Personal Protective Equipment & Skin
In 2020, we take extra precautions due to COVID-19, one of which is wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). PPEs like face masks, goggles, and gloves are worn over the skin and can create overheating that leads to sweating, combined with friction, equals a recipe for acne, rashes, and or irritation.
In 2020, we take extra precautions due to COVID-19, one of which is wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). These materials protect us from head to toe: PPE can be face masks, face shields, goggles, gloves, and even protective gowns\bodysuits. Although these coverings are vital and essential for protection, they can also create some challenges for our skin. As Estheticians and skincare professionals, we saw a rise in our clients’ skin concerns from using PPE during the COVID-19 outbreak. Because of the rapid increase of mandatory PPE usage, face masks became unavailable, making many people resort to reusing and overusing their masks. This escalated the already existing side effects of PPE on the skin from bacteria, leading to more skin irritation and compromised barriers.
PPEs like face masks, goggles, and gloves are worn over the skin and can create overheating that leads to sweating, combined with friction, equals a recipe for acne, rashes, and or irritation. Friction especially can lead to more exfoliation that naturally thins the skin; this leads to the loss of essential nutrients like water, ceramides, and lipids that causes skin dehydration.
PPE has quickly become a daily part of our life for the last several months and will likely continue; this means that we need to evolve some of our practices in the treatment room, starting with our client consultations. Ask your clients about the type of PPE that they are wearing and how often they are worn; this will give us insight into the sensitivity of their skin. Depending on the type of PPE our clients are using, the side effects will vary from mild to advanced, e.g., anyone wearing an N95 or R95 mask will typically have more sensitive or compromised skin than someone who wears a silk or cloth mask. The N95 and R95 masks suction to the skin and create a strong seal, which means more pressure, indentation, and friction than a silk or cloth mask which lays on the skin.
We also need to be aware of adjusting our treatments for clients with compromised barriers due to PPE. Chemicals peels, microneedling, and dermaplaning are ALL favorite treatments. However, with clients wearing PPEs frequently, and for long periods, their skin is more sensitive than usual. Remember that friction is increasing exfoliation in the skin, thinning it naturally, so it is best to err on the side of caution and look at the skin for signs and use the “Less is More” approach.
Our newest addition to GlyMed Plus is one of the best products to recommend for PPE related issues. The CBD Power Balm acts as a second skin, filling in the lipid barrier to actively repair and prevent damage to the skin during PPE use. The CBD Power Balm can be used as a final step before the SPF application in the recommendations below.
Combating skin issues due to PPE.
Acne “Maskne” Pre-treatment Foaming Cleanser. Great to gently cleanse and calm skin while removing impurities and reducing inflammation. Skin Astringent #2. Spritz the inside of the mask to kill bacteria. Oxygen Deep Pore Cleanser. Gently but deeply cleans, kills bacteria, and reduces inflammation. Oxygen Treatment Cream. Increases healing, removes toxins, and reduces acne bacteria. Skin Medication #5. For inflammatory lesions gently spot treat with (1-2x a week max).
Dehydration and texture
Vitamin C Cleanser. Maintains the integrity of the skin while cleansing impurities. CBD-B3 Facial Mist. Gently increases hydration and reduces inflammation. CBD Booster. Balances and repairs. Ultra Hydro Gel + Cell Protection Serum. Repair the barrier and prevents the evaporation of essential nutrients. Ultra Hydrating Enzyme Masque. Removes build-up but also supply healing botanicals. (1-3x a week)
Itchy, flaky skin
Peptide Cleanser. Gently cleanses while supplying essential peptides for tissue repair. CBD-B3 Facial Mist. Gently increases hydration and reduces inflammation. CBD Booster. Balances and repairs. CBD Power Balm. As a final step before SPF to provide a protective layer, acting like a second skin! Reduces itch, inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Sensitive, red and rashes
Mega Purifying Cleanser. Great to gently cleanse and calm skin while removing impurities. CBD-B3 Facial Mist. Gently increases hydration and reduces inflammation. Fulvic Elixir + CBD Booster. Reduces redness, inflammation and provides antibacterial properties.
Rosacea Relief. Reduces redness, capillary dilation, and repairs vascular damage associated with overheating. CBD Power Balm + Cell Protection Balm. As a final step before SPF to provide a protective layer, acting like a second skin! Reduces itch, inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
If you have any questions and would like to speak to one of our friendly Master Aestheticians in your area, please email support@glymedplusaustralia.com.au
Written by The Institute of Skin Science