Since Aug. 4, masks have been a requirement in the state of Mississippi. Many students are using this experience with masks to show a variety of style factors and creativity while also having concerns for skincare. 

   A majority of the students surveyed prefer choosing a comfortable mask over a stylish or trendy mask.

   Freshman Kaylie Deakle is one of few who uses hand sewn masks. Deakle states she would rather have a wire piece in the mask for the extra support and cloth straps since they do not pull as hard as elastic. 

   According to student surveys, surgical masks are one of the least popular face coverings at the high school. However, they are more protective and beneficial than the majority worn.

   In accordance to ScienceAlert.com, a two layered cotton mask is 99.5 percent efficient at filtering large water droplets and 82 percent efficient at filtering aerosols. These types of masks are best worn in public, indoor and/or crowded settings. 

   ScienceAlert states that medical masks(N95 and surgical) are best worn in healthcare environments. Not only do these types of masks filter on average 99.2 percent of large water droplets, but they also filter 92.25 percent of aerosols.

   The current masks worn by most sports include gaiters and scarves/bandanas. The gaiters and  scarves/bandanas are 44 percent efficient at filtering large water droplets and 49 percent efficient at filtering aerosols. ScienceAlert.com also claims that these types of masks are a last resort. 

   A variety of students including freshman Yazmin Humphrey strive to obtain a stylish mask choice that coordinates with the clothes they wear.

   “I like my masks to match, and if I am feeling pretty that day, I will wear a decorative mask,” Humphrey said. “ If I wear a plain shirt though, I don’t want to have a plain mask; I want to have a print.”

   In addition, Humphrey prefers the regular cloth masks over gaiters because the gaiters easily slip off of her face and are harder to breathe in.

   One highly popular face covering that many teachers tend to wear are face shields. 

   Algebra teacher Makayla Smith prefers to wear a face shield because it projects her voice and it makes it easier for her to breath. However, she tends to lean more toward face shields that rest on the chest rather than forehead shields because they do not pull her hair. Smith also managed to try face masks but disliked them because they gave her a headache that radiated throughout her whole body. 

   Due to students having face breakouts from face coverings, the high concern for skin care has grown rapidly.

   Freshman Victoria Clayton is one of many who has experienced breakouts from face masks. Clayton says that she uses a Clinique face wash to help with her facial breakouts and washes her face constantly.  

   GoodRX also gives tips like wearing only clean masks. This is because dirt and oil from the skin plus bacteria from the mouth and nose will end up on the cloth mask. Other tips include sticking to non-fragrant laundry detergent to help prevent skin irritation and headaches. 

   According to Vogue UK, silk masks give individuals a better chance of preventing “maskne” and keeping their skin clear. 

    “Unlike cotton, which pulls moisture from the skin into the fabric, silk’s tightly woven threads are much less likely to do so,” Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa said. “The reduction in moisture reduces bacteria’s ability to grow and populate in the mask.”

    The American Academy of Dermatology additionally gives insights on what to do to keep skin clear and acne free. For example, cleanse and moisturize the face daily, protect lips by applying petroleum jelly and skip the makeup when wearing a mask. 

   Instagram influencer Madison Prewett(@madiprew) claims that she uses Iconic London’s Luster Lip Oil to help out with her dry lips that were caused by facial masks. According to Prewett, the lip oil contains vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that helps her lips stay moisturized and nourished.