Protect & Care for Your Skin

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Prep and protect: Use moisturizers, primers, or barrier serums to shield your skin before applying heavy makeup.
2. Cleanse thoroughly: Double cleansing removes all makeup residues, preventing clogged pores and irritation.
3. Hydrate and rest: Drink water, moisturize, and give your skin makeup-free breaks to maintain long-term skin health.

The holiday season is here, and with it comes parties, indulgences, late nights, and of course, trying on different makeup looks. Whether you’re rocking full-glam looks, bold eyeshadow colors, or glittery highlighter, heavy holiday makeup can take a toll on your skin and cause damage, especially if not removed properly. 

The good news is that with a little extra care, you can prevent clogged pores, protect your skin from makeup damage, and keep your skin glowing long after the celebrations end. Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore shares how you can maintain your skin’s health while still enjoying those looks.

1. Prep your skin: Start with barrier protection

Before applying makeup, make sure that your skin is well-prepped and protected. Do take note that heavy makeup, especially full coverage and long-wear foundations, can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. 

What to do:Moisturize first; dry skin can lead to patches and uneven texture. Then, prep your skin with a primer or barrier serum to protect your skin from any harsh ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formulas, or those with soothing ingredients like green tea, ceramides, and niacinamide.

2. Double cleanse: Remove every last bit 

Cleansing properly and thoroughly plays a big role in protecting your skin after heavy makeup. As foundation, mascara, eyeliner, and glitter can cling to your skin, regular cleansers may not be enough to remove them all.

What to do: Double cleanse for a more in-depth cleansing result. As washing your face just once may leave make-up traces and build-up, washing it again helps ensure that any remaining impurities are removed. 

1. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, dirt, and oil. You can also use micellar water. 
2. Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any leftover impurities. Choose a cleanser that is right for your skin type and massage it using an upward motion.
3. Rinse everything off and continue with the rest of your skincare (serum, moisturizer).

Don’t leave makeup on your skin overnight! Doing so can clog pores and lead to breakouts, irritation, and dullness. Dr. Sylvia’s LuminousFoam Cleanser 4-in-1 is formulated with a blend of actives to purify, hydrate, brighten, and help prevent acne. It has hyaluronic acid and aloe extract to replenish moisture and niacinamide to enhance skin radiance. 

3. Give your skin a break: Use minimal makeup or go makeup-free

Frequent use of heavy and full-coverage products like foundations, waterproof mascaras, and glitter can lead to clogged pores and irritation. Giving your skin a break not only helps your pores breathe, but also reduces the cost and time in applying makeup and deeply cleansing the skin. 

What to do: Go for a minimalistic look that still enhances your features without overwhelming your skin. Instead of a full-coverage foundation, consider using a tinted moisturizer/sunscreen, BB/CC cream, or targeted concealer coverage (on spots and blemishes only). And if you can, go makeup-free between events. 

For further reading: No Makeup On: Should You Go Barefaced?

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Heavy makeup can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and dehydrated. And after a long day or night of wearing it, you might also be tempted to skip your skincare routine or wash your face at all. 

What to do: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when out at parties or gatherings. At night, double cleanse and apply a moisturizer or an overnight hydrating mask to help replenish the moisture lost during the day. And if you have sensitive skin, look for moisturizers that can help soothe irritated skin.

Dr. Sylvia’s Hydra Pro with MoistureLock Complex is designed to hydrate and nourish your skin without leaving any oily residue. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula is suitable for all skin types, making it a must-have addition to your daily skincare routine.

5. Be gentle on your skin: No scrubbing and rubbing

After a long night of makeup and celebration, it can be tempting to cleanse quickly or scrub your face to remove every trace. Harsh or rushed cleansing, however, can compromise the skin barrier, leading to redness, irritation, sensitivity, or sometimes, broken skin. 

What to do: Use gentle makeup-removal wipes or reusable pads, applying light pressure as you cleanse. If your skin feels sensitive after wearing heavy makeup, skin\p exfoliation for a few days, and focus on calming, hydrating products. To soothe redness or prevent breakouts, consider a calming serum or a formula containing ingredients like aloe vera or Centella asiatica.

For further reading:Take it Easy: 5 Ways to Be Gentle on Your Skin

6. SPF is a must: Protect your skin pre-makeup

Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential, even during colder or winter months. UV rays can also penetrate clouds and windows, contributing to premature ageing, wrinkles, and pigmentation, whether you are outdoors or indoors.

What to do: Apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine, before makeup. Choose a broad-spectrum formula to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. If wearing heavier makeup, consider a lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish to maintain your makeup while giving your skin the protection it deserves.

Our Sunshield SPF 45 provides broad-spectrum protection and helps hydrate and moisturize the skin. It has niacinamide, panthenol, and phytosphingosine that help soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and redness.

7. Mind the glitter: Remove it gently without irritation

Glitter and shimmer may look cool and festive, but they can also wreak havoc on your skin if not removed properly. The glitter particles can scratch and irritate your skin, while the leftover shimmer can clog pores. 

What to do: When using glitter eyeshadows or highlighter, cleanse your face thoroughly, and be gentle when removing. Avoid rubbing your eyes or face harshly to remove glitter. Instead, use an oil-based makeup remover to gently dissolve the particles without irritating your skin.

Keep your skin healthy and glowing

While makeup is a fun way to express yourself, take note that healthy skin will always be in style. By prepping your skin with the right products, double cleansing thoroughly, and giving your skin a break, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout the holidays.

Keep these tips in mind, and your skin will thank you long after the festivities end. And for skin issues that make you self-conscious or compromise makeup application, schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore to explore your options.