation
You can stop skin irritations by understanding their causes and triggers. This way, you can devise an effective preventive strategy against fighting air bone diseases. In most cases, the cause is usually accumulated moisture or friction.
Masks that are too tight are highly associated with skin problems because they strain your face muscles. The masks you wear could be manufactured from allergy-causing materials such as dyes, detergents or even adhesives. When this occurs, skin irritation follows suit.
Furthermore, keep in mind that there are different types of skin rashes in light of their causes. For example, a small and scratchy rash at the tip of the nose could mean an adhesive reaction or allergy.
Clean Your Face
It would be best if you clean your face before and after wearing a face mask. Masks trap dirt, oil and other substances in the skin pores, thus causing pimples, acne and other types of skin irritation. Therefore, regularly cleansing your skin reduces the chances of pore blockage.
Remember to use cleansers that have a mild effect on your skin. When it comes to exfoliation, avoid products that are too strong. Also, do not be too aggressive when using cleansers, as the irritation may only get worse.
An excellent alternative would be steaming your face rather than scrubbing. Steaming is an effective way of unclogging your pores. Also, consider using lukewarm instead of hot water to prevent harsh effects on the skin.
Use Protective Ointment
Protective ointment reduces abrasion on the skin. After moisturizing, apply protective ointment on your face to lock in the moisture. You can also use the product before going to bed.
Besides protecting your skin from abrasive effects, ointments can also speed up the healing process of bruises or wounds caused by face coverings. Fortunately, numerous types of creams are convenient for every type of skin. For instance, aloe vera is a popular ointment as it contains ingredients with multiple benefits.
Aside from protecting the skin from abrasions, aloe vera treats dry skin, pimples, acne, blackheads, and sunburns, to mention a few. This is a perfect protective product to avoid skin irritation caused by face masks. However, you should consult your dermatologists concerning the appropriate oil or cream to use. Some of the products contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions.
To appropriately use skin ointment, follow the steps below.
Wash the irritated areas on your face.
Dry your face by patting the skin gently.
Apply a sizable amount of ointment on the affected areas.
Use circular motions to massage the cream on the skin for an even spread.
Seek Medical Assistance
Skin irritation can get better after a few days of using OTC drugs or natural remedies. However, at times the condition can get severe due to certain factors. For instance, using the wrong medication can cause allergic reactions.
When this happens, you should seek medical assistance to get professional advice regarding how to care for your skin. The high chances are that you could be treating skin irritation using improper measures. A dermatologist will give you a more effective treatment compared to other cosmetic products.
While putting on a face mask is crucial during these trying times, skin irritation that comes with the face coverings can be a nightmare. Nevertheless, there are several ways you can stop and prevent skin irritation but before that, ensure you are using a clean mask. First, find out the underlying cause of your skin irritation. This way, you can determine the best way to treat the condition. Remember to moisturize your face to prevent abrasive effects. Ointments come in handy for locking in the moisture. Also, keep your face clean using the right cleansing products. Furthermore, remember to stay in touch with your dermatologist to get the best advice.
