Skincare for Nurses and Healthcare Workers: Masks, Handwashing and Long Shifts

Nurses, doctors and healthcare workers look after everyone else, often on long shifts with little time for themselves. Hours in a mask, frequent handwashing and sanitiser, warm wards and changing shift patterns all take a toll on skin. A simple routine that fits around your work can help your skin feel more comfortable.

How healthcare work affects skin

• Masks trap warmth and moisture, and straps and edges press on the nose, cheeks and ears.
• Frequent handwashing and sanitiser leave hands dry, rough and sometimes cracked.
• Gloves make hands sweat.
• Long and changing shifts disturb sleep.
• Skipped meals and water on busy days.

Before your shift

1. Cleanse gently.
2. Apply a light moisturiser and let it settle for a few minutes before putting on a mask.
3. Apply sunscreen if you will be outdoors on your commute.
4. Apply lip balm.
5. Skip heavy makeup under a mask.

Caring for skin under a mask

• Follow your workplace guidance on masks and protective equipment first.
• Take mask breaks in safe areas when your workplace allows.
• Keep skin clean and lightly moisturised rather than heavily coated.
• Change your mask as advised, and when it is damp.

Hand care

• Pat hands dry fully after washing.
• Moisturise whenever you can, such as on breaks and at the end of your shift, following your workplace hand hygiene rules.
• Use a thicker hand cream at night, with cotton gloves if your hands are very dry.
• Keep nails short and cuticles moisturised.

If your hands become cracked, sore, bleeding or itchy, speak to your occupational health team or a doctor.

After your shift

1. Cleanse your face gently with lukewarm water.
2. Moisturise face, neck and hands.
3. Apply lip balm.
4. Rest. Sleep when you can, in a dark, quiet room.

On night duty? See our night shift skincare routine.

Look after yourself too

• Keep a water bottle where you can reach it on breaks.
• Pack healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and roasted chana.
• Protect your days off for rest.
• Take a few slow breaths between tasks. See our tips on stress and skin.

A plan that fits your shifts

The Theraglam Glow Scan turns 3 photos and a short quiz into a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, face massage moves with step-by-step diagrams and a daily to-do list you can fit around your rota. It is a one-time payment, with no subscription and no address needed.

Quick questions

Should I moisturise before wearing a mask? Many people apply a light moisturiser and let it settle first. Follow your workplace guidance.

What helps very dry hands? Pat dry after washing, moisturise on breaks and use a thicker cream at night.

Your minimum routine on tough days

Some shifts leave no energy for anything. On those days, keep just three steps: cleanse your face, moisturise your face and hands, and apply lip balm. A short routine done every day matters more than a long one done now and then.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.