Along with a nation-wide lockdown, the current Covid-19 outbreak has also brought a new meaning to word face masks. What was once a beauty product featuring in our skincare routines and self-care weekends has become a facial protection barrier from contracting the Coronavirus.

These face masks come in different forms, from the paper and the homemade cloth mask to the surgical and N95 mask. Face masks have become a required accessory to wear when going outside, but what happens when this protection mask leads to a skin breakout? Voir fashion speaks to Dr Elizabeth K. Hale on the impact of face masks on your skin how to prevent, combat and treat possible breakouts.

We spoke to Dr hale on the possible cause of skin breakouts or irritation after wearing face masks. We were surprised to hear the problem might not be the face mask, but the state of your skin and the weather as it relates to your skin type when wearing the mask.

Generally speaking, the skin is most sensitive and most prone to irritation when it is dry and dehydrated. So theoretically, if the weather conditions are dry or if we are indoors with the heat on with no humidifier, our skin is going to be at greatest risk. Hopefully, as the weather warms up, and the air is not as dry, we should better tolerate wearing masks. However, one thing to be aware of high pollen counts accompany springtime, so our skin may be more sensitive and reactive than in another season. Also, people who are getting acne under their masks may find the opposite; the warm, humid weather may contribute to worsening breakouts, so look for a mask that is not too tight and occlusive.

Now that we know the causes, how can we prevent skin irritation or breakouts as not wearing a mask is not an option? Dr hale speaks on the importance of maintaining your skin barrier as this is your skin protector.

It’s essential to keep our skin barrier intact, so outside irritants and allergens are less likely to bother us. The way to do this is to use a gentle cleanser (think Dove), make sure to moisturise ideally with a moisturiser containing sun protection (think EltaMD, Cerave) and avoid products and procedures that can injure the skin barrier. For example, on a regular day, products with glycolic acid and retinol or exfoliative sonic brushes may have a role in our skincare regimen; during the time of wearing masks, we should cut down or hold off for now, so our skin barrier is not impaired. Also, avoid heavy make-up; the extra occlusion provided by the mask is going to congest your skin, leading to breakouts.

Before you swear off the outside now that the doctor has recommended avoiding make-up. Dr Hale understands the role make-up plays in your life, and she has suggested alternative ways to slay your look while still protecting your skin.

I have been telling my patients and friends to play up your eyes, this might be a time to try Latisse as our eyelashes have become our greatest accessories! As far as make-up, less is more now! Look for a lightweight tinted sunscreen, which can provide a little colour and extra protection.

As we have stated before not wearing a mask is not an option because as much it may affect your skin the latter puts you in a greater risk of contracting the virus, and I don’t know about you, but I’d rather weather the skin irritation. Thanks to Dr Hale, you may not have to choose the greater risk, she gives a skincare routine after taking off your masks to repair the damage on your skin during the day.

Gently clean your face when you remove your mask and apply a lightweight moisturiser after cleansing. Now might be a good time to try a hydrating skin mask with hyaluronic acid to restore hydration to the skin. If you are breaking out, while it may be tempting to use an acne mask, these often contain acids which may further irritate your skin barrier.

What if you are already experiencing a rash or skin irritation because of the mask. Dr hale has advised on how to identify it and the steps to take and skincare ingredients to use to mend your skin.

There are two main types of skin issues resulting from wearing masks all day.

The first is irritation, rashes and skin sensitivity. For this, avoid irritating products, use gentle cleansers and moisturise! Try to protect the skin barrier!

The second common skin annoyance from all this mask-wearing is acne or breakouts. This is more common in people with oily skin and those wearing heavy make-up under their masks. These people should consider cleansing with salicylic acid wash and look for an OTC acne product like Differin or speak to a dermatologist about getting a prescription like Epiduo or RetinA micro to spot treat the acne lesions. Just remember, when treating acne, less is more – if you apply too much of an acne product, you will dry your skin out too much, leading to further irritation and peeling.

Find out more from Dr. Elizabeth Hale here, on her instagram: @dermdrhale

Words by Precious Njoki

Graphics by Georgia Walters

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The post Dr. Elizabeth Hale Tells All on How to Prevent Skin Breakouts While Wearing Face Masks appeared first on Voir Fashion.

While the world comes to terms with the pandemic of the Corona Virus, we must keep safe and work together to prevent further spreading. Social media has been plagued with hand washing memes, and whilst it is good to bring the humour from an otherwise frightening epidemic, it is crucial for us to follow hand washing and other hygiene advice. NHS Medical Doctor, Dr Ejikeme has found that many of her patients have dry, itchy hands as a result of intense washing and use of hand sanitiser. We need to moisturise our hands regularly to avoid cuts and cracked skin as this may lead to infections.

Her top tips to prevent drying hands include:

• Wash instead of sanitising: If you can, wash hands with soap and water for 15-30 seconds instead of using hand sanitiser as it has a high alcohol content which is very drying on the skin.

• Don’t over-wash: Wash when necessary (after using the toilet and visiting public spaces, and before touching your face or others). Washing hands too frequently will dry them out.

• Water first, soap second: Make sure to wet hands first before soap to reduce irritation.

• Use hand cream- After washing, apply a hand cream to prevent the skin drying out and apply throughout the day.

• Super dry hands: If your hands are already dry, itchy or sore, apply a barrier cream (Vaseline or Lanolin) covering any areas of cracked skin.

• Please see more information on Dr Ejikeme and her West London clinic, Adonia Medical Clinic here.

Wash instead of sanitising: If you can, wash hands with soap and water for 15-30 seconds instead of using hand sanitiser as it has a high alcohol content which is very drying on the skin.

Don’t over-wash: Wash when necessary (after using the toilet and visiting public spaces, and before touching your face or others). Washing hands too frequently will dry them out.

Water first, soap second: Make sure to wet hands first before soap to reduce irritation.

Use hand cream- After washing, apply a hand cream to prevent the skin drying out and apply throughout the day.

Super dry hands: If your hands are already dry, itchy or sore, apply a barrier cream (Vaseline or Lanolin) covering any areas of cracked skin.

Please see more information on Dr Ejikeme and her West London clinic, Adonia Medical Clinic here.

Our Top 5 Hand Creams:

Best for sensitive skin:

1). The Body Shop Almond milk and honey calming and protecting hand cream

This hand cream is perfect for those of us dealing with sensitive skin as the nourishing almond milk helps bring moisture to dry hands, and the honey (full of antibacterial goodness) helps heal cracks. £5 for 30ml.

Best non-greasy formula:

2). Clarins hand and nail treatment cream

This rich lotion is packed full of essential ingredients like shea butter and sesame oil which offers quick relief to dry hands without leaving greasy residue behind. £23 for 100ml.

Best value:

3). Aveeno daily moisturising hand cream

Suitable for sensitive skin and clinically proven to help hands look healthier from the first use. Enriched with oatmeal to nourish skin. £3.99 for 75ml.

Best overall:

4). Neutrogena Norwegian formula hand cream

Rich with glycerin, this cream helps bind moisture to the skin and is long-lasting even after hand washing. Gives you soft skin without breaking the bank. £3.99 for 50ml.

Best high-end brand:

5). Liz Earle Superskin hand serum

Perfect for mature or dry skin, this serum is packed full of active ingredients like rosehip oil and cranberry seed to ensure skin is left plump, smooth and soft. £23.50 for 75ml.

Words by Camila Karalyte

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post How to Combat Dry Hands During the Current Climate appeared first on Voir Fashion.