As businesses reopens around the world, it's often required by law, that you wear face coverings when you step out of your home either to go to the marker or your office for work, to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it is sad to see people taking this very important public safety measure lightly. It is common site to see people either not wearing the mark properly (they would hang the mask around their neck, for the fear of being caught by police,same way they use the helmet) or worst of all, not wearing it all. Not only are these people putting their own lives in danger but also endangering their fellow countrymen, since we really do not know who could be an asymptomatic carrier. 

Wrong way of wearing Face Masks

The problem could be either of attitude or lack of knowledge. What I am trying to do through this article is to tell you the “Dos & Don’ts” of wearing a Face Mask. 

How to wear your mask?

  • Always wash your hands before putting on the mask and after you remove it.
  • Always use a fresh face mask (or clean washed one, if it is homemade/reusable)
  • Any mask you buy should fit above your nose and below your chin snugly, but not so tightly that it digs into your face.
  • Wear your mask secure over your mouth and nose.
  • Avoid touching the inner side of the mask while wearing it.

How NOT to wear your mask

  • Do not wear a mask that is loose or looks damaged.
  • Do not wear your mask under your mouth.
  • Do not pull your mask under the chin, even to drink.
  • Do not wear your mask on your elbow.
  • Do not hang your mask from one ear.
  • Do not share your mask with others.

How to remove your Face Mask.

  • Clean your hands before removing your mask. 
  • Remove the mask by strings/straps behind the ear/head.
  • Pull the mask away from your face
  • Clean your hands with a disinfectant after removing the mask from your face.

Care of Facial Skin 

  • 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 wearing makeup under your mask altogether and to cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask.

Please remember, wearing the masks the wrong way may protect you from the law, but wearing the mask the right way will protest you from Coronavirus.