Let’s face it, medical face masks are going to be a part of our life for a while. Masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus and have become an important safety measure. As the process of unlocking is going fast and more places are beginning to open up, wearing masks has become imperative. Shahnaz Husain will tell you how to deal with this relatively new problems.
Choose 100 per cent cotton face masks. If you want to minimise the skin problems due to face masks, then the first step is to purchase soft, natural and breathable masks.
When you take off your mask in the evening after a hectic duty, change and wash cloth masks regularly with a fragrance-free non-foaming gentle cleanser with lukewarm water either in washing machine on the warmest setting appropriate to fabric or by hand wash to clear up some of the dirt and sweat accumulated during the day. You can avoid make-up in areas under the mask. Always clean your face before bearing the mask and after you take it off.
Prevent rashes and acne
Mix a little rose water with sandalwood paste and apply on rashes. Wash with plain water after 15 minutes.
For rashes that itch, add one tablespoon of vinegar to a mug of water and pour it on the affected body area. It helps to relieve skin itching.
Take a handful of neem leaves and simmer on very low fire in four cups of water for one hour. Leave overnight. Next morning, strain and use the water to wash areas with rash. Make a paste of the leaves and apply on the face.
After cleansing, apply an astringent lotion.
Green tea has an astringent effect and helps to reduce oiliness. Soak green tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water for half an hour. Cool and strain. Apply it on the skin.
Sandalwood paste applied on the acne eruptions also helps.
Mix together one teaspoon of cinnamon (dalchini) powder, half teaspoon of methi seed powder, lemon juice and a few drops of honey. It should be a sticky paste. Apply only on areas covered by face mask and leave on for a couple of hours, or even overnight.
Add two drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of water or rose water. Apply this on eruptive conditions.
Prevent rosacea
Avoid heavy make-up and other cosmetics. Use a mild cleanser and wipe the skin with rose water, using cotton wool.
Apply aloe vera gel on the area daily and rinse off with plain water after 15 minutes.
Green tea also helps. Make a cup of green tea and keep it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Dip cotton wool pads in it and apply on the face.
Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of coconut oil and apply on the affected areas. Wipe with moist cotton after 15 minutes.
Prevent dryness
Cleanse the face twice a day with a cleansing cream or gel, containing aloe vera, which checks moisture loss and also rehydrates the skin.
Protect the skin from moisture loss during the day. Apply a sunscreen before going out in the sun. Most sunscreens have built-in moisturisers.
Keep the skin well moisturised. Moisturisers are available in cream and liquid form. For extreme dryness, use a cream. A liquid moisturiser should also be used under make-up.
To a tablespoon of cold milk add two drops of any vegetable oil (olive, or til or sunflower oil). Dip cotton wool in it and wipe the skin. Make this for 2 or 3 days, but keep it in the refrigerator.
Mix half a teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon each of rose water and dried milk powder. Mix into a paste and apply on the face. Remove after 20 minutes with water.
Applying honey or aloe vera gel on the face also helps to moisturise the skin and improve moisture retention.
Use mild glycerine soap or soap-free bathing lotion. A gentle moisturiser should be used. In fact, application of pure oils like pure coconut oil can help.
Almond is particularly beneficial for very dry skin and helps to relieve itching, soreness and dryness. It is reported to be soothing, healing, lubricating, softening, revitalising and nourishing.
Jojoba oil or shea butter can also be applied. Coconut milk is also very soothing for sensitive skin.
For all skin conditions, pay special attention to your diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning.
Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, whole grains and curd, soya bean in your daily diet. Always stay safe and stay healthy. Maintain proper social distancing.