We wear a mask to protect ourselves and others from airborne viral infection. While wearing a mask is protective, it can be a source of skin problems if you do not protect your skin. Here are some simple steps to keep your skin looking awesome.

• Wear a mask that suits your facial shape. Not all masks are shaped the same. If possible, have yourself fitted for the right mask.
• Change your mask once it is dirty or soiled. Using a dirty mask allows nasty bacteria to come in contact with your skin. This may cause infections such as mask-induced acne, otherwise known as “maskne.” To prevent dirt from accumulating on your mask, see if your mask is fit for re-purposing. This is a process of washing your maskand, if you are a health care worker, to have it sterilized at your hospital. If you are wearing a cloth mask, wash the mask with mild soap. Avoid strong detergents that can irritate your skin. Throw away masks that have tears and other signs of damage.
• Prepare your skin before wearing a mask. Use a gentle skin cleanser to prep your skin. Avoid using strong antibacterial soaps. There are good bacteria on your skin that keep harmful bacteria at bay. When you kill the good bacteria, harmful bacteria grow unchecked. Gentle skin cleansers are sufficient to kill bad bacteria. You may use a mild anti-acne toner with salicylic acid to prevent pimples.
• Protect your skin underneath the mask. Commuting exposes all of us to the elements. Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 to protect it from ultraviolet light. You may use a strip of silicone sheet to protect your skin from the pressure of the mask.
• Wear light makeup. Yes, it is okay to wear makeup, especially if it highlights your eyes. Light, non-occlusive make-up is safe to use.
• Remove all makeup. When you keep makeup on your skin overnight, the hair follicles and oil glands are occluded. Keeping the face covered with make up overnight allows harmful bacteria to grow, resulting again, in “maskne.” Removing all makeup with a mild makeup remover and gentle skin cleanser enables the skin to breathe and stay healthy.
• Apply anti-aging products.Invest in your skin to look young for a long time. Layer your products thinly on the skin for an additive effect. Retinoid medications such as tretinoin and their derivatives like retinoic acid and retinaldehyde help in skin turn over. Glycolic acid, alpha hydroxyacid, andother fruit-based products help slow down skin aging while maintaining moisture at the same time. Avoid occlusive products such as petroleum jelly and heavy cream which can cause pimples.

When should I see a doctor?If you have skin damage or breakouts that don’t respond to skin care changes, you should see a dermatologist. Many now offer virtual visits. Spreading redness or draining pus can be signs of infection. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention.

For inquiries, call Aesthetics by The Medical City at 8-9881000 ext. 6576 / 6579.