You have to wear a mask, right? But are you wearing the right mask that will be most effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19? That’s a valid question on the minds of a lot of us, especially with the variants of the virus that are emerging – that are more easily spread and possibly even more deadly.
We want to do our part, and experts are saying it's time to up our mask game to combat the spread of COVID-19. There are so many different types of masks and face coverings, so we did some research to help you find the best ones, how to wear them, and how to keep them clean.
What is an N95 mask and should I be wearing one?
How to clean your face mask
Cleaning your reusable mask is as important as wearing it properly. “Most face masks will trap sweat and moisture, which along with friction from the fabric can disrupt the skin's protective barrier. This can result in irritation of the skin. Residue from laundry detergent can also become embedded in the fabric and cause further irritation,” Dr. Mullans said. “It is best to use a hypoallergenic detergent such as Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear.”
This is important because if you aren’t able to wear a new facemask every day, you need to make sure your mask is clean. It’s also important to wash and dry the mask at the highest temperature setting to ensure all bacteria is killed.
For those who find that wearing a mask is creating skin irritation, you can do what mom Jene Luciani Sena recommended. “Find one that has skincare ingredients infused into the fabric to fight acne,” she told Mom.com.
Dr. Mullans also told us that during harsh winter months, use a strong moisturizer under the mask and when it is hot, change it more frequently since you’ll sweat in it and get it soiled faster.
