We all know wearing a face covering is essential and we’ve very much embraced it with many of us curating a “mask wardrobe” of different patterns, colours and materials to use depending on the day. But there’s no denying that face coverings create a unique set of conundrums from steamy glasses, to breakouts and #maskne, to sore ears and even pressure marks.
Now, there seems to be another issue surfacing, this time, around the effect wearing a face mask has on the lips. Identified by Dr Tijion Esho, cosmetic doctor and founder of The Esho Clinic, after a number of his patients presented with symptoms such as dry and chapped lips.
“I’ve seen an 20 per cent increase of patients seeking treatment for excessive dryness of lips at my clinics and the underlining reason in the majority of cases has been due to mask use,” he says. “Masks are obviously important – there’s no getting away from that, but how we wear our masks and how we take care of our lips can help prevent worsening and the development of certain complications such a fungal infections.”
Plus, when combined with the bitter winter weather, our lips are more vulnerable than ever to things like cold sores, which can be triggered by cold winds as well as stress – something none of us are short of during lockdown.
So, what can we do to prevent ‘mask lip’ when taking the mask off isn’t an option? Here, Dr Esho shares his advice…
1. Choose the right mask
According to Dr Esho, the type of mask you wear is crucial to protecting your lips and skin. “Try avoid using harsh materials for masks,” he advises. “Light cottons and silks are gentle against the skin and will reduce friction to the surface of the lip.”
2. Stay hydrated
“Make sure you are hydrating!” According to Dr Esho, we should be drinking at least 2 litres every day. “The excess mask use and increased humidity in the area leads to increased loss of water from the lip surface, leaving lips more prone to becoming dry and cracked.” Plus, if you are prone to cold sores, staying hydrated is one of the best forms of relief.
3. Exfoliate your lips
Dry lips and friction can result in a build up of dead skin cells, which is what makes regular exfoliation key to maintaining healthy lips. But don’t worry – you don’t need to add another product to your beauty collection – Dr Esho has a DIY mixture that will do the trick. “Try mixing some honey together with some sugar and using a wet soft toothbrush gently brush off the dead skin,” he says.
Afterwards, apply lip balm or coconut oil generously. “It’s important to choose a product that will not only treat dry skin, but also boost your lips hydration through all its layers so avoid using waxes that will just sit on the surface of the lip.”
4. Protect your lips from UV
We may not be spending much time outside, and the sun may not be at its strongest, but it’s still important to apply sun protection to your lips every day – just like you do with you skin. “We forget our lip surface is susceptible to damage from variable levels of UVA and UVB rays as well as environmental free radicals,” says Dr Esho.
For more ideas on how to take care of your skin during the colder months, check out our expert-approved winter skin tips and don’t forget to find the perfect face covering with our round up of the best face masks.