As we acclimate to these uncertain times, wearing a mask to maintain our health takes some lifestyle adjustments. Not only do we need to be diligent in protecting ourselves and others with social distancing and face coverings, but we must also look to our facial skin
Skin injuries and bruises often come from wearing tight-fitting protective equipment for long periods. Masks and other face coverings will impact everyone a little bit differently, but we must all be on alert.
Here, the experts at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery will help teach how to take care of our skin during these extraordinary times.
How Does Wearing a Mask Impact Your Skin?
Although the answer is as diverse as the number of skin types, we see a considerable uptick in men and women with facial breakouts and rashes from wearing masks. These face coverings have direct and indirect effects on our facial skin. Direct friction may cause disruption on the outer skin layer, causing dryness and irritation. These covers also trap oil, sweat, and moisture, contributing to worsening conditions of rosacea and acne breakouts.
We have noticed an increase in overall irritation and breakouts during virtual consultations with many of our patients who work on the front line. Nurses and other medical professionals must endure the moist, hot environment under a face mask, which creates the ideal breeding ground for breakout-causing bacteria.
Changes to Your Skin Care Routine May Be Necessary
Do not go overboard with harsh products that could do more harm than good. Wash your face with gentle, hydrating cleansers if you don’t already. Moisturizing regularly is also critical during this time.
Use a gentle cleanser twice daily, and limit the usage of products with active ingredients while wearing your mask. For irritation, aloe is a fantastic calming agent to wear under your mask. Follow it up with a suitable sunscreen during the day and an excellent moisturizer at night.
The Mask Matters
Wash your mask after wearing it, especially if you’ve had it on for a long period. Purchase multiple face coverings, so you can always have a clean one on hand. Also, choose fabrics that are gentle and breathable. Cotton is the best fabric, and you should launder your masks with fragrant-free detergents that have no dye.
Go Makeup-Free
Now’s a good time to skip the makeup, since you’re covering most of your face anyway. However, there’s nothing wrong with a tinted moisturizer or serum. Still, anything heavier becomes trapped and leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
What If I’m Still Experiencing Rashes or Breakouts?
Don’t hesitate to schedule a visit to learn more about our skin care treatments. Whether you are interested in skin care after a surgical procedure like a facelift, rhinoplasty, or eyelid surgery, a med spa procedure like dermal fillers or Botox, or simply want to take better care of your skin, we are here to help.
Call us today in Ann Arbor at (734) 913-5100, in Jackson at (517) 789-9800, or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation today.