Skincare rituals for a masked monsoon!
In a weather that’s fluctuating between hot to humid, and with rains lashing the city, it’s time to adopt a skincare ritual that can keep your skin hydrated and healthy. But the remedies that we follow this season must also factor in the effects of wearing a face mask throughout the day. So, from selecting the best fabrics for a daily-use mask to keeping skin healthy while wearing one, here’s what experts advise.
Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, cosmetic physician, suggests using lukewarm water to wash face. “Wait for redness to calm
down. Avoid warm showers. Consider avoiding makeup that is comedogenic or can cause irritation,” she advises. It’s also important to make sure that you wash your face with a pHbalanced cleanser, pat dry with a soft towel and apply a noncomedogenic, fragrance-free moisturiser before putting on a mask. If you have acne, use an oil-free moisturiser.
The elastic behind the ears can cause irritation. Apply a barrier cream, vaseline or a silicone-based cream before wearing a mask. An oatmeal mask made by mixing crushed oats and water can help soothe irritation. Opt for it instead of harsh scrubs.
Also, the part of the mask near your mouth needs to be most hygienic and free of any chemicals. Go for pure and organic fabrics that are treated naturally instead of chemically. “I would recommend organic robust fabrics such as silk, cotton, linen or khadi that use natural dyes and are washable. Make sure the elastic is of good quality and doesn’t hurt your skin,” says designer Anupama Dayal. You can wash them by hand or in machine, depending on your preference.
Proper moisturisation and hygiene is important to tackle irritation and discomfort due to masks