Don’t mask the problem…avoid skin issues from wearing a mask

I’ve heard from a lot of people struggling with skin issues from wearing a mask. Proper care of your mask and your skin can help with keeping your skin clear and healthy under that mask. Let’s not mask the problem, lets avoid it!

Start with the type of mask you are wearing.  Organic cotton or Tencel is ideal.  You want a breathable fabric that allows some airflow. Traditional cotton is one of the dirtiest crops out there, typically boasting a huge toxic load from insecticides and other pesticides. Learn more about the toxicity of everyday fabrics here. Another option is to make a mask out of an old fabric you already have. Something like an vintage T-shirt that has been washed over and over is less likely to have any toxic residue left.  

It is important that you are washing your mask every day. The obvious route is to throw it in the washing machine. I advise against that for a few reasons. First, the mask won’t hold up as long and second, you don’t want detergent residue on your face. Even if you use a cleaner, less toxic detergent, it may negatively affect your skin from rubbing against it all day. Detergents leave residue on clothing when washed in the machine.  If you’ve battled with allergies or eczema, you know soaps are often a factor in outbreaks and irritation.  You may think that can’t be contributing to the issue since you don’t react to the detergent on other parts of your body. But having the friction and heat under the mask creates a different environment making skin more fragile.

Masks should be washed daily not only because of germs but also because of oil and residue from your skin and or makeup. If you want an extra level of germ removal when cleaning, spray the mask with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for ten minutes. This will kill any germs that may be lingering. Do not spray and then wear, it must be washed. Bleach and disinfects meant for cleaning should not be used on masks. They will leave a residue that can be dangerous if inhaled.

After the ten minutes has passed, hand wash your mask with your favorite non-toxic face cleanser. Yes, that’s right! Use the same cleanser that you use on your face to wash your mask. This will ensure that you are using a product that your skin already is accustomed to. If you have not switched to a safer, less-toxic facial cleanser, now is the time. The act of vigorously rubbing the fabric under warm water will break down any germs left. However, if you did the peroxide you are really in the clear. Hang to dry.

Steps to properly wash your mask:

1. Spray lightly with Hydrogen Peroxide and let sit for 10 minutes
2. Hand wash for at least 30 seconds with your favorite safer, less toxic face cleanser and warm water
3. Hang to dry

In addition to cleansing well, think about properly prepping your skin. To create a protective barrier, clean skin, minimal cosmetics and proper moisturization are a must. If you haven’t switched to cleaner skincare and cosmetics, it’s time. Don’t layer on heavy foundation and lipsticks. Cleanse skin and apply a good moisturizer that will minimize the friction of the mask against your skin. Leave lips bare if you can to avoid smearing lip product to areas outside of the mouth and it getting on the mask. When you return home and are done mask wearing for the day, cleanse skin if you feel it is needed. Now is the time to apply your favorite lip product if you’ve been missing it.

Try to have a few masks in rotation. Upon returning home, get in the habit of washing quickly and hanging to dry. If you spray immediately and then come back to wash, the whole simple process takes about three minutes…and your skin is worth the effort.

Next, let’s chat about safer sunscreen to protect your skin