Choosing the Perfect Mask and Caring For Your Skin During the Pandemic

This article was updated on July 9, 2021. For the most up to date rules and recommendations about masks on campus, visit U of A's COVID-19 Information website. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been introduced to masks of all shapes and sizes. Masks are currently recommended on U of A campuses and wearing a mask, or seeing others wearing masks, will be a reality of both pandemic and post-pandemic daily life. Having lived in Shanghai for seven years of my life, I have been accustomed to wearing masks even before the pandemic was a reality. Now, as a frontline pharmacy student, I am in a mask for more than 8 hours every day. With epidemics and other locally transmitted respiratory illnesses, public masking has been the norm for many years in Asian countries. However, for most North Americans, this is an entirely new experience. What is the difference between various styles of masks? How do we deal with mask-ne? (A term coined to describe the acne flare-ups many people experience while sporting a mask). I will go over a few examples of masks and the different materials used for an insider’s look at just how they might affect your skin, comfort and, most importantly, safety.

Let’s get started.

1. Disposable Surgical Masks

These are the most commonly used masks during the middle and latter half of this year. Earlier this year, surgical masks were out of stock at many pharmacies and retail chains due to a global supply shortage. While the exact materials may vary slightly, most surgical masks contain molten polymer fibres. Surgical masks are typically three-ply and have polypropylene fibres intermeshed between non-woven fabric. Non-surgical-grade masks often have fewer layers.

Phew. That’s a lot of science. So what does this all boil down to?

Disposable surgical masks are relatively comfortable and aerated. A very recent update on November 4 from The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that masks be composed of three layers including two layers of tightly woven fabric and a third filter material such as polypropylene, so these masks fit that description. However, wearing these masks for lengthy periods of time can result in acne, rosacea, and skin irritation that follows. Because the material is not pillow-soft, they do leave indentation by the nose and underside of the chin. As a front-line worker, I’ve had numerous flare-ups over the course of the past seven months.

Solution: My fellow blogger, Alex, wrote an excellent Korean Skincare routine guide that covers much of what I wanted to say about skincare. Having a good skincare routine can help combat any skin irritations caused by wearing a mask. For the make-up enthusiasts out there, reducing the amount of product that you would normally wear on your skin while wearing a mask will help reduce flare-ups. Remember that less is more when it comes to layering on products when sporting a mask. Not only does it help keep your mask clean (and free of those pesky foundation or lipstick stains) but, it also reduces the chance your pores will get clogged and inflamed.

Comfort: ★★★★☆
Style: ★★☆☆☆

[Editor’s note: 3-ply disposable masks can be found at the U of A Bookstore.]

2. Reusable Cloth Masks

Despite the fact that disposable surgical masks are readily available nowadays, they are not an environmentally conscious decision. Reusable cloth masks are environmentally friendly and cost effective in the long run. Having tried numerous cloth masks from linen to cotton materials, I’ve compiled my wisdom to help you select the perfect mask.

The World Health Organization recommends a three-layer fabric mask to prevent transmission of viral droplets: an inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton; a middle layer of non-woven non-absorbent material, such as polypropylene; and an outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend. The general rule of thumb is that the thinner the material of the mask, the less likely it is to prevent droplet transmission. A higher thread count on cotton (which can be determined by observing the density/tightness of the knit) also helps by acting as a mechanical barrier to droplets.

Masks that have a silk lining helps with aeration and also reduce skin irritation. Cotton is an excellent choice for comfort. The common denominator for whatever mask you decide to purchase is to ensure it fits snugly on your face. Many masks are designed for the average face width and shape and are not perfectly tailored for individual faces. Therefore, some adjustments may be necessary to help improve the fit: try out different styles and sizes, look for masks with adjustable loops or bands, or tweak the fit with a sewing kit.

A common problem you may encounter with a cotton mask is the degree to which it fogs up your glasses. If you rely on your glasses everyday, like me, you will find that a well-fitting mask is of the utmost importance. From personal experience, a mask that doesn’t form a tight seal around my face fogs up my glasses regardless of the weather outside. If you’ve experienced similar struggles, you’re not alone! Purchasing a mask with a nose wire can help with that tight fit around the nose area.

So how exactly should a mask fit properly on your face? The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that the mask fits “snugly” on the sides of the face with as little gaping as possible. To take this a step further, I usually run my fingers along the sides of the mask to secure it along my nose, mouth and chin areas. Once these areas are secured, make sure you feel comfortable and go about your day!

Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Style: ★★★★☆

[Editor’s note: Reusable masks with a filter pocket, nose wire, and adjustable ear loops can be found at the U of A Bookstore.]

3. N95 Masks

While we rarely see these types of masks used in the community, they do have a distinct purpose and were once widely sought after for its incredible filtration ability. N95s, as the name suggests, blocks out at least 95% or more of bacterial matter in the air. Think of masks as a fishing net: the larger the gaps within the net, the greater chance bacteria and other pathogenic matter can move through. N95s however can filter out extremely small particulate matter because of the miniscicle gaps within the plastic fibre material.

On the flip side, N95s are one of the most uncomfortable masks to wear and you have to be properly fitted for these masks. For myself, the hospital requires that we update our N95 fit every few years to ensure we are properly protected in case of any outbreaks. Not only does it fit precisely over your mouth and nose, creating irritation where the mask contacts the face, but it also means you’re breathing much of the air you breathe out. Rather than it feeling like a filter, it feels more like holding a cup to your face. You get the point.

Despite the lack of popularity for these masks for public use, they play a significant role in the health care system. For health care teams working in infectious disease units of the hospital, these masks are an absolute necessity. They are not very practical as everyday use masks.

Comfort: ★★☆☆☆
Style: ★★☆☆☆

[Editor’s note: Disposable, non-medical use N95 masks can be found at the U of A Bookstore.]

Ultimately, my take home messages are:

• Try different fabrics and sizes of masks to find one that suits you
• Follow a good skin care routine to help your skin recover from irritation and discomfort while wearing a mask.
• Don’t be afraid to consult a dermatologist to understand more about how to take care of your skin and protect yourself during the pandemic.

For more information on each type of mask, this Government of Alberta resource is helpful.

Stay safe!