At this point in time, everyone should understand the crucial nature of wearing masks to protect the public from the COVID-19 outbreak, but how is it affecting clients’ skin? Many clients are experiencing skin issues from masks, such as clogged pores, dry and flaking patches, and sensitivity. Certain types of fabrics are irritating to the skin, so it is important to see what type of mask the client is wearing, how often they are washing their reusable masks, and what detergents or fabric softeners they are using, as these can cause sensitivity issues and breakouts. To combat this, recommend disposable masks, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-approved masks available for purchase. Unclean pillowcases will also cause these issues in the skin, particularly breakouts. It is important to educate clients on proper mask hygiene.

If clients cannot come in for skin care treatments, the role as their skin care provider allows for advisal on the best skin care regimen, including types of products and ingredients.

Ellie Malmin is a true entrepreneur, celebrating her 40th year in the beauty industry. Malmin is a licensed cosmetologist and an electrologist. Malmin was active as a makeup judge during the 1980s and 1990s. Currently, she enjoys being a judge in the lash industry and is actively teaching and mentoring students in her Lash Brow Makeup Academy. She is a co-founder of Anushka Spa, Salon, and Cosmedical Center in West Palm Beach Florida. Malmin is on several advisory boards throughout the industry. She is the author of several training manuals and has developed training programs for numerous beauty manufactures and lash companies. Malmin is also an ongoing contributing writer for DERMASCOPE Magazine and a national public speaker and educator. Past senior journalist for Lash Inc, her newest co-venture with a leading board-certified optometrist is an online continuing education course entitled, Eye and Lash Health Institute at eyeandlashhealthinstitute.com. Malmin has recently released her award winning Lashologist Choice Barrier Cream, which is the most innovative product to hit the lash industry dealing with limiting exposure to eyelash adhesive molecules that settle on the skin causing irritation.