Beauty resolutions for 2016: Face, neck, joints

Beauty resolutions for 2016: Face, neck, joints

In this four-part series, we show you the areas to consider paying a little more attention to this year. Read part one and two here.

This week, we focus on: Face, neck, joints


One of the most fundamental steps in keeping our skin healthy and (hopefully) glowing is to apply face moisturiser at least twice a day.

Lather on your go-to moisturiser and let your skin absorb all of its goodness.

The more dehydrated your skin is, the more you should pay attention to the type of moisturiser you use.

Some moisturisers might be too rich for certain skin types so it would be a good idea to get samples to test before spending on a full-sized package.


Photo: Innisfree
BEAUTY PICKS: Innisfree Green Tea Moisture Cream (Innisfree, Price Unavailable)

Remember: Moisturising your face once a day is not enough! Apply face moisturiser before putting on make-up at the start of the day as well as before you go to bed.

It is understandable if you would rather have fewer steps in your beauty regime at night. But as much as possible, don't forgo your moisturiser.

While you're at it, why not put on a face mask right before bed? You're likely to wake up with softer and plump-looking skin.

Also, it helps to apply toner after cleansing your face as it will re-adjust the skin's pH balance since most cleansing soaps contain alkaline and our face is naturally acidic. But enough with the science talk.

Did you know? Brands of toners from countries such as the US, UK and Australia help in cleansing your skin. However, toners produced in Asia - which are also known as 'lotions' - may not necessarily help to remove excess grime off your face, but they contain other ingredients for brightening and moisturising.

Photos: Mario Badescu, Hada Labo
BEAUTY PICKS: (L-R) Mario Badescu (Sephora, $40) and Hada Labo Goku-jyun Clear Lotion (Guardian, $22.90)

Want to know how to keep your skin looking young? Increase your intake of foods that are rich in Vitamin C such as dark, leafy vegetables, bell peppers, berries and of course - oranges.

As for those of you who would like to take things a little further (good on you!), introduce products that contain vitamin into your skincare regime.

This is one step that many of us exclude but it is a very necessary step to have if you wish to maintain the appearance of youthful skin because Vitamin C reportedly helps with the formation of collagen as well as encourages collagen repair.


Photo: Sephora

BEAUTY PICKS: Sephora, Dr. Jart V7 Radiance Serum ($64)

When you purchase skincare products that contain Vitamin C, check that the label has one of these ingredients listed: L-Ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl phosphate.

For anyone who has sensitive skin, opt for products that contain Vitamin C ester - this is less acidic, less drying and therefore more effective on sensitive skin.

A particular ingredient that has taken the world of beauty by storm: Hyaluronic acid. That's all you need to look out for on labels of serums.

This ingredient is said to act as an anti-aging product. It slows down the appearance of wrinkles, improves the tautness of skin, prevents sagging... the list goes on.

Photo: Guardian
BEAUTY PICKS: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Essence (Guardian, $30.60)

But the greatest function of them all? It helps retain moisture. This alone significantly contributes to slowing down signs of aging.

Moving downwards towards the neck, which is often easily neglected...in 2016, I'd say, don't overlook this part of your skin. All you have to do is to distribute some of the products down towards your neck - gently, of course.

Our elbows and knees are often neglected as well. The surest way to prevent dull-looking joints is to apply moisturiser - this can't be stressed enough.

For those of us who feel our faces cracking at the mercy of office air-conditioners - hydrate your face with a spritz (or more) of any water spray.

Photos: Qoo10
BEAUTY PICKS: Avene Thermal Spring Water (Qoo10, $55.73) and Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Face Sunscreen (Qoo10, $21)

Most importantly, never leave home without applying sunscreen on your face. You might not see the immediate benefits but your efforts will pay off in your later years, I promise!

ssandrea@sph.com.sg

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