Beware! Stretchable Masks Can Damage The Outer Layer Of Skin

A specialist in skin and venereal disease from the University of Indonesia, dr. Arini Astasari Widodo (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - A specialist in skin and venereal disease from the University of Indonesia, Dr. Arini Astasari Widodo, Sp.KK reminded us not to wear masks that are loose because they can damage the outermost layer of the skin or the skin barrier.

"If you use a fabric mask, don't wear a cloth that is loose like linen, it's loose because if it's loose, it's more textured, the skin rubs more, the barrier will be broken," she said on the sidelines of an online event held by a French beauty brand, as reported by Antara.

Arini, who is a member of the Association of Indonesian Dermatology and Sex Specialists (Perdoski), recommends that you choose a mask with the right size, meaning that it is not too tight or too loose.

Before wearing a mask, you should clean your face first and it is a good choice if you also apply a facial serum to increase the skin barrier. You should also not forget to change your mask at least every four hours.

According to Arini, wearing a mask can change the skin's microbiome. The microbiome plays an important role in the skin barrier making it look healthy and radiant, reducing your chances of getting eczema, acne and all skin inflammations.

"Usually we get air ventilation, the microbiome mixes, of course if we say there is saliva, breath and so on, the microbiome changes. We have to return it again," she said.

When the microbiome is unbalanced, new effects will appear when there is damage to the skin barrier, which is marked by the skin feeling like it's pulling, and slowly irritation occurs, the skin becomes red and itchy. Maskne or acne and irritation due to wearing a mask is one of the conditions due to this imbalance.

"People with talents such as atopic eczema, psoriasis, if the microbiome is not balanced will get worse or relapse. It is very important to take care of the microbiome every day," said Arini.

In order to restore balance while maintaining the health of the microbiome, which is a microorganism, there are a number of ways you can do, including not harshly rubbing the skin, being careful using materials containing alcohol and high pH, wearing sunscreen because ultraviolet rays are known to damage the microbiome and keep the skin clean.

"Be careful if you like over-exfoliating, using too much scrub, if you need a skincare that is gentle, doesn't damage the microbiota, you have to use a moisturizer because if your skin is moist, its microbiome will last longer, keep using sunscreen because UV can damage the microbiota," she said.