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Charleston Dermatology Blog

7 Ways to Protect Your Skin in the Age of Masks

  • skincare-tips

Face masks are the new norm and it’s important to know how to keep your skin healthy, radiant and free from face mask-induced problems. Check out our seven best tips for doing just that.

Three Mask-Wearing Tips to Protect Your Skin

There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of mask-related skin problems.

1. Choose Your Mask Wisely

Choose masks made from a soft, natural, breathable fabric such as cotton rather than synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Not only are cotton and similar materials more comfortable, but they’re less likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts.

2. Keep Your Cloth Mask Clean

Cloth masks, if not cleaned regularly, can collect oil from your skin, dead skin cells and bacteria that can cause irritation. As a result, you may suffer from acne breakouts or inflammation. To prevent this, wash your mask after each use with hot water and fragrance-free hypoallergenic detergent.

3. Take Periodic Breaks

Wearing a mask non-stop for long periods can increase your chances of developing skin issues. So it can be beneficial to take periodic breaks. Every four hours, try to take a 15-minute break from your mask. But remember: Only do so when it is safe and you are not around others. For example, you may choose to take your mask break alone in your car or outdoors while observing social distancing guidelines.

Four Skin Care Tips For Wearing Masks

1. Stick to a Daily Skincare Routine

As always, you’ll want to use a gentle cleanser on your face daily, along with a good moisturizer to protect your skin from becoming too dry. Make sure to choose cleansers and moisturizers formulated for your skin type for maximum protection.

2. Avoid Certain Skincare Products

Retinoids, leave-on salicylic acid and aftershave are among the products that could leave your skin vulnerable while wearing a mask. Even if you’ve used such products before with no problem, it may be best to reduce the number of applications of these creams. You may also benefit from products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and dimethicone.

3. Go Makeup-Free

While wearing a mask, your breath creates a hot and moist environment that leads to a build-up of sweat, oil and bacteria. When wearing makeup and a face mask, the probability of clogged pores and acne in that area increases. To prevent this, either go makeup-free or choose products that are non-comedogenic. In addition, apply a moisturizer to help act as another layer of defense and help with chafing if you need to wear a mask for a long period of time.

4. Keep Your Lips Moisturized

To prevent dry, chapped lips from wearing a mask, apply a dab of petroleum jelly before putting on your mask. It can also help to moisturize at other times including immediately after washing your face.

Maintaining Healthy Skin Is Possible

Wearing a face mask to protect yourself and others doesn’t have to come at the expense of keeping your skin healthy. There’s plenty you can do to cut down on the risk of breakouts and skin irritation including keeping your face and mask clean and moisturizing regularly.

If you already have skin sensitivities or problems related to wearing a mask, we can work with you to create a treatment plan. You’re welcome to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists today by calling (843) 872-3015.

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