co-vid care.

The Ins and Outs of “Keeping Face” During a World-Wide Pandemic.

I’m not sure about you all, but some days the current world events bring me into a space of feeling in limbo and unable to control certain elements of my own life. Frustrating to say the least! One of these things for me (as well as a lot of my client’s) is how my skin is reacting to the masks we are required to wear. Lets face it, these masks are hot, uncomfortable and pretty annoying! Luckily, there are things we can do to help ease this burden while continuing on keeping us safe.

Keep Up With Your Skincare.

First and most importantly, start a skincare plan or do your current plan regularly. There’s a reason why your esthetician “prescribes” products for you. If you think of your program as you do with medication prescribed by a physician, you’ll realize, you won’t see the benefits if you don’t use products as they’re recommended to be used. Just like if you don’t take your meds as prescribed, chances are, you’re not going to get better. Our bodies like consistency as each body system has it’s own cycles or rhythm.

How does this play into covid care you ask?

Well when you’re exfoliating and cleansing properly there will be less oil and dead skin cells to react to any of the bacteria produced with the heat of the mask.

Wash Your Mask In-Between Uses.

Kind of gross, but think about when you wear your mask and all you can smell is how bad your breath is. Ummmm…that scent is usually from bacteria in your mouth and it has nowhere to go but on your mask. Your mask is on your face and your face is getting product and oil all over the mask as you wear it. Enough of the ick factor. Just wash your masks after each use. While you’re at it, start washing your pillow case and wiping your phone down regularly as well. Your skin will thank you!

Tips On How to Treat Dryness, Acne or Irritation.

Dryness, acne or irritation are understandable reactions to our new fashion accessory. If you find any of these occurring, first off, look at what your mask is made of. I realize that you want that protection, but could the material of your mask be the culprit and could a different material be the solution? Also, look at your laundry detergent. A detergent formulated for sensitive skin without fragrance may help. Finally, a few product ideas to treat certain reactions: If there is dryness, find a hyaluronic acid serum to add into your routine. (I really love Vivier’s Ultimage.) Hyaluronic acid is bff’s with water molecules and holds 1000 times its weight of that water. Your body makes it on its own, but sometimes a little boast is helpful in helping that surface dehydration and plumping up the tissue.

If you find yourself breaking out, look at the ingredients in what you are washing your face with. I’m a huge fan of either mandelic or salicylic acid. (I’ve been a die hard fan of Vivant’s Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash for years.) Both mandelic and salicylic acids not only gently exfoliants but are an anti-inflammatory as well.

Finally, if you have an irritation such as your skin feels like its been rubbed raw. Try a little bit of Aquaphor on the area. It will form a film and encourage the skin to heal itself.

Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out to Your Doc.

If the above doesn’t seem to help, or your gut is screaming at you saying what’s on your face isn’t normal, chat with your doc. Perioral dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema are some of the skin conditions that can be exasperated by the heat of your mask and can be treated.