At Kari Gran, we’ve always championed skincare that’s clean, gentle, and simple. Now, as we’re all doing our part to stop the spread of Covid-19 by wearing our masks, this approach is more appropriate than ever.

Your skin’s working extra hard behind that mask to stay healthy—you can help it out by minimizing irritations and keeping it hydrated and moisturized.

“Masks can increase the chance of breakouts, flare-ups, rashes, and skin irritation,” Aesthetician Rafaelle Longpré explains. “Masks just block everything.  That’s good because that’s what we need. But at the same time, our skin is our biggest organ, and it needs to breathe.” 

Clean Skincare for Mask Wearers

Our daily routine is all about simplicity:  Cleanse, Hydrate, Protect.  Kari Gran products are handcrafted with naturally derived, luxe, hydrating ingredients that nourish your skin. 

When your skin’s been trapped inside a mask all day (like we are at Kari Gran HQ), you probably can’t wait to wash away any sweat and grime that might be lingering on your skin. Use a gentle facial cleanser, one that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. That’s exactly what we had in mind when formulating our Kari Gran Essential Cleansing Oil!

Follow your cleansing with a generous misting of pure hydration, (Kari Gran Essential Hydrating Tonic, perhaps?) Keeping your skin properly hydrated will help improve the barrier function of the skin. Drinking plenty of water every day helps, too.  Your skin craves hydration and moisturizing more than ever in these mask-wearing times.

Complete your skincare ritual with a light moisturizer or Kari Gran Essential Serum, which is full of skin-soothing ingredients. If your skin feels especially dry or itchy, try adding a bit more serum, or give it an extra boost of hydration with Kari Gran Essential Balm as an overnight mask.

Let Go

Give yourself and your skin a break from using any harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliators, which can strip skin of moisture and aggravate any redness, irritation or bumps.  Your skin has enough to deal with right now.

Don’t Forget Your Lips!

Lips are skin, too. Just because they’re hidden behind a mask doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the moisturizing benefits of a Lip Whip. (Lip Whips come in two “naked”/no color formulas, as well as a range of sheer shades.)

Minimize Your Make-Up

This is a perfect time to take a vacation from a heavy foundation or concealer Any extra layers of makeup, combined with a mask, make it much more difficult for your skin to breathe—possibly leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Opt for a lighter foundation or tinted moisturizer and apply only on exposed areas.

Wash New Masks, And Wash Your Mask After Every Use

Masks are only effective against COVID-19 if they’re clean and freshly laundered. If you’re using a cloth facemask, it’s important to wash it after every use.  Use a fragrance-free detergent. We’ve tried and liked Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value 2x Concentrate and Seventh Generation Natural Detergent Free  & Clear and both get a grade “A” rating from EWG.  Don’t use fabric softener as it can make ventilation a problem.  It also makes masks less absorbent—meaning they absorb less of your sweat and your breath, defeating the purpose of wearing a mask.

Take It Easy

Give your skin some extra TLC while it’s adjusting to the new conditions of mask-wearing. Taking time to care for your skin is one way of practicing self-care. Any opportunity to take a few moments to relieve stress these days can be beneficial to your overall wellbeing. 

Kari Gran has a complete line of clean skincare products, including the ever-popular Lip Whip, to help your skin maintain its healthy glow.  You’ll look and feel good at the same time.  

Take good care.