Are You Reacting To Wearing Facemask? Here's What You Can Do.

The internet is filled with photos of health care workers who are dealing with skin issues from wearing medical-grade masks hours on end.

With the help of Adeline Kikam, DO (better known as @brownskinderm),chief resident dermatologist at Corpus Christi Medical Center in Texas, here's what you can do;

Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser after removing your mask

“When you take off your mask, you definitely want to wash your face to clear up some of the debris, sweat, and whatever you've accumulated during the day,” says Dr. Kikam, who advises using a gentle cleanser or cleansing bar to wash your face without overdrying it. No matter the cleanser you’re using, be sure to use lukewarm, not hot, water. “Hot water can be more abrasive to the skin and further  compromise the skin barrier."

Apply a moisturizer with skin barrier-boosting ingredients

“Constant rubbing and friction from everyday mask use can compromise our skin’s barrier, resulting in dryness,  bruises, and scrapes from various mask textiles,” says Dr. Kikam. Regardless of your skin type, she recommends following up after cleansing with a moisturizer containing these holy grail ingredients for fighting off dryness and irritation: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. “Ceramides, a natural component of our skin, will replenish your skin barrier; hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the environment into the skin to increase the hydration; niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, soothes the skin and reduces redness.” 

Cover irritated skin with a protective ointment before bedtime

If you’re wearing a mask for several hours a day, you’re likely to develop irritated skin patches on your face, If you’re dealing with these patches as well, Dr. Kikam recommends applying a barrier-reinforcing ointment or petroleum jelly with zinc oxide or dimethicone before bed or while wearing your facemask.

Courtesy of @brownskinderm and Health.com