Wearing it is now compulsory in a large number of public places, but the mask can nevertheless attack the skin. Here are the right actions to limit its “side effects” and maintain beautiful skin.
Several “benign, but bothersome” skin disorders can be caused by wearing a mask: “redness, irritation and microlesions due to friction at the points of contact – the bridge of the nose, back of the ears, etc .; an exacerbation of pre-existing disorders, such as acne or rosacea, linked to heat and perspiration under the mask; and allergies to neoprene or latex, present in certain synthetic fabric masks “lists Dr. Radostina Bachvarova, dermatologist at the Saint- Gervais Mont Blanc.
As for prolonged wear (several hours), it can “increase the risk of infection” and induce “very visible pain and scars” underlines a recent international study.
Masks: which skin types are at risk?
Wearing a mask is now compulsory in all enclosed public places, so we risk spending several hours a day with our faces covered. Some skin types may feel more attacked:
- Dry skin, more sensitive to repeated rubbing.
- Oily skin, whose excessive secretion of sebum can promote acne.
- Fair skin and people over 65, thinner and less resistant.
- Skin already weakened by cutaneous pathologies (acne, eczema …), more reactive.
Afterwards, everyone can be concerned because, “unlike that of the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, which is thicker and more resistant, the skin of the face is not physiologically adapted to repeated attacks” underlines the dermatologist.
What preventive measures?
Four things to know to limit the damage:
- Prefer a pure and clear cotton mask “more” breathable “and less irritating and allergenic”.
- Fifteen to thirty minutes before putting it on, “clean the skin well with a non-aggressive product such as a super-rich soap, dry well and apply a moisturizer to preserve the skin barrier on the support areas”.
- Remove the mask “as soon as it is possible to do it without risk”, to evacuate heat and perspiration.
- At the first symptoms, “use thermal water with calming and healing properties, or a healing and / or anti-redness cream”.
How to put on makeup?
If possible, give up make-up, because “it can clog the pores of the skin and promote acne if there is maceration.” Or go for a very light makeup. Especially since we don’t necessarily need it … hidden under a mask!
Also avoid any product perfumed with preservatives and parabens, which may emit vapors that can sensitize the skin confined under a mask: lacquers, varnishes, aerosol deodorants, etc. To limit tanning marks on sunny days, “opt for a sun product index +50, which does not prevent tanning, but can slow it down”.
When to consult?
Call your doctor quickly in case of signs of skin infection – redness, scabs, blisters … – because it can be impetigo, a bacterial infection generally occurring in children, but which can also affect weakened adults (lower immunity due to chronic disease …): “This type of disorder requires antibiotics.”
