|  | Conditions Treatments | Illness

What Type of Face Mask Is Recommended?

Different types of face masks are available for different uses; the type of mask appropriate for you will depend on your needs. Face masks are available for skin health, disease prevention, safety and sports. Each of these categories has its own recommended face mask based on certain properties which make it easier to use.

  1. Skin Health

    • Face masks for skin health treat various skin diseases or afflictions; the type of mask recommended for your skin health depends on what you are treating. For instance, a face mask that contains honey is recommended for people with dry skin, as honey helps skin retain moisture. People with oily skin should use masks with egg white, which tightens up the pores. Face masks with olive oil or tea are recommended for those seeking an anti-aging treatment, as these ingredients retain moisture and contain antioxidants which stimulate skin regeneration.

    Disease Prevention Masks

    • These face masks filter the air that you breathe to remove tiny particles, including particles that carry airborne diseases. Face masks have been used during influenza and H1N1 outbreaks as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of these highly communicable diseases. Respirator-type masks, such as the N95 respirator, are the best masks to use for preventing the spread of diseases, as they fit more securely to your face than standard surgical masks, so that most of the air you breathe is coming through the heavy-duty filter.

    Sports Masks

    • Face masks are used in sports such as snowboarding, skiing and motocross to prevent wind burn and other facial injuries caused by high speed or low temperatures. These face masks come with a variety of different coverage options and in many different materials. Masks made of neoprene are generally recommended for sports usage, as it is a strong, durable material that maintains its flexibility at low temperatures. Masks that cover the nose and mouth are also recommended, as they protect snow, dust and debris from getting into your nose and mouth.

    Safety Masks

    • Safety masks are face masks designed for usage in construction sites, during home renovation and in shops and studios when there is a large amount of fine dust and debris. The N95 respirator, also used for disease prevention, is suited for filtering dust and debris, preventing it from entering your nose, mouth and lungs. These masks are shaped to fit securely over your nose and mouth so that no particulate matter can enter through the sides or top of the mask.

Illness - Related Articles