How To Deal With Sensitive Skin In The New Normal

The reasons why your skin is flaring up, and feeling itchy and dry as a result of wearing a mask – and what you can do about it.

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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.