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With new COVID-19 restrictions in the works, (hello mandatory vaccine cards), hypoallergenic cotton masks and masks for sensitive skin is something we all need to talk about more. Not so long ago, we never would have guessed that masks would be part of our accessory game. Yet, here we are. While we need them to help curb the spread of COVID-19, they can lead to frustrating skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
All of that direct friction between a mask and your skin can cause inflammation, dryness, and acne breakouts, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
However, mask friction isn’t the only culprit of skin irritation. The material of the mask also has an impact on skin, especially for people with a history of eczema or skin allergies. Dr. Zeichner suggests avoiding synthetic materials like polyester and plastic fibers (commonly found in N95 masks), which contain chemical additives and tend to be more irritating than natural fibers.
“As a dermatologist, one of the most common conditions I treat are allergic and irritation reactions in the skin. This is commonly caused by dyes, fragrances, and elastics,” says Dr. Zeichner. If you have sensitive skin, Sanjeev Jain, MD, PhD, allergist and immunologist at Columbia Allergy, also suggests steering clear of irritants.
When shopping for hypoallergenic face masks, Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Jain recommend sticking to masks made of natural fibers like cotton, which are softer on the skin and cause fewer allergic reactions. Be sure to choose one that has two or three layers of fabric for adequate protection.
To make mask-shopping easier, we put together this list of cotton masks suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin.
Hypoallergenic COVID-19 face masks for people with sensitive skin
This set of Madewell masks checks all the boxes in terms of fabric and construction. Made of 100 percent cotton, each mask is multi-layered and has a built-in filter. Plus, you can adjust the ear hoops for added comfort.
If you have a petite face, try this double-layered mask made specifically for smaller faces. Each has a pocket for a filter, and you can add an optional nose wire. The handmade masks are available in 12 colors, but we’re partial to the goes-with-anything black.
Available in three different sizes for the perfect fit, these $10 face masks have two layers of 100 percent cotton. There’s also an extra support in the nose to help keep the masks in place.
If masks often leave you hot and sweaty, try this moisture-wicking mask made of bamboo. It’s breathable, non-irritating, and has adjustable ear loops for a just-right fit.
The product of local vendors from Los Angeles, these have double quilting for the ultimate protection. Get up to seven in one pack or and choose between several different color combinations.
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Growing up, I never washed my hair more than three times a week. Despite being a year-round runner (hello, sweaty scalp) and hair-spraying my flat-ironed mane every weekend like it was my full-time job, I always believed that shampooing every day was, um, *really bad* for my thick, curly hair.
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Looking back, I can't even pinpoint where I first heard this—was it a friend, a teen magazine, or even my own hairstylist? Who knows. But that "rule" stuck with me. I could take the sweatiest hot yoga class and I'd still find a way to stretch my wash day, even if it meant feeling a little uncomfortable or having to get seriously creative with styling.
That all changed when I spoke with Maria McCool, a long-time hairstylist and the founder of Calista. "One of the haircare myths that I like to debunk a lot is that you're not supposed to shampoo your hair often," she said. "Back in the day—I'm talking like the '50s, '60s, '70s—the shampoo was so strong and sulfate-y, and it would really strip the hair... so you would try not to shampoo it as much [to avoid] your hair getting damaged." But the market has evolved since then, and newer, more nourishing products (like Calista Jousse Cleanse & Condition) make all the difference when it comes to your scalp and strands.
Wait... what? After years of strategically planning my wash days and fighting the urge to soap up, could it really be okay to shampoo daily? Needless to say, I had questions for McCool—and she had answers. Here's her scoop on washing, and why she wants everyone to give the Calista Jousse line a try.
Why washing more often can actually be good for your hair
McCool isn’t just giving us permission to shampoo more often—she’s saying it might actually help maintain better hair and scalp health. Think about it like skincare: You wouldn’t leave sweat and grime on your face for days, right? So why would you treat your scalp any differently?
She also highlights the impact of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that, when left to accumulate on the scalp, can clog hair follicles and contribute to thinning and hair loss, especially in men. “If you’re thinking about these kids who are working out all the time, they go to the gym and then they don’t shampoo their hair—and that DHT sits there, on the scalp, without coming off,” she says. “And it really does cause clogged pores that deter the hair from growing.”
Translation: If you’re an active person who sweats a lot, skipping shampoo might not be doing you any favors.
Of course, not all shampoos are created equally. Plenty of products still contain ingredients like sulfates, which can cause dryness and damage. That’s why McCool formulated Jousse Cleanse and Condition, her sulfate-free shampoo-and-conditioner duo, which gently cleanses while supporting your scalp health.
The whole Jousse line is basically like drinking juice for your hair, she says. McCool worked with a chemist to create a formula that uses ingredients like saw palmetto, red clover, and willow herb—all of which are known for promoting hair growth and scalp health. Jousse is formulated to exfoliate and cleanse the scalp while delivering nutrients, which is why McCool calls shampooing "juicing." “I can juice three times a day if I want,” she says. “It’s not going to damage my hair.”
So, should you wash every day?
The bottom line: There's no reason to fear the daily wash, especially if you’re using a gentle, sulfate-free formula like Jousse Cleanse and Condition. That said, McCool isn’t about pushing a one-size-fits-all approach. The best routine is the one that works for you, she says. So if you love that just-washed feeling? Go for it. BRB, off to break a lifetime of hair-washing habits.
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