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Skin Care Archives | The Neiman Dermatology Building – Buffalo, NY Cosmetic Dermatology
How Face Masks Can Cause Contact Dermatitis
While face masks are important in the fight against COVID-19, they can also cause irritation and damage to the skin. Specifically, when it comes to the condition known as contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis occurs when direct exposure with a substance, in this case, fabric, irritates the skin. The irritation is usually represented by redness and inflammation in the area. While any kind of fabric can bring it on, it’s more likely to occur from fabrics made with synthetic fibers. The reason being that synthetic fibers don’t breathe as well as natural fibers. This, in turn, can make you sweat more which can further contribute to the irritation of the skin.
So, what can you do to avoid or manage contact dermatitis? Some things include:
In all, what can you do to best deal with contact dermatitis? First and foremost, identify what may be causing the problem. Next, avoid it (if possible). Then finally, take the corrective measures above to better protect your skin. If you believe you may be experiencing contact dermatitis, contact our office right away as early treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.
Fourth of July Summer Skin Care
With the Fourth of July this weekend, many people will be spending a significant amount of time outside. And as we know from a previous post, even if it’s not sunny out, harmful UVA and UVB rays can still be prevalent. Here are just a few important things to keep in mind to help protect your skin and keep it looking it’s best:
• When applying sunscreens, layering does not give added SPF protection. The SPF you end up with is only the SPF of the highest sunscreen you applied. For example, if you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 then apply one with an SPF of 25, you will solely have the protection of the SPF of 30.
• The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) does recommend applying two layers of sunscreen on all exposed areas though. The second layer should be applied about 30 minutes after the first, at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen periodically throughout the day. It is advised to reapply every two hours or after you have been exposed to water.
• SPF protection is on a logarithmic scale. This means there is a bigger difference between SPF 25 and SPF 30 than there is with SPF 30 and SPF 45.
• SPF’s below 15 are essentially worthless. We recommend an SPF of at least 50 to all of our patients.
• Don’t forget your lips. The sun’s rays can dry delicate lip tissue. Keep your lips hydrated by using a lip balm with an SPF.
• After a long day out in the sun take a cold shower. It can decrease acne breakouts and helps to better hydrate your skin.
• If you do contract sunburn take Advil or Motrin. This will help to block the inflammation and can actually lessen the burn itself.
Remember these tips to keep your skin healthy this holiday weekend and beyond!How To Avoid Skin Irritation From Face Masks
Due to the spread of COVID-19, the CDC made a recent recommendation that everyone should be wearing face masks in public. Although face masks provide important protection from the virus, wearing them for an extended period can also lead to skin irritation. Here are some things you can do to avoid that.
- Make sure the mask fits comfortably and snug. If it is too tight, the more likely it will cause a skin reaction.
- Try to take off the mask as much as possible when not in public. When doing this one, make sure to take into consideration proper social distancing.
- Change or wash it regularly depending on the frequency of use. When breathing in the mask, moisture collects in the area and can provide the perfect breeding ground for a number of different bacteria. This can lead to skin conditions such as folliculitis.
- Cleanse the skin. Try to avoid products containing drying ingredients as it can be further aggravated with the use of a face mask. Moisturizing is of the utmost importance, especially before, because it can serve as a protectant for the skin.
- Moisturize/hydrate the skin. This one is especially important prior to, as it can serve as a protectant for the skin. Avoid oil-based moisturizers as they can block the pores leading to breakouts.
If you are already noticing skin irritation due to wearing a facemask, try to identify the cause and take the above tips into consideration. If the condition still does not improve, contact our office right away.
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Skin
All of a sudden you have a lot more time on your hands. What should you do? Watch more news? Binge-watch ‘Tiger King’ on Netflix? Or focus on your skin and give it the TLC it deserves? We personally like the last option. So, here are some simple, but yet important, skincare tips that you can do in the comfort of your own home:
• Cleanse Your Face. SkinCeuticals makes great cleansers! We recommend the Gentle Cleanser, Simply Clean or the LHA Cleansing Gel (depending on your skin type).
• Exfoliate After Cleansing. Doing this after cleansing provides you with a clean base to work with. Thus, making it easier to unclog pores, prevent acne, and remove dead skin cells.
• Use a Moisturizer. It helps to lock in moisture which in turn prevents the skin from drying out. It’s important to do AFTER cleansing and exfoliating.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Last but certainly not least! Not getting enough sleep can actually cause inflammation in the skin, increasing the risk of flare-ups in conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The National Sleep Foundation recommends anywhere between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
Follow these tips and your skin will benefit. Not to mention, it is so simple, there will be plenty of time left to binge-watch ‘Tiger King’ if you so wish!
Caring For Your Skin With Increased Hand Sanitizer and Soap Use
Although the use of hand sanitizers and soap should already be part of a healthy routine, the current threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased use significantly. All you need to do is look at the store shelves where they’re stocked to know that. The demand has been so high in fact, that Amazon and eBay have put restrictions on the sale of these products in an attempt to prevent price gouging. So, with using hand sanitizers and soap more frequently, what can you do to protect the skin on your hands?
• Moisturize immediately after use. This is especially true for hand sanitizers that contain alcohol (a drying ingredient in itself). Cream or lotion-based moisturizers are the best options.
• Avoid products containing fragrances, perfumes or dyes. Instead, opt for products that contain vitamin E and aloe.
• Limit hand washing to 20 seconds, no more. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends this timeframe. Any longer poses the risk of drying the skin out.
• When washing, avoid water that is too hot or cold. Use lukewarm water.
With or without an epidemic, regular hand sanitizer and soap use are important to prevent the spread of germs. Combining that with the above tips will help the health of your skin.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)