Breakouts, sensitivity & cold sores from wearing a face mask

Unfortunately having anything over your face for prolonged periods of time has a negative impact on your skin.  Even when no mask is worn your skin is constantly producing oil and shedding dead skin cells.

What is happening under the mask: 

OIL & BACTERIA
When you wear a fabric face mask, oil & dead skin becomes trapped, blocking your pores and increasing the rate in which bacteria multiplies. This often leads to congestion & breakouts in the area.

HUMIDITY
A mask over your mouth & nose also traps your breath & sweat creating a humid pocket of recycled air. Bacteria thrive in this environment and increase the rate of breakouts forming.

FRICTION
Consistent movement & rubbing across the skin can lead to irritation, red and broken skin which can leave the skin feeling sore and looking raw.

SENSITIVITY
If you have become more sensitive and noticed redness with flaking skin you may have developed an allergy or dermatitis from the chemicals used to fabricate the mask.

Due to the combination of chemicals and moisture under the mask it often develops into fungal dermatitis which is also itchy & sore.  If this is you, it is best to immediately stop wearing a face mask until your skin has completely healed and visit your doctor for an exemption. If you continue to wear a mask your skin is unable to heal.  

COLD SORES
We have seen a large increase in cold sores spreading due to face masks being worn over outbreaks. A face mask is not recommended over a cold sore when it is active. Mask movement can transfer the virus around the mouth and nose. Once spread that area is likely to have re-occurring outbreaks. Do not touch your face with your hands or any covering during an outbreak. If you have no other option than to wear a mask for work reasons apply a cold sore patch over the entire outbreak and use disposable masks only. *The humid environment can still be a concern so limit use where possible.

WHAT TO DO
Whenever possible take your mask off to release humidity and allow the skin to breathe.

Change your mask every 1-2 hours as a minimum. The more often you change it the healthier your skin will be.

If your mask is reusable, soak in an antibacterial soak for at least 15 minutes before washing.

Choose a face shield over a mask (if you can) to avoid friction over irritated skin.

If your skin is breaking out look at purifying skin products and use them thoroughly morning and night.

If your skin is becoming irritated and sensitive use sensitive skincare and keep the skin well hydrated and nourished.

Regular facials with your skincare specialist are a huge help in correcting the environment of your skin and speed up the clearing of breakouts and repair of redness from sensitivity.

If you need more assistance in how to prevent breakouts and stop sensitive skin issues you can talk to a qualified skincare specialist by emailing us at contact@lekura.com.au.

TOP IMAGE - Acne caused by daily wear of a fabric face mask.

BOTTOM IMAGE - 3 weeks of using Purity Essential 5 and frequent changing of face mask.

Purity Essential 5  https://bit.ly/3sMMbsd

TOP IMAGE - Sensitivity caused by daily wear of a fabric face mask.

BOTTOM IMAGE - 8 weeks of using Redness Relief Serum, Superfood Basic Starter Kit and very minimal use of face mask. ( Also swapped medical mask for a chemical-free fabric mask when required )

Basic Starter Kit For Sensitive Skin  https://bit.ly/3JAnWEj

Redness Relief PhytoGel  https://bit.ly/3s02rXq