The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in individuals taking necessary precautions to protect themselves from contracting the infection. As countries world over witness a second wave of Covid-19, most governments have imposed strict penalties for citizens who are caught violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in public. These include practicing social distancing, washing hands regularly, avoiding touch the face and wearing masks, with the latter being the important step towards safety, be it young children or the elderly. But besides tackling the fear surrounding the pandemic, many people are dealing with the issue of face acne after wearing masks for long durations. Here are a few ways you can avoid mask-ne and ensure your skin is still glowing.
- Avoid makeup
According to Good Rx, it is not advised to wear heavy-weight foundation, concealer or blush underneath your mask. This is because masks act like occlusive barriers, and as a result, trapped makeup can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Also, makeup residue can end up dirtying your mask fabric, making it impossible to use again.
- Wash your face well
Even if you do not have makeup on, the dirt and oil on your skin can get trapped under the mask and can cause acne in a jiffy. Always put your mask on over a clean face. Choose a gentle cleanser that is fragrance and oil free. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and refrain from scrubbing or rubbing the skin because it will become all the more irritable.
- Wear only clean masks
You don’t need surgical masks when almost everyone is now manufacturing cloth ones. The best thing about these is that you can purchase three to four at one time and then keep rotating between them. In this way, your mask will always be washed and clean before you put it on again. Trust us, this is a great way to dodge acne.
- Use smell-free detergent
This is a very important point to remember if you are washing your masks at home. Fragranced detergents will make the smell (even if it is amazing!!!) stay in the mask, leading to red and irritated skin. After washing, lay it flat to dry.
UAE Introduces New Legal Reforms: Everything You Need To Know
Adding further, the right skin care routine can help lessen mask-related skin damage and breakouts. Most people also complain about swelling, redness, dryness and skin peeling due to masks. In order to combat excessive dryness, especially in chilly weather, it is essential to moisturise well before slipping on a mask. If you encounter redness and swelling after taking off your mask, icing the skin can help to soothe it. Be careful not to use it too much or too often though! Overuse of ice can thin the skin and cause it to break out without you realizing it.
