By: Nadia Castro

As we progress into the pandemic masks have become an involuntary accessory, but for good reason. To enter into any public facility masks are required, even in the drive-thru while getting your favorite fast food. This protects not only people around you, but yourself from germs that can spread without you even knowing. Even though this is mandatory, many people have found ways to be creative with masks designing them to be fun and creative. From Lotería themed to Darth Vader’s mask you can rock a stylish mask.

Everywhere you turn someone is selling masks and some stores are providing disposable masks. Stores like Marshalls or Nordstrom’s sell trendy masks, and a handy bandana can be used for a quick store run. While wearing masks is being safe, washing your mask is a necessity as well. If your masks are blue surgical or disposable masks, then not to worry you can easily throw them away after use. Face coverings that are made out of fabric like the ones that are sold at stores or from local businesses, bandanas, or face scarves need to be washes. Drop them into a regular washer like you would do with laundry and use hot water. Then, into the dryer they go using the high setting or lay them out to hand dry. Making sure your masks are clean is imperative during this time because you don’t want bacteria being near your mouth. Hand washing your masks is another solution! Use hot water and soap scrubbing for 20 seconds or more then off to dry. Laundry detergent on masks can be tricky if you have sensitive skin especially since you’ll be wearing these masks on your face. Unscented laundry detergent may be better than a perfumed detergent if you are scent sensitive too.

Since wearing face coverings one thing has arose is maskne. The annoying acne by your mouth and neck caused by clogged pores and bacteria being trapped to one part of your face. No need to fret because there are some solutions to calm your skin down. Keep a consistent skin care routine to see results, but just know the results may be slow at first. Wash your face with a cleanser daily, meaning morning and night, then finish off with a moisturizer. You can never go wrong with dermatologist - tested products such as Cere Ve or Cetaphil. Those brands comply with sensitive skin as well. If you have a mild case of acne, then you will need ingredients that fight acne like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These can be provided to you in a toner as well, but do not use if your skin is on the dry side. Pay attention to how your skin feels after wearing a face covering. If you still love to get ready with makeup do not let the masks stop you, but it may be better to use oil-free makeup because foundation and concealer can clog pores rapidly under the mask. A tip would be to avoid putting makeup on the lower half of your face and use those eyes as the canvas. Now, sunscreen is an underrated part of the skin routine that is important. Wearing SPF 30 and over protects your skin from the UV rays and brightens your skin while reducing dark spots. This will also help with any mask tan lines if receiving any.

Not only do we have to clean masks properly and take care of our skin, but wearing a face covering correctly will help protect you while out. Masks should be worn over your nose and mouth secured over your chin while in a public setting. Do not switch the front part of your mask remember which part of the covering was put towards your mouth because you do not want to put the outside part on your face. Medical masks are the most effective facial covering along with surgical masks. Face coverings made out of polypropylene, cotton/ 2-layer cotton perform just as well. Masks like Gaiters like neck fleeces are not as effective when it comes to face coverings. You may want to reconsider bandanas as well because those will not protect you.

Times are changing, so it is time to prepare and to prevent yourself from becoming at risk. While you tend to be stylish do not forget safety. Wear your mask!

Masks and Maskne