First, what is PPE?

This stands for personal protective equipment. Currently, we think of PPE as the supplies worn in hospitals by healthcare workers when caring for patients with COVID-19. This includes masks (N95 and surgical), goggles/glasses, face shields, hair coverings/caps, gowns, and gloves. However, PPE is worn daily in various occupations. It is: gloves worn by our sanitation workers; face shields worn by welders in car assembly plants; goggles worn in your chemistry glass; masks worn by painters; ear plugs and hard hats worn by construction workers. All of these different articles are considered PPE.

With COVID-19, the issue of PPE has come into the spotlight as hospitals continue searching for enough supplies and most governors are urging individuals to wear some when they are in enclosed public spaces. The continued use of PPE has already been wreaking havoc on the skin of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. I’m sure the general population will be next. The most commonly seen skin reactions are marks and indentations from wearing a mask for long hours, dry and irritated skin, and acne flares.

Here are some simple tips for taking care of your skin while using PPE for both healthcare workers and quarantiners alike!

Keep up your routine! Maintaining your skincare regimen will help combat the negative effects of wearing a mask and prevent acne from flaring. You may just need to alter your normal routine a bit – keep reading!

Use a gentle face wash. Wearing a mask can cause increased dryness of your facial skin and irritation, even microtears, from rubbing the same area over time. A gentle face wash, such as Cetaphil or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, will cleanse your skin without drying it out even more. Avoid harsh exfoliating washes, especially those with the abrasive scrubbing particles in them (I see you St. Ives Apricot Scrub users!), as these can worsen an already irritated face. Now may also be the time you hold off on or reduce the frequency of using your retinol/retinoid because they are a chemical exfoliator.

Lather on the moisturizer. Some people skip this step in the morning because they feel they get oily throughout the day. However, lotion not only moisturizes your skin but gives you a layer of protection from the environment. This will help protect your face from the dryness and irritation caused by a mask.

Lighten up on the makeup! Heavy foundation already clogs the pores but putting a tight fitting mask on top – hello breakouts! You can continue wearing eye makeup but maybe skip the foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, highlight – no one will be seeing that underneath a mask anyway. Perhaps opt for a tinted moisturizer, or even better, a tinted sunscreen!

You may need a barrier. For those having to wear a mask, especially the N95, for prolonged hours at work this tip is for you. Applying a barrier on high contact areas of your skin (bridge of nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, behind the ears) before putting on your mask and goggles can help with the discomfort. This can be as simple as a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment. For those wearing this PPE daily, you may need a stronger barrier, such as Triple Paste cream, applying paper tape, or a gel bandage like DuoDERM. Be advised that using the thicker barriers may affect the seal of your N95 and would recommend retesting the fit.

I hope you find these tips helpful as you continue to stay safe. If you are following the above tips and still having skin issues, contact us – we are here to help!

Virtual visits are available by emailing dsbtelederm@thedermspecialists.com , or contact us at (810) 355 4300

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