All around in Singapore, everyone is learning what it feels like to put on a protective mask. With the Covid-19 situation, it is important for people to put on a surgical or reusable mask whenever they step out of the house to reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus. However, continuous usage of these masks will put a strain on our skin which will cause breakouts, clogged pores and oily skin. A study has proven that there was a 97% increase of skin damage among front line medical workers in Hubei, China. Thus, it is essential to pick up some tips and tricks to reduce the damage on our skin.
1. Exfoliate More Regularly
Exfoliating the skin more regularly helps to remove dead skin cells, which can accumulate under the mask, leading to excess bacteria and blocked pores. Enzyme-based cleansers can be gentler on the skin, while clay-based masks can help the detoxification process.
For a gentle enzyme exfoliator suitable for daily use, try Mirage Miracle’s Refining Face Polish.
To find out more about chemical vs physical exfoliators, check out our previous article here!
2. Masking
Face masks can help to treat and decrease oily skin by absorbing and cleansing the oils from our skin’s surface, or increase the level of hydration and moisture in our skin so that it doesn’t need to overproduce. Mirage Miracle’s Silk Protein Repairing Mask, a Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Award-Winning Mask, is a great option for oily skin as it contains silk protein properties that promotes sebum absorption and skin tightening, and EGF that boosts collagen and tightens pores. In addition, it provides antibacterial benefits that calms and soothes irritable skin. Check out our customer’s reviews below!
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
One very common misconception is that oily skin does not need to be moisturized, or that moisturizers and serums are too rich and makes things worse. The truth is, oil and water are two different things – and dehydration can cause your skin to produce even more sebum. Maintaining a good balance is key to healthy, happy skin!
Look for moisturizing products that are water-based, gel serums and are lightweight so it can be easily absorbed into the skin. Mirage Miracle’s Clear Care Serum is formulated to target oily and acne aggravated skin by controlling high sebum production. It also has a super light texture that hydrates skin without any heaviness or greasiness that can clog your pores. Easily absorbed, this serum does not leave your skin feeling sticky or tacky.
4. Changing your Lifestyle
Eating foods that have high glucose, oil and salt (E.g. Pizza, high glucose bread and fries) can increase oil production and can even lead to acne issue. On the other hand, eating foods that are high in Vitamin B, D or E (E.g. lemon, barley, beans and tomatoes) helps to control oil production by caring for sebaceous gland.
Get plenty of sleep, at least 6 hours a day, especially between 10pm to 4am is important as it is the time where the skin restores itself and goes through the process of cell regeneration.
5. Choose your Makeup Wisely
When it comes to makeup for oily skin, look for lighter textures and keywords like non-comedogenic, oil-control or mattifying and avoid pore-clogging foundations that feels heavy. If possible, choose powder over foundation. At the end of the day, make sure to thoroughly remove all the makeup before you go to bed, so your skin can breathe.
These are 5 simple ways that you can embrace immediately to reduce the damage on your skin. Let’s all be responsible citizens and remember to always wear your mask out!
