As much as all of us would kill to go back to a time when the word ‘quarantine’ wasn’t used thrice in a single conversation, it’s high time we accept that this is the new normal. As per current statistics, we’re still far from winning the war against Covid-19. To top that, experts believe that scenarios like WFH and wearing a protective face mask might be considered norms in the post-Corona world as well.
Speaking of face masks, there’s no denying the upsurge in cases of skin irritation, post the outbreak. Here’s why:
All in all, while protective face masks are the need of the hour right now, unfortunately, they don’t paint a rosy picture for your skin.
Easy ways to deal with face mask-related skin concerns…
Go easy on makeup
Wearing a mask means subjecting your pores to the humidity trapped inside it for hours. Makeup will only make that worse. If you can’t skip it completely, let your skin breathe and just play around with your eyes.
Cleanse as soon as you get home
You’ve heard this before but we’ll say it one more time — cleanse your face thoroughly once you take your mask off. Stick to a mild yet deeply cleansing formula that gets rid of all the gunk trapped inside your pores. If you want to go that extra mile, try exfoliating (but not more than twice a week, hon).
Use washable masks
Since wearing a clean mask every time may not be feasible, try opting for washable masks and clean them often. This saves your skin from the soiled fabric of a used mask — we’re talking an accumulation of germs, secreted oil, sebum, sweat, and dirt. Eeks!
Soothe irritated skin
If you notice dry patches around your mouth, let fresh aloe gel bring in the extra hydration. Similarly, if you notice swelling or redness due to the tightness of your mask, put a cold compress to the task. Easy-peasy, eh?
Create a barrier
Before you strap on a mask, layer your skin with a lightweight protective moisturising formula, preferably a water-based one that doesn’t clog your pores or is too heavy on the skin. Oh and while you do your pre-mask skincare, make sure you apply sunscreen all over your face. You don’t want ugly tan lines, right? Plus, wearing a mask does not mean you’re getting away from harmful UV rays.
Don’t scrimp on overnight skincare
The magic word here is ‘repair’, so make sure your bedtime skincare habits are all about that. Use a night cream or any moisturiser your skin favours.
With these tips in hand, you’ll easily put up a strong fight against face mask-related skin concerns!