Masks are important, and they are our friends. But, they can be a little unfriendly to our skin. From increased breakouts to dry patches and irritation, we’ve noticed the effects of mask wearing on our skin, and we bet you have too.
Rather than ditching the masks (come on guys wearing is carrying and we all need to keep those masks on) we’ve got a few skincare tips for mask wearing to help your skin become besties with everyones newest pal… THE FACE MASK!
CLEANSE THE SKIN BEFORE & AFTER WEARING A MASK
Keeping your skin clean has always been important, but it’s moved to the top of the list in the days of mask wearing. For the healthiest skin results - cleanse your skin before putting your mask on AND after you take it off. We know it seems like alot, but it’s worth it. Use a gentle cleanser to clear off any excess oil, dirt, and debris from the skin before putting the mask over it. This will save you from trapping all of that yuckiness (yes, it’s a word) inside your mask and pinning it down to your skin. Secondly, wash your skin AFTER taking the mask off as well. While wearing your mask your breath can condensate on your skin (gross to think about) and that means little bits of food particles and lots of other things are just camped out on your skin. Cleaning all of it off is the best way to keep your skin healthy.
Our face wash of choice? The Comfort Zone Essential Face Wash! It is a gentle foaming cleanser that is super delicate on the skin while still cleansing the skin and removing any (as we like to say) yuckiness. And an added bonus, it smells soft wonderful without being overpowering.
STEPS FOR WASHING YOUR FACE
Apply a dime to nickel size amount to your finger tips
Gently wet the face wash
Lather the product together on the tips of your fingers
Slowly massage the wash into the skin keeping a good lather throughout
Rinse off your finger tips and slowly rinse the product off of your face with clean fingers
Finish by removing all of the wash with water
WEAR LESS MAKEUP
Wearing lots of makeup underneath your mask is a sure fire way to cause a breakout. We recommend swapping out your foundation for a tinted moisturizer OR going without any makeup at all on your chin when you plan to have your mask on for extended periods of time. When you pair your mask with a heavy foundation and the steam from your breathing you create the perfect environment for breakouts. Instead reach for something light coverage to allow the skin to breathe. ALSO- pair down what you’re wearing on your lips. Avoid lipsticks or highly pigmented products that can rub off onto the skin and cause more agitation. We recommend a lip balm or chapstick if you feel you need something on the lips.
SPOT TREAT BREAKOUTS
When wearing a mask, some breakouts are just inevitable. The added agitation and elements create a hotspot for impurities. Thankfully, there is something you can do to treat these breakouts and clean them up quickly. Our secret trick is the ACTIVE PURENESS CORRECTOR. It is a gel like product that you apply directly to a breakout once it appears. This product goes in and attacks the breakout - clearing it up so quickly. This is a MUST HAVE goodie that we keep with us at all times.
HOW TO USE -
Put a small amount on your clean pointer finger
Tap the product directly onto the breakout
Leave it be and let it work its MAGIC
WASH YOUR MASK REGULARLY
A clean mask is a good mask. Make sure you are regularly washing your masks (we’re talking after every wear people). This not only helps to protect you against the virus but also against all of those mask related breakouts. You wouldn’t wear undies multiple days in a row without washing them, so don’t do it for your mask. But it’s not just washing your mask that matters when it comes to your skin, it’s also about what you wash it with! Here are a few tips for washing your mask in the best way for your skin…
DON’T USE BLEACH - Bleach can be highly agitating for the skin. It can cause rashes and reactions especially when paired so closely to your skin. Instead go for a gentle detergent.
AVOID SUPER FRAGRANT DETERGENTS - Fragrances can be another big agitator for your skin. Although the rest of your skin may be okay with that specific fragrant detergent your face may be a different story. The skin on your face is a) more sensitive b) not used to wearing any fabric over it and c) continually warmed with the “steam” from your breath.
AVOID FLAVORED and SCENTED LIP BALMS
Repeat this with us - flavors and scents are the enemy. Just like the detergent you use to wash your mask, the products you use on your face matter. When your wearing a mask plan on anything that is on your face under your mask rubbing around. So when you wear a flavored lipstick or scented lip balm that product gets rubbed around onto your skin. This can be a major cause of breakouts and agitation. If you need to wear something on your lips, go for an unscented non flavored chapstick.
Our favorite is the LOVE & SAGE sensitive formula lip balm!
