What to Use for Ageing Skin That’s Prone to Congestion

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum, $128

1/11

This paraben-free serum is has a powerful formula that has a 6.5 per cent solution of retinol and retinol derivatives blend to fight signs of ageing such as fine lines and dull skin tone while decongesting pores and repairing UV-damaged skin. Meantime, a blend of white honey, cactus extract and ginger help rebalance and soothe skin.

ALSO READ: IS RETINOL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? THIS AND OTHER BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACID ANSWERED

ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, $175 for 50ml

2/11

A holy grail of many beauty lovers, this serum is worth its weight in gold. It contains two types of probiotics — Bifida Ferment Lysate and Lactobacilius ferment — as well a peptide. Probiotics have anti-bacterial and mild exfoliating properties, while peptides help your skin repair itself and produce more collagen.

ALSO READ: WHY GOOD BACTERIA IN SKINCARE IS GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN

Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Facial, $169

3/11

This leave-on treatment which has niacinamide is a powerhouse that helps unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, refine skin texture, brighten skin tone and fade hyperpigmention while you sleep. Hyaluronic acid and phospholipids hydrate and moisturise skin while probiotics help rebalance skin microflora to prevent breakouts.

ALSO READ: 5 COMMONLY USED BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer, $110

4/11

Another paraben-free product, this hydrates skin and plumps up fine lines. Retinol, ferulic acid and an ECG complex works to smooth out skin texture, protect skin’s natural moisture barrier and reduces hyperpigmentation while protecting skin against free radicals that cause premature skin ageing.

ALSO READ: IS RETINOL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? THIS AND OTHER BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACID ANSWERED

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, $115

5/11

Niacinamide is at the top of the ingredient list of this day-and-night moisturiser. It helps smooth out wrinkles, improve skin radiance and combat photo-ageing with ingredients such as algae and turmeric extract. Formulated with what the brand calls Reneura Technology+, this aims to help re-energise skin cells so that they can respond quicker and faster to skincare to alleviate signs of premature ageing. If you have drier skin, go for the Enriched version of this cream.

ALSO READ: 5 COMMONLY USED BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% + Overnight Booster with Pure Vitamin A (Retinol), $52

6/11

Retinol and vitamin C work in synergy to fight signs of premature ageing in this powerful duo of booster serum. Mix a couple of drops of each into your moisturiser (the vitamin C in the morning, and the retinol at night) to see more even-toned and smoother skin. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are also said to be diminished with regular use.

ALSO READ: IS RETINOL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? THIS AND OTHER BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACID ANSWERED

Starskin 7-Second Morning Mask 7-in-1 Miracle Skin Mask Pads, $48 for 20 pads

7/11

This is a leave-in treatment that comes in the form of exfoliating pads. You massage skin with the side that has beads to exfoliate skin and promote blood circulation, then you go over skin with the softer side which is infused with a serum/moisturiser that plumps up skin. With ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, lactobacillus/soyabean ferment extract and niacinamide, this helps refresh, brighten and rejuvenate skin.

ALSO READ: 5 COMMONLY USED BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Pixi Retinol Tonic, $22

8/11

This paraben-free toner has a unique time-release retinol to restore a youthful glow to skin. It also reduces fines lines and smooths out uneven skin texture while boosting collagen production. Plus, it helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier to help lock in moisture so it doesn’t overproduce sebum.

ALSO READ: IS RETINOL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? THIS AND OTHER BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACID ANSWERED

111Skin Y Lift Neck & Decolletage Serum, $495

9/11

This high-tech skincare brand uses a proprietary ingredient NAC Y2 that was developed in a space programme to help in wound-healing. In skincare, this ingredient, with its high antioxidant properties, help improve skin resilience and protect it against environmental aggressors which cause ageing. This serum helps tone and tighten skin. Besides NAC Y2, it also has niacinamide that encourages collagen production while combating sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Other ingredients include Progeline to firm up skin, Lactil to replenish moisture and strengthen skin barrier, and Matrixyl 3000 to support elastin and collagen production.

ALSO READ: 5 COMMONLY USED BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Avene Physiolift Night Smoothing Regenerating Night Balm, $89.90

10/11

This night moisturiser contains a gentler derivative of retinol, retinaldehyde, which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin. It helps improves cell turnover while increasing collagen production, and also has hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturise skin, for smoother and more luminous-looking skin the next morning.

ALSO READ: IS RETINOL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? THIS AND OTHER BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACID ANSWERED

Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster, $63

11/11

Mix a few drops of this booster with your moisturiser or apply it on its own to improve uneven skin tone, diminish the appearance of pores and wrinkles, and hydrate and soothe skin. It’s lightweight and suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin, and is free of fragrances.

ALSO READ: 5 COMMONLY USED BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT