Mask becomes one of the protective devices in the midst of the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, the uses of masks to become an important part of the Covid-19 preventive health protocol. But too long wearing a mask, plus conditions that are too tight can cause acne on the face.
Research published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reports that at least 83 percent of health workers in Hubei, China, suffer from facial skin problems.
A dermatologist in Manhattan, United States, Dr. Whitney Bowe said the mask made matters worse for the face. Especially with hot air and humidity. Therefore, the following ways you can do to prevent acne from wearing a mask:
1. Choose the right material for the mask
Dermatologists recommend using cloth masks that are 100 percent cotton. This choice is necessary so that the skin can breathe. Meanwhile, if the air is hot, then the mask must be changed frequently to keep it clean.
“You need to treat it like underwear and wash it often,” said Dr. Candrice Heath, assistant professor of dermatology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
“You don’t want all the oil, sweat, and dirt to remain there and then you wear it back to your face constantly,” he said again.
2. Cut down your skincare routines
Some people use too many beauty products, so consider cutting out skincare that is used when you regularly wear masks. Just use a gentle non-soap facial cleanser and a light fragrance-free moisturizer.
“Fewer ingredients are better than more,” Dr. S. Tyler Hollmig, director of dermatological surgery at Dell Medical School at the University of TexasThe moisturizer has a dual function, besides moisturizing the skin, it can also protect it from the friction of the mask.
Another reason for using less skincare is because the mask will intensify the absorption of the product into the skin.
3. Avoid make-up
If possible, avoid wearing makeup. Just use a skin moisturizer and sunscreen. If your face sweats while wearing a mask, a dermatologist in New York, Shari Marchbein, recommends wiping with micellar water or facial cleansing liquid as a quick washing step.
Washing your face can dry the skin because it will trick the skin into thinking that the skin needs to produce more oil so that it will actually give you more zits.
If you already have acne, it is recommended to use benzoyl peroxide treatment only in areas of the face affected by acne, and start with a concentration of 2.5 or 5 percent, not 10 percent. If you use retinol, apply the product one night and treat it in the next place.
Sources: CNN Indonesia
