Making a reusable medical mask with your own hands

Moscow, 09/05/2020, 03:32:01, editorial office of FTimes.ru, author Tatyana Orlonskaya.

The coronavirus pandemic is making adjustments to the lives of every person. And while the whole world is trying to purchase millions of quantities of individual masks, we offer to sew a medical face mask from fabric.

A medical mask is a disposable medical product that covers the mouth and nose of the wearer and provides a barrier to the direct transmission of infectious particles from the wearer of the mask to other people. You can make such a mask yourself, especially since it can be washed and ironed while wearing it. This means that you will not only be protected, but also save a decent amount of money.

What is a sheet mask used for and how does it work?

A traditional ready-made fabric face mask is a bag in which a piece of porous fabric is hermetically sealed in the form of a mask with slits for the eyes, nose and mouth. The mask is impregnated with any substances, the composition of which determines the effect and purpose of such a mask.

A ready-made store-bought mask is an express product , so the fabric soaked in active substances and serums is kept on the face for only about twenty minutes. Despite such a short period of time, the ingredients of the mask actively penetrate the skin, nourish, moisturize and fight wrinkles, age spots and other unpleasant things.

If you are a fan of quick and effective masks, you will definitely like the Golden Face Mask.

How a homemade mask works

In the absence of protective masks in the pharmacy, many resort to sewing protective equipment at home. To do this, use available means, such as bandages, gauze, and cotton cloth.

A homemade mask is made from loose, non-medical materials, the pores of which are much larger than 0.1 nanometers. Therefore, the product (highlighted in bold) does not protect against coronavirus. But it still has its effects:

- creates a placebo effect; - simply interestingly complements a fashionable image (if this concerns modern fashionistas).

Rules for preparation and application

How to use fabric face masks correctly? To use a ready-made fabric mask, you need to carefully open the bag with the mask, take out the fabric soaked in the composition, unroll the mask and carefully distribute the mask over your face. You need to try to ensure that the mask adheres well to the skin and that there are no air voids under the fabric.

If the mask is compressed like an Oriflame pressed fabric face mask, then you should first place it in tonic, let the fabric swell and unfold, and then apply it to the face.

In the photo we see a fabric mask applied to the face.

The exposure time of the mask is from ten to thirty minutes .

Functions of a proper protective mask

If we consider a real protective medical mask, then its main function is to prevent virus particles from entering the human respiratory tract and protect others from spreading them from the patient. This mask is made of special medical fabric, the pores of which are smaller than 0.1 nanometers (this is exactly the size of the coronavirus). Thanks to this, the mask protects the wearer from illness.

But it must be taken into account that it does not have a long-term effect. Over time, the mask becomes moisturized from breath vapors. As a result, it increases its throughput. That is, it becomes unusable. Therefore, medical masks must be changed every 2 hours.

Interesting: Protective face masks: fashion trend 2020

Classic recipe for a toning face sheet mask

Despite the abundance of ready-made store-bought options, you can make a fabric face mask with your own hands. You can use multiple layers of gauze for the base, but it is best to find a piece of pure cotton fabric. It is desirable that the cotton is not colored.

Preparation of the mask:

• cut out the base for the mask from the fabric, make holes for the eyes, nose and mouth;
• Brew loose leaf green tea with boiling water and wait until it cools to room or slightly warm temperature;
• dip the mask blank in tea, squeeze lightly and spread the fabric over your face;
• It is advisable to lie down and close your eyes;
• After half an hour, remove the mask and wash the fabric carefully.

This mask perfectly tones the skin and relieves irritation.

Only natural leaf tea should be used and without any dyes or fragrances.

How to sew a mask

Prevention of coronavirus disease includes regular hand washing, using antiseptic and wearing a medical mask. This information is provided by WHO. We offer several options for patterns of such masks. But what should it be, an individual protective mask?

The key to creating an effective mask is to use multiple layers. Additionally, the mask should fit snugly around your mouth and nose to prevent particles from leaking through gaps. Masks with a smooth outer layer (such as silk) and a middle layer of dense, closely woven material such as nylon or cotton are ideal. Avoid wool or other materials that can cause skin irritation or allergies.

Other recipes

Whitening and moisturizing cucumber mask

• grate the pieces of fresh cucumber on a fine grater or blend them in a blender, add half a bunch of chopped parsley ;
• Wet the fabric mask well in the resulting slurry and spread the fabric over your face;
• To prevent the juice from draining, the mask can be slightly squeezed out;
• After half an hour, the mask can be removed and the remaining moisture can be blotted with a napkin.

If you want to whiten your face, you can find many interesting and effective recipes in the article The best whitening face masks.

Castor mask for wrinkles

• mix castor and peach oil ( or jojoba oil ) in different proportions;
• lightly heat the mixture in a water bath;
• dip the fabric mask blank into the oil mixture, soak and squeeze lightly;
• spread the cloth over your face and leave for half an hour;
• blot the residue with a napkin, and then rinse with your usual cleanser.

Vitamin mask

• beat a few strawberries in a blender with two drops of liquid vitamins A and E ;
• soak the fabric base of the mask in the resulting slurry;
• lightly squeeze and spread the fabric over your face;
• After half an hour, rinse with warm water.

How to make a cool reusable mask without rubber bands

You can make a reusable face mask without elastic bands by replacing them with ties or making “loops” directly in it.

The first option is more practical. The ties act as a seal and allow you to adjust the fit; they are sewn to the top and bottom edges.

Loops are made as in the case of napkins, using several layers of fabric. But then you need to sew a reusable medical mask with dimensions 20x30. At the same time, the allowances necessary for processing the loops are taken into account so that their edges turn out neat and beautiful.

There are a lot of cotton fabrics in stores with different prints. You can use them to create cool and unique masks.

Precautionary measures

Despite the benefits of ready-made and homemade fabric face masks, you should not forget that:

• homemade masks should be used immediately; the mixture should not be stored;
• Almost any of the ingredients in the mask can cause allergies, so do a sensitivity test first;
• to prepare homemade masks, use only natural fresh ingredients , and for mixing you need to use only glass or plastic tools;
• If while wearing the mask you feel any discomfort such as itching or burning, the mask should be washed off immediately.

The mask is applied only to clean facial skin.

Who needs to wear a mask?

A protective medical mask (not sewn yourself) must be worn by the following categories of citizens:

• Visitors to public places such as shops, pharmacies, public transport. In this way, you protect yourself from the possible entry of contaminated saliva or body fluids into the respiratory tract from a sick person.
• For a person sick with coronavirus to prevent infection of loved ones, reduce the risk of biological fluids getting on surrounding objects and surfaces.
• Family members of a sick person.

Reviews of fabric-based face masks

Our readers told us about their experience of using ready-made and homemade fabric masks, sharing their impressions and results from the procedure.

Tatyana, 30 years old

It's hard for me to name the best sheet face mask among those I've tried - all my reviews about them are more or less positive. But for a very long time I have been using a ready-made moisturizing mask. It is produced in Japan, and the accuracy, conscientiousness and accuracy of the Japanese has long been known and is beyond doubt. Inside the bag there is a mask soaked in a gel-like liquid. I usually use it as an emergency remedy - if I need to refresh, tighten and moisturize the skin. I keep the mask on my face for about ten minutes longer than indicated in the instructions, and I’m always happy with the result.

Photos before and after using a sheet mask.

Expert's comments: Ready-made fabric face masks contain a complex of active components, for example, hyaluronic acid or collagen. They are able to effectively moisturize the skin, nourish it and eliminate fine wrinkles. Focus on your feelings, but you shouldn’t “overexpose” the mask too much. And before using a new type, be sure to conduct a test to avoid an allergic reaction.

Varvara, 39 years old

In the past, I often used Japanese and Korean sheet face masks purchased from the cosmetics section of supermarkets. But recently, reviews from cosmetologists about the quality of Korean fabric face masks are very contradictory. And Japanese masks have risen significantly in price. Therefore, I have already made homemade fabric face masks myself several times. There is, of course, more hassle, but the result is not bad. A vitamin mask works especially well - the skin seems to come to life, begins to breathe and glow with health. I’ve already tried strawberry and raspberry masks, and next time I’ll use some more complex mixture.

Photos before and after using a vitamin sheet face mask.

Expert's comments: I will repeat once again about the need to conduct a test before making such a mask. Moreover, an allergy to strawberries is not such a rare occurrence. I would like to especially note that if you decide to make a homemade fabric face mask from natural products, then it is better not to buy them in the store. The administration, of course, is obliged to check fruits, berries and vegetables for the presence of nitrates and pesticides. But this is not always done. Therefore, the alternative is purchasing from trusted suppliers or fruits, berries and vegetables grown in your garden.

Violetta, 43 years old

I first saw fabric face masks about ten years ago. I immediately liked them - not very expensive, convenient and effective. I used to use a moisturizing sheet mask from the Garnier brand two or three times a week, and I still can give the most flattering reviews about it. But since then, prices have changed significantly, and I switched to homemade fabric masks. My favorite mask is based on a mixture of oils. Sometimes I cook it with castor oil and sometimes with olive oil. I add a couple of drops of rose oil to the warm mixture - it perfectly smoothes out fine wrinkles. I leave it on for almost an hour, then blot the residue with napkins or cotton pads. The result is quite satisfactory, I just have my doubts - maybe I shouldn’t wipe it off, and should I wash my face after using a fabric mask?

Photos before and after using a homemade sheet mask with oils.

Expert comments: Ready-made fabric masks usually contain information about whether the mask needs to be washed off. As for homemade sheet masks, it all depends on how you feel and the composition of the mask. If the ingredients of the mask stain the skin or after use there is a feeling of film or stickiness, then it is better to wash off the remaining mask. How to rinse off - with regular warm water, washing gel or something else depends on your skin type and the recommendations of a cosmetologist.

What do you need to sew a mask?

You can sew a fashionable face mask from fabric from the following materials:

• cotton;
• linen;
• batiste;
• satin;
• chintz;
• thin knitwear;
• bandage or gauze.

The following materials can be used as ties:

• ribbons sewn from the same fabric;
• underwear elastic bands;
• elastic bands left over from an old medical mask;
• rubber bands for money.

Who are you, mask?

This cosmetic product comes from the East, where the production of fabric masks has reached the highest level. American and European cosmetics companies are also trying to fill the niche, and many are succeeding. However, masks of Japanese-Korean origin enjoy the greatest attention, trust and success among those who care about the beauty of their skin. The fabric mask looks like an oval compress with holes for the mouth and eyes.

Fabric mask - a disposable express product for facial beauty

The fabric is generously soaked in serum and packaged in a polypropylene “wrap”. The entire portion contained in one package should be used during one procedure. However, zealous housewives manage to cheat and prolong the pleasure. Indeed, after using the fabric part, a lot of serum remains in the package, which can be used to pamper your face tomorrow or the day after tomorrow (or use it on your neck and hands).

But these are tips from the field of life hacks. To get maximum effect, it is better to use the entire contents of the package. By the way, fabric masks are a typical product for the Asian cosmetics market, and this market is extremely picky about details and accessories. Therefore, for reasons of hygiene, you can often find special plastic tweezers in packages with masks that will help avoid unnecessary contact of the mask with the skin of your hands.

The best lifting face masks

Aging skin needs especially careful and gentle care. The best anti-aging face masks:

1. Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask, The Body Shop. The composition includes clay and algae. The mask removes excess fat, makes the skin soft, normalizes metabolic processes, and saturates it with nutrients. After the third procedure, a noticeable lifting effect is visible, the skin acquires radiance and becomes more elastic.
2. Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque for dry skin, Dermatologia. The mask is suitable for mature and prematurely aging skin. The composition includes vitamin E and a high concentration of antioxidants, plant extracts, provitamin B, which stimulate tissue regeneration, support the production of collagen and elastin, reduce inflammation and irritation.
3. Darphin Purifying Aromatic Clay Mask for oily skin. This clay-based product with aromatic oils gently cleanses. In just 15 minutes, the skin becomes rested, fresh, moisturized and matte.
4. “Instant lifting” from Andalou Naturals. A tightening serum mask effectively moisturizes and visually rejuvenates the skin. The composition includes purple clay and maral oil. The assortment includes masks with rose water, fruit and berry extracts, pumpkin and honey, turmeric and golden clay, argan and blue clay.

Master class 2: fabric mask

If you do not want to sew a face mask from gauze, but want to stand out among the monotonous mass of people, then use fabric to make a mask. The peculiarity of this product is that you can choose any shade and color of the fabric. And even to match your main outfit. Make a mask to match your dress, blouse or jacket. You will definitely look stylish among other store visitors or transport passengers.

To make a mask you will need:

• a piece of fabric measuring 65 x 18 cm;
• threads in the color of the fabric;
• needle;
• scissors;
• elastic bands or another piece of the same fabric for sewing ribbons.

It works like this:

• Fold the piece of fabric into thirds. You can iron it first to make it easier to work on.
• Form three folds on our blank. They can face the same direction or be located in different directions. Secure the folds on the sides with threads. That is, sew with light stitches.
• Fold the side parts of the workpiece twice, 0.5 cm each. Carefully sew these places with thread. If you have a sewing machine, make a beautiful stitch.
• From the remaining fabric, make long ribbons, 20 cm each. Now sew them on the corners of the mask.
• If you are using elastic bands, you can pass them through the side holes of the mask and tie them. The fashionable mask is ready.

Interesting: How to look beautiful at home during quarantine

Multi-layer mask

This option offers increased protection as the fabric is rolled into several layers. When choosing a material, it is important to observe moderation, since the multilayer structure makes breathing difficult.

To sew a multi-layer mask, you will need a minimal sewing kit:

• a piece of thin fabric;
• elastic bands;
• scissors;
• needles and pins;
• threads

After preparing the tools and processing the workplace, they begin stitching a multi-layer protective mask.

1. A blank is cut out of the fabric. The average dimensions for an adult model are 30x60 cm, for a children's model 20x40 cm.
2. The fabric is divided lengthwise into 3 parts and folded right side out. The edges of the fabric overlap each other by 1.5 cm.
3. The folded rectangle is divided into 3 parts across and folded again, leaving 2.5 cm from the edge.
4. The free edge is folded over, secured with pins and sewn.
5. On the opposite side, retreat 1.3 cm and sew the fabric across.
6. As a result, drawstrings appeared on both sides. Using a safety pin, thread an elastic band through the hole and tie it with a knot.

Note! The comfort of wearing a mask depends on the correct size and fabric chosen. Thick material protects better, but it is difficult to breathe in such a bandage. It is necessary to find a balance between convenience and safety.

Reading the composition of the sheet mask

Like any cosmetic product, a fabric mask should be selected taking into account your skin type and the problem that can be solved. You can look for the corresponding designation on the packaging, but it still wouldn’t hurt to look at the list of ingredients. For example, for a mask to tighten, tone and rejuvenate the skin, look for retinol, hyaluronic acid, placenta extract, algae extract, epidermal growth factor or glycerol.

Products with zinc or plant extracts - birch, aloe, ginseng - can regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands and rid the skin of rashes. You can visually revitalize your skin, make it fresh and healthy, and even out your tone before applying cosmetics using masks that contain extracts of chamomile, hazelnut and lavender.

But, in addition to these components, most of which are familiar to Europeans, Asian serums contain many interesting local ingredients that cannot be found in other cosmetics. We offer you the top 5 most interesting ingredients that you should definitely try.

Top 5 “magic words” in the ingredient list

1. Snail extract. Perhaps the most fashionable ingredient in Asian cosmetics. Manufacturers use mucus secreted by snails. Its most valuable component is mucin. It is this that provides masks with snail extract with their amazing properties. Products with mucin restore skin elasticity, nourish and tone it, and also dry out inflammation. In addition, such masks perfectly moisturize the dermis.
2. EGF. This abbreviation stands for “epidermal growth factor”, and we have already mentioned it as an ingredient in anti-aging masks. EGF is a substance found in the tissues of the human body. Researchers say its job is to stimulate cell growth and suppress a gene that controls skin aging. EGF in the mask will help the dermis stay young, restore its structure, even out and improve color - even lightening age spots.
3. Snake poison. The serum for masks contains a tripeptide of venom, which is secreted by temple snakes. It may be listed on the ingredient list as Syn-Ake. Products with poison are considered one of the most powerful if you are faced with the task of rejuvenating your skin. Such masks are sometimes compared to the effect produced by a Botox injection: the skin is noticeably smoothed, large wrinkles become less deep, and small ones disappear altogether.
4. Colloidal gold. This substance acts as a vehicle for those mask components whose task is to nourish and moisturize. Gold becomes a “mediator” - thanks to it, nutrients and moisturizing substances can penetrate deep into the skin, and not be absorbed only into its upper layers. Masks with this component will be especially appreciated by women who want to rejuvenate their skin, even out its surface and tighten their facial contours.
5. Pearl extract. Masks with this substance perfectly even out the tone. Do you want the porcelain skin effect that Asian women are so proud of? This tool will help you take not a step, but a whole leap in the direction of your dreams. The mask evens out the skin, protects it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, and stimulates cellular renewal processes.