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STYLE | Beauty | Skin

How to deal with sensitive skin from mask-wearing

Yes, you can blame mask-wearing for your skin flare-ups, dryness and itchiness. We ask a doc what's going on, and recommend some products that will help to rescue your skin

By Vanessa Chia - 

Sensitive skin new normal
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We already know about dreaded maskne – and may even be experiencing it – but have you noticed that in addition to breaking out, your skin also seems drier, more itchy and hyper-sensitive from wearing a mask?

In fact, Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist at Eileen Tan Skin Clinic & Associates, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, says that besides acne, she has seen a surge of eczema and skin infections on the face over the past year.

What’s causing this increase in skin sensitivity? Dr Coni Liu, consultant dermatologist at DS Skin & Wellness Clinic, says the combo of sweat, humidity and your mask continuously rubbing against your skin is a likely culprit. “It causes the skin barrier to break down and become more sensitive,” she says.

Dr Tan explains that there is no real clinical definition of sensitive skin, and that the term is generally used to describe hyper-reactive or allergic skin caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. In this instance – mandatory mask-wear.

When it comes to preventing a skin flare-up in these conditions, good hydration is an important first step – it helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and reduces the impact of external aggressors on skin.

When choosing skincare for your new-norm-sensitised skin, Dr Liu says simple formulas are the key. “The more ingredients a product contains, the more likely you are to come in contact with an allergen, like scents and oils that, while making a product smell great, may also cause contact allergies,” she says.

(Here is "How To Layer Your Skincare Under Your Mask, According To Experts")

And remember, just because a product claims to be safe for sensitive skin, doesn’t mean that it can’t cause a reaction. Sensitive-skin triggers vary from person to person, Dr Tan says, so the best solution is to keep your skincare routine simple with a soap-less cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.

Here’s what you can do: Moisturise your face twice or more a day, and choose a hydrator with active ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerine and dexpanthenol (a derivative of vitamin B5) to help attract moisture, repair your skin barrier, reduce moisture loss, and support skin regeneration.

(Read also "Here’s How K-Beauty Trends Have Changed To Adapt To The New Normal")

Before wearing your mask, apply an emollient cream along the border where the mask comes into direct contact with your face.

Reduce the use of chemicals like retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and hydroxy acids. While these are ideal for treating certain skin conditions, they can also lead to skin irritation when used excessively.

Be mindful that just because a product is herbal or plant-based does not mean it is less allergenic – many organic and natural ingredients often contain essential oils, a common source of contact allergy.

And don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily, opting for physical UV filters like zinc and titanium dioxide, as they have less risk of causing skin irritation.

Other skin-loving products to soothe your sensitive skin:

MT Metatron MT My First Step Lotion, $117

1/15

The first step towards healing your sensitive skin, this soothing lotion is enriched with plant extracts like shiso leaf, along with brown sugar extract and glycyrrhizic acid, that work together to protect skin against free radical damage, inflammation and inhibit skin’s reactivity. Skin is hydrated, nourished and restored to a smooth and supple state once more.

Available at MT Metatron counter at Isetan Scotts and Isetan.com.sg

Clarins Calm Essentiel Restoring Treatment Oil, $95

2/15

A light facial oil that soothes away skin discomfort like dryness and tightness. Infused with antioxidant-rich clary sage, it treats and alleviates skin irritation while moisturising, nourishing ad protecting the skin at the same time. If your skin is extremely reactive, Clarins experts recommend using this oil alone, as an intensive treatment, for 10 to 20 days, depending on your skin’s needs.

Available at Clarins boutiques and counters, Clarins.com.sg, Tangs.com, BHGSingapore.com.sg, Metro.com.sg and Store.Takashimaya.com.sg

Est.Lab ActivCalm Anti-Stress Hydra Cream, $118

3/15

A lightweight moisturiser that soothes skin that’s prone to irritation, dryness and itchiness. Its secret? Five per cent pumpkin seed extract that not only calms inflammation, but also helps limit skin’s reactivity. Also contains a medley of other active ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate to nourish and hydrate the skin.

Available at Estetica Beauty Studios and Estlab.shop

Two Halves Better Balance Soothing Hydration Essence, $85

4/15

A water-light gel essence that’s packed with botanical extracts – prickly pear, cherry blossom leaf, scutellaria baicalensis, glycine soja seed, geranimum robertianum, cynara scolymus leaf and licorice root, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to protect and soothe sensitive skin. Also contains a vitamin C derivative, resveratrol and sodium hyaluronate to strengthen skin’s barrier and keep you looking youthful. This essence is also formulated without sulfates, parabens, PEGs, mineral oils and fragrances.

Available at Twohalves-skincare.com, Novela stores at IMM, Singpost Centre, Northpoint and Yue Hwa, and Novela.com.sg

Skin Inc Pure Serum-Infused Moisturiser, $68

5/15

Supercharged with a blend of skin-fortifying ingredients like ceramides, squalene, vitamin C, algae extract, licorice, pearl protein and brown seaweed, this hardworking cream not only hydrates and brightens but also soothes redness, strengthens skin’s resilience and reduces the signs of ageing at the same time. Plus, you can add a shot or two of Skin Inc’s Serum Boosters, mixing it with the moisturiser to enhance its effects even more. The result: Healthy, glowing skin.

Available at Skin Inc concept stores, Iloveskininc.com.sg, Sephora stores and Sephora.sg

Kundal Derma C.P.R CICA Calming Facial Mist, $19.50

6/15

Keep calm and spritz on. Infused with panthenol, centella asiatica and porphyrin, this refreshing facial mist is perfect for soothing your skin during flare-ups. Use after cleansing or to rejuvenate the skin after a long day of makeup and mask-wearing.

Available at official Kundal store on Shopee.sg, Guardian stores and Guardian.com.sg

The Face Shop Yehwadam Artemisia Soothing Moisturizing Cream, $85

7/15

An ultra-light cream that heals, purifies and moisturises the skin from the inside-out, thanks to a botanical blend of mugwort (also known as Artemisia capillaris), heartleaf and water lily. This moisturising cream also helps regulate sebum production, making this ideal for acne-prone, oily or dehydrated skin.

Available at The Face Shop stores.

Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask, $69

8/15

The improved formula now boasts 50 per cent more aloe vera that works together with calendula extract and petals to instantly soothe and hydrate irritated skin while reducing visible redness at the same time. Plus, the new gel-cream texture is great for cooling flushed skin, minimising its reaction to inflammation.

Available at Kiehl’s stores and counters, Kiehls.com.sg, BHGSingapore.com.sg, Metro.com.sg and Tangs.com

Bio-Essence Bio-Water Vitamin B5 Gel, $45.90

9/15

Packed with five per cent vitamin B5 and sodium hyaluronate, this serum effectively hydrates the skin from deep within, leaving it smooth and supple, while reducing the appearance of dryness or even flaky skin. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier to better protect against environmental stressors.

Available at Bioessence.com.sg, Watsons stores, Watsons.com.sg, Guardian stores and Guardian.com.sg

Derma Lab Hydraceutic Double Power Vitamin Concentrate, $49.90

10/15

Infused with five per cent vitamin B3 and five per cent vitamin B5, this power-packed serum boosts skin’s regeneration and reduces skin irritation from external aggressors to help you achieve a healthier complexion. The result: Skin is smooth, calm and well-hydrated.

Available at Dermalab.com.sg, Watsons stores and Watsons.com.sg

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, $39.90

11/15

The soft cream contains soya proteins, aloe vera, shea butter and beeswax to nourish and protect skin while reducing sensitivity

Available at Watsons.com.sg

Belvea Moisturizing Skin Cream Formula, $20

12/15

Its gentle formula contains low-irritation-index ingredients like allantoin and aloe vera leaf extract, to soothe and heal irritated or sensitised skin.

Available at belvea.com

Dr Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive Superfoods Barrier Repair Face Cream, $110

13/15

Superfoods, adaptogens and niacinamide help strengthen the skin barrier so skin can withstand stressors and inflammation, reducing its sensitivity. The formula also has anti-ageing properties.

Available at Sephora.sg

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Mask, $7.90 per mask

14/15

The mask contains a week’s worth of Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum. It provides instant relief to dry, sensitive and irritated skin with a soothing formula.

Available at laroche-posay.sg

(Read also "10 Facial Masks You Can Use Every Day")

Dr LeWinn’s Recoverederm Intensive Overnight Barrier Repair Balm, $74.90

15/15

Forms a protective barrier against external aggressors, increases moisture retention, and rebalances skin with Australian marine algae, ceramides and a probiotic complex.

Available at tangs.com

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#HerWorldWithYoumasknesensitised skinsensitive skinskin irritationskincare tips
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