Skincare products I can't live without

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realise simple is best and the same can be said when it comes to skincare. Seriously, who has time to stick to 21 steps in a daily skincare regime when you’ve got work, laundry, cooking, hobbies and a family to take care of.

Give me simple and straight to the point any day. This is a skincare routine I’ve had going for the last 1 year or so. I must say my skin still looks healthy and happy and what’s even better, I have a little more time on my hands to do the other things I enjoy.  

Read more: Pre-holiday beauty check list before you hop on that plane

Here’s a lowdown of my favourite skincare products that I swear by.

#1 Essence

This is a step I’ve had added to my skincare routine a couple of years ago and there’s been no turning back. Not to be confused with a toner, using an essence is an additional step after you have applied toner and before adding on any serums.

I love the lightness of essences and how it hydrates and plumps my skin. I’ve read too that using essences prepares your skin to better absorb the other skincare products you’ll be using, which I think it really does, because my other skincare products seem to do their job better. Over time, my skin looks more dewy and feels more supple.

Read more: The essence of facial essences

#2 Exfoliator

Exfoliating my skin is something I’ve done religiously for close to 15 years now. Every Sunday as regularly as clockwork, I set aside some time to indulge in a little exfoliation. This helps to get rid of dead skin cells, allows better penetration of skincare products and promotes glowing skin. (I really do live for the glow.)

I’ve found that regularly exfoliating also helps to reduce clogged pores which in turn reduced outbreaks for me.

#3 Mask

Immediately after exfoliating my skin, I love to use a facial mask for an intense dose of skincare goodness. This works especially well after skin has been well cleansed and has a clean slate to work off.

With a variety of over-the-counter masks to choose for, I tend to gravitate towards masks that promise to rejuvenate and rehydrate skin. Not only are these good for the skin, it’s a great way to round off the day with a spot of indulgence that’s good for both your skin and wellbeing.

Going mask free? Easy tips for treating maskne.

Are you camp mask off or mask on? Since the new relaxed rules about not having to wear your face mask when you’re outdoors, doesn’t it feel like your face is so much more exposed than before?

For those who love the mask-off rules, you’re not alone. Especially in Singapore’s hot and humid weather, having the option to remove your mask when it gets unbearably warm is a much-cherished respite.  

Since having had to wear masks due to COVID-19, mask acne also known as maskne has been on the rise. One of the possible causes for maskne is the retention of heat and humidity from perspiration and warm exhaled air that’s trapped within the mask.

Read more: Rejuvenate your skin with these beauty treatments!

Now that mask wearing in open spaces is optional, it’s a good time to give your skin some breathing space literally, and to mitigate maskne. At home, here are some other skincare tips you can follow to improve the condition and restore healthy, acne-free skin.

#1 Change your mask frequently

Whether you’re using disposable face masks or reusable cloth masks, it’s a good habit (which your skin will also thank you for!) to change them whenever you get too warm or sweaty. Dirt begets dirt and insisting on keeping on a dirty mask will only worsen any skin conditions.

Read more: Squalane vs Squalene: same same but different

#2 Use the right cleanser

Not all cleansers are created equal. That being said, find one that’s suited for acne-prone skin that can help to keep acne at bay. Skin Laundry III Refresh Sapphire Cleanser contains blue gold extracts and sebum-controlling enzymes to improve complexion by dissolving acne-causing clogs, a definite essential for acne-prone skin.

#3 Spot treatment

Knowing exactly what your skin concerns are and finding a solution that zooms in to fix the problem is a good place to be at if you ask me. Spot treatments do just that. If it’s acne you’re concerned about look for ingredients that are known for treating the problem, such as Nicotinamide. Now available as ampoules, this means you have the option of giving your skin a concentrated dose to intensively calm breakouts while fading acne spots and brightening all the same time.

Read more: Bakuchiol: All you need to know about this natural retinol alternative

#4 Don’t forget to moisturise

Acne-prone skin is usually oily and for the record, oily skin is not the same as hydrated skin. On the contrary, it’s your skin’s way of crying for help when it’s oily. An imbalance in your skin’s hydration levels results in your skin overcompensating its sebum production – an over production leads to clogged pores and acne.

Using moisturisers can help to restore your skin’s hydration levels and restore skin’s health. However it’s crucial that you do not exacerbate the condition by using the wrong type of moisturiser. For oily skin types, a lightweight moisturiser such as Blue Orchid Balancing Moisturiser can help to rebalance skin microbiome with its pre and probiotics and promote healthier, less oily skin.