Skincare for when prolonged use of face masks is unavoidable
By Nataliya Slesarenko
Due to the pandemic, people, especially in healthcare, wear face masks more often. Sometimes, wearing face masks is required for a whole shift, for long hours. This may lead to skin irritation, rash, itchiness, redness of the face, dryness, and desquamation, swelling, pain and tingling, especially if a mask is worn for more than 4 hours daily. Mask acne is a common problem that may cause psychological distress due to cosmetic defects on the face. Mask wearing can make pre-existing conditions worse, such as acne or rosacea. (Dermnet NZ, 2021)
Humidity and increased temperature from breathing under a face mask may negatively influence the skin barrier. This negatively influences skin microflora, leads to follicular occlusion, and may increase secretion of sebaceous glands. Mechanical skin damage may occur due to friction and pressure.
Preventative interventions should be used before, during, and after wearing a face mask.
Before:
- Use a mild cleanser and a light moisturising cream to protect the skin and reduce friction.
- Use a lip balm.
- Try to avoid using make-up toners and fatty creams. Those products may be irritative and lead to allergic contact dermatitis.
- Use proper treatment for pre-existing skin conditions
- Do not use disinfectants for a face mask
- Wash reusable face mask every day
During the use of a face mask:
- Choose the right mask for you with proper size, form and fabric that will be comfortable does not cause irritation
- Use something in-between your skin and the mask to reduce irritation and friction, link ear loops behind the head by using available devices (e.g.paperclips)
- Take off a mask to ventilate the skin and mask every hour/30 minutes if possible
- Try to minimise the duration of mask-wearing but still adhere to Government regulations
After:
- Totally take off a mask in the mask-free areas
- Regularly check the skin for any changes and start to treat it immediately
- Use moisturiser to improve the skin barrier
- Avoid using the same mask without washing it prior
- Avoid using a fabric softener when washing fabric masks
- Avoid frequent cleaning of the face (morning and evening cleaning should be enough)
- Do not use peelings or if needed – ones a week
Due to the current situation with COVID, healthcare professionals and others working at Level 3 and 4 are required to wear masks all day in their workplaces; people in the community are asked to wear masks, when travelling on public transport, in stores and other public places. No doubt, this increases the risk for development of unpleasant skin conditions on the face. However, proper skin care and hygienic recommendations described above will help to avoid/reduce possible complications.
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