Abstract

By using two kinds of masks, human cheeks were sampled and cultured to compare the population dynamics and distribution state of flora on human cheeks after using the mask products with and without preservatives. The total number of bacterial colonies on human cheeks decreased significantly after 4 days of application of masks with preservatives, but increased while it did not reach the initial level after 4 days of discontinuation. The total number of bacterial colonies on human cheeks and flora proportion had no prominent change after 4 days of application of masks without preservatives. The results showed that the continuous use of preservative-containing masks seriously disturbed the micro-ecological balance of human cheeks, and the continuous use of non-preservative masks had no significant effect on the micro-ecological balance of human cheek.