As the new norm, face masks have become the MUST HAVE accessory to keep us safe and healthy in this pandemic. Our health is our first priority, but for some of us our skin has taken a turn for the worst. “Any fabric that rubs against your skin may lead to friction and irritation,” says skincare expert Rebecca Treston."
If you live in a warm weathered country like me, the humidity stops the skin from getting the proper breathability it needs. Masks create a humid environment that causes the skin to produce more oils, so our skin is more vulnerable to breakouts and irritation with the trapping of our breath, humidity and the warm weather.
Follow these tips in practicing good mask wearing hygiene.
* Note: always consult with your doctor before trying anything on your body*
Type of Face Mask
Choose a mask of a natural fabric like cotton or soft fabrics like silk as they are gentler and more breathable on the skin. Try to avoid using synthetic materials. Not only by wearing a reusable/ washable mask good for your skin, it’s also better for the environment and remember to always wear a clean mask daily.
Go Make Up Free
When make-up rubs on the mask, it can cause further irritation to your skin and potentially make the breakouts worse.
Give your skin a break from the foundation and powder and let your skin breathe. Think of it as a good way to work on your eye make-up and perfect that winged eyeliner.
Cleanse
It’s important to wash your face twice a day. Before putting on your mask and at night after a long day of mask wearing. Use a gentle cleaner to wash your face of any impurities.
It’s best to know your skin type and what cleaner works for your skin. Harsh cleaners and over washing your face can lead to dryness and inflammation (this has happened to me).
Use cleaners with salicylic acids as it cleanses deep into the pores to reduce oils.
Remember to consult with your doctor before trying anything on your body.
Cleaners:
Tip: Get your hands on some oil absorbing sheets, on your lunch break go to the bathroom to remove any excess oil from your face. This should help decrease the oil abortion till you get home to properly wash your face (remember to wash your hands with soap before touching your face).
Balance & Tone
After cleansing, I personally love to use a toner at night. Toners help to temporarily minimize the appearance of pores; it helps clean dirt and oils from your face and leaves the skin better protected from the elements. Light weight toners are best in these times as over use of toning can strip your skin.
Toners:
Hydrate
Day Time: Always wear a light face cream as well as sunscreen under your mask. Just because half of your face is covered it is still important to wear your SPF. It will not only protect your skin from the UV rays it will also protect your skin from any other mask-related skin issues. Remember moisturizing will reduce the friction and chafing on your face.
This also applies to your lips!
Remember to keep those lips hydrated and moist with any lip balm of your choice! Personally, I like to use coconut oil on my lips before bed.
Night Time: After the cleansing and toning, incorporate a heavier moisturizer at night to keep the skin well hydrated and remember to use what works best for your skin type!
Moisturizers:
Lips:
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ( One of my Favorites)
Detoxify
If your skin needs a deep detox, apply a white clay mask to help refine the skin’s texture. Apply the mask one or twice a week to purify the skin.
Masks:
Spot Treatment
Those who never had problem skin are now suffering from the kind of ‘spots’ that a good face cleaner can’t attack on its own.
The job of acne patches are here to save your skin from those stubborn blemishes by speeding up the spot healing on the affected areas. I recommend using spot treatments at night so it does its magic while you sleep.
Spot Treatment Acne Patches:
All around remember to keep it consistent and pay attention to your skin.
- Phaedra Adele xx
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