Skin Care Routines

Protect your face and hands while protecting others

by Sheryl Jackson

Dry, itchy hands? Unexplained irritation or rash on the face? These are two of the side effects of frequent handwashing and wearing masks that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other viruses such as influenza and the common cold.

Fortunately, a few simple changes in skin care routines can overcome these issues.

HAND CARE:

▸ Wash with warm, not hot, water.

▸ Use a hypoallergenic soap that has no perfumes or other irritants.

▸ Pat – don’t rub – hands dry or air dry them.

▸ Use a moisturizer that contains mineral oil or petroleum and work it into the fingertips and nails.

▸ At bedtime, use petroleum jelly on hands. Also, you can wear lightweight cotton gloves to lock in moisture overnight.

When using hand sanitizer because handwashing is not feasible, have a tube of hand cream or ointment available to apply immediately after using sanitizer.

FACE CARE:

▸ Use a gentle cleanser every day and moisturize immediately after cleaning.

▸ Clean your face before and after wearing a mask.

▸ If you wear a mask for several hours, re-apply moisturizer.

▸ Avoid wearing makeup or other skincare products that can clog pores because the mask rubs the skin.

▸ Use petroleum jelly on lips to prevent chapping.

▸ Use petroleum jelly or zinc oxide to protect areas where the mask rubs: bridge of the nose, chin and behind the ears.

An often overlooked part of face care while wearing masks is the mask itself. Avoid synthetic material masks because they lock in moisture from the face, which increases irritation. Cotton is often the best choice for people with sensitive skin.

Keep several masks handy so they can be rotated and washed frequently. Wash them with soap and water but avoid any soaps with perfumes or other irritants.

If you wear a disposable mask for a long time, consider changing it halfway through the day. This ensures you have a clean mask. For extra skin protection, rinse and re-moisturize your face before putting on the new mask.

Sheryl Jackson is a freelance writer.