Ok.. so times are tough right now. The CDC recently suggested everyone wear some type of face covering while in a public setting to reduce exposure to COVID-19. I work in healthcare administration and am required to wear a surgical mask at all times during the work day. Besides simply having trouble breathing in the mask, many people also develop many skin calamities as well.
I really had no idea that wearing a surgical mask for 8 hours a day, 5 times a week, would cause such horrific break outs. I pride myself on my skin care routine. I take a lot of time on my skin. I am that girl who wears facial sunscreen every single day. I did not know that mask wearing would bring me back to my pre-pubescent days of acne. But, it makes sense. You are literally breathing recycled air all day and just holding bacteria in there. You also get a pretty significant build up of sweat and oil under that mask.
Masks, while extremely important for both health care workers and public health, are ruining my skin. I will 100% continue wearing one because, let’s be honest, I want to keep myself, my unborn baby and those around me safe. How do we combat this “mask acne”? Keep reading!
- Wash your face
You are going to want to wash your face and neck (neck because… the mask covers part of your neck) before/after wearing a mask/face covering. Washing your face will remove any oil (remember: wearing a mask causes build up of oil). It also is kind of just common sense to wash your face after wearing a mask/face covering.. right? IDK, it’s one of the first things I do when I get home.
2. Use a light moisturizer
As someone who has very dry skin, I struggle to not load my face with oils and moisturizers right now. But honestly, I notice such a difference when I choose to just use a light moisturizer instead. My skin doesn’t feel so heavy and oily at the end of the day. Aim for a light moisturizer before throwing the mask on. You’ll be happy. Promise 🙂
3. DON’T WEAR FACE MAKEUP
Oh man this one was weird to get used to. Kind of (I tend to give my skin a break from makeup over the summer time). I wore facial makeup a few times in the beginning of my company’s mask mandate.. #regrets. Like serious regrets. I have never felt so oily and dirty. Instead, if I *must* wear makeup, I’m going with under eye concealer and mascara. That’s it. No foundation, powder, nada. My skin is thanking me for it.
4. Try and go for a breathable mask/face covering
Granted, many, such as myself, do not have this luxury while at work. If you are not required to wear a surgical mask at work, aim for the most breathable face covering you can get your hands on. My aunt made my husband and I cotton face coverings that we use when we need to run out. My skin definitely doesn’t feel as oily when I wear that.
5. Treat breakouts
I can’t really do this right now because #7monthspregnant, but like you totally should. Salicylic acid works wonders on most; Benzoyl peroxide is more up to my liking personally. If you can’t use these products, try and just keep the skin really clean and don’t touch.. easier said than done, I know. Sorry. I also swear by my Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner. It balances my skin out so much. I am linking the toner in my liketoknowit – I have gone through 5 bottles of it and it lasts FOREVER (www.liketoknow.it/laurmonds)!
I hope these tips help you out. At the end of the day, your health is the most important thing, not a stupid pimple, but feeling a little bit better during these times helps make things a little easier.
I hope everyone stays safe&healthy. Drop a comment below with how you’re staying safe right now!
Until next time,
Lauryn xo
Beauty and the Mama 