PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) has become a familiar and widely used abbreviation in the age of COVID-19. With long hours and increasingly demanding shifts, our frontline medical workers are required to wear PPE, like N95 masks, for many hours at a time.
Allure recently wrote an article describing the skin issues such as breakouts, rashes and skin irritation that develop as a result of wearing the tight-fitting N95 masks for prolonged periods.
According to board-certified dermatologist, Bruce A. Brod, “Injury can occur as a result of friction and the accumulation of moisture under the mask.” Issues such as acne and dermatitis (itchy, dry skin or swollen, red skin) are not uncommon.
Dermatologists advise simple skin care routines before the mask goes on and after the mask comes off to properly care for the skin.
Before The Mask Goes On
- Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove oil, dirt and make-up
- Ensure that your skin is moisturized well. A strong moisture barrier on the skin reduces friction between the mask and your skin.
- Opt for going make-up free to avoid clogged pores and inflammation.
- Treat and cover any open wounds to prevent further injury.
After The Mask Comes Off
- Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize – the key here is to soothe the skin and reduce any inflammation that may have occurred. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like Turmeric in our Turmeric and Aloe Moisturizing Treatment would be an excellent option.
If you are a frontline worker, I would like to say thank you for all that you do and for your Big, Beautiful Heart!
