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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

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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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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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I Tried a Butt Mask and Here Are My Honest Thoughts


Since the 2016 election, some part of me has wanted to spend every day curled up in bed, obsessively reading the news and interacting with only my cat. Since the coronavirus hit Manhattan, that’s what I’ve been advised by the government to do, and I have certainly complied. My hands have never been more washed, my pajamas have never been more worn. I am truly a creature of the indoors now, a work-from-home honorary member of the leisure class, confined to my apartment to keep myself alive, sort of like a little succulent.

And since the care and keeping of me is my only activity for the time being—and since all of my usual activities are on indefinite hiatus—it seemed like the perfect time to experiment with butt stuff. Not that butt stuff. Butt beauty stuff. Specifically, a sheet mask made for your butt. Because why the hell not?

I chose the Bawdy x Sephora collection line of masks for their price (just over $6 including shipping) and selected the rainbow-hued “Love It” mask, which promised “plumping and firming.” These seem like results better acquired through squats or leg-lifts, but the other kinds of masks focused on butt acne and wrinkles. My butt has neither acne nor wrinkles (though don’t get too excited; my face is a big old mess). Anyway, I figured it couldn’t hurt to make my booty a little juicier, even if I would be the only one seeing it for at least the next month.

Bawdy x Sephora Collection Own It Butt Sheet Mask

Sephora

$8

$4

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Bawdy x Sephora Collection Love It Butt Sheet Mask

JCPenney

$8

$4

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According to a tiny illustration on the front of the package, I was supposed to stick the two halves of the mask (it was two separate sheets) on each of my butt cheeks, basically like giant back pockets. All the instructions said was, “Apply to clean skin as shown,” “Keep on for 10 to 15 minutes,” and then, “Peel sheets off, feel butt beautiful.” Closing my door to spare my roommates possible trauma, I shoved my pajama pants to my knees and slapped on the colorful masks, twisting to see my backside in my full-length mirror.

Right away I realized I had a problem: What was I supposed to do during the 10 to 15 minutes the mask was at work? I had pictured myself on my bed, lying on my stomach, but waddling to my bed and flopping onto it threatened to dislodge the masks. I’m sure anyone who has done a face mask can relate to the “don’t move” dilemma, but (butt! ha ha) this time it was harder because I couldn’t even sit down. I was forced to just…stand in the middle of my room, pantsless, like a stupefied Winnie the Pooh. This was not relaxing.

Standing, though, I can make my peace with. But the sensation was another thing. Specifically, the wetness. Does anyone like having a wet butt? It didn’t feel purifying or cooling, it just felt wet—on my butt. There’s just something really weird about having your entire body be dry and then your butt is wet. I had some kind of sense memory flashback to my time in diapers; it was like I’d peed my pants on my butt. Still, I pushed through it, reminding myself of the juicy plumpness that was promised.



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Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Review: Why It's Worth It


It’s nearly impossible to talk about the best lip balms without mentioning the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. The K-Beauty brand’s little pink tub has sold out multiple times since it arrived to the U.S. a few years ago and is praised for saving dry, cracked lips. So no surprise, when Glamour readers were asked to weigh in on their all-time favorite balms for this year’s Glamour Beauty Awards, this took home the crown.

As its name implies, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a leave-on mask that soothes and moisturizes lips overnight. Which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a really thick, nutrient-rich balm that goes to work to while you’re asleep (although, it’s so good, I wear it 24/7). It’s got all the good things you want in a balm: hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and antioxidants that work together to form a barrier over your lips to lock in moisture. Plus, the flavors are incredible. It comes in vanilla, apple lime, grapefruit, and the original berry, which features a delicious-smelling blend of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and blueberry extracts (the latter is my fave).

The instructions ask you to apply a generous layer, which I do—and with reckless abandon. Most skin care products require “just a tiny bit,” so being able to slather on as much as I want feels like a necessary indulgence.

Despite being thick and goopy, the balm sinks into my lips within 15 or so minutes. It’s not tacky at all, and it wears off slowly as you sleep. You’re supposed to gently wipe or wash it off in the morning, but I rarely do. My desert-dry lips just soak up all of it—every night without fail.

I usually stash different lip balms in my coat pockets and bags, but the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is the one product I can actually rely on to do the work. It comes with a small applicator, which is my least favorite part about it since I find it hard to clean afterward, so I tend to use a Q-Tip instead. And actually, since our lips are relatively small compared to our faces, the tub lasts for months. (For the record, I’ve had mine for over a year.)

I’m usually to hard please when it comes to lip stuff. I need something that doesn’t dry out my lips more (I’m constantly licking them, although I know I shouldn’t), but is also low-maintenance. Bonus points if it looks pretty on my top shelf. My one gripe with other lip masks or scrubs is that it’s a whole process. You have to scoop, scrub, wipe, rinse…it’s too much. I just want something I can put on and forget about. Luckily, this is it for me.

And even though there’s no kissing happening once I have it on, the baby soft, smooth lips I get in the morning are totally worth it for me—and clearly, 13,000 other Glamour readers too.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Sephora

$20

Buy Now

See all 249 winners from this year’s Glamour Beauty Awards here.



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The Best Hand Mask for Dry Cuticles


We all have our vices. Some are sexier than others (think spending an exorbitant amount of money on shoes, chasing partners who may not be right for you, and indulging in one too many drinks on a school night), and my biggest vice happens to be a very unsexy cuticle-picking habit. I’ve been biting my nails for as long as I can remember, and somewhere around high school I decided my nails weren’t enough, I had to wreak havoc on my cuticles too.

On a good day, my cuticles are ragged and hard. On a bad one they can’t stop bleeding due to splitting and picking. While I’m sure there’s something psychological driving this habit (you can definitely tell the state of my mental health based on the look of my nails—my cuticles were so swollen and bloody my first month of college it’s distracting in pictures), the true root of the problem is that my hands are so damn dry. Chalk it up to the weather, dehydration, and the fact that I live with four other people yet I’m the only who does the dishes. This in turn causes my nails to be brittle and easily broken and my cuticles to split and bleed, which I pull and gnaw on to my gross delight.

I’ve tried hundreds of cuticle creams, mindfulness, and terrible tasting nail polishes, but the only thing that’s remotely curbed my picking is getting regular manicures, especially acrylics. I need the help of a pro to get my cuticles in shape, and when my nails look pretty, I’m way more motivated to leave them intact. The problem? Getting regular manis are expensive, and I frankly don’t have the time to hit the nail salon every two weeks.

Luckily, I recently discovered the Patchology Perfect Ten Self-Warming Hand and Cuticle Mask, which has given me the closest thing I can get to manicured cuticles at home. The Perfect Ten is a set of foil mittens that contain a liquid mask, a similar concept to Babyfoot. The mask is a coconut oil base with macadamia oil, shea butter and rosehip oil to moisturize and soothe dry skin. The mittens are made using the same technology as space blankets, and the foil locks in your body heat to allow the oils to really penetrate into your skin.

It sounds a little messy, but the mask is pretty easy to use. You slip into the mitten and use the attached stickers to seal them, and then let the heat do it’s thing for 10 minutes. Queue up something to watch beforehand as your hands will be out of commission while in the gloves. Then, just remove the mask and leave the extra oils on to sink in.

After one use I found that the mask softened my dry cuticles significantly, which leads to less desire to pick. It also soothes anywhere I had been picking, making my hands look a lot more presentable. Plus, it made the rest of my hands baby soft, which is always a plus. I like to use the mask as the final step of an at home mani, right before I go to bed, to really let everything sink in. That way I don’t have to rinse off the oils from the mask, I just let my hands soak it up overnight.

And while the softness is the most noticeable the very next day, I would say the mask keeps my nails in check for about a week. I won’t be giving up the nail salon completely, but this certainly lets me extend the time between visits. For a picking addict like me, that’s no small feat.



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