STREAMLINE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Makeup artist Larry Yeo reminds us that wearing a face mask creates a barrier between our skin and the mask. This occlusive effect actually traps the moist and hot air build-up within the mask from our breath, talking and sweat, which in turn can increase bacteria growth, leading to skin irritation, inflammation and breakouts.

So instead of doing your whole 10-step K-beauty skincare routine with multiple serums, consider paring it down and keeping it simple. Larry recommends hydrating toners or serums that double as moisturisers, while makeup artist Melissa Yeo suggests moisturisers with SPF to keep skin hydrated and protected.

It is important to keep your skin hydrated even with mask-wear, say both Larry and Melissa. This is because while it might be humid under the mask, your skin is still losing moisture, which can leave it dry. In addition, the constant abrasion from the mask causes friction that can further irritate the skin. So applying a lightweight hydrator not only keeps skin moisturised, but can also protect against friction from the mask.

“And don’t forget to massage your product in, especially on areas where there might be flakiness, to keep skin soft and supple,” says Larry.