Fall 2020 Beauty: Un-Masked

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In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything in all facets of our daily lives, and beauty is no exception.  Not even talking about the virus itself—which in addition to the well-publicized symptoms ranging in severity is also causing hair loss for many infected individuals—the preventative measures we’re taking are doing a number on our skin.

That said; this unusual fall 2020 season, Fashion Reverie is going back to the basics and focusing on skin!

So, leave your favorite lipstick at home—your mask is covering it up anyway—swipe on some mascara to play up those eyes and let’s talk about how to prevent the dreaded skin irritation and acne caused by friction from wearing a mask, now dubbed: “Maskne.”

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According to Elizabeth Mullins, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist at Uptown Dermatology in Houston, TX, the prevention of “Maskne” and skin irritation caused by our newest everyday accessory, the face mask, starts with properly caring for you mask.  “Masks should be washed every day in hot water with laundry detergent and white vinegar (because of its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties) and dried on higher heat settings in the dryer,” explains Mullins.

 “Detergents with fragrances can leave residue in the fabric, which can also cause a rash in people with sensitive skin,” shares Mullins.  “Since repeated washing and drying may cause fabric masks to deteriorate faster, and because some people are sensitive to fragrance, I recommend using a mild, fragrance-free detergent such as Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free and Clear.”

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Mullins also suggests keeping products that can build up on your skin to a minimum recommending avoiding heavy moisturizers and makeup, particularly in areas covered by your face mask. “Only use noncomedogenic products. Try to keep your makeup to the bare minimum to allow your skin to breathe …,” explains Mullins.  In fact, Mullins advises a lightweight tinted moisturizer instead of your typical face makeup if you really need something.

Images courtesy of Cetapheil and CeraVe

But what if you’re already suffering the effects on your face from months of wearing your mask?  What can you do to clear it up?  Mullins advices, “Wash face twice a day, before and after wearing the mask. Acne prone individuals may benefit from cleansers that contain salicylic acid.”  Mullins recommends a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil or CeraVe for clear skin.  You can also, “spot treat pimples with a salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc, or 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel.” 

As always, fall beauty starts with healthy skin.  With so many things “attacking” our complexions normally everyday—pollution, ultraviolet rays, and toxins keeping healthy and clear can always feel like a challenge.  However, with half our faces covered to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it can feel even more challenging this year than ever before.  So, while you may need to make a few tweaks to your beauty routine, clear, calm skin while wearing a mask day in and day out is possible.

—Janine Silver