How to layer your skincare under your mask, according to experts

Dr Gun-Young Ahn, a dermatologist in South Korea and founder of Gowoonsesang Clinics, recommends that with the new routine of masks, we should all be paying attention to the cleansing portion of our skincare. Focus on finding a gentle and effective cleanser that won’t strip your skin and leave it dry. Try looking for one with salicylic acid so that it won’t clog the pores. The key is to cleanse the skin before you put on the mask and after you’re home and removed the mask.

Jay Kim, AHC’s Master Aesthetician, shares that people living in humid climates might want to keep their products to a minimum when wearing a mask. And so it’s best to look for multi-tasking products or to try Korea’s well-loved skip care routine. Skip care routine emphasises on the quality of products over quantity, and in this case, you should be picking products that have multi-functions and benefits. Either a serum that helps hydrate the skin while protecting it from inflammation, or a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturiser.

Since you’re keeping your skincare to a bare minimum before putting masks, it’s best to pick the ingredients that can help prevent maskne. Usually, the culprit of maskne can come down to irritation or clogged pores. Try using ingredients like Salicylic acid, Centella Asiatica, Glycolic acid, and even green tea to help prevent maskne.

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and so it can penetrate through clogged pores to dissolve blackheads and whiteheads all while regulating the production of sebum. Centella Asiatica, otherwise known favourably in Korea as Cica, is a soothing ingredient, just like green tea. And Glycolic acid is an AHA that helps reduce clogged pores to minimise the likelihood of breakouts.

Though it might not seem necessary, sunscreen is always essential. Even when we’re trying to keep our skincare to a minimum under the mask. Dr Gun shares that not all masks can block out UVA and UVB rays and typically face masks only give you around SPF seven of sun protection – which is why we need to be wearing sunscreen.

Nam Vo, makeup artist and Instagram phenomenon, voices the same concern and advises against skipping sunscreen. And Holly Thaggard of Supergoop! emphasises that the key is just to use sunscreen and use one that you love.

After you take off your mask and cleanse, Jay recommends applying a wet cotton ball or pad and soaking it with your favourite toner or blemish-targetted serum. Keep it in the refrigerator until it’s chilled, then apply it onto the skin until it dries naturally. This easy remedy can help calm down irritation on the skin while doubling up as a spot treatment to prevent maskne.

This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.