In 2020, we take extra precautions due to COVID-19, one of which is wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). These materials protect us from head to toe: PPE can be face masks, face shields, goggles, gloves, and even protective gowns\bodysuits. Although these coverings are vital and essential for protection, they can also create some challenges for our skin. As Estheticians and skincare professionals, we saw a rise in our clients’ skin concerns from using PPE during the COVID-19 outbreak. Because of the rapid increase of mandatory PPE usage, face masks became unavailable, making many people resort to reusing and overusing their masks. This escalated the already existing side effects of PPE on the skin from bacteria, leading to more skin irritation and compromised barriers.
PPEs like face masks, goggles, and gloves are worn over the skin and can create overheating that leads to sweating, combined with friction, equals a recipe for acne, rashes, and or irritation. Friction especially can lead to more exfoliation that naturally thins the skin; this leads to the loss of essential nutrients like water, ceramides, and lipids that causes skin dehydration.
PPE has quickly become a daily part of our life for the last several months and will likely continue; this means that we need to evolve some of our practices in the treatment room, starting with our client consultations. Ask your clients about the type of PPE that they are wearing and how often they are worn; this will give us insight into the sensitivity of their skin. Depending on the type of PPE our clients are using, the side effects will vary from mild to advanced, e.g., anyone wearing an N95 or R95 mask will typically have more sensitive or compromised skin than someone who wears a silk or cloth mask. The N95 and R95 masks suction to the skin and create a strong seal, which means more pressure, indentation, and friction than a silk or cloth mask which lays on the skin.
We also need to be aware of adjusting our treatments for clients with compromised barriers due to PPE. Chemicals peels, microneedling, and dermaplaning are ALL favorite treatments. However, with clients wearing PPEs frequently, and for long periods, their skin is more sensitive than usual. Remember that friction is increasing exfoliation in the skin, thinning it naturally, so it is best to err on the side of caution and look at the skin for signs and use the “Less is More” approach.
Our newest addition to GlyMed Plus is one of the best products to recommend for PPE related issues. CBD Therapeutic Balm acts as a second skin, filling in the lipid barrier to actively repair and prevent damage to the skin during PPE use. CBD Therapeutic Balm can be used as a final step before the SPF application in the recommendations below.
Combating skin issues due to PPE.
Foaming Cleanser: Great to gently cleanse and calm skin while removing impurities and reducing inflammation.
Skin Astringent No. 2: Spritz the inside of the mask to kill bacteria.
Oxygen Deep Pore Masque: Gently but deeply cleans, kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Oxygen Cream: Increases healing, removes toxins and reduces acne bacteria.
Blemish Control No. 5: For inflammatory lesions gently spot treat with (1 – 2 times a week max).
Vitamin C Cleanser: Maintains the integrity of the skin while cleansing impurities.
CBD Skin Mist: Gently increases hydration and reduces inflammation.
Professional CBD Booster: Balances and repairs.
Ultra Hydro Gel and Protective Skin Serum: Repair the barrier and prevents the evaporation of essential nutrients.
Hydrating Masque: Removes buildup but also supplies healing botanicals. (1 – 3 times a week).
Peptide Firming Cleanser: Gently cleanses while supplying essential peptides for tissue repair.
CBD Skin Mist: Gently increases hydration and reduces inflammation.
Professional CBD Booster: Balances and repairs.
CBD Therapeutic Balm: As a final step before SPF to provide a protective layer, acting like a second skin! Reduces itch, inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Mega Cream Cleanser: Great to gently cleanse and calm skin while removing impurities.
CBD Skin Mist: Gently increases hydration and reduces inflammation.
Restoring Fulvic Elixir and Professional CBD Booster: Reduces redness, inflammation and provides antibacterial properties.
Rosacea Relief: Reduces redness, capillary dilation and repairs vascular damage associated with overheating.
CBD Therapeutic Balm and Cell Protection Balm: As a final step before SPF provide a protective layer, acting like a second skin! Reduces itch, inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
For more information and access to our modified client consent form, please reach out to your account manager or locate documents in our resource library!