If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that face masks are possibly one of the most uncomfortable things to wear, especially in the peak of summer. They cause ‘maskne‘ (mask acne), chafe your skin, dig into the back of your ears, and worst of all, they fog up your glasses. Some would say that a stone in your shoe is more comfortable than wearing a mask on a hot summer’s day. But the reality of the situation is that face masks are not going away anytime soon.
Based on recommendations from the CDC and other emerging evidence, using fabric face masks together with other preventative measures can help lower the risk of contracting or spreading the dreaded SARS-COV-19 virus. Experts agree that fabric face masks provide a protective barrier against virus-laden respiratory droplets that are released when talking, sneezing, and coughing. By simply wearing a fabric mask, you could help save your life and the life of others.
It may not be the most comfortable or glamorous piece of clothing to wear, but with these handy tips we are about to give you, it could make the experience a little bit more bearable.
How To Prevent Glasses From Fogging Up
The most common complaint about face masks is that they are notorious for misting up lenses. The heat from your breath causes small condensation droplets to form on cooler surfaces like the lenses of your glasses. After cleaning your lenses for the fifteenth time that day, it does get a little frustrating and may even discourage you from wearing your mask properly.
Fortunately, there are many smart people out there who have come up with innovative ways to prevent this from happening. If this is something you are struggling with here are a few things you could try:
- Buy a mask that has a wire nose bridge – the flexible piece of wire can be shaped to fit the bridge of your nose. This nifty trick prevents the warm air from escaping the mask and causing condensation on the lenses. If you can’t find a mask that has a sewn-in wire, you can make your own using a piece of pipe cleaner, which is cheap, flexible, and will sit just as comfortably over the bridge of your nose.
- Tape it down – to prevent warm air from escaping the top of your mask, you can use medical or sports tape to stick the mask down. The medical and sports tape won’t cause irritation and it won’t pull on those fine facial hair either.
- Use soap and water – a few experts recommend washing your glasses with soap and then rinsing and drying them well before wearing them with a mask. The soap leaves a very thin film that prevents condensation from accumulating on the lenses.
- Seal the mask with your glasses – if you prefer a no-fuss method, then all you need to do is pull your mask up a little higher over the nose and place your glasses on top of it. This does the trick for preventing any hot air from escaping the top of your mask.
How To Prevent “Maskne”
Anyone who has had to wear a mask for professional reasons before this pandemic will agree that masks are the main cause of skin irritation, acne, and inflammation. Now that we all have to wear one, you may have noticed a fresh new breakout around the nose, mouth, and chin area. For others, the mask may be causing excessive dryness and redness. This is because the material absorbs natural oils produced by our skin. Additionally, residue from laundry detergents and fabric softeners get trapped in the tiny fibers of the material, which can cause bad outbreaks. Masks are also the perfect breeding ground for bacteria thanks to the warm, humid conditions. Once bacteria get trapped in the tiny material fibers, they begin to multiply on the skin, causing blocked pores, pimples, and painful cysts.
If you have suffered from acne prior to wearing masks, using a clinically tested and approved supplement like AcneTru™ by Approved Science® together with these tips can help reduce further irritation and breakouts.
- Wash your face with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser before putting on your mask.
- Use a light moisturizer that contains protective and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid aloe, and ceramide.
- Don’t wear any foundation, concealer, or similar makeup as this could get trapped in the mask fibers and clog the pores even further.
- Wash your mask after every use with a hypoallergenic fragrance-free detergent.
- Allow your mask to dry properly before using it.
How To Breathe Comfortably
If you work in retail or in an industry where social distancing is not possible, then chances are you will be wearing your mask for most of the day. Things can get really humid and claustrophobic especially if your mask is not made from breathable cotton.
In addition to feeling closed in under the mask, it can start to smell a bit funky under there. Luckily, there is a quick fix.
All you have to do is make sure you carry some sugar-free extra strength menthol cough drops in your bag. The menthol will help open the chest and nose and will help freshen up any smells that may be lingering behind the mask.
Another way to add some freshness to your mask during the day is to give it a quick spritz of laundry sanitizer. Laundry sanitizer also contains antibacterial properties that will help destroy any bacteria and germs that have built up over the day.
How To Prevent Masks From Hurting Your Ears
Masks with ear loops are a popular style that most people opt for when buying or making a mask. Compared to masks that tie behind your head, ear loops are much easier to apply and remove without getting any clumps of hair stuck in the knots!
However, the downside to ear loops is that it can get extremely painful after a while, especially when they are tighter around the ears. There is a simple and effective solution to this and it is probably hiding in your drawers right now. A paperclip! All you have to do is open the paperclip and slip each ear loop elastic into the wire opening and adjust it so it sits in the middle of your head comfortably.
For all the women out there, you can get really creative with your mask. Sew two cute buttons on either side of a material headband. Then, secure the elastic ear loops over the buttons for a fuss-free solution!
The Bottom Line
While scientists are on the hunt for a safe and effective COVID19 vaccine or treatment, face masks are the best tools we have at the moment to try and stop the spread of this virus. As we brace ourselves for life after quarantine, we still have to take the necessary precautions to save our lives and the lives of others.
Even though masks are not the most comfortable thing around, it is important not to get discouraged about wearing them. Fortunately, just like a new pair of glasses or shoes, you eventually get used to it. And with these hints and tips in hand, you won’t even notice you are wearing one anymore!