From Singapore’s general humidity to the air-conditioned dryness of our offices, our skin takes a daily beating from all these environmental factors. Too often, we find ourselves looking for products for a skin condition that seems rather contradictory – dry but oily.
The truth of the matter is, it takes more than just one miracle product to solve our skin issues.This is where the 10-step Korean beauty regime comes in. Read on to find out how you can change up your skin’s oiliness and keep it clean and moist for longer so you get that fabulous complexion for your special day!
This story was first published on The Woman’s Weekly.
An oil cleanser might seem counter-intuitive but it could really help with your oily skin.
Oil cleansers are great for dry skin because they’re gentle but they’re also great for oily skin because they can help you control your sebum production after several uses. Plus, they wash off easily and you don’t have to worry too much about it clogging your pores.
Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser, $104, available at Sephora.
Skip the soap-based cleansers, they dry out your skin faster.
Instead opt for water-based cleansers that are softer on the skin and will leave it feeling more supple than ever.
Related: 5 PURIFYING PRODUCTS FOR CLEAR, FRESH WEDDING DAY SKIN
Whether you’ve got dry or oily skin, a toner is important.
It helps to balance out your skin’s pH value and preps it for any other product you’re going to put on.
Mamonde Flower Toner Series with flower extracts for various skin types, $25 for 250ml, available from August at the Mamonde Boutique at Basement One, Takashimaya S.C. and all Mamonde counters, as well as Lazada.
Essences help to prep your skin and boost skin renewal rate after cleansing.
Be sure to look out for natural humectants like aloe vera, green tea extracts and other plant or marine extracts that can help lock in moisture.
Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence with camellia extracts, $143 for 150ml.
If your overactive sebum glands are causing your skin to break out and redden, opt for ingredients that soothe your skin when you’re looking for a serum.
Once again, look for ingredients such as plant and marine extracts. They really help to soothe and hydrate your skin so it doesn’t break out as much and feel moisturized too.
You probably think that because you’ve got oily skin, you don’t need to moisturize as much but the truth is, you really should.
However, skip the oil-based moisturizer. Opt for water-based ones that have a gel-like consistency. Look for ones with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and niacinamide because they help to hydrate and protect the skin.
Saturday Skin Featherweight Daily Moisturizing Cream, $69, available at Sephora.
If you’re looking to address greasy skin woes, don’t forget to include sheet masks. As we mentioned, oily skin requires hydration to keep from further sebum production. Sheet masks are designed to be rapidly absorbed by the skin and improve its condition faster. Look out for ingredients like tea tree or green tea. The latter absorbs quickly and tackles acne and oil without drying out your skin.
Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask [Green Tea], $2 per mask.
Related: THE NIGHT BEFORE: 6 HYDRATING OVERNIGHT MASKS THAT’LL GIVE YOU GREAT WEDDING DAY SKIN
Retinol not only smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, it’s also known for keeping sebum production in check.
Related: OILY EYELIDS? THESE 12 EYELINERS WILL STAY ON THROUGHOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY
The key to exfoliating when you’ve got oily skin is to not overdo it. Scrubbing your skin too much can lead to skin that’s even more drying.
Look out for ingredients like aloe vera, honey or better still, make your own with honey and some sugar.
No matter what you do, don’t skip the sunscreen.
Look out for ones with mattifying properties for that velvety, shine-free complexion.
Supergoop! Smooth and Poreless 100% Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40, $48, available at Sephora from 2 August 2018.
This story was first published on The Woman’s Weekly. Additional reporting: Cassandra Koh and Michelle Lee