GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In today's world masks are essential, but Board Certified Dermatologist at The Derm Institute of West Michigan, Dr. Kristi Hawley says, there are non-essential side effects.
"I've been seeing a lot of people come in with increase in acne and inflammation because of their masks," says Dr. Hawley.
The irritations often occur as face masks, when worn properly, create a pressurized seal so no air is coming in and out.
This creates hotter temperatures, and humidity around your nose and mouth.
"Any time you can take this off, it's going to help just give your face a breather during your shifts, of course do it within do it safely," Dr. Hawley says.
"Another thing I recommend is wiping down whenever you can. So anytime you have occlusion on your skin like that you're gonna clog your pores, you're more likely to increase inflammation. I personally all day long, have been wiping down with my Vitamin C glow pads. These have antioxidants and are amazing because they decrease inflammation."
The doctor also says over the counter wipes, such as Neutrogena wipes, can also be helpful.
More prevention includes regularly cleaning your mask, using a cold press on irritation, and having moisturized, healthy skin at the base.
At the Derm Institute of West Michigan, Dr. Hawley's medical-grade skin care line can help with that.
"I will say that there is a difference between medical grade products, and over the counter," says Dr. Hawley."Medical grade we're able to find active ingredients that are clinically studied, and there's less fillers in our products."
Products based on science.
Amid COVID-19 Dr. Hawley is now offering her medical grade line with curb-side pick-up. Plus if you're not comfortable coming into the office, discovering how to help your skin is now just a phone call away.
"We are offering virtual appointments," explains Dr. Hawley."I would love to do a consult with you, or my beauty consultant Jeana can do a consult with you and really talk to you about what you're really looking to get out of your skincare."
If you'd like to make an appointment with Dr. Hawley to treat your skin individually, which is the most effective way to treat it, contact the Derm Institute of West Michigan here.
If you tell the office you heard about them on FOX17 News they are offering 10% off all their designer line products.
