6 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HANDS AND FACE HEALTHY

Washing hands and wearing face masks are key steps to reducing the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But they can irritate and damage your skin. Making a few skin-care changes for your hands and face can help counteract these effects.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

1. Wash with cool water.

Use cool or lukewarm water with soap to wash your hands. Hot water isn’t any more helpful against germs that can make you sick. And hot water can increase skin damage.

2. Avoid antibacterial cleansers.

They aren’t that useful for preventing infectious disease. And they contain chemicals such as fragrance that can irritate skin.

3. Moisturize.

After washing your hands, gently rinse and pat them dry. Right after, apply plenty of moisturizer. If your hands still feel dry after a minute or so, apply more. Use a moisturizer that’s free of fragrances and dyes that can irritate your skin.

Lightweight creams typically draw moisture to the skin’s outer layer. Look for ingredients such as urea, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. To seal the moisture in, follow with a heavier moisturizer that prevents water loss. Oil-based creams or petroleum jelly work well.

■ Facial care: The CDC recommends wearing cloth masks in public to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by people who have COVID-19 but don’t realize it.

But as helpful as it is, mask use can lead to chafing of the skin on the bridge of your nose, chin, cheeks and even behind the ears. Sweaty or damp conditions under the mask can lead to acne breakouts.

4. Adopt a regular skin care routine.

Cleanse and moisturize your face before and after using a mask. Choose products labeled “noncomedogenic,”which means they won’t clog skin pores. Don’t use products with petrolatum, though. Petrolatum is a common ingredient in “heavy-duty” creams and ointments, such as petroleum jelly. It can get in the way of the mask’s function, especially N95 masks used by some health care workers.

5. Use a barrier ointment or bandage.

To prevent or relieve skin injuries caused by pressure or friction from masks, a thick layer of zinc oxide can soothe and protect skin. Zinc oxide is a skin protectant often used for diaper rash or severely chapped skin. Use it on the bridge of your nose or behind your ears. You can also try placing a bandage between the skin pressure points and the mask.

6. Ease blisters.

If a blister forms, keep it clean and apply antibiotic ointment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about bandages or dressings that provide cooling relief and conform to the skin while still allowing for appropriate mask use.