Face masks and skincare

2020 has brought us a new normal – wearing face masks. As of this week, wearing a face covering is advised where I live, and it’s mandatory on public and passenger transport. I’ve been wearing a mask for the last few weeks, every time I leave my house, and one thing I’ve noticed is how much it affects my skin! There’s been breakouts (aka maskne), dryness, irritation … so I asked Caroline Parker, Head of Education for Dermalogica NZ about face masks and skincare, and what we can do to take care of our skin at the moment.

Above: Rainbow face mask from Toast Clothing Studio.

Above: Yellow/grey reversible face mask from Citizen Women.

Caroline mentioned that the two biggest skin concerns triggered by wearing a mask are breakouts and sensitivity. These are both due to increased heat and humidity under the mask, and also friction from the mask rubbing against your skin. Sound familiar? I’m experiencing both and it’s actually helpful to know that I’m not alone! So, how do you take care of your skin while wearing face masks? Here are a few tips to help you out.

Choose your mask wisely

Make sure your mask is a comfortable fit so you don’t keep touching your face. If it’s too tight or doesn’t sit right, you’re more likely to try and adjust it. If you have a bigger face then you might want to try a larger size mask and if you’re finding the elastic around your ears uncomfortable you might need to try one that ties at the back. One size doesn’t fit all, so try a couple of styles and sizes to find one that does work for you.

A clean start

Make sure you cleanse your face/do your skincare routine before you put on your mask in the morning. If you’re experiencing breakouts you could apply a breakout controlling serum under your moisturiser in the morning – I use the Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum. Caroline mentioned that serums for breakouts often have a gentle exfoliating action, so it’s important to use a moisturiser over the top to prevent dryness or flaking.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I talk a bit on my Stories about the importance of wearing SPF all year round. If you’re wondering if it is important to wear an SPF under your mask like I was, Caroline said that yes it is! Masks can be made of so many different materials (including paper), and the lighter the material of your mask the less UV protection it would offer, so best to play it safe.

Above: Leopard print face mask from Ludo Lilli.

Minimal makeup

This one is pretty self explanatory – the less makeup you have under your mask the better! Skip the foundation to help prevent clogged pores and breakouts under your mask. Still wanting to glam up your look? Focus on your eyes. I think this might be a good time for me to start practicing my makeup application skills because eye makeup is the part I really struggle with.

I’ve been using my trusty RevitaLash conditioner, and am off to Loft Beauty to get a lash lift and tint and a brow shape and tint this week. This is my usual beauty go to in summer when it’s hot and I’m sweaty or swimming a lot, it’s super low maintenance and makes me feel put together with basically no effort – you can see what a difference it makes here.

Wash your face when you get home

Your evening skincare routine is just as important as your morning one! I’m a big fan of the double cleanse, so my evening skincare routine starts out with that and includes some nourishing. If you experience skin sensitivity from wearing your mask, Caroline suggested that you could apply a skin soothing and protecting product like Dermalogica Barrier Repair at night either under or over your moisturiser through the area affected by your mask. I haven’t tried that one yet (might have to add to my cart next time!) but have been using the Dermalogica Barrier Defense Booster and find that it helps soothe my skin.

Above: Wearing glow in the dark skeleton face mask from Ludo Lilli.

Clean your mask

Make sure you wear a clean mask every day. You’ll need to wash it in hot water and detergent, either by hand or in a washing machine, then make sure it’s completely dry before using it. I’m not usually one to go in for handwashing clothes but I have been handwashing our masks because we need to do that more frequently than we do a load of laundry. I use a laundry bar (try the Flash Laundry Bar & Stain Remover from Ethique for a cruelty free and plastic free option) and then pop them on a clothing rack to dry in the sun.

Call in the professionals

This is always my biggest piece of advice when it comes to skincare. Caroline Parker has shared some great general tips with us, but if you’ve got a skin concern, make sure you talk to a professional for personalised advice. You can jump on the Dermalogica website to chat with a professional when they’re online (or leave a message and they’ll get back to you). Not only can they give you great advice about skin health, they can also recommend the right products for your skin concerns! I wish I’d done this a lot sooner in my pursuit of healthy skin, because it would have saved a lot of trial and error (and money) with me using products that weren’t right for my skin.

Do you have any tips to help make wearing face masks easier?
Share them below for anyone who needs a hand!