Millions of Brits preferred wearing a mask in the pandemic to hide skin

MILLIONS of British women liked wearing a mask during the pandemic – as it disguised their skin.

A poll of 2,000 women revealed 65 per cent have gone to great lengths throughout their lives to cover up spots, including wearing roll neck jumpers in summer and wrapping scarfs around their face.

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And over the past 18 months, more than half have enjoyed covering their faces with masks.

Other tricks regularly deployed to hide bad skins include wearing hair loosely, growing a fringe and walking with their head down.

Half have also tried covering acne or spots up with layers of makeup, but fear it just makes things worse.

Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) of women aren’t happy with their skin and have tried six products to attempt to fix it.

And the average woman spends 15 minutes caring for her skin each day, spending an average of £61 in the last year.

The survey was commissioned by Polish dermacosmetics skincare brand Tolpa which has launched its facial skincare products in the UK.

Kadeeja Sel Khan (@emeraldxbeauty), an ambassador for Tolpa’s Nothing to Hide campaign, said: “It’s hard to see so many women struggle with the look of their skin, even when it’s such a natural and normal thing that we all go through.

“I have acne-prone and very sensitive skin and it can definitely get my mood down sometimes.

“Like many women, I used to find myself trying to hide my skin – but I have embraced the natural look and began using products that show the reality behind the filter, that actually work, which has made a huge difference.”

The survey also found 55 per cent of women consider their skin to be the most important part of their appearance. 

Concerningly, 38 per cent said there has been a time when they haven’t left their house because of their skin and one in 10 have even lost out on opportunities because of their spots.

Furthermore, 44 per cent have turned to home-made remedies including putting toothpaste on a spot and, honey face masks and apple cider vinegar in a bid to clear their skin.

And while 76 per cent are dubious that these at home remedies work, they are willing to try anything.

Cucumber and teabags on eyes, toothpaste on spots and OTC antiseptics top the list of the most popular DIY products.

Charcoal and glue facemasks, surgical spirt and apple cider vinegar toner are also methods women commonly use.

But 47 per cent said they didn’t notice a difference in their skin after using an at-home remedy and some even said it made their skin worse.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, shows three in 10 tried these remedies as they were desperate to have better skin.

It also emerged that 55 per cent look for products that combine natural and scientifically proven ingredients, while 44 per cent are always on the look out for skincare with innovative ingredients.

Dr Alia Ahmed, independent consultant dermatologist to Tolpa, said: “It’s clear people use these ‘remedies’ out of desperation, but they may cause further problems, so I usually advise against this.

“It’s great that people are now looking for products that combine the best from nature with scientifically proven ingredients as this is something I recommend.

“Acne affects quality of life and has considerable psychological, social and emotional impact.

“As the stats show, sadly, the psychological impact of acne affects several aspects of daily life, including the ability to socialise, and can limit occupational opportunities.”