Medical professionals in high-risk environments regularly wear N95 and KN95 masks while working, according to the CDC. Although these types of masks are available for online shopping, they are difficult to find from authorized brands and doctors also argue that these high quality masks are unnecessary if you are not in a high-risk environment. In fact, when the specialist doctors we consult are not in their respective offices, they like to wear non-medical face masks, including reusable and disposable models.
To find out which facial masks professionals use, we consulted eight medical experts about their favorite masks, ranging from couture silk masks to antimicrobials and antibacterials.
Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD, prefers to wear these “stylish, comfortable and durable” face masks from medical scrubs manufacturer Jaanuu, which he noted is a “well-respected brand within the medical community”. For Konstantin, a certified double-sided facial plastic surgeon in New York City, breathability is critical and he told us that the face mask’s moisture-wicking fabric is “perfect” – especially during long days of surgery. He added that the mask’s set of antimicrobial properties is a “game changer”. You can get the masks in packs ranging from five to 5,000 per piece.
Sumayah Jamal, MD, PhD, looks for “ample breathing space” face masks, such as the Fydelity anti-humidity mask. The certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group said that this two-layer mask offers “a very good fit that doesn’t keep sliding down or up.” It also has a nose bridge and adjustable earrings, as well as chin protection, preventing let the mask go up.
Caroline Robinson, MD, an accredited dermatologist, “loves” wearing Evolvet face masks together when she is in the office for administrative work and opts for medical grade surgical masks or N95s when treating patients. She is a fan of the three-layer masks because they have a water-resistant outer layer, a melted center and an internal layer that absorbs water, which is “great for the office and when I’m running to do chores”. Shopping readers have also shown great interest in Evolvetogether disposable face masks, both for adults and children.
Robinson also “loves” wearing Second Wind face masks because they are “functional and fit perfectly with the face and nose, without compromising on style”. The brand manufactures 100% silk and linen facial masks with 100% organic cotton lining. You can place an activated carbon face mask filter in the inner pocket for an extra protection barrier. These chic face masks feature adjustable ear straps for safety and are available in three sizes: small, medium and large.
These “soft” satin-lined facial masks were recommended by Robinson, who also prefers masks made from other natural and breathable fabrics, like cotton and satin. Since satin is a soft material, it is less likely to cause friction and irritation in people with sensitive skin. “It is very important to find a mask that you feel comfortable in, because once you put on the mask, you should avoid touching it and adjusting it,” explained Robinson, who will adjust the ear straps for the best fit.
Dendy Engelman, MD, gravitates around the BaubleBar and Love Shack Fancy masks, as “they are much more beautiful than the N95s I use for work”. Engelman, a famous dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, uses only reusable two-layer facial masks. The BaubleBar cotton masks feature adjustable sliders on the loops for added comfort and come in trendy colors and prints, such as the Sequin and Mini Floral set and the Black Floral and Pink set. They also make children’s masks and mask chains that you can buy pre-made or make yourself.
Outside the clock, Hadley King, MD, an accredited dermatologist in New York City, likes to wear makeup artist Jenny Patinkin’s dye-free organic bamboo face mask. Another attractive aspect for King is that these hypoallergenic face masks have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, according to the brand. King also appreciates the double layer and the adjustable straps “to ensure a good fit”.
Another ideal face mask for King are the light and elastic facial masks from the medical clothing brand Figs. According to the brand, this mask is composed of two layers of FIONx fabric that absorbs moisture, made with antimicrobial technology. King also appreciates the adjustable nose wire “to ensure a good fit” along with the slot for replaceable activated PM2.5 BFE filters. Face masks are available in two sizes – S / M and L / X – the latter can be layered over an N95 if you want to make a double mask.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, wears these masks when he is active or working in New York, because they are made of 50% “breathable silver-infused fabric that dries quickly and has antimicrobial properties”. In addition, it is hypoallergenic, which “is useful even if you have sensitive skin”. Another great selling point for the certified dermatologist is that it offers UV protection and is comfortable – “like athletic clothing, these masks can be worn all day,” he said
Zeichner can also be found wearing these “great” black masks on a daily basis. They were developed with Chris Tomassian, a dermatology resident in Kansas City, Kansas. According to the brand, the two-layer masks are made with 100% Oeko-Tex certified cotton infused with an antimicrobial spray to prevent the overgrowth of microorganisms. You can also find the LA mask in several colors, including Shibori and Woodstock.
Monica Grover, DO, MS, an accredited gynecologist at the VSPOT Sexual Health Spa, likes to wear the double mask with a surgical mask and a cotton mask over it. “Any cotton mask alone does not offer optimal protection, so wearing a surgical mask underneath gives me the ability to be safe and fashionable,” she said. Although Grover is not partial to any specific brand outside the watch, she sometimes asks for children’s masks so they can safely fit on the bridge of the nose and chin. Based on this preference, we recommend the VIDA protection masks, the best-selling facial masks that we covered in 2020, and the brand manufactures them in normal, child and adult sizes, to fit the shape of your face. The three-layer facial masks come with a five-layer PM2.5 activated carbon filter to help capture particulate material.
Lately, Ellen Marmur, MD, said she wears disposable surgical masks while working in her Manhattan office. While she maintains a full stock of disposable and reusable N95, KN95 face masks on deck, her current favorites are like Costco’s lycra face masks. The certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare considers them suitable and “super soft” for her ears. These reusable masks are treated with UPF50 +, which offers an additional layer of sun protection. They are also made of Oeko-TEX material that absorbs moisture and has two layers.
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