Reaching for a drying spot treatment may seem like the natural course of action when you feel a pimple forming, but you might want to think twice before turning to that tube of spot cream. These drying formulas – often touted as acne-busting – may act as a quick fix, but over-using spot treatments can dry your skin out, lead to irritation, scarring, and even damage your skin barrier, which allows acne-causing bacteria to penetrate the skin more easily.
With spot treatments out of the mix, what then, can you do when faced with a breakout? The answer might be simple: repairing your skin barrier. Treating underlying issues is key to combating and preventing future flare-ups, and repairing your skin barrier can be done by simply adjusting your skincare routine to include hydrating, pH-friendly, and gentle products.
Below, we’ve curated a list of non-stripping products that you can fit into every step of your routine – from cleansing to toning – to help you achieve the clear, healthy skin of your dreams.
WANT Skincare Beet This Honey Cleanser, $47.20 for 100ml (u.p $59)
Over-cleansing your skin is one of the most common ways you can damage your skin barrier, and an easy way to find out if your cleanser is too harsh, is if your skin feels tight or “squeaky-clean” post-wash.
Using a gentle cleanser will help remove impurities from your skin without stripping it of the natural oils that keep it hydrated and healthy, and the WANT Skincare Beet This Honey Cleanser is a great option.
Made with more than 60% certified organic raw honey, a natural humectant that has acne-busting antibacterial and antiseptic properties, this award-winning cleanser not only soothes and calms the skin, but effectively removes dirt and makeup from the skin, leaving it feeling fresh, clean, and soft. In addition to being literally safe enough to eat, the cleanser is gentle enough to be used both in the morning and as part of a double cleansing routine at night.
Re:erth Barrier Control, $69.60 for 30ml (u.p $87)
If you’re looking for an acne treatment that effectively tackles the root cause of infections in blemishes – without the expense of compromising your skin barrier – look no further than the award-winning Re:erth Barrier Control
Clinically tested, non-comedogenic and non-drying with proven results, Re:erth Barrier Control is the ultimate blemish treatment for clearer pores and a healthy glow. Formulated with patented anti-microbial ingredients such as Lysozymes, Colostrum and Water-Soluble Vitamin A, the treatment works safely and effectively to reduce blemish-causing bacteria while soothing and revitalising skin.
Lysozyme, an antimicrobial enzyme, destroys blemish-causing bacteria for clearer pores, while Colostrum, which is rich in immunoglobulins and contains Vitamins B and E, contains both anti-bacterial effects and moisture-locking properties to strengthen and invigorate skin cells. Finally, Water-Soluble Vitamin A, supports collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and promotes smoother, firmer-looking skin. This powerful combination of ingredients works in tandem to kill acne-causing bacteria at every stage of the blemish forming cycle, preventing the formation of new spots.
Beigic Treatment Lotion, $60 for 120ml (u.p $75)
Our skin’s barrier is slightly acidic, and maintaining its pH level means that it’s optimised to seal in hydration, and protect us from pollution, environmental irritants, and bacteria. Using a product that helps balance pH levels of skin is hence key to achieving healthy, glowing skin, and using it as the first step can help prime the skin to allow for better absorption of the rest of the routine.
The Beigic Treatment lotion does just that, and more. Designed to prep, prime and ready skin for the rest of your products, this treatment lotion is a sensitive skin saviour.
Saying that the lotion is a multi-tasker is an understatement; infused with star ingredients
such as Green Coffee Bean Oil, Six-Peptide Complex, Peppermint Leaf Water, Freesia Refracta Extract and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, the lotion works overtime to promote skin regeneration, replenish moisture, improve skin texture and tone, and even soothe minor irritation, bringing overworked skin back into balance.
Kew Organics Apple Stem Vitaglow Serum, $72 for 30ml (u.p $90)
Humectants and antioxidants are a power duo for strengthening the skin barrier – while humectants help prevent transepidermal water loss, acting as an additional line of defence, antioxidants reduce the amount of oxidative stress – a major contributing factor to reduced barriers – exposed to our skin.
The Kew Organics Apple Stem Vitaglow Serum is the perfect way to introduce both ingredients into your skin. The serum contains antioxidant powerhouses Tetrahydrocurcuminoids, Ferulic Acid, Sea Vege Complex and Resveratrol, which boosts cell renewal and delivers water-based humectants to replenish moisture to dehydrated skin.
On top of strengthening your skin’s barrier, the serum also contains skin brightening and age-delaying Swiss Apple Stem Cells. Together, this synergistic blend of powerhouse ingredients help reduce pigmentation caused by past scarring, brighten, renew and clarify skin.
Kansoskin Simply Better Barrier, $36 for 60ml (u.p $45)
Simply put, the best way to repair the skin barrier is through hydration, and a moisturising cream – such as the Kanoskin Simply Better Barrier – will help support your skin’s own natural functions to restore balance in its barrier, making it soft, supple and healthy.
A deeply hydrating cream that brings all-day comfort and relief, the cream provides long-lasting moisture that calms dry, dehydrated, inflamed and itchy skin. Despite its intensely hydrating benefits, the Kanoskin Simply Better Barrier has a non-sticky, lightweight texture, allowing you to apply one or more layers, depending on the climate or how your skin’s feeling – making it especially befitting for Singapore’s tropical weather.