The Effects of Protective Masks on the Skin
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By Dr. Carl Thornfeldt
The regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is critically important for the health and safety of our families and communities, and will help flatten the curve. However, wearing masks regularly may have some unintended and unwanted consequences for our skin:
- The enclosed area of the mask against our skin produces a microenvironment of warm moisture compromising how the skin functions.
- Chronic skin conditions and breakouts often flare due to increased stress and the disrupted microenvironment on the skin.
- There is a risk of developing a reaction to mask material.
- Chafing and visible irritation of the skin due to the mask edges continually rubbing in specific areas of the skin.
Let Epionce Help
For a daily regimen, cleanse facial skin with Lytic Gel Cleanser or Purifying Wash for deep cleaning effect. Following with application of Lytic Plus Tx or Lytic Sport Tx to help reduce visible redness and breakouts. Apply Renewal Lite Facial Lotion twice daily to rejuvenate angry skin.
For chafing and visible irritation, ceramide and cholesterol-rich Renewal Calming Cream will help calm and hydrate the skin barrier. Apply as needed. Enriched Firming Mask will calm visible redness and may be left on the skin overnight for an added boost of hydration.
– Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, Epionce Founder