Balancing beauty, health, and safety isn’t a conundrum the general public usually faces. But in these strange times, increased stress, comfort eating, and wearing face masks may be wreaking havoc on your usually healthy skin. Here’s are some ways to cope with stressed skin.
Sensitive Skin
If your skin is usually sensitive or you’re wearing a face mask regularly, be gentle with your skin. Avoid wearing heavy cream and makeups as they may exacerbate the problem. Your skin needs to breath and layering makeup under masks won’t do your skin any favors.
I also recommend choosing products without added scents—just look for "fragrance-free” on the label. If you’re unsure which gentle cleansers to use, one of my favorite brands is TULA Skincare.
Gentle Makeup
When you’re out of a mask and want to look your best during video calls, try Tarte Cosmetics. All of their products are mineral-based and free of parabens and other common irritants. When choosing a makeup brand, look for fragrance free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) on the label. Sometimes talc (which is in most powders) can also cause irritation.
Another makeup-related faux pas is forgetting to clean your beauty tools. Acne is a common side effect of using makeup brushes that aren’t properly maintained. Although acne is a deal breaker by itself, more serous skin problems may also occur. Check out our blog Makeup 101: Good Hygiene Starts with Clean Makeup Brushes for a complete how-to guide.
Maskne
As if you don’t already have enough to worry about, now maskne is a thing. I highly recommend this five-minute read, Maskne Is the New Acne, and Here’s What’s Causing It, which includes expert advice from several dermatologists.
To resolve acne, I suggest looking for products with salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), benzoyl peroxide, and/or tartaric acid which is naturally derived from plants and packed with antioxidants that smooth flaky skin. Other natural ingredients that may help reduce acne or prevent flare-ups include aloe, tea tree oil, and green tea extract.
Your maskne may vary depending on the kind of face mask you wear. If you’re wearing a shield, you might also notice an increase in tiny forehead pimples. If so, the problem may be exacerbated by harsh shampoos and hair products. Before getting out of the shower, be sure to specifically rinse your forehead.