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.

Here are the best go-to facials for clogged skin

If you ask me, I think facials are the perfect little indulgences you can treat your skin to. Beyond your 5-step skincare routine, facials can take your skin to a whole different level, as long as you know what your skin needs.

It’s common for many of us to seek out facials when we need a little help to unclog trapped dirt and grime, for a cleaner visage, and why not? Here we’ve rounded up some of our favourite facials that are perfect for clogged skins.

Read more: The essence of facial essences

#1 Deep Deep Clean

The ultimate in no-nonsense deep cleaning is a facial that lives up to its name. Deep Deep Clean puts together a list of essential steps that promises to leave your skin well cleaned without being harsh.

Start off with a fruit acid wash that is combined with microdermabrasion, followed with ultrasonic for that deep pore-purging effect you’re after. Next a suitable facial wrap is handpicked for you depending on your skin type and needs, ranging from oil control to skin-whitening facial wraps.  

#2 Bardot Hydrafacial

Named after the famed 60s icon, Brigette Bardot, the Bardot Hydrafacial emphasises on purifying skin with the help of patented Hydrafacial MD technology, together with naturally-sourced French magnetite masks to thoroughly purge clogged pores.

Once skin is cleansed, skin-restoring vitamins and essential antioxidants are infused into the skin, followed with an LED photobiomodulation therapy to tackle and correct whichever complexion issues you may have.

Read more: Pigmentation? Add these ingredients to your skincare.

#3 Disappearing Act

Exactly what we would like our pores to do! The Disappearing Act facial at newly opened spa, Skin Pple located at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, open targets open pores with a pore-reducing papaya enzyme peel. Next congested skin is well and properly dealt with, using ultrasonic cleansing. LDM therapy is then applied to smooth out the skin and reduce acne count.

With visible results to show for it after the facial, it’s no wonder this professional-grade treatment has been the talk of the town.

The essence of facial essences

If you are an avid fan of K-beauty, chances are you would have come across facial essences, an important skincare step in your daily beauty regimen.

Facial essences are generally formulated with ingredients to help restore balance and hydration to your skin. Often times they are easily confused with facial toners and serums. Read on to find out what benefits they hold and how they differ from other skincare products.

What are essences?

Essences are water-based skincare products that are formulated with active ingredients to promote protection and hydration to the skin while boosting skin health.

Essence is best applied to clean skin, after a layer of toner has been applied but before serums and moisturisers. This helps prepare the skin to better absorb the next layer of skincare products.

Some of the common ingredients found in essence include water, glycerin or glycol, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals, all of which are known for their moisturising and hydrating properties.

Read more: Best skincare ingredients for oily skin

What’s the difference between essence and toners?

As mentioned earlier, essences are often confused with toners. While they may look the same in terms of consistency, they have different jobs when it comes to skincare.

Toners are generally alcohol-based and serve to give skin a deeper cleanse after you have washed your face. Toners can also help to tighten pores and rebalance skin tone for a smoother complexion.

Using an essence after a toner can help to rehydrate and rebalance moisture levels in the skin.

Read more: Crystal healing: yay or nay?

What’s the difference between essence and serums?

While it’s true that both essences and serums contain high levels of active ingredients, again they each play a different role.

You would probably notice that serums are mostly thicker than an essence, meaning it aims to penetrate deeper into the skin to work its magic.

While essences help to improve hydration levels in general, serums are more specific in targeting skin concerns, be it dull skin, pigmented skin or ageing skin. Plus, it’s always recommended to apply a layer of moisturiser after using serums to lock it into the skin.

Applying a later of essence before serums help the skin to better absorb serums and its intended benefit into the skin.

Beach vacay here we come! But don’t forget these skincare essentials!

Who doesn’t love a beach vacation? The sun, sand and sea at our very doorstep for the next few days is just a picture of sheer bliss and relaxation.

While you go about deciding on your favourite swimsuits and resort wear, do not forget the one most important thing you need to take care of – your skin!

Skincare should rank tops when it comes to making preparations for your beach holiday or any other holiday for that matter. Here are our must-have essentials to keep your skin happy through.

Read more: Hidden gems in Katong that only Easties know about!

Sunscreen

This goes without saying… but which types should you bring along with you? SPF 30 is the minimum coverage you should be getting from your sunscreen, this helps to block 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.

Look for ones that say broad-spectrum, meaning it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for aging you and giving you unwanted wrinkles and pigmentation whereas UVB rays are to blame when you get a sunburn.  

Be liberal with your sunscreen and be sure to reapply regularly, at least every 2 hours.

Sheet masks

These are a godsend at the end of a hot day lounging by the pool, and not just for how good they make our skin feel.

Sheet masks are a quick and simple way to hydrate the skin, especially after a day of being out in the sun which can be harsh and dehydrating for the skin. They are found easily over the counter and are compact to pack. Simply pop them into the mini fridge upon check-in so you have cool sheet masks readily at your disposal, which can be used daily for your skin to reap its benefits.

Look for sheet masks with ingredients that help to replenish moisture and hydration levels.

Read more: Best skincare ingredients for oily skin

Hyaluronic acid

Did you know the sun can dry out the skin and deplete essential fatty acids from the skin? This can result in skin looking and feeling dry. You can imagine how this gets exacerbated when you spend long hours under the sun. While you’re loving your new-found tan, your skin may be making a silent plea for help.

Hyaluronic acid can help to restore hydration levels by filling the skin with moisture. Not only does it improve skin’s elasticity, hyaluronic acid is renowned for its ability to improve the skin’s overall appearance.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years to help soothe and calm the skin, especially if you had a little too much sun. It is applied topically and can help to provide relief quickly and efficiently.

Any sting or itching from bug bites or mosquito bites can also be quelled with this all-natural ingredient.