Got skin trouble from wearing a mask?

You’ve experienced more skin trouble since after you've been wearing masks consistently? 

I wear a mask when I work at the store after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and I'm worried that my skin troubles are increasing around my mouth.

Is wearing a mask bad for your skin?

Children and people with sensitive skin often complain of contact dermatitis when wearing masks for a prolonged time.

Because the masks used to prevent viral transmission are mainly made of synthetic fibres such as polyethylene and polyester, sensitive skin can be irritated by rubber bands on the ears or areas that touch the skin. The embedded metal materials that adjust on the back of the nose can cause skin trouble as they seep out of the sweat or breath.

If you use the mask consistently, the temperature and humidity inside the mask increase, it creates an easy environment that cosmetics ingredients and skin sebums could block the pores and cause trouble.

To prevent skin trouble from constant wearing a mask

As the skin becomes more sensitive to irritation when it is dry, it is important to understand that skin moisturising does a key role in keeping the skin healthy. Because sensitive skin can cause skin trouble more with oily ingredients, lotion type moisturisers that have lighter textures will be easier to moisturise the skin and also control the skin trouble than rich cream type products.

Remember that less is more. It's better to use fewer and safer products than usual, rather than a variety of products when you experience skin trouble. It's better not to put makeup on when you wear a mask, but if you have to, use powder type foundation rather than creamy products like BB cream, which is easier to be smeared on the mask. If you use BB cream, applying baby powder slightly to finish it off helps keep the inside of the mask drier.

If you continue to use a mask moistened by saliva or breath, you will likely experience skin trouble. For young children, please remind them to wipe near their mouth clean after meals then wear a mask to keep their mask dry and stain-free.

If your skin is already sensitive from constant wearing a mask

During the change of seasons, when your skin gets sensitive due to increasing exposure to mask, do not use scrub products or electric facial cleansers to exfoliate your face. Slightly acidic facial cleanser is enough to wash your face. As mentioned above, avoid products that contain too many oily ingredients because they aggravate skin trouble.

If contact dermatitis is repeated due to constant wearing a mask, replace mask with natural fibre one such as cotton rather than a sheet mask. You can find a cotton mask that can replace its inner filter. Your skin will feel much better.

Check the full ingredient list when you buy a moisturiser

Before buying a moisturiser for the relief of skin trouble after using a mask, carefully check the full ingredient list of the product to see if any ingredients block pores that are commonly used for the easy spread and lighter skin feel, such as dimethicone, or whether artificial fragrances.