Coconut oil could soothe rosacea

Q: I found that rosacea definitely responds well to MoM, but I don’t like the feeling of tightness on my face as the MoM dries. Plus, the flaking residue can be annoying to dab off.

I noticed that virgin coconut oil also reduces redness, but it can be greasy. Instead, I tried combining the two, one part MoM with two parts coconut oil. This seems to be a very effective rosacea treatment that doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. My skin looks great. Hope you find this tip useful!

A: Dermatologists haven’t determined the exact cause of rosacea, which makes the face red and bumpy.

We appreciate the idea of coconut oil to keep milk of magnesia from flaking. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties that could be helpful (Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, July-September 2019).

Q: At least half of the people who wear face masks do so improperly, with their noses exposed, which is the same as not wearing a mask. Thick beards also impair mask function. How can people use masks more effectively?

A: Even N95 respirators don’t work as well as they should if they don’t fit properly. If a mask is loose and slips below the nose, it cannot do the job. Face masks held on by ear loops rather than secured firmly to the head may not fit tightly enough to provide meaningful protection (JAMA Internal Medicine, online, Nov. 23, 2020).

To learn more about the proper way to wear a face mask, you may wish to consult the “Comprehensive Guide to Face Masks” from the Cleveland Clinic: health.clevelandclinic. org/a-comprehensive-guide-toface-masks.