From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Lure Hsu/Facebook 

You’re scaling up the career ladder and feeling more confident than ever. But with every job promotion comes more responsibility – and a lot more of those never-ending work meetings.

We’re certain you never thought wrinkles and dry skin would be part of your career success. Thankfully, there are products you can use to take care of the effects of work stress on your skin.

 

Skincare tip #1: Use an oil-based cleanser

Being stuck in an office all day isn’t good for your skin. Notice how dry and parched it looks? When you are ready to wash your face after a long day at work, reach for an oil cleanser.

The nourishing oils gently yet effectively whisk away traces of makeup and grime, getting your skin thoroughly clean without drying it out.

Try: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($29) is infused with olive oil and antioxidant vitamin E to nourish skin, yet doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind.

 

Skincare tip #2: Exfoliate often but gently

When you’re tired out from your hectic day, it’s easy to skip skincare steps. But one of the things you should do more – not less – of, is to slough away dead skin build-up.

Gritty scrubs are too harsh to use regularly, so use an enzyme-infused exfoliant once a week. Enzymes help to unglue the bonds between dead skin cells, exfoliating your complexion gently and making it look brighter.

Try: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask ($115) uses pumpkin enzyme and alpha-hydroxy acids to exfoliate and brighten dull skin.

Apply a thin layer to clean skin and massage it in. Leave it on for three to seven minutes before rinsing it off.

 

Skincare tip #3: Don’t neglect your neck and chest area

Don’t stop at your face when you apply skincare. Apply it to your neck and decollete too – these two areas are prone to dryness and fine lines.

Since neck skin is very thin and delicate, make sure to massage your skincare into your skin gently with both your palms from the lower to upper region in vertical movements.

Try: One by Kose The Wrinkless ($80) is a serum formulated to plump up and soften skin so fine lines and wrinkles look less obvious.

 

Skincare tip #4: Use a face oil to hydrate skin

As you get older, natural oil production also decreases. Daily exposure to UV rays can also compromise your skin’s ability to hold on to water, leaving your complexion looking dull and dehydrated.

Use a lightweight, non-greasy facial oil to rehydrate skin, plump it up.

Try: L’Occitane Reset Immortelle Serum ($89) absorbs into skin quickly to nourish it. Like “botox in a bottle,” it contains the herb, acmella oleacera, which helps to relax tensed muscles and smooth out the appearance of fine lines. Loved by 41-year-old Taiwanese influencer Lure Hsu, who is known for her youthful looks, this booster also contains tiny golden bubbles filled with L’Occitane’s Immortelle Oil Extract, which is packed with antioxidants.

 

Skincare tip #5: Eye cream is a must

The skin around your eyes is 10 times thinner than the other parts of your face, which explains why it is so important to use a cream made specifically for the delicate eye area.

You especially need it if you spend long hours squinting at the computer.

Go with an eye cream with a fast-absorbing formula that will prevent your concealer from slipping and sliding.

Try: Supergoop Advanced Anti-Ageing Eye Cream with Oat Peptide Complex ($48), which comes with a cooling metal-tipped applicator to ease puffiness. It also has SPF 37, to protect from sun damage.

ALSO READ: 5 LESS-OBVIOUS SIGNS OF SKIN AGING THAT CAN MAKE YOU LOOK OLDER THAN YOU ACTUALLY ARE