You may have noticed a buildup of grime, oil, and sweat if you’re wearing a face mask during these times.

Make sure your face is cleared of dirt and grime before and after wearing a mask. Wash (WARSH!) regularly before you wear your mask and after for any periods longer than an hour or so. This will help avoid acne/breakouts, irritation, and redness.

Masks can “trap oil, dirt and sweat… leading to flares of acne, eczema and rosacea.” If worn for long periods or too tightly, they can also lead to inflammation or chafing.

You may find yourself applying makeup more often when you’re back out at the office or working in public again—or if you’re only wearing a mask during close encounters or when physical distancing isn’t always possible. Some office workers take masks off at their desks, for example, and put them on when the public or colleagues are close. In these circumstances, you may need to replace your masks more often.

The key points to remember are to wash your hands before you put one on and when you take it off—being careful to dispose of it without touching the external (front) surface… and then washing your hands right away. Also keep your fingers from touching the front of the mask when you’re wearing it, take off carefully, and either throw away or wash the mask if it’s reusable following instructions. If the mask becomes moist when you’re wearing it, replace or take it off and wash.

The key to good complexion care when wearing a mask is, when you take it off—always wash your face (Warsh with a Warsh Cloth so you don’t dry out your skin with too much soap and chemicals!) after you’ve washed your hands. The Warsh Cloth will remove dirt, grime, and any oil buildup and help keep your complexion fresh and clean.