Pimples or irritations from wearing a mask: what can be done against an "atomic cocktail" for the skin

"In 30 years I had never faced this," says Jerónimo Ors, pharmacist and director of the well-known Aragonese cosmetics brand Paquita Ors. After these confined months, "80% of people have worsened" the condition of their skin, says this expert, who points out several factors that explain it: "Not moving has caused more toxins to be generated, the same as those ' great little meals, which have raised the levels of fat, also in the skin. Issues of mood, such as stress, restlessness or uncertainty have also influenced ".

Circumstances that Ors describes as "an atomic cocktail for the skin". In spring, allergic outbreaks have been added. As if that were not enough, it has been particularly far from the sun. "People start this year with lower vitamin D levels, in addition to the fact that we are not gradually exposing ourselves to lightning. And, be careful, because masks do not protect from radiation, as you might think," he warns.

Precisely, everything that the mask protects us against the virus does not do with the skin. The mask has become, and more with the high temperatures, now the main ingredient of this toxic cocktail for the epidermis.

Surgical or sanitary ones are made with synthetic materials that attack the skin, particularly if they are worn for a long time. "Not even doctors used them eight hours before, as is the case today," says Ors.

The mask is not only an aggressive material attached to the face. It also occludes the pores and generates sweat. The result: unsightly pimples or irritations. Even more serious ailments such as herpes or fungus.

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— Joanna Escarda Sun Mar 18 03:39:07 +0000 2012

What can be done?

From Matarrania cosmetics, another brand 'made in Aragón', they recommend using creams with ingredients that do not further dirty the pores, such as those made with vegetable oils. Also, resort to simple and neutral routines, focused on the nutrition of the epidermis.

In Paquita Ors they bet on creams "that raise the defenses" and that act according to each case: "In some it will be necessary to degrease, as in those that appear acne breakouts, and in others it will be necessary to focus, for example, in hydrating, as in the case, in general, of the elderly".

Ors also proposes other formulas that are "isolating" or "soothing" for those skins that are irritated by rubbing the mask, which, says Ors, can cause an "unwanted 'peeling' effect. However , this specialist recommends having your complexion looked at because "skin is like mood, it can change often."

Izarbe Cuesta, an expert in natural beauty at Karicia de Luna (Paseo de las Damas, 36, Zaragoza), distinguishes between different skin types. "For oily people, in these times with a mask, it is essential to cleanse the skin with two exfoliations a week followed by a tea tree mask, for example." The objective is to avoid the appearance of pimples or acne breakouts, which arise when the pores open due to the heat generated by covering the mouth and become dirty.

In the case of sensitive skin, the important thing is, says Cuesta, "to clean and, above all, to hydrate". Also avoid astringent products.