Is Wearing a Face Mask Messing Up Our Skin?
Beauty

Is Wearing a Face Mask Messing Up Our Skin?

Wearing protective hairstyles can help to maintain the health of the hair. So it made me wonder if wearing face masks can help to maintain the health of our skin?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

I live in Asia where the average temperature is 90 degrees. Literally everyone except children wears face masks, and I know how necessary they are for health reasons. But I still haven’t gotten used to them. I always feel as though there’s a tropical sweat-filled situation happening underneath. I can’t wait to rip the darn thing off once I’m back home so I can wash my face.

 

As a skin care professional, I know how important thorough cleansing is for healthy skin. I apply cleanser over my entire face up to the hairline, around the back and under the ears where the mask straps are.

I’ll then spend a couple of minutes massaging it into my skin paying particular attention to the area around my mouth and on my nose.

That area is susceptible to breakouts and acne because sweat and bacteria are literally held in place there by the mask,  sometimes for hours.

I’ll use a mild toner after cleansing every day but switch it up with an alpha-hydroxy based exfoliant twice per week.

I use my Light Therapy Machine religiously. This is a DIY spa treatment. The blue light kills bacteria. The red light boosts collagen and helps with fine lines and sagging. I focus these on facial areas covered by the mask.  I’ll use the yellow light on my forehead which tends to get hyper-pigmentation because the sun is very intense here.

Mesoterapia Facial 5 in 1 LED Skin Tightening Beauty Photon Light Therapy Anti Aging Skin Rejuvenation Skin Care Tools

 

 

Even though I’m older, my skin is still oily. I tend to get clogged pores so I’ll use my Portable Electric Pore Cleaner on the weekend. It works to suck out excess oil which stops enlarged pores. I’ll follow with a very active carbonated mask which is bubbly and fun.

It’s also important to wash your mask and change filters frequently to avoid reapplying bacteria on your skin. You wouldn’t shower and put dirty underwear back on, would you?

A lot of homemade masks in the U.S. are made of cotton which is great. But the bulk is still made with a lot of synthetics. That’s going to aggravate breakouts and rashes. When wearing a mask, try to keep your skin as bare as possible. Use an eye cream and sunblock for the exposed areas but avoid makeup. Makeup combined with the friction of the mask can cause a melted mess and recipe for disaster. You’re practically begging for problems.

Masks are part of our wardrobe now until something better comes along. So continue to wear yours, social distance,  and stay safe.

X