Mask-related skin breakouts are becoming more common and this is not surprising news. Front line workers are expected to wear facial masks for up to or longer than 8 hours a day.
Skin irritation can be caused by the pressure and friction of wearing a mask all day. It's no wonder that this irritation would result in skin tenderness, redness and breakouts.
Not to mention, the added stress of COVID19 already being a new burden to bare with.
Here are 3 notes on mask-related breakouts and how you can attend to your skin's new needs.
1. Cleanse Gently and Effectively
As you breathe into your mask throughout the day, there will be moisture and bacteria build up behind the mask. If you are able to do so, try to swap out or wash your mask daily. This could help reduce bacteria build from transferring to your skin and irritating it even more.
Find a cleanser that is gentle yet effective on your skin. You want to make sure it is a cleanser you can use a few times a day in order to get your skin squeaky clean but not dry.
If you wear makeup under your mask, make sure it is non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic makeup + mask will surely clog up your pores and increase the chances for a breakout.
Double-cleansing is the best method for melting off any makeup at the end of the day and also removing any left over dirt, debris and sweat on your skin. Try Aloe Milk Cleanser + Face Foam for a sensationally, gentle double-cleanse.
2. Physical Abrasion
Running around all day, sweating and wearing a mask on your face screams undetected pressure (until sore) and friction to the skin. You may not realize the amount of pressure the mask has on your skin while you are busy moving around and working. But, the friction against your skin will build day after day and your skin will start to feel tender and sore.
It is important to treat your skin kindly by attending to the sore areas with soothing and healing products. Aloe Milk Cleanser with Aloe Vera juice will help soothe and ease any redness on your skin. Wash with a clean face cloth.
Apply a healing oil like our Superfood Serum blend, super easy to apply with a light and non-sticky finish. Give the Superfood Serum a few minutes to absorb into your skin and finish your evening routine with The Putty moisturizer.
The Putty is formulated with a special blend of soothing and healing ingredients like manuka honey, colloidal oatmeal and turmeric. Apply a thick layer as an overnight mask, and heal your skin as you rest.
3. Help Your Skin Barrier
Along with the physical abrasion that causes skin soreness and tenderness, your skin's natural barrier is being disrupted. This disruption can throw off your skin's balance and can lead mild-severe breakouts.
You should incorporate a skin barrier protecting and building moisturizer like the Super Sensitive Skin Stuff.
This moisturizer is carefully formulated to help sensitive skin maintain and build a stronger natural barrier. Skin Stuff is infused with ceramides to revitalize barrier function and rosehip extract to help regenerate skin cells. The needed combination of this time.
These were just thoughts and tips on how to handle wearing a mask all day. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at hello@graydonskincare.com :)
