Wearing face masks in hot weather is a real challenge for your face. Cosmetologists have already dubbed rashes and irritations caused by prolonged use of masks, the term "maskne". We figure out what will help to avoid this trouble and how to act if the skin has already managed to give a negative reaction to the main means of personal protection in 2020.
In the summer, the skin experiences increased stress: ultraviolet light, dry air of conditioners, active work of the sebaceous glands. However, now another item has been added to the list - the wearing of protective and medical masks, which, apparently, are with us for a long time.
Cosmetologists have already defined the irritation caused by the regular use of masks as "maskne" (a neologism derived from the addition of two words: "mask" and "acne"). Due to friction and high humidity under the mask, the skin becomes more vulnerable to infectious agents: microbes and viruses. If you regularly follow the WHO recommendations and do not leave the house without a mask, you have probably already encountered an unpleasant side effect of your prudence: acne, irritation and diaper rash in the "mask" areas - on the cheeks, nose and chin. By the way, this is not a complete list of dermatological troubles: prolonged wearing of masks in the heat can also provoke the appearance of herpes on the lips.
When you breathe in a mask (and even in hot weather) for several hours, a so-called "greenhouse effect" is created inside, against which an ideal habitat is formed for pathogens of various skin diseases, especially if you already have problem skin. All these unpleasant manifestations can be aggravated by rubbing the tissue against the skin of the face, during which there is an increased irritation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
But since the issue of using a mask is more acute than the potential harm from it, let's figure out how to keep skin healthy without neglecting preventive safety measures during a declining, but not yet subdued pandemic.
How to properly care for your reusable mask
In the world of new restrictions, it is becoming obvious that we will not part from the masks soon.
How often should the mask be washed?
Reusable masks usually consist of several layers of fabric - this is a porous environment, and besides, it is humid there due to breathing, so bacteria can grow on the mask and cause skin problems. And viruses can persist on the fabric for several days, so the mask should be washed more often. The best option is every day: less often it is definitely not worth it, and more likely it will not work out.
At what temperature?
The mask should be washed with soap in hot - at least 60 degrees - water. If you wash by hand, take a long time to wash and rinse 2-3 times. If you prefer a machine wash, make sure that the detergents are completely rinsed out. And dry the mask completely before putting it on again, otherwise bacteria will be even more comfortable (but not your skin).
Can the mask be disinfected with an antiseptic?
It is better not to do this. Firstly, in order for the antiseptic to work effectively, there must be a sufficient amount of it - simply spraying the mask with an alcohol spray is not enough. Secondly, traces of the antiseptic left on the fabric can irritate the skin of the face, because it is much more sensitive than the skin of the hands. Plus, antiseptics will not work with your sweat and skin cells that remain on the mask when worn, so do not neglect regular washing.
How to be with the mask during the day?
It is unlikely that you will be wearing a mask all day - most likely, there will be several episodes during the day when you put it on and then take it off. Remove the mask carefully, with clean hands, and store it in a separate bag (ideally in an airtight zip bag) throughout the day so as not to stain the mask itself and transfer potential hazardous particles from the mask to other items. Yes, it also needs to be periodically washed or treated with an antiseptic.
In your opinion, do masks really protect us from viruses or are they just a necessary evil?
The photos used in this article are taken from the site www.google.com
Our mouths are full of bacteria that grow even more in the heat. If I had to wear a mask all day, I would certainly have facial problems.