Since deconfinement, wearing a mask is compulsory in public transport and certain shops. Our skin could suffer. Some ways to limit irritation.
New accessory, the mask is on all lips – or rather on all faces. And it should take several months or even years to limit the spread of the epidemic. People with the most fragile skin may experience irritation with the wearing of this device. The friction, heat and humidity linked to our breathing promote certain skin problems.
Summer and high temperature episodes could cause their share of difficulty wearing the mask. Either way, it remains essential to protect yourself and others. To avoid attacks on our skin anyway, here are some good things to do.
1
Wash your mask regularly at 60 ° C
Washing your cloth mask is recommended after 4 to 6 hours of use to ensure their effectiveness. It also kills bacteria and fungi that can grow in the tissue. For masks that tolerate it (see the label), it is possible to iron them in addition to washing at 60 ° C in order to eliminate germs that may have survived.
2
Avoid makeup
Under the mask, makeup has little use. Limiting its use – and in particular that of covering foundations – lets your skin pores breathe and limits certain skin reactions. However, as the HuffPost American, the mask does not protect from UV. If you expose yourself, consider putting on sunscreen.
3
Treat acne that may appear
The mask can “trap oil and skin debris in the pores,” says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose at pure player American. Rubbing on the nose, chin, cheeks and back of the ears causes the skin to produce more collagen, which can lead to acne pimples.
Rinse your skin thoroughly and possibly get localized treatment may be a solution. Avoid mechanical exfoliation, such as scrubs, which can further damage the skin and spread the infection in some cases.
4
Take care of your dry skin by wearing a mask
With the mask, there is a risk of drying out of the skin and moisturizing it is particularly important. Certain masks, because of their material, absorb more of the oil present in the epidermis, according to dermatologist Brendan Camp, contacted by the HuffPost. A special moisturizer for dry or atopic skin may be the solution.
“The use of fatty substances such as a nourishing cream or vegetable oils and butters is a plus to limit friction and reduce irritation and redness,” advises Jade Frucot, a biotechnology engineer specializing in the metabolism of skin tissue, contacted by Oh my mag!.
5
Avoid ingrown hairs in the beard
Facial hair under the mask can cause folliculitis, “pockets of skin filled with pus caused by a bacterial infection,” says the MSD manual. It is recommended to rinse your face well before and after wearing the mask. Regarding the beard, “you have to wash it well when you shower, because it is true that the virus resists several hours on the beard as it resists several hours on a dry surface!” “Urges Bruno Grandbastien, president of the French Society of hospital hygiene, in the columns of The OBS.
6
Consult a specialist if necessary
This advice obviously does not prevail over a medical consultation. In the case of complications or significant dermatological problems, ask your pharmacist for advice or consult your dermatologist.
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