Wearing a mask: 8 dermatologist tips to limit irritation

Prolonged mask wearing: what are the risks?

For Radostina Bachvarova, dermatologist at the Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, the mask, which is now part of our daily life to protect ourselves from Covid-19, is comparable to a drug, and, "like any drug, it has effects undesirable".

However, there is no contraindication for wearing a mask, no pathology prevents wearing it. In case of skin problems, you just have to make sure to find a suitable one, and to take some preventive measures so as not to favor the aggression of the skin barrier.

Indeed, the skin of the face, finer and more sensitive than other areas of the body, reacts more quickly to repeated rubbing, and this aggression of the skin can give rise to skin disorders.

The undesirable effects of the mask are multiple, and can have different causes:

The skins and pathologies to watch out for

Beware of fair skin If repeated rubbing of the mask tends to cause irritation in everyone, certain skin types are more at risk and must be extra vigilant. Light skin, for example, is thinner, and therefore more vulnerable to aggression.

Vigilance on the side of the elderly Also, the skin of the elderly, weakened by skin aging, must also be protected during this period.

Wearing a mask and high-risk pathologies Heat, humidity and repeated friction on the face will not be favorable to the skin barrier, particularly when you are suffering:

How to choose the right mask?

Since the beginning of this health crisis, many types of masks have appeared... If their effectiveness varies from one model to another, and they must respect specifications to be approved, the choice of fabric is also important in mitigating adverse effects on the skin.

Thus, we can opt for:

In general, it is better to avoid masks made of synthetic material, which will promote heat and increase perspiration. Changing it regularly also reduces the risk of moisture.

Wash your hands and face thoroughly before putting on your mask

Even if you put on your mask at home, before going out, it is recommended to wash your hands well before handling it. Prefer washing hands with soap and water, rather than using hydroalcoholic gel or disinfectant, which can tend to irritate the skin of the face when they come into contact.

We also think about cleaning your face well before applying a mask, using a gentle, non-aggressive product (mineral water, thermal water, micellar water or mild soap, for example). Then we do not forget to dry the skin of the face well, gently patting with a clean towel or a single-use handkerchief.

Avoid all irritants

In the case of sensitive or reactive skin, care should be taken not to use hygiene, care or beauty products with irritating or allergenic components, which may be deposited on the skin of the face after application or diffusion. We avoid:

As for cleaning products for the home, we also pay attention to detergents, home fragrances, etc. The fumes from these products can disturb the cutaneous barrier of the skin.

Take a vitamin C cure

To protect the skin from external aggressions linked to wearing a mask (friction, heat, humidity, etc.), Doctor Radostina Bachvarova recommends taking Vitamin C. This vitamin, in addition to boosting the immune system, will strengthen the resistance of small children. vessels that are on the skin barrier and thus help the skin to better defend itself against attacks.

Choose gentle cleansing products

Caring for your skin and moisturizing it on a daily basis is essential to help it react better when wearing the mask for a long time. We therefore opt for suitable, gentle hygiene care that will not attack the skin, while cleaning it properly, to rid it of bacteria and other impurities.

During this period when we frequently wear a mask, we do without scrubs, exfoliants, facial peels, which will attack the skin already weakened by friction.

By removing the mask too, it is better to clean his face. Always with a gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturizer after patting it dry.

Hydrate, relieve, protect your skin, with a suitable cream

Moisturize your face as regularly as possible, with a moisturizing and restorative cream if necessary. We choose an unscented and hypoallergenic formula, and we monitor the composition, to avoid, as far as possible, preservatives and parabens.

In the evening, apply a richer moisturizer to optimize skin recovery overnight.

Attention, hydration must be local, but also internal. We make sure to hydrate well throughout the day, to allow the body to maintain a hydrated skin barrier!

Creams that contain thermal water are particularly recommended for their anti-inflammatory and healing actions.

If you observe a reaction of your skin when wearing the mask, you can apply a barrier cream to your face to protect it from friction, 30 minutes before, so that the texture penetrates well. In case of lesions on the skin, a healing and protective cream can be applied.

Finally, the mask does not protect against the harmful effects of the sun, and can move, so we think of protecting our skin, by applying a protective sunscreen, on the whole face.

Irritations, itching… When should you consult?

"The situation we are experiencing is unprecedented, wearing a mask is unusual and is imposed on everyone. The patient can consult when he feels the need", specifies the specialist.

“The appearance of inflammation, redness, microcuts or stains cannot always be treated with home remedies…”, she specifies.

In case of doubt, of worsening skin problems, or to relieve disturbed skin by wearing a mask, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist. The specialist will be able to tell you a suitable treatment, and prevent the risk of secondary infection, in the case of acne for example.

Thanks to Doctor Radostina Bachvarova, dermatologist at the Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.

Read also :

⋙ Eczema, atopic dermatitis: the best products for atopic skin

⋙ Hand washing: 5 tips from dermatologists to avoid irritation

⋙ Coronavirus: how to remove your mask to avoid contamination