When it comes to skincare products in Singapore, more doesn’t always mean better! Many of us add unnecessary products to build a multi-step skincare routine, only to find ourselves struggling with breakouts, dryness, redness and irritation.
Here, the Science Skincare team explain why layering face products isn’t the best route to glowing, healthy skin. Loyal fans of cult brands are often encouraged to include new ingredients and products in their skincare routine for smoother, brighter and more youthful-looking skin. Needless to say, this is in favour of increased sales and successful marketing! In reality, though, using too many ingredients and products can cause adverse reactions, resulting in unhealthy and unhappy skin.
Piling on layer after layer of product can also negate the effect of the actives in products. Our skin can’t handle too many ingredients at once, so a significant part of a product might be just sitting on the surface, causing an uncomfortable feel to the skin – even causing breakouts, clogged pores, dryness and irritation.
Why is layering too much skincare counterproductive?
Active ingredients, such as exfoliating acids or antioxidants, are backed by scientific evidence and target our skin concerns. Actives are the factor that make a product effective. But mixing and combining active ingredients requires care; improper use can over-exfoliate the skin and lead to a burning sensation and inflammation. Aggravated skin presents a higher risk for skin conditions such as contact dermatitis.
The “10-step Korean skincare routine”, for example, is a clever marketing idea that makes the regimen a lot more time-consuming, expensive and, in essence, wasteful. Not to mention, the beauty industry generates a significant amount of plastic waste; most of it, sadly, is not recyclable. Now imagine the accumulated waste if each of us purchased 10 beauty products every one to two months. Disastrous! Realistically, who has that much time to commit to layering 10 different products on our face? We have other things we could spend our time on, right?
Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated and expensive. Simple but targeted steps are the key to healthy and radiant skin. It’s essential to address your skin type and skin concerns and use this information as a base to find the right products and ingredients.
How should I streamline my skincare routine then?
At Science Skincare, we believe that an effective skincare routine needs a maximum of four steps, depending on your skin concerns and the particular part of the day.
In essence, these four steps are:
- Cleanse
- Target
- Nourish
- Protect
A gentle cleanser is a vital part of everyone’s skincare regimen. Take the time to cleanse your skin thoroughly and break down the impurities to prep the skin for the actives. An antioxidant such as a vitamin C serum in the morning can help protect the skin from environmental pollution, while vitamin B will brighten the complexion.
A moisturising lotion or cream is optional in the day, depending on your skin type. But if there is one non-negotiable step – even during winter – it’s your daily sun protection. Using sun protection consistently is the best defence against ageing and skin cancer.
In the evening, a retinoid such as vitamin A in the form of liposomal retinaldehyde helps with reducing signs of ageing, freckles and age spots; implement it gradually to avoid any possible irritation. It’s important to note that retinoids need to be applied just a few times a week to see results. To target skin concerns such as breakouts or a lacklustre complexion, you can alternate with exfoliating alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. Again, it’s crucial to introduce new products and ingredients slowly to avoid irritation.
What makes Science Skincare products different?
We use applied science and skin-identical formulas for visible results. No step of our product development process involves animal testing. And we store our potent formulas in recyclable packaging with exact pump measurements for correct product dosage, so there is no wasteful “unboxing” experience.
Science Skincare is available at scienceskincare.
This article first appeared in the May 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
