Face masks can be hard on your skin, but that’s a small price to pay for reducing the spread of COVID-19. Still, you want to keep your skin healthy for the sake of your overall health, wellbeing, and self-esteem.
This article will discuss not only how to keep your skin healthy, but will also give you some great maskne treatment home remedies.
Why do masks irritate your skin?
It’s mostly a matter of friction and moisture. A mask that fits poorly will slide around when you walk or talk. Any mask may trap in oil, perspiration, and dirt which can lead to irritation and cause skin damage.
Prolonged use of face masks can lead to rashes, itchiness, and the new acne known as maskne. You can fight back by learning how to take care of your skin and masks. Try these tips for gentle and effective skincare.
Here are 7 tips to take care of your skin and save it from maskne and other mask related problems:
1. Wash Correctly
While many experts recommend washing your hands at least 6 to 10 times a day, you usually need to wash your face just once in the morning and once at bedtime. Use warm water and move your fingers gently in circles.
Washing your face more than 2 to 3 times a day can overdry your skin. Hence, most experts recommend not overdoing it.
2. Moisturize Daily
Apply moisturizer immediately after washing to reduce dryness. If your skin is already irritated, look for products with dimethicone, which creates an additional protective layer.
It is also important to moisturize before putting on your mask. This will help keep the moisture intact and reduce friction from the mask.
3. Know Your Skin Type
Figure out whether your skin is oily, dry, or normal, so you can select the appropriate products for you. You may also have combination skin that requires different products for different zones on your face.
If you don’t know your skin type, take this quiz at askthescientists.com. It will help you in identifying which products will work best for you.
4. Simplify Your Routine
You may need to cut back on any strong chemicals that you usually use on your face. That often includes peels, scrubs, and may contain any chemicals that irritate your skin.
Read this article to know more about the kind of products you should or should not use. It also talks about how to treat maskne.
5. Skip The Makeup
If possible, forget about makeup temporarily. If that makes you uncomfortable, look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t block your pores.
6. Reconsider Facial Hair
Trim your beard if it interferes with wearing a mask. Also, remember that beards may become contaminated if you’re sick and may encourage you to touch your face more.
7. See Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor about your individual questions. That’s especially important if you’re dealing with chronic conditions, such as eczema or rosacea.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mask
1. Size it up. A mask that fits well is less likely to irritate your skin. You want it to be comfortably snug, rather than too tight or too loose.
2. Choose natural fibers. Cotton and other natural fibers allow your skin to breathe. Avoid synthetics like nylon and polyester.
3. Check your ears. Are your ears sore while wearing a mask? Try rotating between a variety of masks with different kinds of loops and ties. You may also want to wear a headband with buttons, so you can attach your mask to something other than your ears.
4. Stock up. Keep at least 2 masks handy each day. That way you can switch them if they become wet or need to be washed.
5. Remove carefully. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after taking off your mask. Touch only the ear loops or ties. Launder your dirty mask right away or store it in a disposable or washable bag if necessary.
6. Take breaks. Schedule some time out in a safe place if you must wear your mask for much of the day. You might take a 15-minute break every 3 hours.
7. Wash and dry. Clean your masks by hand or in your washing machine with hot water and hypoallergenic detergent. Tumble dry or hang them in the sun. A clean mask also protects you from bacteria and skin oils. But please check if your mask is washable or not. Not all masks are washable or reusable.
Maskne Treatment Home Remedies
Spot treat with honey and cinnamon
Take a tablespoon of honey and add 1/3 of a tablespoon of cinnamon powder. Apply on acne as required.
Apply aloe vera
The best way to go is to have your own aloe vera plant so that you can get fresh gel as and when you need it. If you don’t have your own plant, try Earth’s Daughter Organic Aloe Vera Gel (affiliate link).
Eat a balanced diet
It’s very important to eat a balanced diet to make sure your body’s nutritional needs are met. If you are not eating right, your first target should be to plan your meals and food in order to get your required micros and macros.
You should also consider supplementing with Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B complex. These are essential to heal your acne and spots left behind by the acne.
