These tips will keep you comfortable and blemish-free

As we move into warmer weather and masks are part of our mainstay, what can we do to stay protected while keeping cool and blemish free? Here’s your guide to staying clear with recommendations by dermatologists and doctors and nurses wearing masks long 12-hour-shifts at a time, tricks to keep you comfortable, and some ways to add a little fun and personality to your mask game.

Video Transcript

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ANNA DE SOUZA: These tips are first responder approved to help keep you comfortable and add a little fun and personality to your mask game.

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If you're suffering from acne or what's being dubbed maskne, here are some pointers from dermatologists and skin care experts on how to clear it up. Always wash your face with a gentle salicylic or glycolic acid cleanser. And if you're actively breaking out, you want to avoid harsh scrubs. For men with facial hair, dermatologists love a drugstore brand called Amlactin. it's an alphahydroxy line of moisturizers that also helps to exfoliate at the same time, helping soothe any irritation.

Acne patches like this one here from Hero Cosmetics are a great option for treating your acne underneath your mask. It's also great because it keeps a blemish from rubbing up on the inside of your mask, causing further irritation. As a final step before putting on your mask, you want to apply an inclusive agent, so a face oil, or a balm, or even a primer with dimethicone.

This creates a protective barrier on the surface of your skin, giving it a little bit of slip, but not compromising your mask's seal. Once you've safely removed your mask, experts recommend missing your skin with a calming toner to not only help refresh your skin, but also decrease excess oils and debris. Then you want to wash your skin thoroughly as soon as you're able.

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It's so critical to sanitize and wash your masks not only for your safety, but also for your skin's health. Here's how experts recommend you do it. To wash your mask, the first thing you want to do is remove any filters or any other detachable pieces. Next, use a lingerie bag. Now, this is going to help keep all those ties and ear loops in place as everything tumbles in the washer and dryer.

Experts warn to avoid any fabric softener or dryer sheets, because it can leave a film on the surface of the fabric that can lead to irritation and breakouts. If someone in your home is sick or has a compromised immune system, you may want to consider adding a disinfectant to the rinse cycle. For on-the-go sterilization, UVC lights are becoming a popular option. While not as effective as a tumble in the wash, it can help decrease bacteria and yeast that can be detrimental to your skin.

First responders have been working long shifts wearing masks the entire time, so they definitely have some tricks up their sleeve on how to keep it comfortable. Here's what they shared. To take pressure away from years, try this paperclip trick or sew a button right onto your hat. Wash glasses or sunglasses with Dawn dish soap or apply a thin film of shaving cream to keep them from fogging up.

Some companies are extending their brand philosophy to cloth masks and accessories that are fun, functional, and sustainable. Functionality-wise, check out these window pane masks. Now, these are great for people who need to lip read, or if you just want to show your pearly whites.

I love these masks from PJ Harlow too that have a trap opening so you can indulge in your frappuccino or cookie while you're on the go. And check this out. A San Francisco based artist also created realistic looking masks of people's faces so they can easily unlock their phone. That was so much fun. Thank you guys so much for watching, and we'll catch you in the next video.