As wearing masks has become routine due to COVID-19, life without masks is unimaginable. In addition to thorough hand washing and cough etiquette, masks are also required in public places and on public transportation. Access to medical institutions as well as multi-use facilities is restricted when masks are not worn. As a result, the new term “mask trouble” has appeared. The number of people suffering from skin diseases on their faces has increased due to long-term wearing of masks.

  Diseases such as trouble and dermatitis are emerging these days, which are side effects of the prevention of COVID-19. In particular, symptoms such as red spots, itching, and pimples are appearing around the cheeks, nose, and mouth. These areas closely pressed by the mask all day. Depending on the material and ingredients of the mask, dermatitis can occur, too. Also, various skin diseases occur on the back of the ear or around metal components that cause friction due to the rubber band. In the case of disposable masks made of synthetic fibers and adhesives such as polypropylene and polyethylene, if they continue to touch the skin for a long time, they cause itching and stinging on the weak skin. Continued irritation may damage the skin barrier, resulting in dermatitis and allergies. If you wear makeup while wearing a mask, you need to be more careful because it can block your pores by mixing wastes and cosmetics, causing acne and folliculitis.

  The environment inside the mask is another cause of dermatitis. Excessive moisture and high temperature are created by breathing out while wearing a mask, which exacerbates damage to the skin barrier. Therefore, if worn for a long time, high humidity persists in the space between the mask and the skin. If you talk a lot with a mask on, it gets worse. In this environment, it is easy to reproduce germs and this increases the secretion of wastes such as sebum. It causes acne or skin trouble while blocking the entrance of pores.

  Pharos would like to introduce some tips to protect one’s skin after wearing a mask for a long time without having to receive expensive treatment or care. First of all, thorough cleansing is essential to wash away sebum, germs, and contaminants on the skin, but be aware that strong irritation when washing your face further damages the skin barrier. After washing your face, it is also good to use mask packsor hypoallergenic moisturizers that contain sedative ingredients to regenerate skin barriers. Sufficient rest and sleep are also required. Different care and care methods should be applied to different skin environments. There is a saying that skin shows a person’s lifestyle. Healthy eating habits improve skin immunity and help recover from acne. Skin care suitable for your skin condition can make your skin clean and tight. When wearing a mask, it is better to wear lighter skin makeup than usual. When using cosmetics, avoid products with a lot of oil and stuffy makeup. For problems caused by moisture inside the mask, it is good to wear a mask equipped with a moisture protection filter. Besides replacing the mask before the mask gets wet, you should also look at the material of the mask and be careful when using it. Disposable masks made of synthetic fibers can cause contact dermatitis.

  It takes effort to protect your skin when you have to wear a mask. Diligence is essential if you want to keep your skin clean. It is a good idea to check the moisture balance and temperature of your skin in general without being overly obsessed with one skin blemish. It is best to avoid bad habits that damage your skin and get rid of them as soon as possible. Let’s all keep our skin clean by following these precautions.

Management Editior•CHOI HYUN JEONG•chj010627@naver.com