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6 Practical Steps to Keep Your Skin Youthful Under the Singapore Sun

Maintaining healthy skin is hard and made much more difficult with the hot and humid weather we experience in Singapore everyday. Though we have been warned time and again about the effects of UV rays on our skin, most of us fail to consistently follow our skincare practices given the busy lifestyle we lead.

But here’s a little secret: sticking to a skincare routine should not be intimidating. Skincare brands and influencers may have been promoting ten-step skincare routines and other skincare fads, but the truth is, we only need a few essential products and lifestyle changes to bring the best out of our skin. Keep your skin youthful and glowing with these six basic steps:

Step 1: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

First things first — let your skin breathe by cleansing your face daily. This step clears it from impurities caused by dirt, oil, and make-up and other pollutants it was exposed to, allowing other skincare products to work their way deep through your skin. Depending on your skin type, you should wash your face twice a day (one in the morning and one at night) or at least thrice (morning, mid-day, and evening) if you have an active lifestyle.

It is also important to only use a gentle facial cleanser. Some cleansers in the market may be too harsh on the skin, making your skin extremely dry and irritated that your oil glands are triggered to overproduce oil to counterbalance its effect. Find one that has a low pH level so your skin can achieve the ideal pH balance.

We recommend: Labos Vanergy Aqua Softy Cleanse - $17.50

Step 2: Pat, pat, pat.

Face products should be gently applied by patting rather than rubbing onto your face. Even with serums that you want to thoroughly seep into your skin, there’s no need to apply them in a hard, circular motion. 

Speaking of skin aging and serums, it’s also best to use an anti-aging serum as early as your 20s to delay the onset of age spots, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles and the like. In particular, look for ingredients like niacinamide that minimises the appearance of visible pores and alistin that protects your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Use only an ample amount as the formula of serums are really potent.

We recommend:  Labos Vanergy Anti-Photoaging Serum [Firming] - $24.00

Step 3: Moisturise.

Like cleansing and following practices that prevent premature aging, keeping the skin moisturised is also essential.  This is the most effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines, especially given the fact that our skin produces less oil, which locks in moisture, as we age.

Besides retaining moisture on the surface of your skin, moisturisers also protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier from common causes of skin damage such as dehydration and UV exposure. 

There are different types of moisturisers made for different types of skin. In general, look for a moisturiser packed with antioxidants that nourish and revitalize your skin and keep your face healthily plump and soft for long periods of time. Just make sure it doesn’t feel so heavy on the face. 

We recommend: Labos Vanergy Age Revive Cream [Moisture Boost] - $24.00

Step 4: Always put on sunscreen.

This step is what Singaporeans often choose to ignore, but is one that creates much impact to your skin’s health. Did you know that many skin issues, especially signs of aging, are caused by sun exposure? The UV rays from the sun damages the elastin and collagen in your skin, making it less elastic and less plump. It also contributes to the development of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and age spots.

Because of this, medical experts recommend using sunscreen whether you’re staying indoors or outdoors. To ensure your skin’s protection, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above. This will not only absorb UVA and UVB rays to preserve your skin’s elastin and collagen, it will also reverse the effects of photoaging by 40-52% after one-year use according to a study published in 2016.

We recommend: Labos Vanergy UV Plex [Tinted SPF 35 PA+++] - $19.00

Step 5: Avoid smoking.

Like prolonged sun exposure, smoking also has a lot of negative effects on your skin’s health. First of all, it makes your skin look dull by constricting your blood vessels, slowing down blood flow all over your body and failing to send the skin its needed nutrients and oxygen. It also damages the elastin and collagen that keep the skin firm and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Avoid your smoking triggers and ask for support from your family and friends to help you quit the habit. It’s also best to consult your doctor if you feel the need for Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Step 6: Take care of the rest of your body.

How you treat your body translates to the condition of your skin. If it is not getting enough nutrition and hydration from the food and drinks you take, your skin is not getting enough of it too. Maintain a healthy complexion by consuming foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Antioxidants help repair skin by reducing inflammation and slowing down the production of free radicals in the body. Some, like vitamin C, even boost the production of collagen.

Water, on the other hand, prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines and delivers skin cells the nutrients they need for cell renewal. Drink 8 or more glasses of water per day to keep your skin hydrated.

With the high UV index we experience year round, it’s crucial for us to follow these steps and give our skin the extra care it deserves. Be ever radiant with the LABOS Vanergy Anti-Ageing Set — specifically made to target skin problems caused by old age, oxidation, and excessive sun exposure. These products work together in restoring your skin’s elasticity and protecting your skin from further damages, making it look young, plump and energised.

Shop for LABOS Vanergy Anti-Ageing Series today at beautybanksg.com.