Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz

How to stay cool during heatwave while wearing Covid face mask

As of today, the UK is in the middle of a glorious heatwave, which will send temperatures soaring into the 30s for the next week or so.

While this is no doubt welcome news for many of us after a few weeks of miserable weather, for others it means hot and sweaty commutes.

Although Covid lockdown restrictions are expected to ease on Monday, July 19, many rules are still in place.

As of right now, we're still expected to wear face masks in indoor settings where social distancing isn't possible – and some places will still expect you to wear them in crowded, enclosed spaces.

We still have to wear face masks on public transport (Getty Images)

During a heatwave this might be a daunting thought, as wearing a face covering in extreme heat can be uncomfortable.

Here are some things you can do to make it easier to cope.

Choosing the right mask

Choosing the right mask is very important when it comes to staying cool.

Experts suggest that it should be made from breathable material, such as cotton or bamboo.

Dr. Richard Watkins, an infectious disease physician and professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, told Yahoo! News it is important to choose a mask with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.

Pick the right colour

Picking a light colour can help you feel cooler (Getty Images)

Dark colours absorb more light and convert it into heat, so you should pick light colours instead.

Objects that are lighter in colour reflect light, and don't get as warm.

Dr Anne Rimoin, an infectious disease professor at UCLA, told ABC News: "You want to wear a mask that is light in color because dark colors will get hotter, faster, [drawing] the sun to you."

Carry a spare mask

According to Oxford University Hospitals, there is no set time or recommended number of masks you should use each day. It "all depends on what you're doing".

However, if you're mask gets dirty, wet or damaged, you should change to a new one.

If you're in the heat for a long period of time it's likely your mask will get damp because it absorbs sweat.

Make sure it's not too tight

Your mask should have a tight seal around the edge, but it's important it's not so tight it's making you feel uncomfortable.

There should be room between your mouth and the mask to allow airflow.

According to official guidance, the face mask should cover your nose and mouth while "allowing you to breathe comfortably".

Stay hydrated

Remember to drink, even if you're wearing a face mask (Getty Images/EyeEm)

It's very important to stay hydrated, even if you're wearing a face mask.

There is no problem removing your mask to have a refreshing glue of water.

Just remember to use hand sanitiser before touching your mask, and aim to remove it when you're at a safe distance from others.

Avoid make-up

One thing you can do is try to avoid make-up during the warmest days.

Dr Adil Sheraz told BBC: "The other thing you want to do is try and avoid make-up" because it can mix with sweat and clog pores.

Dr Sheraz added: "Use sun block and a water based moisturiser."

It's still important to use sun cream as the Met Office has forecasted high UV levels.

UVA and UVB rays can still carry through the mask.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.