Wrong Mask Choice Damages Skin

Dermatologist Dr. Nalan Saraç, drawing attention to skin problems during the coronavirus period, stated: "Fabric masks allow the skin to breathe, making them healthier from a dermatological perspective, but care must be taken regarding protection. Mask selection should be made taking into account both their protective efficacy and the damage they cause to the skin." Uzm. Dr. Nalan Saraç from Liv Hospital Samsun Dermatology Clinic noted an increase in skin problems related to hygiene measures implemented to protect against the virus during pandemic days, stating that discomfort can occur on hand skin due to use of wet wipes, cologne and disinfectant; on facial skin due to mask use; on body skin due to frequent showering; and on scalp due to hat use.

"Opt for white soap"

Emphasizing that it is more appropriate to use white soap with minimal drying properties and as much moisturizer as possible instead of colored, fragranced soaps containing dyes, perfumes and synthetic detergents for hygiene purposes, Uzm. Dr. Saraç shared the following information: "After each wash, skin moisture should be preserved with an intensely effective oily moisturizer. Additionally, prolonged mask use irritates facial skin, and allergic reactions to mask material (contact allergy) as well as eczema and redness can develop, while the repeated friction and trauma from the mask can clog the numerous sebaceous and hair follicles in facial skin, ultimately resulting in skin conditions such as acne, infection, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Particularly for users of masks designed to fit tightly to the face such as N95 or FFP2, redness and open wounds can develop at pressure points. These skin conditions may develop due to the metal in the mask or substances it contains (formaldehyde), or in cloth masks, due to the detergent or dyes used when washing the mask. Skin problems develop more easily on dry skin, so when dryness occurs, it is appropriate to moisturize with a mild moisturizer. Depending on the severity of the condition, short-term corticosteroid or non-corticosteroid creams are used."

Attention to hygiene is necessary

Recommending that to prevent skin problems, facial skin should be aerated for 15 minutes every 2 hours in open air while maintaining social distance during times when alone, Uzm. Dr. Saraç stated: "Every morning and at the end of the day, wash your face with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that does not trigger acne. After washing, moisturize your face again with a fragrance-free, oil-free water-based moisturizer. After applying moisturizer, ideally wait at least 1 hour before putting on a mask, because if a mask is applied immediately over the applied moisturizer, the occlusive effect of the cream can further clog pores, leading to excessive moisture and sweating, potentially causing more harm than benefit. Preferably do not apply makeup, and those who cannot give up makeup should use a skin-tone moisturizer or sunscreen instead of makeup products such as foundation or powder," he said.

Proper mask selection is important

Addressing the importance of mask selection, Uzm. Dr. Saraç stated: "Fabric masks are healthier from a dermatological perspective because they allow the skin to breathe, but care must be taken regarding protection. Mask selection should be made taking into account both their protective efficacy and the damage they cause to the skin. 100% cotton masks can allow our skin to breathe to some extent, so they can be preferred if we can wash and keep them clean daily. Surgical masks should be changed frequently because they will become moist due to sweating, which will both reduce their protective efficacy and increase skin conditions," he explained.

Washable masks can lead to skin problems

Emphasizing that washable masks pose a risk from a dermatological perspective because they are not single-use, Uzm. Dr. Saraç stated: "A layer of sweat and oil builds up on the mask worn throughout the day. If the mask is used the next day without being washed, even though we have washed and cleaned our face, discomfort can be triggered due to exposure to oil and sweat. Attention should also be paid to the detergents used when washing masks. In such cases, not using fabric softener and washing with soap powder instead of detergent will protect against allergic eczema, which we call 'contact dermatitis.' Additionally, frequently bathing with hot water can dry out body skin, causing eczema and itching, so it is important to use moisturizer after bathing to protect the skin. Since dry skin more easily facilitates the development of skin problems, care should be taken to use a moisturizer suitable for the skin," he concluded.