Tweak Your Skincare Every Day
This is the art of listening to your skin and the science of choosing the right skincare.
Miley Cyrus had it right when she sang “No one stays the same… change is a thing you can count on”. Well, that applies to your skin and its needs too.
Just as your body requires different nourishment at different times – extra vitamin C wheeanrtahberle’shaafilru around, or a double-shot latte after pulling an all-nighter – your skin can’t always cruise by with the same products. There will bfoerdathysewnhenwitysenaort bringing its A-game and needs an eaxrterapbaoroestdtodgoewtbnack on track.
Actress Oon Shu An, for one, pays close attention to her skin. Every day, she takes note of how it looks aTnhdefye’erles, tbhaesnitcweaks or swops out her skincare aloccookrsdinggivlye–neavelnititfliet goes against her usual routine or skin type. It’s the way to maintain good skin, she says. We agree.
nfroet out major shake-ups all tehxectiitmineg.S. tick to your basic routine, then add what’s needed or switch one product for another that better addresses your skin condition at the time.
Here, we list the common symptoms you’re likely to experience at some point or another – and what to do about them.
#1 SKIN FEELS DRY AND TAUT
Everyone, even those with oily skin, can be hit by dehydration. Too much time in air-conditioning, lack of sleep, changing hormones, too much alcohol or caffeine – these are just a few factors that can result in dry, flaky skin that feels tight and itchy.
WHAT TO ADD: A nourishing oil, which has the immediate effect of sealing in moisture. Facial oils also repair a weak barrier function, and are full of ingredients needed for healthy skin like antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. For even better effects, include a hydrating serum that has hyaluronic acid or other humectants.
#2 ZITS ARE REARING THEIR HEADS
Blemishes boil down to excess sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria becoming stuck in pores. This spike in oil may be due to hormonal changes, pollution, unsuitable products or overzealous cleansing that dries skin out, causing it to over-compensate by producing more oil.
WHAT TO ADD:
A product with antibacterial properties but isn’t astringent – you don’t want to cause further dryness. Also, a moisturiser that tops up skin’s moisture, not oil.
#3 COMPLEXION IS LACKLUSTRE AND TIRED
Pollutants, dehydration, sleep deprivation, stress, diet – there’s a host of factors that can lead to sluggish blood circulation and skin turnover, making you look less than brilliant.
WHAT TO ADD:
First up, a chemical exfoliant to get rid of dead skin that’s making your complexion dull, rough and uneven – they penetrate deeper than facial scrubs and bring about more even exfoliation. Follow with a product that offers loads of skinplumping moisture and brightening ingredients.
#4 PORES ARE ENLARGED AND SKIN LOOKS ROUGH
Just returned from a sun-drenched holiday or recovering from a recent breakout? Maybe you’ve been slack with moisturising, or makeup is clogging your skin. If your natural skin type isn’t oily or combination, the visible pores and coarse skin could be due to UV damage, drynessinduced sagging or heavy makeup.
WHAT TO ADD:
Smooth skin with a scrub or peel first, then work in a hydrating and balancing moisturiser – preferably with mattifying properties as well – to plump skin and restore its natural oil-water balance. And make sure your foundation is noncomedogenic.
#5 SKIN REDNESS AND DISCOMFORT LIKE ITCHING, DRYNESS AND STINGING
Unless you have an allergy or skin condition like eczema and rosacea, skin sensitivity is most often the result of environmental factors like wind, dust and yoyo-ing temperatures, or lifestyle ones like stress, dehydration and lack of sleep.
WHAT TO ADD: A product with soothing, hydrating and repairing benefits that will help strengthen skin’s barrier function. Avoid thick, occlusive formulas as they can be too heavy for fragile skin and are likely to contain cosmetic emulsifiers and fillers.