Like all of us, I am adjusting to wearing a face mask the majority of my day. My colleague, Victoria, and I were just talking about how strange our face feels after removing our masks for the day. Beyond the odd sensation, there can be some unexpected consequences for our skin. Here are a few common ones and some advice on how to deal with these skin issues that come with wearing a face mask.

What’s Underneath That Mask?

Have you wondered whether sunscreen, makeup, or even moisturizer is needed or even a good idea under the mask? The goal here is a less is more approach with products, without trading skin comfort and protection. I learned very quickly that my favorite daily face sunscreens transferred onto the inside of my mask. This left my mask discolored. I added a non-tinted sunscreen for days when I will be wearing a face mask. My personal favorites for my aging, acne-prone skin? EltaMD UV Clear and VanguardMD Sheer.

Oh, the Humidity Behind the Mask!

You may find that your moisturizer isn’t working as well as it did pre-mask era. You may need to switch to something lighter. Reducing the amount of different products you are using may feel better right now. Try a moisturizer and vitamin C, E, Ferulic Acid combination like our own private label product - Regenerate.

Eye There

As far as makeup, now is the time to show off those eyes! Trade the time you used to spend on foundation, powder, and concealer with time spent emphasizing your eyes. A conditioning mascara (preferably a formula that doesn’t transfer onto your mask) and defined brows bring the right attention to your eyes. This is a good time to consider a lash growth product. I rely on my Latisse® to keep my lashes longer and thicker than they would be naturally. (A little XEOMIN®, to reduce expression lines on my forehead, makes me feel better about the added attention the eye area is getting too).

Hello, Maskne

Is your face mask causing breakout? You are certainly not alone here. Washing your cloth mask between each wear will help. Cleansers can also make a difference. You may find switching to something to help control the bacteria that can aggravate acne may help. Benzoyl peroxide is a good ingredient in a cleanser for this purpose. You may see more dryness or light peeling around your mouth area after wearing a mask. The natural desquamation (shedding) of our skin throughout the day can become more noticeable when trapped under a mask. Gentle exfoliation a few times a week can help with this concern.

Finally, my favorite tip to share. Get outside and take the mask off throughout the day! Find more moments to get some fresh air and just breathe without your face mask. Maybe our coffee breaks will turn into breathing breaks now.

We are here to help, if you are not sure where to go from here. Our complimentary skin consultations include a free digital analysis of your skin to help us customize our recommendations. Call us at 719-579-5555 to schedule your appointment at our Colorado Springs location.

If any issues are arising that are new or worrisome since wearing a mask, see a dermatology provider. You could have something else going on, such as psoriasis or contact dermatitis, that will require some medical intervention. You can make an appointment with a Vanguard Skin Specialists provider at any of our five locations by calling 719-355-1585.