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Improve Your Face Masks With One Simple Item You Probably Have In Your Drawers


Your DIY face masks could use a pretty easy upgrade. A new study revealed there’s a way to make your cloth masks significantly more effective—and you probably have multiple sitting in your sock drawer or hanging in your closet.

In recent weeks, CDC guidelines have advised all Americans to wear a face mask outside of the house, especially those in densely populated cities like New York City, in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus amid the ongoing pandemic. But due to nationwide shortages, many people are making their own. (Also, medical-grade masks, like the N95 respirator, are being used primarily by front-line health care professionals who are putting their lives at risk.)

It turns out, there’s an easy way to upgrade your masks so you’re even better protected from COVID-19. According to NPR, research conducted at Northeastern University found that adding an outer layer of nylon pantyhose to DIY face masks (or ones you’ve purchased online) improves protection and, in some cases, matched or exceeded the efficacy of surgical masks, especially because the additional fabric keeps the mask tight to your face.

Loretta Fernandez, one of the scientists who conducted the research, noted that while the material is highly effective for filtering, it’s how well it seals to the face that helps “avoid air making it around the mask into our breathing zone.” Similar to seal on the N95 respirator, the added layer reduces how much air can get through and reportedly boosted the masks’ performance by up to 50%.

“It really improved the performance of all of the masks, and it brought several of them up and over the baseline mask we were using, which was a 3M surgical-type mask,” Fernandez said, also recommending the use of a queen-sized pair of nylons to make breathing easier. (The study also noted that leggings could work as well, but they would need to offer a snug fit.)

Though the research has not yet been peer-reviewed, the findings could help doctors and nurses whose protective gear has bruised their faces after long and harrowing shifts treating coronavirus patients.

As news about the novel coronavirus pandemic rapidly evolves, Glamour is committed to bringing our readers accurate and up-to-date information. As a result, information in this story and others like it may be updated. For the most recent news about COVID-19, please visit the CDC, WHO, and your state’s Department of Health.



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How to Avoid Skin Irritation From a Face Mask Covering


As we enter this new normal, it means adjusting to changes in our daily routine, from working from home to meticulously planning our weekly grocery store trips. The newest adjustment has been wearing a face mask whenever you’re in public, following the CDC’s recommendation in order to flatten the curve. No matter if you’re a health care worker wearing a medical mask on the front lines, or you’re wearing a fabric face covering out on a daily sanity walk, you’ll soon discover that in addition to keeping you safe, your face mask may be causing some less than desirable side effects when it comes to your skin.

“Any fabric rubbing against your skin may lead to friction and irritation,” says Joshua Zeichner M.D., Director of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. “Plus, oil, sweat, dirt, and makeup can build up under the fabric. This can lead to rashes or even acne breakouts, especially in areas where the mask directly comes in contact with your skin.” In more serious cases, like those of medical workers wearing N95 masks for hours, your skin may start to break down and serious bruising can take place due to the constant rubbing.

In addition to the mask itself creating skin irritation, there’s the fact that you’re trapping your own breath and creating a warm, moist environment. “Skin under a mask can get ‘sweaty’ and damp from the moisture in your breath,” says Sofie Pavitt, an esthetician in NYC. “This can make it susceptible to breakouts and irritation.”

While a little acne is certainly worth it to keep yourself (and others) safe, there are ways to keep your skin protected too. Read on for the best ways to treat and prevent skin irritation from face masks.

Consider the fabric of your mask.

Whether you DIY a mask with a bandana or purchase one from a small retailer, the fabric you’re using can make a big difference. Across the board, experts recommend avoiding synthetic materials and picking something soft and natural like cotton. Keep in mind, though, that breathable fabrics are more likely to filter air in. Dr. Shari Marchbein, a dermatologist in NYC, recommends layering tightly woven cotton to keep you protected.

Give your makeup some time off.

If you can, it’s a good idea to let your skin breathe when wearing a mask out and about. In addition to the fact that no one is paying attention to your skin right now, “the mask is likely to remove makeup as it rubs against your skin,” says Marchbein. “That makeup can cause further occlusion of oil glands and pores potentially making breakouts worse.” Ditch your foundation and focus on a cool eyeshadow if you still want to play with makeup.

Shelf any strong cleansers or exfoliators for now.

While you might be tempted to attack your chin area with heavy-duty products to keep it clear, now is the time to really baby your skin to keep it protected. “It’s important to use ultra gentle skin cleansers and moisturizers,” says Zeichner. “Harsh facial cleansers can disrupt the outer skin layer, leading to dryness and inflammation. This makes it more likely that you’ll develop irritation from a mask sitting on your face.” He recommends sticking to gentle, simple formulas like Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, Aveeno Ultra Calming Nourishing Night Cream, and Vaseline for super damaged skin.

While Marchbein calls retinol “the backbone of any good antiaging and acne skin care routine,” she recommends taking a break from it for now, especially if you’re wearing a N95 mask since it can make skin more easily irritated. She says other serums are fine, and be sure to wear at least SPF 30 on areas where your face is exposed.





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Wearing a Face Mask? These Anti-Fog Sprays and Soaps Will Keep Your Glasses Clear


Life right now feels like a constant series of adjustments. From big things like work and school happening from home and the shutdown of restaurants, bars, and large-scale events to constantly keeping up with the federal and CDC guidelines about who’s allowed to go where and what precautions you need to take when and if you do. It’s a lot, we know.

Cloth face masks and coverings are now a must according to the newest CDC guidelines—at least when you’re in areas where you might not be able to stay six feet away from other people. If you happen to also be a person who wears glasses (or just someone who wants to wear sunglasses outside), you may find yourself with another nagging issue: the lenses keep fogging up. Basically what happens is, the mask directs your hot breath up toward your eyes and the water vapor forms condensation on the cooler lenses (lovely). If you’ve ever walked inside on a cold winter day while bespectacled, you’re probably familiar with this situation.

So what can you do about it?

Wash your lenses with soapy water.

This sounds incredibly simple, but you’d be surprised how many people never wash their glasses. There’s actually scientific evidence from a 2011 study published in the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons that showed if you wash your lenses with soapy water, shake off the excess moisture, and then let them air-dry, they’ll resist fogging. “Washing the spectacles with soapy water leaves behind a thin surfactant film that reduces this surface tension and causes the water molecules to spread out evenly into a transparent layer,” the study says. Hooray for science!

Public Goods Castile Soap

Public Goods

$8

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Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Rain Water Hand Soap

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Attach a tissue to the inside of your mask.

You’re basically trying to create a strip to absorb some of the moisture from your breath before it becomes condensation. Fold a tissue into a thick strip and then attach it to the inside of your mask, positioned so it will hit the bridge of your nose. It’s not foolproof, but it helps.

Use anti-fog spray.

Yes, there are already existing products to help reduce foggy glasses. They work in much the same way as the soapy water trick mentioned above by minimizing surface tension on your lenses. This is probably the most convenient option—if you can find any still in stock. We picked out a few available to shop right now if you’re in the market.

Z Clear Lens Cleaner & Anti-Fog Spray

Buy Now

Zadro ZSP2 Fogless Anti-Fog Spray

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TYR Anti-fog Spray

Dick’s Sporting Goods

$5

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Move your glasses farther down your nose.

Sure, this is a less scientific method—but it can work in a pinch. Slide your glasses down to the tip of your nose, which takes them out of the direct path of your hot breath. Hence, less fogging, though you may have to crane your neck upwards to see. It’s a trade-off.

Create a “nose” inside your mask.

Basically, if you can form your mask to fit more closely around the shape of your face, there’s less chance for the moist air to reach your glasses. If your mask has a wire, pinch it tightly to your nose. If not (or if that’s not enough), then this option involves a little crafting, if you’re so inclined. This tutorial shows you step-by-step how to insert a flexible nose into your mask. Et voila, less fog.

As news about the novel coronavirus pandemic rapidly evolves, Glamour is committed to bringing our readers accurate and up-to-date information and advice​. As a result, information in this story and others like it may be updated​. ​ For the most recent news about COVID-19, please visit the CDC, the WHO, and your state’s Department of Health.



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Coronavirus: Newborn Babies at a Thai Hospital Are Being Given Tiny Face Shields to Protect Them from COVID-19


LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/Getty Images

Naturally, as the images made their way across the internet, they stirred up a lot of emotions. “So cute and so unbelievably sad. What a world to be born into. Meanwhile, in the UK not even frontline NHS staff can get face shields,” one person tweeted.

“This is sad. And also? The cutest thing ever,” Busy Phillips wrote.

Per Yahoo News UK, Thailand had a total of 2,473 cases of COVID-19 and 33 people had died from the coronavirus as of April 10. According to the New York Times, the U.S. has almost 500,000 reported cases and over 18,000 deaths.

There is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19’s effect on pregnant women and newborns. “We do not currently know if pregnant people have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they are more likely to have serious illness as a result,” the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) says on their website. “Based on available information, pregnant people seem to have the same risk as adults who are not pregnant.” The CDC also notes that pregnant women’s bodies are going through changes that may put them at a higher risk for some infections and illnesses caused by viruses.

Once again, we must ask you to stay home as much as possible, practice social-distancing and help to flatten the curve.



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How to Wash a Face Mask


Now that we’re all using face masks to help stop the spread of the coronavirus people are asking the next logical question: how to wash a face mask?

With the ongoing threat of COVID-19, staying home and practicing social distancing is still the best way to stop the spread. But if you have to go out, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends covering your face with a mask. Thankfully, many brands and folks who know how to sew are rushing to produce reusable cloth masks to save vital PPE for our healthcare workers. For advice on how to wash a face mask and make sure you keep it clean, we asked the experts to weigh in.

1. Wash it daily.

“Masks should be washed after each use,” says says Dr. Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist and immunologist and member of Physicians for Patient Protection. “For example, if you’re going to the grocery store, it should be washed upon returning home and before going out next.” Ideally, you should toss your mask into your washing machine or laundry after each use, says Deirdre Jones, the designer behind Rendall Co., who is launching a line of cloth masks on April 13.

2. Use warm water.

When washing a face mask, you want to be sure to kill any germs, so temperature matters. “Use a warm setting to remove bacteria without weakening the fabric,” says Jones. Your regular laundry detergent is fine. “Using these practices will keep your mask clean and also are gentle enough to ensure the fabric will look good and stay in great condition for longer,” Jones says.

3. Be careful how you dry.

“If your mask has elastic loops, you should air dry so that these loops do not get damaged. If you have cloth ties, these can be dried on a regular cycle in the dryer,” says Parikh.

4. Hand wash if you have to.

If you don’t have access to a washing machine, the sink will do. “You can hand wash a fabric mask just like you may already hand wash delicates. I would suggest using Woolite or another hand wash detergent,” Jones says. Regular old soap works too. First, “wet the mask and rub vigorously with soap so you have a lather,” says Jones. Parikh then recommends soaking the mask in hot water and soap for 30 minutes to ensure you’ve killed all bacteria. Then rinse, and line dry or dry on a sanitized surface, Jones says.

5. Consider buying a spare mask.

Ideally, you should be washing your mask every time you wear it, says Jones. So it might be helpful to have one or two spares you can keep in rotation. If you don’t, but don’t want to do a whole load of laundry each day, hand washing your mask in the sink after each outing works too.

6. How to wash a paper mask.

Paper masks aren’t meant to be worn multiple times—they’re very difficult to sanitize. “We do not recommend sanitizing paper masks,” says Parikh. “If you have a limited supply, we recommend placing the mask in a safe, isolated place, such as a paper bag for three to five days and then reusing.”



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Where to Buy Face Masks Online Right Now


Practicing social distancing and staying home is the best thing you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19, but if you do have to leave the house, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises you to cover your face beforehand. With this new recommendation, everyone is rushing to find out where to buy face masks, so we went ahead and rounded up some options below—and we’ll keep updating this list as companies go in and out of stock.

With the most devastating weeks of the pandemic expected ahead, the CDC recommends all Americans use a face covering even if they’re not experiencing symptoms—because asymptomatic carriers can unknowingly pass on the virus in public places like grocery stores and pharmacies. If you haven’t acquired a cloth mask yet, now is the time, and brands are stepping up to produce them for citizens, essential workers, and medical professionals.

It’s important to note that cloth masks are not a viable replacement for N95 respirators or surgical masks, and any nonmedical worker in possession of medical-grade masks should consider donating them to a local hospital to help those on the front lines. Cloth face masks don’t guarantee you won’t contract or pass the virus on, but they’re a voluntary public health measure we should all seriously consider, especially in hot spots like New York City, New Orleans, and Detroit. If you’re unsure of where to buy face masks for yourself or your family, shop the brands below—but be aware that overwhelming demand could result in weeks-long delivery time. In the interim, you can make your own mask out of a pillowcase, dish cloth, or bandana, because even a makeshift face cover is a vital step to help protect yourself and your community.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is creating a line of Essential Lifestyle Masks, with proceeds that will allow the company to produce medical-grade masks for the health care professionals who need them. The Lifestyle masks are available for preorder and will ship the week of April 19.

5-Pack PPE Masks

Sanctuary

$28

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Buck Mason

The retailer known for its wabi-sabi (perfect imperfection) approach to menswear has a new initiative, dubbed Masks for America. It’s a one-for-one program, working to donate one mask for each one sold—until they reach a million masks.

Reformation

Reformation is partnering with the City of Los Angeles on L.A. Protects, an initiative to organize local manufacturers to make 5 million nonmedical masks for citizens and essential workers. The first batch is sold out, but you can join the wait list or donate a five-pack.

Los Angeles Apparel

This three-pack of 100% cotton adjustable masks comes in a range of designs that will add a bit of color to the grim reality we’re living in. With more than 20 reviews and a five-star rating, customers noted how they’re easily adjusted and were delivered in days. All purchases help fund the brand’s production of surgical masks and medical gowns.

3-Pack Cotton Mask

Los Angeles Apparel

$30

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Lekko

The Lekko 2.0 filtration scarf, a high-tech design for protection against dust and particles, has ventilation inlets that open with a zipper to increase air flow whenever you need it.

Etsy

Stay safe while supporting Etsy’s independent artisans. Sellers are getting creative and producing masks spanning everything from kente cloth to minimalist linen designs and floral print.

Washable Linen Face Mask

Etsy

$11.29

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Custom Ink

If you’re ordering for your family, consider Custom Ink’s 12-pack of soft jersey masks, which come at an affordable $30 per pack and contour to the curves of your face.

Alice and Olivia

Get involved with Alice and Olivia’s #MaskingTogether initiative and automatically donate a mask to a medical professional by preordering the brand’s Staceface printed mask.

Staceface Protective Mask

Alice and Olivia

$10

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Alabama Chanin

Alabama Chanin’s double-layered organic cotton masks are helping to support regional facilities and organizations under financial strain. Find out more about the brand’s initiative here.

Hedley & Bennett

Hedley & Bennett transitioned its sewing lines from making aprons to face masks, with each purchase supporting the production of a second donated mask for essential workers. The masks are washable 100% cotton and include inner pockets for filter inserts for added protection.

The Wake Up & Fight Mask

Hedley & Bennett

$22

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Swaddle Designs

The founder of Swaddle Designs, who is also a registered nurse, promptly turned the baby brand’s blanket-manufacturing facility into a factory producing nonmedical cloth face masks, available in a range of prints and pack sizes.

Jack and Mulligan

A portion of proceeds from Jack and Mulligan elastic strap masks will be donated to the CDC Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund.

Make your own face mask.

If you’d rather DIY your own face mask, you need only a handful of materials. Gather up some elastics (hair bands work too), fabric, and a sewing kit. You can follow an easy no-sew tutorial (like the below) or find a sewing pattern online. Joann has a patterns you can download for free—and if you’re feeling extra crafty, its “Make to Give” program is working to donate 100 million masks to medical personnel across the country.





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