Living with our masks on
The face mask of all things serves as the best (or worst) reminder of the Covid situation. It is an important part of our lives now and learning how to live with it in the most graceful way possible is the focus of this article.
Wearing masks trap moisture, sweat, heat, facial oil, breath and dirt in the area where the mask is worn. Friction between the mask and our skin, on top of the accumulation of gunk could aggravate pre-existing skin conditions, lead to blocked pores and cause skin problems like breakouts, rashes, and skin irritation. Some people might already see a difference in their complexion from having to wear their masks to the nearby market much less the people who have to wear them for long periods of time because of their work.
Prevention is better than cure and there are a number of things we can do to prevent our skin problems from exacerbating.
1. Consider the material your mask is made of
First of all, cloth face masks are encouraged so that N95 and surgical masks can be reserved for the workers who really need them. You can refer to studies that investigate the best kind of material cloth masks should be made from (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-material-is-best-for-homemade-masks).
My favourite material for cloth masks would be 100% Mulberry silk simply because it feels great on the skin, is breathable, lightweight, looks great and is so easy to dry (takes longer to dry my hair than my silk mask). The versions that have slots for additional filters to be slotted in them are the best as it increases the amount of protection the masks can give.
Regardless of fabric, the masks should be washed regularly (a daily wash is the best).
2. Reduce friction with moisturizer or ointment
For people who have to wear masks tightly sealed over their face, using an ointment or moisturizer on the areas that the masks put pressure on can protect the skin from friction that results in chafing or hyperpigmentation over time.
Choose a lightweight one that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, unscented and has anti-inflammatory ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, green tea extract…etc.
For skin with acne or pimples, acne patches would provide a good barrier between the mask and the flare ups as friction that cause the spreading of bacteria and skin irritation can worsen the condition.
3. Change up your skincare routine
You might need to change the gel/ cream moisturiser you normally use as the relative humidity under the mask is high and together with the moisturiser that sits on your skin, it might leave your skin feeling suffocated. The same goes for sunblock. It should be replaced with water based, non-comedogenic formulations to prevent clogging the pores.
The best way to hydrate your skin would be to use a lightweight serum in the day under the mask as it penetrates the skin easily and hydrates from within instead of sitting on top of it.
I found that spritzing my face with rose toner water throughout the day, let it sit for a bit then patting my face dry improved the microclimate under the facial mask and also removed some gunk which would otherwise be absorbed into the mask. The rose scent and lowered temperature of my skin makes wearing the mask a much more bearable experience.
Using clarifying clay masks followed by a hydrating mask at night is that one extra step that might just keep clogged pores and sensitive skin at bay. The hydration of our skin determines the barrier function of the skin which helps keep nasty pimple causing bacteria at bay.
4. Minimalise your makeup bag
Since no one would be seeing your face sans mask, makeup would be a lost cause (ok maybe eye makeup is justifiable).
My foundations, concealers and powders are sulking at the back of my vanity table. And as for lip products, I would highly recommend using a lip tint so you don’t get smudged lipstick/ lipgloss on your mask.