Wearing a mask, now mandatory due to the COVID-19 epidemic, has more or less visible repercussions on the skin. Here are the ones and how to fix them. 

The skin of the face is made to breathe and is not designed to undergo repeated rubbing, unlike the hands, for example, which have thicker and less fragile skin, although they still require special care. 

Being thinner, the skin of the face reacts more quickly to aggressions of the friction type. The friction of the mask on the fragile areas of the face, and in particular on the top of the cheeks, under the eyes and the nose as well as the back of the ears, in contact with the elastic of the mask, attacks the skin and damages the barrier natural skin. 

Frequent wearing of the mask can thus cause small irritations, redness, itching sensations due to skin dryness or even small pimples. 

Despite the appearance of skin problems, however, it is strongly recommended to protect yourself from COVID-19 by wearing a mask.

The skin of the elderly, problem skin and fair skin are thinner and more at risk than darker skin that is thicker and resistant to aggression. People with eczema, psoriasis or acne are also affected by the discomfort of the mask. In case of eczema, the itching and redness are localized in the areas of support.

Wearing a mask generates heat and promotes perspiration, which increases the production of sebum and clogs the pores of the skin, hence the appearance of pimples in the lower face. Redness and peeling of the skin may also be observed.

With the wearing of the mask, the pH of the skin is also modified: being naturally slightly acidic, it becomes, under the effect of heat, more alkaline, which promotes the proliferation of bacteria. 

Men suffering from folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle) thus see their skin problems worsen due to the rubbing of the mask on the hairs of the beard. Heat and humidity increase inflammation.

The choice of mask is important to maintain beautiful skin. Avoid neoprene masks, especially for people allergic to latex, synthetic materials and very colorful ones, which generally contain irritating components unless they are organic. Prefer surgical masks. 

It is also essential to drink plenty of water to maintain the skin’s natural hydration and thus promote good health. 

In order to avoid an overload on the skin in addition to the mask, makeup will be light on women and the beard will be shaved on men. Likewise, scented cosmetic products should be avoided and anti-irritation moisturizers will be preferred. The skin must be cleaned with a product with a neutral or low acid pH to restore the balance of the skin microbiota. 

On the diet side, the consumption of sugary foods will be reduced because the sugar maintains inflammation and stimulates the production of sebum.