Taking Care of Your Skin While Wearing a Mask

First, wash your face in the morning and evening and especially after exercising. Here are Ida's tips for keeping your skin healthy under a mask.

Cleanse gently. A mild cleanser, lukewarm water, and a soft towel — never scrub. The friction of a mask plus the trapped humidity creates an environment where the skin's barrier is already compromised; aggressive cleansing makes it worse, not better.

Hydrate generously. A good moisturizer creates a protective layer between your skin and the mask fabric. Apply morning and night, and consider a richer formulation for the cheeks and chin areas where mask contact is constant.

Skip heavy makeup under the mask. It traps oil and bacteria against the skin. If you want a little color, focus on the eyes — that's the part of your face people see anyway.

Treat irritation early. If you notice redness or breakouts along the mask line, address them right away with a gentle, anti-inflammatory product. Don't wait for it to become painful.

If you have questions about your specific skin during this time, please call us. We're here to help.