From The Straits Times    |

Image: Oleksandra Naumenko/123rf.com

#1 You’re not eating right

The food you’re eating doesn’t just affect your waistline, it affects your complexion too. Excessive salt and alcohol dehydrate your skin. The complexion-friendly foods you should be including in your diet are: 

– Antioxidants help protect against free radicals and pollutants (green tea, fresh fruits and leafy greens)

– Omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, as well as walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and eggs)

– Healthy fats (avocados, nuts and seeds)

– Plenty of H2O

(As well as this list of superfoods). Avoid adding that extra spoonful of sugar into your morning cup of joe, too – processed sugar binds to and breaks down collagen, which is what gives your face that plump, youthful look, and can also lead to inflammation. 

 

CANVAS Sun Protect Gel SPF 30, $65.30 for 40ml, at www.canvasbeauty.com.sg

#2 You’re not wearing sunscreen

Other than pollutants and your diet, UV rays are a major culprit when it comes to pre-mature aging, fine lines and damage. So don’t be forgetting your SPF before you leave the house! There are plenty of fast-absorbing, lightweight formulas now that won’t leave a greasy feel or white streaks on your face. 

 

#3 You’re not using the right moisturiser

To break it down: 

If you have oily skin: This doesn’t mean you don’t have to moisturise. Lightweight gel-based ones give you adequate hydration without overloading on shine.  

If you have dry skin: You can afford to go for thicker and richer creams to better nourish your skin.

If you have combination skin: You can go with gels, or opt for light yet creamy textures. Alternatively, use different moisturisers on different parts of of your face although this means an extra step in your skincare routine. 

L’Occitane Aqua Réotier Ultra Thirst-Quenching Gel, $55 for 50ml

 

#4 Or you’re laying it on too thick

The saying “too much of a good thing” applies to your moisturiser too. Think a thin layer rather than a dollop slathered all over your face. A layer that’s too thick can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

See also: 10 SINGAPORE MAKEUP ARTISTS ON GETTING RADIANT SKIN FOR YOUR WEDDING

 

#5 Touching your skin

Notorious places and items that harbour bacteria include your phone, your keyboard (cringing as I’m typing this), and your headphones. Imagine touching these, and then transferring whatever’s on those onto your face… 

Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your face, and wipe down these items regularly with anti-bacterial wipes. 

 

#6 You’re not double cleansing

Especially if you’re wearing makeup, live in a polluted environment or wear sunscreen (which you should be doing, by the way), don’t get lazy when it comes to your cleansing routine. If you’re solely relying on makeup wipes, chances are that you won’t be getting all the product, grime and dirt off your face. Start with a cleansing oil or micellar water to break down the makeup so your second cleanser can reach right into your pores. Also avoid sleeping in your makeup. 

 

 

Nivea Face Care Rose Micellar Water with Oil (400ml), $19.90.

 

#7 You’re scrubbing too much

Exfoliating is a crucial part of your skincare regime – it reveals fresh skin cells and improves the texture and look of your complexion.  

But as much as we love the feel of scrubs, abrasive walnut shells or other natural fibers (don’t even get me started on microbeads – these non-biodegradable beads are disastrous for the environment) can actually cause micro-tears in the skin. Chemical exfoliants or enzyme peels on the other hand, work to shed more skin cells and promote skin regeneration. 

Tatcha The Rice Polish Deep Foaming Enzyme Powder (60g), $95.00

 

#8 You’re overusing salicylic acid

Thanks to properties that encourage exfoliation of skin and unclogging of pores, this BHA (or beta hydroxy acid) is great for brides plagued with oily skin. Got a pimple invading your face? Salicylic acid. Stubborn blackheads? Salicyc acid. 

But too much and you can dry out your skin, as well as potentially face issues like peeling, redness, and skin irritation, particularly those with sensitive, have naturally dry skin, or even if you’re taking certain medications. 

 

#9 Trying new products or treatments right before the wedding

You’ll see this one popping up in many of our bridal beauty articles – because it’s just that important. There’s not much you can really do if you develop a major breakout or allergic reaction just days before your big day. If you’re trying out a new facial or product for the first, do it at least two to three weeks (if not a month) prior to your wedding. 

See also: 8 EFFECTIVE HABITS FOR CLEARER, HEALTHY WEDDING DAY SKIN

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