Your face mask questions, answered.

Of all the guidelines to come out in our post-COVID-19 world, the resounding mantra is "Wear a face mask." While the CDC recommends reserving surgical masks for healthcare workers, the rest of us have adapted to cloth face masks. As an eco-friendly and cost-efficient option, reusable face masks are now available at many popular retailers.

But with this new normal comes important questions on how to properly use and care for face masks. That’s where the product experts at Reviewed come in. We rounded up the most common face mask concerns, along with advice for how to solve them.

Above all, in order for face masks to be effective, you must be wearing them correctly. Fidgeting and fit are two big factors when it comes to proper face mask use, along with a few other common missteps that affect a mask’s efficacy. Here’s how to follow face mask recommendations using best practices.

If you’re opting for a reusable face mask, it’s crucial to keep up with a proper cleaning routine. So, how often, exactly, should you be washing cloth masks and coverings, and should you wash them by hand or in your washing machine? We outlined cleaning instructions that will help keep you safe.

Anything that rubs against your face for hours on end is bound to cause some irritation—and face masks are no different. Besides rashes and chafing, face masks can also lead to breakouts. It makes sense when you think about it—your mask is creating a moist, warm environment against your skin, which is perfect for bacteria to thrive. That’s why we asked a dermatologist along with our own beauty expert for their top tips on preventing (and treating) skin irritation caused by face masks.

For those with children or grandchildren, you’re probably all too familiar with the struggle of getting kids to comply with rules they may not understand. No child wants to wear something that covers their nostrils, makes their breathing hot, and pulls at their ears, but it's now a necessity. So, the question is: How do you get a confused, anxious, or headstrong child to keep a face mask on? If your child is struggling with mask-wearing, here are a few tips to help.

Face masks can be incredibly uncomfortable if you have to wear one for an extended period of time. Because most cities and states require you to wear a mask whenever you're out and about, we owe it to ourselves to maximize our comfort. Fortunately, there are clever products available that can help with the most common face mask-related problems, including ear pain and foggy glasses.

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