How Wearing a Mask Affects Your Skin
As the province begins to safely re-open many businesses, and more of us head back to work, the Government of Canada recommends that non-medical masks be worn as an additional measure of safety to curb the spread of COVID-19. Whether you’re a frontline worker who must wear a mask daily, or you’re using homemade face coverings to safely run errands, if your skin is being affected by this change, you’re not alone.
What’s happening?
Covering your nose and mouth with a mask can cause moisture, sweat, saliva and mucus to become trapped, leading to a build-up of oil and secretions on the skin. Combined with the friction and pressure placed on the skin, this can result in irritation, inflammation, acne, or conditions like irritant or perioral dermatitis.
What can I do about it?
If you plan to wear a mask, it’s important to keep your skin clean and well-hydrated. If it’s possible, avoid wearing makeup under your mask to minimize the chance of clogged pores and irritation.
After removing your mask, you should wash your face using a gentle cleanser, and apply a light moisturizer to hydrate and help restore the skin barrier. If your skin is especially dry or irritated, you can apply a barrier cream 30 minutes before you put on your mask. If your current skincare routine includes the use of topical retinoids, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, consider temporarily pausing the use of these products to reduce potential skin irritation, as these ingredients have a tendency to dry out the skin.
If you’re wearing a mask for long periods of time, you may also want to relieve any pressure every couple of hours. Keep in mind that you should follow proper hand sanitizing procedures any time you adjust, put on, or remove your mask to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
As we move into this “new normal”, it will be an adjustment for us all, and our skin.
