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How to prevent skin irritation caused by masks? Introduce countermeasures that should always be kept in mind

マスクによる肌荒れを防ぐには?普段から心がけるべき対策方法を紹介
Due to the spread of the new coronavirus from 2020, we began to wear masks on a daily basis. Meanwhile, one of the most common skin concerns is “rough skin due to masks”.

In this article, we will introduce the rough skin caused by masks and how to minimize rough skin while wearing a mask.

What causes skin irritation from masks?

There are three major causes of rough skin caused by masks: friction, dryness, and stuffiness.

Causes of rough skin due to masks ① Friction

Repeatedly putting on and taking off the mask or moving your mouth while talking inside the mask will cause friction between the mask and your skin. Due to this friction, the keratin on the surface of the skin is scraped off and external stimuli are added, resulting in rough skin and rashes.

Causes of rough skin due to masks ② Dryness

When the mask is worn for a long time, moisture accumulates inside, but when the mask is removed, this moisture evaporates as moisture at once, and the moisture on the surface of the skin is also taken away. Dehydration promotes dryness, making it easier for dryness and stiffness to occur.

Causes of rough skin due to masks ③ Mouret

Due to the high temperature and humidity inside the mask, it is easy for bacteria to grow. Especially in the summer, sweat and sebum are excessively secreted. These bacteria and sebum cause inflammation of the skin, causing acne, pimples, and itching.

How to choose the right mask to prevent rough skin

Mask selection is very important to minimize skin irritation caused by masks. There are various materials such as non-woven fabric, polyurethane, and cloth, so choose the one that suits your skin.

For example, masks made of natural materials such as cotton gauze and silk are said to be soft and absorbent, so they are less stressful on the skin. It is also important to choose a three-dimensional shape that fits the skin and prevent friction. Polyurethane is elastic and stretchy and fits easily on the face, so friction is less likely to occur.

How to prevent rough skin

Now that wearing a mask has become a daily routine, it is necessary to take measures on a regular basis to prevent rough skin while wearing a mask. We will introduce 6 effective countermeasures for rough skin caused by masks as well as rough skin caused by other factors.

Cleansing/face wash

In order to improve the barrier function of the skin, first of all, let's review the daily cleansing and face washing. First, choose a cleansing agent that is hypoallergenic and highly moisturizing. If oil remains, it will cause further rough skin such as blackheads in pores.
When washing your face, lather up a lot of facial cleanser and wash it gently so as not to cause friction, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

skin care (moisturizing)

After washing your face, apply a lotion, serum, milky lotion or cream immediately to moisturize before the water evaporates. Try to choose and use skin care products that are less irritating to your skin.
Also, it is important to moisturize well before wearing a mask. Be sure to carefully apply cream, etc., to areas that are particularly prone to rubbing with the mask.
If you want to intensively moisturize in a short time, a pack is also recommended. In addition to its moisturizing effect, choose the one that suits your skin and use it.

meal

There is a big relationship between rough skin and the intestinal environment, so it is very important to trim the intestinal environment. Balance your intake of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and fiber.

Vitamin C contained in lemons and paprika, beta-carotene contained in carrots and spinach, vitamin B1 contained in eels and cod roe, and vitamin E contained in almonds and avocados are recommended.

In addition, it is effective to improve the intestinal environment by eating fermented foods that increase good bacteria and dietary fiber that nourishes good bacteria in a well-balanced manner.

sleep

It is said that "turnover", which repairs the skin, often occurs during non-REM sleep around 3 hours after falling asleep. Therefore, improving the quality of sleep and activating turnover will help prevent rough skin.

It is said that the quality of sleep is improved by eating a solid breakfast, refraining from eating, drinking and using smartphones before going to bed, and taking a bath one to two hours before going to bed. For breakfast, eating ingredients containing tryptophan, such as soy products, dairy products, and eggs, leads to the production of sleep hormones and leads to good sleep.

motion

Lack of exercise causes poor blood and lymphatic flow, which can lead to rough skin and swelling. Moderate exercise improves metabolism and improves blood and lymphatic flow. It also makes it easier for nutrients to spread throughout the body, so you can expect to promote skin turnover.

However, please be aware that excessively strenuous exercise generates active oxygen and accelerates skin aging. Exercises such as stretching, yoga, and walking are recommended to move the body to the extent that they are not burdensome.

UV protection

Continuous exposure to UV rays damages the skin and lowers its barrier function. Be careful as it can cause various skin problems such as spots, redness, dullness, wrinkles, and sagging.

Regardless of the weather or whether you go out or not, be sure to apply sunscreen firmly, and wear sunglasses, parasols, and hats that have UV protection when going out. When applying sunscreen, apply it evenly all over your skin. Especially on the side of the face where the mask string touches, the sunscreen is easy to come off due to friction when putting on and taking off the mask, so be sure to apply it carefully.

Correct rough skin care in mask life

By properly caring for rough skin on a regular basis, you can keep your skin in a condition that does not easily become rough even during your mask life. In addition to taking care of the skin itself, it is also important to take good care of your skin from the inside through diet, exercise, and sleep.
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