How To Wear Your Face Protective Covers.

Now that states are starting to reopen businesses, many are requiring that you wear face coverings when you go out in public to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you wear one when social distancing isn't possible.

And now that summer is approaching, you may be wondering how you'll stay comfortable while wearing a mask when the sun is hot and your face is sweating.

Any mask you buy should fit above your nose and below your chin snugly, but not so tightly that it digs into your face. It also needs to be made from a breathable fabric -- especially if it has multiple layers.

Whether you're wearing a homemade face covering or you've bought your mask from a retailer, we recommend a mask with an outer layer of cotton with soft cotton trim around the edges to protect your skin from chafing.

Also, wearing a mask with elastic bands as opposed to ties will help prevent the mask from slipping and rubbing on your face. remember you should always wash your hands before putting on the mask and after you remove it.

Only use 100% cotton face masks and coverings

Many people buy 100% cotton sheets for a reason: to stay cool. And that rule doesn't just apply to sheets -- you should also be on the lookout for face masks made from cotton, as well. The cotton material is considered to have better ventilation and will trap less of the moisture that builds up from breathing and sweating. And since your face mask may have multiple layers, you'll want a material that doesn't restrict your breathing.

Make it snug, not tight

While you want your mask to fit snugly around your face to help prevent respiratory droplets from escaping or coming in, you don't want it to be so tight that it hurts your face. Also, if it's too tight, that gives you less room to breathe well. 

Wear your mask around the house before you leave to make sure you'll be comfortable wearing it for a long period of time, or long enough to go to the grocery store, for example. Adjust as needed while you're at home because the last thing you want to do is take off and readjust your mask while in public.

Change your mask if it feels gross

Now that it's starting to warm up outside, the longevity of your masks throughout the day may be shorter. That's because the mask can cause your face to sweat, creating moisture inside the mask. Once a mask becomes wet, it's no longer useful and should be changed immediately. Therefore, we suggest keeping an extra mask with you when you know you'll be out for a while. 

When you get home, you'll need to properly remove your mask and place it in the laundry to be cleaned and ready to use again. 

Be wary of your face products

If you have dry skin, it's best to put on moisturizer before wearing a mask. This can help prevent skin irritation from where the mask rubs your face. If you have oily skin, you may want to avoid wearing a liquid foundation as that can clog your pores and cause your skin to break out. Not to mention, the foundation can also rub off on your mask, leading to decreased air filtration, making it harder to breathe. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to forgo the makeup under your mask altogether and to cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask.

If whatever covering you're using now still isn't comfortable and secure, here's A SKOVA Selection of Masks  Also, here's where you're expected to wear a face mask in public and what you need to know about making a homemade face mask.