Skincare For Nurses

Nothing says “I work in nursing” quite like chapped hands from rigorous washing, dark circles from long overnight shifts, and let’s not forget about the occasional bout of “maskne” (mask acne). Skincare for nurses is especially important, and we sourced a few expert tips to help keep your skin happy and healthy both in and out of scrubs.

Your Skin and PPE

We’re all familiar with the skin imprints, breakouts, rashes, and bruising following the extended wear of multiple masks at a time. Hours of wearing PPE can exacerbate existing skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne. So, what can you do to prevent this?

1. Apply a barrier cream to your face such as Vaseline before donning your PPE. This can help reduce friction.
2. After your shift, apply a wound cream to soothe irritated skin.
3. Make sure to use gentle washing solutions before and after wearing masks. Popular choices are: Cerave Hydrating Wash, Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and Neutrogena Hydroboost to prevent acne. RN Annie B. recommends using a face wipe before and after putting on masks so the skin stays clean and blemish-free.
4. Do your best to avoid irritants such as powerful toners and astringents, as they can further irritate the skin.

Moisturizer is Your BFF

Many nurses suffer from dry, chapped, and even cracked hands from washing and using alcohol-laden sanitizers. This is why a good moisturizer is a nurse’s best friend and should a staple in your skincare routine.

Some nurse-recommended moisturizers include: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream, and Udderly Smooth Hand Cream.

Skincare = Self-care

After 10-12 hours of caring for others, it is extremely important to carve out some time to care for yourself. Here are a few of our favorite ways to unwind and give our skin a much-needed refresh.

1. Use an eye mask to help ease the intensity of dark undereye circles. Not only does this help hydrate the face, but the cooling sensation also helps you unwind after a long day. Do this before bed to give your eyes some
   well-deserved R&R.
2. Mix some collagen powder into your morning smoothie to help promote soft, hydrated skin.
3. Invest in silk pillowcases. Silk pillowcases are proven to help reduce drying and irritation of your skin and hair. While this may sound like a luxury indulgence, you can find some affordable silk pillowcases like this one, on Amazon for only $20!