Wearing Surgical Face Masks Can Mess With Your Skin — Here’s What You Can Do

Mandatory mask measures may mean problems for your skin, especially if you’re wearing masks for an extended period of time and in hot and humid conditions. The idea of wearing a mask is that it traps moisture — along with heat — in the mask, rendering the skin in the masked area an ideal breeding environment for bacteria. This can lead to sensitive and acne-prone skin. And for those with oily skin, this can lead to even worse skin problems.

Here’s a list of 6 products that can help keep skin fresh and happy, and stave off nasty acne and skin problems.

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Whal Myung Minimal Eucalming Cleansing Ampoule, $39 for 2ml x 20

The new Millennial-friendly line from 122-year-old Korean royal herbal skincare brand Whal Myung is called Whal Myung Minimal, and targets sensitive problem skin. The full range includes the Skin Elixir and Meltaway Cleansing Balm, but these cute capsules caught our eye — on-the-go cleansing ampoules which boost moisture levels while battling bacteria-causing acne and tackling inflammation.

From selected Guardian stores and www.guardian.com.sg.
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel, $36.90

A new cleanser for acne-prone skin from dermatologist-recommended French skincare brand La Roche-Posay. This reduces severe and persistent acne imperfections and marks on the face and body and prevents reoccurrence, and is suitable for sensitive skin. We reckon it'd work wonders for mask-ravaged skin as well.

From selected pharmacies and supermarkets.
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Minon Amino Moist Clear Wash Powder, $21.90

A powder wash for sensitive and dry skin from a well-loved Japanese brand, this is a botanical cleansing alternative for delicate skin which blends amino acids and active enzymes, and also gently exfoliates, and promises to replenish and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.

From selected pharmacies and supermarkets.
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Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Oil-free Moisturising Lotion SPF 25, $42.90

Part of an acne-busting duo (along with the Oil Control Foam Wash, $32.90), which promises to reduces shine, blemishes and irritation, this is a light-textured moisturiser which soothes and relieves skin by improving dryness and roughness, while strengthening and restoring the skin barrier, and is clinically proven to help control acne and reduce excess oil.

From selected pharmacies and selected online stores.
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RE:ERTH Blemish Control, $80

This breakout breaker contains patented water-soluble Vitamin A to boost skin elasticity, and has a unique Lysozyme and Colostrum formula which kills acne-causing bacteria under the skin. The minty-cool gel absorbs instantly and we can vouch that the inflammation-busting results are pretty immediate.

From reerth.com.
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Kylaz Moisturizing Blemish Defence, $20 for 30ml

A Singaporean skincare brand that focuses on offering acne sufferers a holistic, effective and long-term solution, by protecting and strengthening the skin, rather than just treating active breakouts. The idea is to treat the root of acne within the dermis, heal acne and blemishes and improve skin health and immunity so that recurring acne is prevented.

Available at jyx.shop/kylaz.

Main visual: Unsplash