Since the global pandemic has been declared, our world has changed indefinitely. Skin issues are just one of the problems that we have to deal with in these crazy times. According to estheticians and dermatologists, rashes and acne have been on the rise since wearing masks is a constant in our lives. Besides, who has the time to think about skin when we have health and survival concerns in front of us? As a result of that and various misconceptions, our skin suffers and suffers badly. Luckily, we can help you with that, as it's the one thing we can change for the better. That's a good reason to check out our top ten list, as you can learn about face care steps while wearing a mask. And of course, don't touch your face!

10. Good Cleansing Routine

The first rule of a good skincare routine is to wash your face, as it helps get rid of all the gunk and excessive oil. We recommend you use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your face. In case you have dry skin, look for a milk substance that won't dry it out. And if you deal with acne, a nice foaming gel would be a good option.

First, wash your hands and use them to spread the cleanser around your face. The water should be warm, as it will help you to open your pores. Be very careful, as you don't want it to be too hot, and therefore take the moisture off your skin! Next, use that time to massage your face gently. It will help with the circulation, and you'll look fresher. Finally, wash it off with water, and tap your face lightly with a towel.

9. Use an Exfoliator (If You Already Used It Before)

Exfoliation is important, as it removes the build-up of dead skin cells. Additionally, there are two types of them, physical and chemical. Firstly, choose a product according to your skin type. If you have oily and textured skin, you should opt for a physical one and use it only two times per week.

Cleanse your face, dry it with a towel, and spread the gel or cream exfoliator in a circular motion. Massage your skin very gently for about a minute, and then wash it off. If you're dealing with sensitivity, pick some of the acids to exfoliate. You can use them daily because they're less abrasive. The most popular options are glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid.

8. Moisturize

Moisturizing is essential for healthy skin, as it maintains its balance, especially in these times, where masks can lead to dryness and irritation. Also, they hold humidity, sweat, and oil, and therefore cause acne breakouts. When you go back home, remember to take your mask off and give your skin extra care!

Moisturizer reduces the chance of any problems on your face and calms the ones that are already there. If you have oily skin, pick a light formula, like lotion. And, if you're on the drier side of the spectrum, choose a nice cream that will heal and soothe the skin. Additionally, look for products containing humectants, including urea, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

7. Don't Try Out New Products

The beauty industry definitely isn't stopping because of the global pandemic. You may have seen some ads or noticed new products at your local drugstore shelves and are tempted to try out that fresh wrinkle-fighting cream or a glow serum. Well, that's not a very good idea as dermatologists think we use too many products anyway! 

Now that we're all wearing masks, that can cause more problems. Since it may make your skin more sensitive than usual, avoid it. A new product can cause a breakout or rash, and that will worsen while wearing a mask. Instead, rely on skincare that you've been using for some time and that you know works well for you. The best approach is to keep it as simple as possible.

6. Use a Spot Treatment

Have you ever experienced an annoying pimple that you just wanna get rid of? Even if you usually have good skin, breakouts are likely to happen under the mask. Spot treatment is convenient because it's made with a concentrated ingredient that directly fights a specific issue. It shouldn't replace your other products but adding one into your routine cuts back the time it takes to eliminate imperfection. 

You can use it several times per day, depending on your issue. Spot treatments are great for all skin types, so pick the right one according to your needs. We'll mention salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the most popular ones. Just remember, don't touch your face, as your skin will likely scar, and it will take much longer to heal.

5. Use a Sunscreen

Sunscreen is still important to wear as it protects from sun damage. Don't make that mistake of thinking that the face mask will save you! There are two types of it, chemical and physical, and you should choose one based on your skin type. If you acne-prone and have oily skin, check out chemical sunscreen that has a light formula. However, if your face is dry or sensitive, use a physical one, mineral-based, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. 

Also, look for products that don't include alcohol, as this particular ingredient can dry you out. Apply it before sun exposure using a good amount of it. Additionally, pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVB and UVA rays. Reapply it every two hours because we're sure you don't wanna get wrinkles, dark spots, or skin cancer.

4. Avoid Heavy Makeup

In case you didn't know, wearing masks has led to another issue, maskne. What is that actually, you may wonder? As the name suggests, it's a breakout or acne caused by a warm and humid environment under the mask. They hold sweat and oil and therefore make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. And that happens when you wear just lotion!

Still, think that heavy makeup is a good thing to have when under your fashionable mask? Doctors advise us to skip foundation in the process because it can clog pores. Our advice would be to put on some mascara and be ready to go. Nonetheless, if you're a makeup junkie, you can go all in, but on your eyes only. Actually, it's the one thing that people can see under the mask. Additionally, doctors say that wearing makeup under it can cause them to be less efficient.

3. Change Masks Regularly

We can't believe it either, but some people use a surgical mask and then wear it for days! First of all, you're not protected that way, as it shields you for only a couple of hours. Additionally, all that sweat, makeup, and dirt get stuck on your mask, causing breakouts or irritation.

You have two solutions, so either wear a surgical or N95 mask or choose a cotton fabric that you can wash and reuse. If you use masks from synthetic material, just throw them at the end of the day or after a couple of hours. The material itself can be problematic for your skin, so don't cause yourself further issues. And, if you're like many other people who look for something convenient, wear reusable ones. In that case, just wash them regularly, and you'll be fine.

2. Wash Your Mask (If It's Made of Cotton)

On the streets, we can see that people usually wear bandannas, face scars, or masks made of natural ingredients, such as cotton. They are more comfortable for the skin, as they don't contain chemical ingredients damaging to the skin. But how to maintain them to protect yourself and your face? Wash them after every use, as that's a must.

You can do it like with the rest of your laundry, at a very high temperature. Then, dry masks using a dryer or in the sunshine. Also, you can hand wash it with hot water and soap. First, scrub it for a couple of minutes, rinse it with water and dry it. Additionally, it's best to store the masks in a clean place. What we can also advise you is to use non-scented detergents because perfumes can cause skin irritation.

1. Visit a Dermatologist

Of course, all our recommendations are general hygiene steps you need to take. Usually, they're enough to maintain the skin's health and prevent most issues. Everyone's skin is different and asks for a distinct approach. But if you have a sensitive or oily face, you're more prone to irritations and breakouts.

Also, if these steps don't help you, you need to consult a dermatologist. A pimple here or there or some redness isn't a cause for concern. But if you experience rashes, worsened acne, eczema, and psoriasis, seek professional help. Your particular problem may include prescription drugs or some products that are not available in drugstores. We do hope that you've already practiced some of these routines. The skin is our largest organ, and it's important to take care of it.

Tell us, did you like our list for the top ten steps to take care of your face while wearing masks? Which one is the most important to you? Comment below, and let's share skincare knowledge.

Cover Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels