We tend to overlook products that are equipped with soothing and calming properties, focusing more on products that deliver targeted treatments. While having specific serums and ampoules in our beauty stash are essential, it is also important to arm our routine with products that calm the skin. They essentially aid in relieving redness, reduce skin irritation and tackle problems such as acne (or ‘mask-ne‘ for some of us today).
For one, we can’t escape the effects of pollution inflicted on our skin – the constant exposure to hidden and harmful airborne pollutants weaken our skin barrier. Stress, anxiety and mandatory mask-wear may also affect our skin adversely, leading to roughness, breakouts and dullness. So when negative side effects like irritation kick in, opt for calming products that can soothe and rebalance skin to get your complexion glistening in no time.
A non-drying gel-to-foam cleanser formulated with salicylic acid and charcoal, it gently but effectively removes pore-clogging debris, pollution and even light makeup to keep skin clean and clear.
Available at Origins counters, Sephora stores, BHG Singapore, Metro, Tangs and Sephora, and the Origins official flagship store on Lazada.
With an upgraded Volcanic Cluster Sphere+ complex that is said to be seven times more effective, along with AHA, PHA, madecassoside and carbonated Jeju spring water, this peeling clay mask promises a clearer and smoother complexion in just five minutes. More importantly, it’s also suitable for sensitive and/or drier dehydrated skin types that are prone to breakouts.
Available at Innisfree and Innisfree official flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee.
A gentle exfoliating facial mask that not only decongests pores but also keeps skin well-hydrated thanks to a proprietary hyaluronic-infused non-drying clay. Also contains watermelon enzymes to brighten, PHA and BHA to refine skin texture, and ultra-fine blueberry seed powder that acts as a gentle physical exfoliant.
Available at Sephora.
A multi-tasking moisturiser, it fills in fine lines and wrinkles while erasing imperfections like blemish spots for a clear and youthful looking complexion. Its Dermo-Rescue CX complex purifies skin and prevents acne flareups with zinc, five gentle acids and roucou seed extract, while the Hyaluro-youth CX complex uses a blend of peptides to keep signs of ageing at bay.
Available at the Filorga official flagship store on Lazada.
A blemish-fighting spot treatment that contains salicylic acid and asiatica extract to slough off dead skin and unclog pores to help clear out acne spots. Also soothes the skin and reduces signs of redness and inflammation, while encouraging skin repair for a clearer complexion.
Available at Watsons and the official Derma Lab flagship store on Shopee.
Ideal for even the most reactive skin, this updated formula contains a unique yeast extract complex to rebalance skin’s microbiome and strengthen its barrier function for a healthy and well-hydrated complexion. Plus, its acne care complex – a combination of Tranexamic acid and winter begonia extract, soothes skin, prevents clogged pores and controls excess sebum production, to keep breakouts away.
Available at Watsons and the official Watashi+ by Shiseido flagship store on Lazada.
Infused with a blend of AHAs (glycolic, lactic and phytic), BHAs (willow bark extract) and PHAs (glucono lactone), this gentle solution works hard to clear clogged pores, clarify and refine skin while rebalancing oil and sebum production to keep acne at bay. The result: smooth and glowy Korean celebrity-esque complexion.
Available at Chantecaille counters at TANGS at Tang Plaza and Takashimaya department store.
Packed with colloidal oatmeal extracts to rebalance the microbiome of the skin, this soufflé-like formula instantly soothes inflammation and redness, leaving complexion healthy and calm. Also contains troxerutin from Japanese pagoda trees, polyglutamic acid from soybeans, and matcha extract to strengthen skin barrier, lock in moisture and keep skin youthful.
Available at Sigiskin.
A light oil-free moisturiser that contains salicylic and lipohydroxy (LHA) acids to reduce excess sebum production and unclog pores for a smoother and brighter complexion. Ideal for combination and oilier skin types.
Available at Sephora.
Ideal for oily and combination skin types, this gentle gel cream is fortified with three key ingredients to not only soothe irritable complexions but also hydrate and strengthen damaged skin. A centella asiatica complex works with cicabond to calm, protect and rebuild compromised skin. A jartbiome complex then strengthens and improves skin’s defenses for it to better fight against external aggressors.
Available at Sephora.
The first overnight sleeping mask from the cult American beauty brand, this is powered by Vitamin F, which is an essential fatty acid that is rich in omega-6 to maintain the skin’s healthy protective layer. Besides that, it is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties to prevent any inflammation and irritation. As if that’s not impressive enough, this is also formulated with niacinamide, sodium PCA, plant squalane, five forms of ceramides, omega fatty acids and powerful antioxidants to strengthen and protect the skin’s barrier.
Available at Sephora.
Gentle enough to be used on eczema-prone skin, this toner contains ceramides 1, 3 and 6 to strengthen skin barrier and repair dry and sensitive skin. It is also saturated with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and calm. The toner is also said to be able to reduce skin roughness and prevent moisture loss thanks to hyaluronic acid.
Available at Watsons.
On top of soothing and calming complexions thanks to Iceland moss extracts, this also acts as an anti-ager. It features an exclusive peptide formula known to promote the skin’s natural regeneration process, and also uses Alaskan glacier water, which is rich in minerals to protect skin from free radical damage that causes further signs of ageing.
Available at Sephora.
We are all aware of the soothing powers of cucumber but besides that, this gel-type mask can also detoxify and treat rough skin texture. It contains a cocktail of botanical extracts derived from papaya, pineapple and aloe vera.
Available at Sephora.
Rich in antioxidants and hydration, this anti-inflammatory and healing gel uses a special blend of aloe vera and herbal extracts like peach, peony, Yoshino cherry and mountain pepper to soothe dry, irritated, acne and even eczema-prone skin.
Available at Porcelain Skin.
This powerful serum adopts a two-prong approach to soothe and treat complexions. First, sea aster inhibits the production of cutaneous neuropeptides, which are basically the molecules that cause the skin to flare up, hence reducing the appearance of redness. Next, schisandra ceramide improves the appearance of damaged skin while protecting it against environmental aggressors.
Available at Sephora.
This gentle cleanser not only removes dirt and grime, but it also soothes and repairs. Beta carotene found in pumpkin and carrot extracts protects the skin against UV damage by acting as an antioxidants to neutralise free radicals.
Available at Kew Organics.
If you struggle with acne, you might already know that salicylic acid is a handy ingredient to have in your skincare: It helps with soothing the skin and reducing inflammation, which is especially important if you’re prone to acne.
The new blemish control facial lotion from Kiehl’s has a formula that contains 1.5 percent salicylic acid as well as aloe vera and vitamin B3 (or niacinamide) which is a skin-restoring ingredient. It isn’t moisturising enough to be used on its own, but it works like a dream under your regular moisturiser to calm any breakouts you have, prevent future ones, and bring radiance back to your skin. It also contains lipo hydroxy acid, which is said to work to loosen up dead cells and prevent clogged pores.
Available at Khiels.
A lightweight multi-benefit moisturiser that hydrates, soothes, heals and protects skin. Much like the brand’s Pure Serum Mist, this moisturiser contains mineral-rich onsen water to soothe and calm skin irritations while the use of antioxidant-rich French pine bark protects against free radical damages and external stressors.
Available at Skin Inc.
Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair serum is probably one of the brand’s best-selling skincare products of all time. It’s an amazing repair serum that helps with everything from signs of ageing to improving skin texture, and it even gave me overnight results the first time I used it. The brand has launched a new recovery eye mask that contains their patented Advanced Night Repair technology, as well as concentrated moisture and soothing anti-irritants to give your eye area a boost. And hey, daily stressors and environmental aggressors take a toll on our eyes as well, a particularly delicate area of the face which tends to be neglected, even if you’re a stickler for regular skincare masks and moisturisers!
Available at Sephora.
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