Summer Skincare Relief in the Time of a Pandemic

With our current habit of wearing face masks and frequent handwashing, we’re now facing a new set of skin conundrums. But with the right products, it's easy to maintain healthy, glowing skin, while staying well, too.

To soothe irritated skin

Sweat and humidity can be the culprits to itchy, unhappy skin, especially when our faces are covered for many hours a day. Aloe vera contains lots of antioxidants and vitamins, and is a natural healer. It is also gentle enough to use everywhere on your body, including your face – so use it to comfort irritated skin, and slather some on after a day spent outdoors. Because aloe vera helps to strengthen your skin’s barrier function, it’s also ideal for soothing chapped hands caused by frequent handwashing. Try Innisfree’s Aloe Revital Soothing Gel to revitalise your skin; try popping it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.

To pamper dry skin

Whether it’s your skin type that worsens with friction (aka face mask wearing) or it’s a result of being in air conditioning, combatting dry skin doesn’t mean you need to pile on thick, heavy moisturiser. Seed oils are fantastic for hydration as they contain nourishing fatty acids and lipids, absorb easily and prevent moisture from evaporating quickly from your skin. The oil of the South American Orbignya Oleifera seed is similar in nature as coconut oil and also doubles as an antioxidant. Try Erno Laszlo’s Hydra-Therapy Boost Serum on your face and neck morning and night; it softens and plumps skin at the same time.

To manage oily skin

If you have oily skin, it’s probably feeling suffocated hiding beneath a mask all day. We know that the scent of peppermint is energising, and drinking it as tea can help with a rumbling tummy. But peppermint oil, with a natural source of menthol, is great to use for “pepping” up your skin as it is chock full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. More importantly, it helps to rebalance natural oil levels on the skin, leaving pores unclogged and shiny skin refreshed. Try Melvita’s Nectar Pur Organic Mattifying Fluid; used morning and night, it keeps skin mattified for eight hours, perfect for that hurried, humid work day.

To protect your skin from the sun

Having your face partially covered doesn’t mean that it’s protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, sunscreen remains crucial to your daily skincare routine. Look for a lightweight formula with zinc oxide, which is a mineral that provides natural sun protection from broad spectrum UV rays. Since zinc oxide is also often used as a skin protectant, its irritability factor is low, making products suitable even for sensitive skin. It is also non-comedogenic, making it perfect for use in the stifling Hong Kong heat. Try Shiseido’s Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen, and apply liberally before sun exposure.

To calm redness

The antidote to inflamed, allergic skin as a result of material sensitivity is a cooling mist that distributes moisture and soothing ingredients to the skin. Calendula flowers, with their bright yellow and orange petals, are packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, and are also known for medicinal uses. This botanical hydrates and heals, and as an added bonus, also promotes the production of collagen. To alleviate your skin from aggravation due to wearing different types of masks, try Jurlique’s Calendula Redness Rescue Calming Mist. Combined with other gentle ingredients like cucumber and aloe vera, this spray is both soothing for your skin and refreshing for your other senses. Keep a bottle handy in your office desk drawer for a quick pick-me-up spritz any time of day.

Looking for more products to add to your summertime beauty arsenal? Go green with our clean beauty picks.