How to Keep Clear Skin While Wearing a Mask
While we all combatting COVID-19, there should not have to be a battle between your skin and your face mask!
The CDC’s most recent public-health advisory recommending that every American wear a cloth face covering in public to help cub the spread of Coronavirus. While we all are doing our part and covering our face, you may notice your skin is taking a toll.
I went out to local master aesthetician and salon owner, Tiffany Penton, to find out her recommendations for keeping healthy skin in a pandemic. She is an expert in skincare industry for 13 years and owns Sweet P Beauty, which specializes in makeup, makeup, lashes, hair removal and and overall skincare for their clients.
I asked her REAL questions ladies have right now. Let’s hear her answers.
Jamei June: #1 question: What products do you suggest people use to clean their skin?
Tiffany Penton: ANYTHING if you are washing for 20 seconds. While antibacterial is harsh, it is okay for normal daily use. If you are in a field where you are constantly washing, it may start to give you a rash over time and dry hands overtime so you will need to moisturize.
I have a mask on that covers most my face! Do I really need moisturizer and sunblock?
Yes to both! Sunblock should be applied daily, no matter what. UV rays can get through clothing and bounce off surfaces exposing our skin over and over.
Ahhhh! I can’t stop touching my face! Help!
Don’t worry! We are all in the same boat realizing how much we touch our face. Keep calm and keep washing your hands as much as possible.
Can I still wear makeup with masks?
Yes, you can wear makeup with masks, however the mask will inevitably get makeup on it and you may get warm while wearing a mask, your pores potentially may open. This will then potentially open your pores, giving an opportunity for makeup and any bacteria on your face to be pushed into the open pores.
How do you keep clothe mask sanitary? Do you really need to wash them after every use?
I know it’s a hassle! But yes, absolutely wash after every use. Cross contamination is a real and scary thing. Every time you are touching the outside of the mask, the germs you are protecting yourself from are now on your hands. I would buy or make a few so you can rotate them. Wash in hot water in the washing machine with regular detergent. If you can, wash in fragrance free detergent to prevent any unnecessary allergies.
Cloth or surgical mask? Which is better for my skin?
Cloth is gentler, but anything you have is what you should use!
“Let your body fight the big viruses right now and not worry about fighting something small on your skin.”
Ew, I am getting more whiteheads after wearing a mask; how can I decrease this?
White heads are sebum (oil) which has not been exposed to oxygen. While wearing a mask, you pores are probably exposed more than normal. Keep your face washed and wear the mask only when needed. Let you skin breath when you are in your car alone or home. If you are in public, keep the mask on and know this is a temporary situation. Try not to extract anything- as hard as it may be.
Let your body fight the big viruses right now and not worry about fighting something small on your skin.
I want my skin to be gorgeous post-quarantine! Any products you suggest?
Now is the time to use your retinols at night and SPF every morning! Glycolic peels a couple times a week are safe for at home use and Vitamin C serum is great in the morning to fight against free radicals.
Have new products you’re dying to try? DON’T! Anything new you are trying can break you out to purge what is brewing underneath your skin so be patient while your skin works everything out.
Biggest piece of advice while our face and bodies are in lockdown?!
Stress can cause breakouts and so can changes to diet (extra alcohol or sweets). Drink a lot of water right now and try to take moments during the day to just breath. If you are breaking out, try looking up a skin map to target the reason why you may be breaking out. Usually, there is an underlying reason why your skin is doing what it is doing.