Don’t let face masks ruin your skin!

By Sparklle T and Traci D’Astou

Face masks are steadily becoming the norm as far as everyday wear- especially since as venues are starting to open, masks are becoming mandatory to even enter.  Although these face coverings are proving to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, they \ also create a barrier that may be wreaking havoc on your skin. Below are a few tips to reduce your skin’s reaction as we adjust to this new normal.

1. WASH YOUR FACE

Sparklle:  The lack of ability for your skin to breathe can trap bacteria. A mask creates a dark, moist environment where it covers your face: the perfect breeding ground. Just like handwashing, it is important not to forget to wash your face daily (actually, wash your hands right before you wash your face!) Use a gentle cleanser formulated for facial use (consider an oil cleanser as an initial step for your PM routine if you are wearing sunscreen)  Even if you are staying in the house… WASH YOUR FACE!

Traci: We don’t’ do the dishes with our fingers. You need a surfactant. Use a clean washcloth or sponge to help to lift excess impurities, bacteria, free radicals, pollution, and of course, makeup. Washing your face in the morning is essential to removing sweat and products, prepping skin for the environment. Washing your face at night is imperative to removing makeup, pollution, debris, excess oil, etc.

To echo Sparklle: WASH YOUR FACE! Twice a day. No exceptions.

NOTE: Using Makeup wipes does not count as washing your face. Makeup remover wipes can also cause sensitivity because of their ingredients.

2. TONE

Traci: We all think of astringents when we think of toners. Toners are not meant to strip the skin. Rather, a good toner can help replenish hydration and make the skin more supple. It can also open the pores so that the skin is ready to receive it. Tone using clean cotton until there is no residue left on the cotton.  This is a good way to witness product residue and/or makeup, oil, sweat that may have been leftover from cleansing, even with washcloth.

3. EXFOLIATE

Traci: When you are young, your skin naturally sheds 15 to 20 layers of skin every month. As the lifecycle of the cell begins to slow (aging), we are left with layers that may need assistance desquamating. Weather and climate are great contributors to a greater need for exfoliation. In cold weather, transitioning from the heat in your house to the cold outside quickly dries the moisture from your skin, creating a dry outer layer of the epidermis. The same is true transitioning from air conditioning to hot weather. The oil cannot freely flow and will get clogged, creating breakouts. I recommend exfoliating twice a week.

4. SUNSCREEN

Sparklle: UVA and UVB rays can penetrate cotton and other materials commonly used to make masks.  Aside from the risk of skin cancer, sun exposure continues to be the #1 source of aging on the skin.

Traci: Sunscreen needs to be applied on top of your moisturizer every 2 hours. Many clients tell me “it’s in my moisturizer” or “it’s in my makeup.” SPF 50 is essential for every skin type, every season–even when it is cold or you are not outside for several hours.

NOTE: Moisturizers with sunscreen are not recommended for night. Although we do not assume they are detrimental to our skin, products that contain sunscreen are simply not as hydrating as products that do not.

5. SKIP THE MAKEUP

Sparklle: Feel free to go crazy on the eyes.  In fact I encourage it seeing as they are on display now more than ever.  But I would skip things like foundation and lipstick.  Even those long lasting lip formulas can still transfer onto your mask. Concealer is ok provided you don’t take it so far down your eye area that it ends up under your mask.

6. WASH YOUR MASK

Sparklle: Use a gentle, fragrance free detergent. If you are wearing reusable/cloth masks please use a new one each day.  If you have to wear a mask for a considerable amount of time (4 or more hours) consider changing your mask in the middle of the day.  The mask sits on your skin and absorbs dirt, oils, sweat, saliva, nose secretions, etc.  If you are acne prone, this is a perfect recipe for a new breakout.

Traci: Agree. I also recommend using a clean mask every time you remove it. Breathing alone emits bacteria from the mouth and gets trapped inside the mask. Reusing a dirty mask or adjusting frequently can cause friction and irritation, contributing to the problem. We don’t take off our underwear and reuse them without washing.

7. TAKE A BREAK

Sparklle: If you are driving or riding in a car alone or with members of your household, I strongly encourage taking off your mask.  Same goes if you are outside with no one around.  Give your skin and your lungs a break!

8. ADJUST YOUR SKIN CARE REGIMEN

Sparklle: Still do things like moisturizing, applying serums, and masking at least once a week.  But consider adjusting your products to address any new skin care concerns you may be experiencing.  Ingredients to consider:

Salicylic Acid: a mild exfoliant that is able to cut through oil to deep clean your pores.  Extremely helpful in reducing inflammation and breakouts in oily skin

Hyaluronic Acid or glycerin: great at keeping your skin hydrated to reduce chafing and irritation, especially at the spots where the mask touches your face.

Aloe Vera or colloidal oats: great for soothing any irritation on the skin.

Facial oil: great for sealing in all of your skin care at the end of your PM skin routine to further keep your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day

Traci: Often when people experience a breakout they assume it’s acne. Not necessarily true. A pH imbalance can occur from misuse of products. There needs to be a homeostasis of the skin. If a product is too acidic or alkaline, it disrupts the balance, causing some areas to be more oily and others dry, especially when not using proper cleanser. Another misconception people have is that they shouldn’t use products with oil. Oil actually removes oil! Your face and body provide oil (sebum) to lubricate and protect the skin. When oil is excessively removed, the sebaceous (oil) glands, overproduce to protect the skin. If an area of skin has become excessively dry, the outer cells die, and oil becomes clogged, causing breakouts.

NOTE: NEVER use soap! If your skin feels “clean” and tight, you are disrupting the balance necessary for healthy skin.

9. WASH YOUR HANDS AND FACE AGAIN

Because it’s just good practice.