Face Mask Skin Irritation Is a Real Thing—Here’s What You Can Do

The internet is filled with pictures of health care workers who are dealing with skin issues from wearing medical-grade masks hours on end. So I want to know:: How can the average mask wearer—even someone crafting a makeshift mask out of a bandana or scarf—keep their skin clean and protected after wear? Whether you’re an outdoor athlete or just taking a break from social distancing by walking your dog every day, Adeline Kikam, chief resident dermatologist at Corpus Christi Medical Center in Texas, will provide Health with the best tips on how to stay healthy. Wearing a mask.

Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser after removing your mask

“When you take off your mask, you definitely want to wash your face to clear up some of the debris, sweat, and whatever you’ve accumulated during the day,” says Dr. Kikam, who advises using a gentle cleanser or cleansing bar to wash your face without overdrying it. No matter the cleanser you’re using, be sure to use lukewarm, not hot, water. “Hot water can be more abrasive to the skin and further  compromise the skin barrier.”

Apply a moisturizer with skin barrier-boosting ingredients

Constant rubbing and friction from everyday mask use can compromise our skin’s barrier, resulting in dryness,  bruises, and scrapes from various mask textiles.  Regardless of your skin type, Dr. Kikam recommends following up after cleansing with a moisturizer containing these holy grail ingredients for fighting off dryness and irritation: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. “Ceramides, a natural  ingredient of our skin, will supplement your skin barrier; hyaluronic acid can absorb moisture from the environment into the skin to increase moisture.; niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, soothes the skin and reduces redness.”

Cover irritated skin with a protective ointment before bedtime

If you’re wearing a mask for several hours a day, you’re likely to develop irritated skin patches on your face. If you are handling these patches as well, Dr. Kikam recommends applying a barrier-reinforcing ointment or petroleum jelly with zinc oxide or dimethicone before bed for extra protection after moisturizing. Another tip? “You can also use it before wearing your mask to reduce abrasion,” she says.