The new normal demands that everyone wears a mask everywhere and at all times. Other than the discomfort that occurs, wearing masks 24/7 wreaks havoc on our skin. With the pollution, fine dust, and wearing masks, our skin is suffering. As a result, some of us are experiencing maskne and dull skin. For that reason, we need to be more careful of what we do to our skin and the products we use.
Here are the things you should do and products you should rely on during the โnew normalโ:
Maintain Skin Moisture with the Right Products
Even though most of the face is covered with a mask, the skin still needs protection provided by the right moisturizing products. Using a moisturizer can prevent dry skin that is prone to redness and irritation, due to friction when wearing a mask.
Apart from using it every morning, don’t forget to treat your skin with a night cream to keep your skin moisturized all night long. The hydration level of the skin decreases starting in the afternoon, so night cream is very important. It is recommended to use products containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Both support skin’s defenses and keep skin moisturized. What’s more, for those with dry skin, moisturizer can restore the facial skin’s keratin protein.
Cleansing Your Face 2x a Day
Cleaning your face is an important part of your skin care routine. Dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day, that is, before and after activities.
Cleaning the face before doing activities in the morning is important to prepare the skin to be clean before using any skincare or makeup products. A clean face also minimizes the risk of excess oil, acne, or irritation that can appear. Meanwhile, washing your face at night before going to bed is equally important to remove all dirt and make-up that can clog pores and cause dull skin problems, acne, and various other problems.
The goal of this product is to clean the skin without breaking the skin barrier, as some cleaning products are quite harsh and can strip away the skin barrier. You can use mild cleaning products starting with using cleansing oil.
This cleansing oil not only cleans the skin, but massaging your face also soothes your muscles. After that, you can use a face wash that has no foam to balance the pH of your skin and release dirt without removing natural oils.
Even if you use a mask, sunscreen is still mandatory
When part of your face is covered by a mask, you may be tempted to leave sunscreen behind. But in fact, masks will not protect the skin from the sun which can cause dull skin.
This is especially important for those who often take off their masks when walking alone in open areas or when eating outside. Make sure to always apply a light formula sunscreen every morning evenly, including on the face covered by a mask. Other than that, regular use of sunscreen can prevent the face from direct sun exposure, prevent sunburn and prevent premature aging. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day
Wearing a mask for most of the day is prone to make your skin dry and irritated, due to friction caused. The solution to this is to use the right moisturizing products and make sure to drink enough water to keep your skin moisturized. Remind yourself to always bring your own drinking water bottle and make it a habit to consume at least 1.5 liters every day. Other than that, reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks and if necessary add lemon or lime wedges to plain water for a fresh boost and added vitamins.
Use a Toner
Using a toner every day is the most basic facial skin care, as it cleans dust and dirt on the skin before makeup. Toner is also able to balance the pH of the skin so that it can absorb serums and creams in the next stage to be more effective. It is recommended to pat your face when using toner as it makes the toner absorb faster.
Apply Face Masks
Though optional, using face masks can change the condition of your skin during this new normal era as masks help deal with inflammation caused by stress. We recommend that you look for masks that both cleanse and soothe your skin, and that also contains melatonin to soothe inflamed skin. Some clay mask products help control excess oil and remove skin impurities.
Do you have any other tips for those who wear a face mask? Share your tips in the comments section below!
