Based on our interactions with friends, clients and the wider community, we have learnt that there are typically five top skin concerns in Singapore. These are Acne, Hyper Pigmentation, Fine lines and Wrinkles. While there are many ways to mitigate these concerns, it can be overwhelming to figure out which products would be most suited to your skin type. We have seen many people spend a lot of time and money tinkering with different products while seeing minimal improvement in their skin. 

Through this post, we hope to simplify the search for high quality yet affordable products which have been known to help with the most popular skin concerns in Singapore. However, if you notice persisting skin concerns, the best course of action would be to visit a registered dermatologist. 

Acne

In simple terms, acne is a skin condition wherein the pores of the skin or hair follicles get clogged with dirt, oil or dead cells, resulting in raised bumps or pimples.

• Contributing factors: With hot and humid weather all year round in Singapore, it becomes more likely for us to perspire, which in turn increases the odds of dirt, dust and bacteria to clog pores in our skin. Furthermore, the heat and moisture leads to excess oil production in our skin, which can clog our pores even more. If you experience regular breakouts unrelated to hormonal changes, it can be worthwhile to assess whether you are using products with comedogenic (pore blocking) ingredients. In some cases, even unchanged pillow covers can be the root cause for causing acne.
  
  
• Suggested products: For mild acne, you can try to use products that deep cleanse the pores of your skin. The Korean Double Cleansing method in your PM routine has been touted as an effective way to do so. In terms of specific products, we have tried the Axis-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner and it has been wonderful for managing acne. This toner clears out bacteria and pollution stuck deep in pores that cause persistent inflammation and acne. It works by gently exfoliating dead skin cells, and by removing acne-causing bacteria, which soothes inflammation and speeds up the skin’s healing process. Beyond this, products containing ingredients like Retinol, Niacinamide and Centella also help in managing acne. If your acne persists, it is best to visit a registered dermatologist to get a diagnosis and more intensive treatment.

Hyper pigmentation 

This generally refers to dark spots or patches on the skin. 

• Contributing factors: Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their colour. There are a number of reasons that can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are prolonged sun exposure, hormonal changes, natural aging and skin injuries or inflammation. In Singapore, since we are at the equator, we receive a lot of direct sun exposure. The sun's rays are strongest at the equator where the sun is most directly overhead and where UV rays must travel the shortest distance through the atmosphere.
   
• Suggested products: For a start, you must always remember to wear sunscreen! People believe that sunscreen should be worn only during a particularly sunny day outdoors. In fact, you should be wearing sunscreen even on a cloudy day, since the sun's rays at the equator can still penetrate the atmosphere more easily. An extremely popular Japanese, lightweight, watery sunscreen is the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++. There is also a viral and effective Korean sunscreen called Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++. To directly manage hyperpigmentation, we also recommend to use products with Niacinamide (for skin brightening) and Retinol (for gentle exfoliation). An example would be Axis Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum which contains 5% Niacinamide as a hero ingredient.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

These are surface level or deeper lines in your skin which begin to appear over time.

• Contributing factors: Some of the leading causes of wrinkles include UV exposure, skin dryness and the loss of collagen and elasticity that come with age. These factors can be mitigated with proper skincare.

• Suggested products: Similar to hyperpigmentation, it is important to ensure you always have effective sun protection (see recommendations for great sunscreen above). Beyond this, it becomes crucial to moisturise your skin, and to replenish it with collagen so that it maintains or restores its elasticity. One excellent product we have tried is Anua Heartleaf Intense Calming Cream 70%. The cream features ceramide and panthenol which helps to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated. It also contains adenosine which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  
  Another cult status product is Hada Lobo Gokujyun Premium Lotion 2020 Edition. This lotion is like a treatment product, and its main purpose is to deeply moisturize the skin, thanks to its high concentration of hyaluronic acid. This product does not contain alcohol or mineral oil, and is fragrance free. Most interestingly, Hada Lobo products contain Super Hyaluronic Acid, which is a unique blend of 3 types of hyaluronic acid that significantly increases the skin’s moisture level. It also helps to support skin’s fibers (collagen and elastin), allowing it to have an anti-aging effect. According to the brand, Super Hyaluronic Acid has hydration retention capacities twice as high as conventional hyaluronic acid! Beyond the above, ingredients like Ginseng and Retinol are very effective at managing fine lines and wrinkles. 

We hope this post has helped somewhat in your skin care journey. Our aim is to provide as much support as we can to all our clients. Please don't hesitate to WhatsApp us with your questions (using the widget on the mobile site). Our founder will be on the other end responding to your questions or concerns.