If the sanitary crisis imposes new practices such as wearing a mask whenever necessary, and disinfecting hands with hydroalcoholic gel several times a day, these new practices are not without consequences for our skin.
How does wearing a mask affect our skin?
And how to protect yourself?
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It has several functions, including those of protecting our body from the external environment, regulating the temperature, etc…
The facial skin is relatively thin. It is all the finer the clearer it is and the older the person.
Under the mask, the skin is exposed to regular rubbing, a rise in temperature creating dryness, redness, irritation or spots. Couperose, rosacea, acne, dermatitis, eczema, … are areas that weaken the skin and can be aggravated by wearing the mask regularly.
We are going to tell you some precautions and practices to implement in order to limit the side effects of wearing a mask.
- The 1st good practice is to limit the wearing of the mask to what is strictly necessary. Wear it as often as it is appropriate, when indicated or when you are in the presence of others. Take it out as soon as you can.
- Cleanse the skin well morning and evening to purify the epidermis, eliminate dead cells and purify clogged pores.
- Moisturize the skin in depth to fight against dryness. Take into account the type of skin (normal, sensitive, dry), to choose the cream to use. A texture too rich will reinforce the risk of blackheads and spots.
- Avoid or limit makeup, especially foundation, to let the skin breathe.
- Wash hands each time mask is touched or removed.
Your cleaning ritual:
- Make-up removal with Dermalmilk at night
- Facial cleansing with cleansing gel morning and evening
- Gentle exfoliation twice a week with hydrapeel
Institute treatments:
- Salicylic acid peeling
- LEDs
What are the dangers of repeated use of hydroalcoholic gel?
Hand disinfection by the application of a hydroalcoholic solution (SHA) has become widespread in recent months. As for the mask, this new practice is a must, but it is not without consequences on our skin.
An SHA is a mixture of water and alcohol, with a minimum of 60% alcohol, to destroy viruses, fungi and bacteria. To be effective, the application must last at least 30 seconds.
The frequent use of an SHA (several times a day) is not without consequences on our skin. The presence of alcohol will dry and irritate the skin. By destroying bacteria, SHA will also alter the hydrolipidic film on the skin’s surface (resident flora), which protects us from pathogens.
How to use the hydroalcoholic gel?
- Prefer hand washing with antiseptic soap whenever possible,
- Apply a hydroalcoholic gel if you cannot wash your hands and you have been in contact with other people or objects that could present a risk of contamination, or after having frequented a collective space
- To ensure hand disinfection, the gel should be applied to dry hands, with a minimum 30-second friction
- Allow hands to dry thoroughly after application and do not touch any food or object until completely dry
- Do not expose your hands to the sun immediately after applying the gel. There is a risk of being burned.
- Apply a moisturizing hand cream twice a day
- Keep out of reach of children and do not touch eyes after applying the gel.
Protect yourself and your skin
Wear your mask and disinfect your hands whenever necessary, but do not overdo it.
These new practices put your skin to the test, so help it by following our recommendations: Clean and moisturize your skin daily. Let it breathe whenever you can.
To take stock of your skin, New Esthetic offers you a free skin analysis.
