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Do you know that well hydrated and moisturized skin can keep your skin looking young and healthy? That is why many skincare products used for anti-ageing purposes target hydration and moisturization. Incorporating items such as serums and moisturizers are a great way to keep the moisture and hydration in your skin intact. 

With that said, a skincare routine should be tailor-made based on the condition of your skin. A method that works for one person may not be as effective for another. If you’ve been wondering why other people at a very mature age still manage to have young and glowing skin compared to yours, maybe you should reconsider your current skincare routine regarding hydration and moisturization. Also, do not be afraid of finding alternative solutions such as hyaluronic acid fillers to achieve more immediate yet equally effective results.

So, what does hydration make any difference to moisturization? Does each require a different skincare routine? Have you been doing it wrong?

What’s the Difference between Hydration vs Moisturization

• Hydration

Hydration with regards to complexion means having a healthy amount of water in your skin. The lack of water or hydration results in dry, dull, and flaky skin. Hydrated skin is very obvious to people who deeply understand proper skincare, in terms of proper skin hydration and moisturization. A hydrated skin usually appears to be smooth, radiant, and has an even tone.

• Moisturization

Moisturization is about trapping and locking in the moisture to build a natural protective barrier to the skin. Though our body can produce natural oils, also known as lipid cells, not everyone is lucky enough to have enough of this mentioned component on their skin. This is when moisturizing products come. 

Moisturizing every day can reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness, which are both the primary reasons for having acne. 

Speaking of hydration and moisturization, there are two misunderstood skin issues: dehydrated skin and dry skin. Some may think that dehydration is the cause of dry skin, so better know its differences. Dry means it lacks moisturization, while dehydrated means lack of skin water. Here are some of the signs that determine whether you have dehydrated or dry skin:

• Dehydrated skin

1. Dark looking skin
2. Dark Circles
3. Itchiness on some areas of the skin
4. Dry mouth
5. Puffy eyes
6. Wrinkles

• Dry Skin

1. Flaky Skin
2. Redness of the skin
3. Irritation of skin
4. Flaky skin

Therefore, both hydration and moisturization have important roles in your skin. Both help your skin fight the early signs of aging like wrinkles and saggy skin. The only difference between these two is how to achieve the results. This is also important because the absence of the other cannot achieve the young and healthy skin you are going for. 

How do you Hydrate your Skin?

• Drink an adequate amount of water

One of the literal ways of hydrating your skin is by consuming ample amounts of water every day. Hydrating your body means a lot, especially for the quality of your complexion. Aside from keeping a healthy metabolism it also keeps your skin healthy. Like what your parents and teachers often remind you as a kid, always drink 8 glasses of water a day.

• Avoid long hot showers

Taking a bath is undoubtedly essential to wash away dirt accumulated on your skin. However, taking long hot showers is not recommended. It can destroy the barriers of your skin and cause flaky dry skin over time. It can also reduce or even lose moisture and oils in your skin that are necessary to keep your skin both hydrated and moisturized. 

• Use of hydrating skin products

There are tons of products available that can help you gain good hydrated and moisturized skin. With that said, it also helps to check carefully on the products that you use to make sure they apply to your desired results. There are some specific and important contents you should look at the labels of the product. 

1. Glycerin

Glycerin acts as a magnet for your skin, it attracts moisture from the environment from the surface of your skin. Glycerin is known as a humectant or the ability to retain moisture. 

2. Urea

Urea is a component of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) that is naturally produced by the skin. Same as glycerin, urea is also a humectant that can help absorb moisture from the environment which helps soften and smoothen the skin. 

3. Ceramides

Ceramides contribute as a barrier to lock in the moisture of the skin. It helps you prevent losing skin water and keeps the moisture of your skin present.

4. Panthenol

Panthenol is a chemical substance produced by pantothenic acid or vitamin B5. It is commonly used as a moisturizer for cosmetic products and can also heal wounds. It protects the skin to reduce possible dehydration and dryness. 

5. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is popular on skincare products that are opting to provide hydrated skin. It helps maintain the elasticity of your skin which is very significant in fighting early signs of aging. It increases the production of collagen, which lessens the visibility of thin wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

What are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are dermal fillers designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is also popularly known as sugar or sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycan that are present in the dermis. It is a major component that naturally exists in the skin and is a key component in the skin’s ability to retain water for a plump, hydrated complexion. This component is famous on cosmetic products because of its ability to attract more water since hyaluronic acid is also a humectant like glycerin and urea that helps provide natural-looking plump skin.

Unlike serums and lotions, hyaluronic acid fillers’ results appear faster. It rapidly adds volume, smoothens the texture of the skin, and stimulates the production of collagen. 

Who are Good Candidates for Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

Fillers are commonly one of the best options amongst those who are looking for a safe and non-surgical way to reduce the appearance of deep creases, loose cheeks, and saggy skin. Fillers are the best solution to avoid going under the knife yet effective and have fast results.

Most individuals interested in acquiring fillers are in the age of mid-to-late thirties. These are patients who think they are about to get into the age where wrinkles and thin lines are close to possible. With that being said, there are also people in their twenties who receive dermal filler treatments to correct minor deformities that are naturally present since childhood.

Generally, anyone can seemingly become a good candidate for hyaluronic acid fillers. Though there are ideal candidates that best fit to acquire fillers. Smokers for example are needed to lessen or quit smoking. Cigarette smoking patients lessens the ability for the skin to heal immediately compared to non-smokers. Also, because cigarette smoking initially is a common cause of some skin damages.

Even though ideal candidates are healthy and are not exposed to cigarette smoking, there can be other concerns that dermal fillers can address, such as:.

• Thinning or sunken cheeks caused by a loss of volume
• Thin or unevenly shaped lips
• A receding chin
• Minor nose deformities
• Deep nose to mouth lines
• Lines around the mouth

Additionally, allergies may also be present in some patients. They may be ideal patients in terms of health, but not with allergies. A skin test is usually provided before injecting hyaluronic acid fillers to examine if the body will show unnecessary skin reactions to the component. However, since hyaluronic acid is already present in the human body, there is a minimal chance for a patient to have an unwanted skin reaction towards hyaluronic acid.

Sunekos: Hyaluronic Acid-based Fillers for Skin Hydration

Sunekos 200 is a non-surgical treatment. It is an injectable treatment that promotes youthful, natural features through ECM homeostasis improving facial volume loss, reducing wrinkles, and hydrating the skin. The patent-protected formula contains hyaluronic acid and a combination of amino acids, precursors of collagen, and elastin (HY6AA). This combination helps to stimulate extracellular matrix regeneration, leading to dermal biogenesis. Sunekos 200 is a Class III medical device, available for both needle and cannula format.

Sunekos 200 determines the production of new Extracellular Matrix (ECM) by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin which are the main structural elements of the matrix. Sunekos is a specific patent-protected combination of Hyaluronic Acid and amino acids to stimulate ECM)regeneration.

Because it helps decrease the possible loss in the elasticity of the skin, it allows your skin to prevent expression lines and thin wrinkles which are a common sign of skin aging. 

In clinical trials, results showed that after 10 days after the first treatment session with Sunekos there is a significant improvement in deep skin hydration and skin surface hydration, which remains present, even after 6 months.

To sum up everything, it is clear how hydration and moisturization act differently, yet, are significant to each other. Some may have mistaken that both are the same, which leads them to do a routine that works for only one of the two functions. 

Now that you have the idea of how hydration and moisturizing differ from each other, you might want to take a look at the product you have right now, and rethink how you’ve been doing your skincare mantra. Including your daily water intake, and bath time. Also, again, there are alternate solutions out there that you can opt for alongside your current skincare regimen. Finally, always remember to do your research to make sure of your action, especially when it involves your health or your skin. Sometimes, DIYs are not safe and might only cause further skin problems. 

Ageing skin is a nightmare for anyone who gives importance to their complexion. However, as skincare has grown in popularity- not only in Asia but worldwide-, the fear of going through the skin’s ageing process has subsided a bit. There are various products out there that you can add to your regimen. Also, several online sources, whether it’s articles or videos, suggest different ways to approach your anti-ageing skincare routine.

At the same time, the number of available skincare products and tutorials makes it confusing to choose which one will work the best for you. It is important to remember that there is no “correct” way in an anti-ageing skincare routine. Every person has different needs for their skin at different age and skin conditions. For instance, a person with dry skin would need a different regimen from someone who has oily skin. It also speaks to the type of product that will give you the results you want. One should tailor the skincare products they use depending on the type of skin that they have and the age that they are at. 

With that said, regardless of the difference in considerations for each person, a thing that every routine should think about is the order you apply the products. Every product has its purpose to achieve anti-ageing. That is why you need to give enough time for the skin to absorb each application. Otherwise, it may not be as effective or even give the opposite result from what you are expecting.

It is safe to say that skincare is a 24-hour operation. We need to prepare our skin with protection for the activities during the day, while pampering it to let it rest at night. For this reason, you need to, again, adapt your skincare routine depending on whether you do it during the day or night. It then involves different products or approaches in the application.

To win the battle against skin ageing, you need to start taking care of your complexion as soon as possible. To get you started, here’s everything you need to know about morning and evening anti-ageing skincare routines.

Why Are Morning and Evening Skincare Routines Different?

One may ask what difference having a separate morning and evening skincare routine makes. Is it necessary to treat your skin twice in one day?

The simple answer is yes; it is necessary to treat your skin twice a day, using different routines day and night. As implied earlier, the skin has separate needs during the day and night. Getting your skin ready for the day is completely different from preparing it to go to bed.

During the day, your skin is subjected to a high level of stress. It is exposed to elements such as dirt, oil production, makeup, UV rays, pollutants, and bacteria. All of these damage your skin cells and the skin’s collagen. That’s why your morning routine is all about prepping your skin to make it through the day, protecting it against the harmful external factors that can affect it.

On the other hand, a part of your night routine is about cleaning the surface of the skin from all the dirt and pollution that might have accumulated during the day. Again, the skin does not stop working to keep its youthful complexion. The skin repairs and recuperates itself during the night, recovering from any potential damage that may occur throughout the day, which gives another reason for our anti-ageing skincare routine to be done at night as well.

Having a good day and night skin regimen eventually becomes crucial in preventing premature skin ageing, especially in the early 20s. It should not come as a surprise that as you grow older, your skin ages with you. The relationship between your age and your skin condition plays out in various ways. 

First, as you live longer, you are more exposed to more elements every day. If you do not have a solid skincare routine, the incremental damage caused by these pollutants accumulates, which then causes your skin to show signs of ageing.

Second, our skin, specifically in the face, is highly linked to the muscles we use for expressions. Habitual expressions may lead some muscles to adapt to tension, while letting others relax into sagging. In other words, making contorting facial expressions a habit leads the skin to wear and tear over time. Moreover, lifestyle habits such as skincare, diet, sleeping patterns, hydration, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption greatly affect your skin’s condition.

Finally, skin ageing is somewhat inevitable. Our skin simply can’t stay fresh and youthful-looking throughout our life. The regenerating ability of our skin gets slower as we age. Our skin does not recover from damage as fast or as effectively as it would have when we are younger. Also, the production of new collagen slows down, making it harder to have your complexion stay evenly hydrated. As a result, signs such as dull skin, fine lines, wrinkles, dehydrated lacklustre skin, and pigmentation become more apparent.

What Should I Do for My Morning Skincare Routine?

Now that we have established the importance of a separate day and night anti-ageing skincare routine, what exactly do you need to do for each regimen? Again, the goal of your skin regimen during the day is to give your skin protection from harmful external factors. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the order in which you do your routine is vital in whether your regimen will do its intended job. 

For your morning routine, the basic steps to take include:

1. Cleanse

Cleansers are used to remove the grime and residue that may have built up in the skin. Many people might think that cleansing is only important during the night, as it is the time when dirt accumulates more often as we go outside. Yes, cleansing is vital during the night, but it is as important to do it in the morning. The skin sheds all the time, making cleansing crucial during the morning to clear away cellular debris. Furthermore, cleansing helps remove excess oil, impurities, and cosmetic residue that may not have been fully cleared from the night before.

Cleansers usually come in two forms, either water-based or oil-based. Water-based cleansers are used to remove water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. It comes in either foaming or non-foaming variants. On the other hand, oil-based cleansers remove oil-based impurities including sebum, sunscreen, and makeup.

As both cleansers serve different purposes, double cleansing is usually recommended. It includes using an oil-based cleanser, then followed by a water-based cleanser. Excess sebum acts as a glue that traps other pollutants, and the accumulation leads to congested pores. An oil-based cleanser helps to draw out those impurities. At the same time, sweat and dirt can also cling not only on the surface of the skin but also deep in the pores. Water-based cast out these elements. 

Every skin type can tremendously benefit from double cleansing- or cleansing in general- especially oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. Oily skin types benefit from using oil-based cleansers, as it removes excess sebum without causing your skin to dry out. With that said, it is important to be cautious about which cleanser you add to your routine. Not all cleansers are created the same. Read the label and stay away from ingredients you are allergic to. Also, avoid heavy artificial fragrances, comedogenic, mineral oils, parabens, PEG as it tends to be irritating on the skin and cause blockage.

Once you find the right cleansers, make it the first step in your anti-ageing skincare routine in the morning. Apply a small amount to your skin and gently massage it throughout the surface. Most people spend only about 20 seconds on cleansing, and that would not be enough for proper results. The step should take at least two minutes of circular motion to be effective. After doing so, rinse thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean towel.

2. Tone

Toners are designed to replenish the skin through hydration and remove dead cells and dirt left behind by cleansers. Many toners available out there are astringent, meaning it’s an alcohol-based product. Astringents are effective in combating excess oil. 

However, toner with alcohol can cause drying, especially for those who already have dry or sensitive skin. So, alcohol-free toners are the way to go. It is milder on your skin than an astringent, though it still gives the desired result. Toners cleanse dead skin cells that can accumulate overnight and add antioxidants to keep the skin healthy. They can be used every day to finish the cleansing part of your routine. 

Use the toner straight after cleansing. You can either apply it directly onto the skin and tap it using your clean fingers, or you can use a cotton pad and swipe it over the face in an outward motion.

3. Antioxidant

If you have dabbled in skincare in recent years, you might have heard of the term “free radicals”. Free radicals are unstable molecules responsible for breaking down the skin’s collagen. Every day our skin goes through a process of oxidation where harmful free radicals are released. The process results in unflattering signs of ageing like wrinkling, dark spots, inflammation, fine lines, and loose, saggy skin. Free radicals can be found through external environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and smoke. That’s why it is vital to combat that in your anti-ageing skincare routine, especially in the morning.

A way to do so is by incorporating an antioxidant serum into your regimen. Serums contain a high concentration of particular ingredients. The antioxidant-based serums protect the skin from damages by neutralizing the free radicals. Formulations with antioxidants like Vitamins C and E help reduce the formation of lines and wrinkles and improve the texture and firmness of the skin. It can also assist in brightening your complexion. Other combinations of antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, and E, with ferulic acid, niacinamide, resveratrol and coenzyme q10 can also be powerful ways to combat free radicals.

To add it to your routine, pat a few drops of the serum onto your face and neck.

4. Moisturize

Moisturizers help soothe and soften the skin. When the skin maintains a proper balance of moisture and hydration, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Although, various skin types usually have different needs when it comes to moisturizers. Dry skin types should opt for a cream or balm. Thicker creams work best on normal or combination skin. On the other hand, oilier skin types may skip using moisturizers if their toner or serum gives enough moisture to their skin. If not, they may opt for fluid and gel variants. Regardless, moisturizing is a step you shouldn’t skip as much as possible for an effective anti-ageing skincare routine.

During your regimen, take a slightly bigger than a pea-sized amount of the moisturizer and warm it on your hands. First apply it to the cheeks, then to the rest of the face using upward strokes. 

Effective ingredients for moisturizers include glycerine, ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides. There are also available moisturizer formulas that come with SPF to avoid sun damage.

5. Sunscreen

The final, and very crucial step, of your morning routine is applying sunscreen. Too much exposure to sunlight can cause wrinkle formation, premature skin ageing, and, at worst, skin cancer. It is because of the number of UV rays that the skin is exposed to. Two types of UV rays usually cause skin damage: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays penetrate the middle layer of your skin. It leads to premature ageing skin, including wrinkle formation, skin texture changes, and uneven pigmentation. On the other hand, UVB rays mostly affect the outer layer of your skin. Exposure to too many UVB rays causes sunburn.

To give your skin protection when going outside, make sure to purchase a sunscreen that is ‘broad-spectrum’. It is a type of sunscreen designed to block both UVA and UVB light better than the typical SPF variants, which only protects the skin from sunburn. 

When purchasing, check the SPF level of the sunscreen, designed to block both UVA and UVB light better than the typical SPF variants that only protects the skin from sunburn. A higher SPF gives stronger protection. For example, an SPF below 15 gives low-level protection, while SPF 15 to 29 has medium protection (filtering about 93% of UVB rays). A minimum of SPF 30 to 50 is recommended for high protection against the sun (filtering 97% to 98% of UVB rays). An SPF of over 50 gives the highest level of protection (filtering up to 99% of UVB rays).

To apply sunscreen, spread a liberal amount over your face and massage it. Make sure to apply it around 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Furthermore, do not apply any skincare products on top of it as it can dilute the sunscreen. However, sunscreen can be the final layer before putting on makeup.

What Should I Do for My Evening Skincare Routine?

We have established how an evening skincare routine is as important as a morning regimen. It can be as tedious as the earlier routine, but it serves a vital purpose in preventing skin ageing. Your focus is on neutralizing antioxidants and regenerating and renewing the skin tissue. In other words, it’s all about restoring and repairing the skin’s condition, replenishing itself from its exposure to pollution and UV radiation during the day. Your night regimen may take similar steps as with your morning routine, but with a completely different purpose.

For your night routine, the basic steps to take include:

1. Cleanse

After a long day of oil accumulation, makeup wear, and exposure to harmful external factors, your skin has gone through a lot, making washing your face an integral part of your night routine. That’s why cleansing is as, if not more, important during the night than in the day.

To get a deep clean, double cleansing is still recommended targeting different types of epidermal debris, allowing your skin to breathe. Oil-based cleansers are effective in breaking down the oily ingredients found in makeup and SPF. It also removes dirt and dissolves the excess natural oils produced by your skin. If you don’t wear makeup or have oily skin, you may opt to skip oil-based cleansers and use water-based products instead. Use a water-based cleanser to get rid of the sweat and bacteria from the surface of the skin. It also reacts with makeup and dirt that allows this debris to be rinsed away with water. 

During application, follow the specific product instructions. Some makeup removers are either applied on wet or dry skin. Massage the product on the skin gently and then rinse it with water. Do the same with the water-based cleanser. You can use the same formula as your morning routine, or opt for a new one specifically suited to your skin type. For a few times per week, you can swap in an exfoliating cleanser to remove dead skin cells that have built up on the surface of the skin. It is very important to remove your makeup properly 

2. Tone

It is crucial to exfoliate your skin during the nighttime, especially as you grow older. When we are younger, our skin takes four to six weeks for cell renewal, while it becomes six to ten weeks as we age. As a result, your skin starts to look dull because the dead cells are not eliminated. So, exfoliation is important to assist the skin with the process.

A way of doing so is using acid toners. Take note that you need to find a combination of acids that can work on your skin type. For instance, glycolic acid is advisable for anti-ageing, sun damage and pigmentation. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, can be used several times a week for acne and blackheads. It helps clear the pores and remove excess oil, eliminating the possibility of build up. Other acids like lactic acid and polyhydroxy acid are good for anti-ageing and sensitive skin, respectively.

Furthermore, you can assert further hydration to your skin through toners. Ingredients such as lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycerine can give the skin a moisture boost. 

Using toners mark the end of the cleansing part of your night routine. Much like during the day, you can apply the toner using a cotton pad and swipe it over the skin.

3. Antioxidant

Again, your skin is busy working to repair the condition of your skin even at night. So, it is important to feed your skin with proper nourishment. The way to do so is using serums.

Antioxidant serums should also be applied during the nighttime to neutralize all the free radicals from exposure to the sun, pollution, and stress during the day. Serums are effective way of nourishing because it delivers powerful ingredients directly to the skin. Vitamin E is recommended for dry skin, while antioxidants like green tea extract can be used on dull complexions.

Retinol is specifically used for nighttime routines. It is considered the gold standard when it comes to anti-ageing. Retinol is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots from both environmental and natural ageing. However, it can only be used during the night as it’s photosensitive, meaning it breaks down in UV light.

If you haven’t tried retinol before, carry out a patch test for 24 hours to see if your skin can tolerate it or not. You can also start with lower concentrations of it two to three times a week. Then you can gradually increase the percentage of use depending on your skin’s condition. 

4. Moisturize

The final step in your nighttime skincare regimen is moisturizing, again. It is important to put hydration back during the night. Instead of using a moisturizer with SPF, apply a night cream formulated with anti-ageing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lipo-hydroxy-acid, and/or retinol.

Ceramides are also advised for moisturizers. Ceramides are fatty acids maintaining the skin barrier, retaining moisture, and keeping the skin hydrated. It is essential as it holds the skin barrier together, making up 50% of the uppermost layer of the skin. 

Apply it similarly to your morning moisturizer, by dabbing small amounts on your skin.

Those are some tips that you can follow to have an effective anti-ageing skincare routine 24/7. It may sound like a lot of time and effort, but promise that it will be worth it. Remember, prevention is better than cure, which also speaks true to our skin. Although, skincare may take time before it yields obvious results. There are also alternate solutions like injectable skincare that you can do alongside your existing regimen for more immediate results. Regardless, it is never too early or late to start investing in your skin’s condition.

Minimalism has been a trend for quite a while now. From home interior to clothing style, many people, across different facets, have subscribed to the age-old ethos of ‘less is more’. But have you ever heard of “skinimalism”?

The trend has been making rounds in the year 2021. As the name suggests, it takes the general idea of minimalism- using small amounts of something- and adapting it to your skin care routine. Skinimalism focuses on using a minimum number of products to your skin yet gives a greater result. It doesn’t talk about budget or creating your cosmetic product, but it only means using fewer products that will help you lose the idea of using more. In other words, minimalism for the skin.

The idea of skinimalism is being beautiful in the simplest way. You lessen skin products on your usual skin care routines and acknowledge more of your natural beauty or the natural glow of your skin. It focuses more on seeing the bright side of common skin issues like pores, wrinkles, freckles, and pimples.

The trend grew in popularity because of the pandemic, when work-from-home and lockdowns became prominent all over the world. Because all people had to stay at home and wear masks, make-up kind of became unnecessary for many. Instead, more people chose to go bare face or apply minimal sunscreens when going out and attending virtual meetings, which have the cameras disabled most of the time anyway.

Also, for others, rather than buying makeup products, new shades of lipstick, or the latest makeup brand, they would rather invest in skin products. Some say that because of the pandemic they had more time to attend to and give some love to their skin.

Minimalist Skin Care

Your usual skin care routine surely comes with a lot of steps and products. You tend to layer different products to achieve different goals for your skin. Doing so is not a bad thing. Skinimalism does not discourage you from doing so. It only suggests that more is not necessarily better. By downsizing your skin care routine to a few steps narrows down the focus of your regimen, eliminating any distraction from your skin goals. That way, you are targeting specific areas that you want to improve. 

If you want to try a more minimalist skin care routine, here are the steps in a skinimalist routine and the most essential products you need to include.

Cleanser

Of course, cleansing your face will always be a crucial part of your routine. Start with a mild cleanser to remove dirt and unnecessary toxins at the primary layer of your face. You do not have to over-cleanse your face as long as you are using the right cleanser that fits your skin type.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is important, especially when you need to remove dead skin cells and clogged dirt on your pores. By exfoliating, you get the best benefits of the product that you will apply after. 

Exfoliating also helps in balancing your skin texture and boost rejuvenation of the skin. There are a ton of exfoliating acids or serums available out there, but remember to do some research because some exfoliating products might be too harsh for your skin.

Moisturize

Never forget to moisturize! Moisturizing is essential in your skin’s daily routine. Aside from keeping your skin hydrated, it also helps you achieve that plumped and healthy look. Additionally, moisturizing also smoothens your skin by covering up pores that are visible in your face.

Look for moisturizers that are best for your skin, whether you have an oily, dry, or combined skin type.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens are not only for beach parties, but also an important product you need to apply daily. You have to make it a habit. Add sunscreens as a part of your morning routine, even when you’re at home. It doesn’t mean that you are not out, that you don’t attract UV rays. 

Sunscreens will benefit you a lot when you get used to them. It prevents early signs of ageing like wrinkles and dark spots.

Those are some steps in a minimalist skin care routine. Again, with skinimalism, it aims to take out the best from using less. Some may think that more products can give better results. The truth is, you only need to find the right product and stick to the routine. 

With that said, taking care of your skin doesn’t stop on face value. It also matters what gets into your skin. Read the label of your skincare products to make sure you have the following in your regimen:

Retinol

Retinol causes your skin to speed up its normal cell-turnover process. In other words, it quickly removes dead skin cells, preventing common skin problems like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. 

Some experts also say that retinol can also help build collagen production, which is one of the key factors to lessen skin ageing.

Salicylic acid

If you are an avid skincare enthusiast, salicylic acid may not be anything new to you. Salicylic acid has been famous for acne treatment for years. But do you know that it also treats signs of aging by exfoliation? Unlike other exfoliants, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can get into greasy pores or oily skin. 

Glycerine

Glycerine is a humectant that attracts water from your environment, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized. It is beneficial especially to those with dry skin. Glycerine increases the ability to produce a skin barrier to improve hydration. 

Amino acids

Amino acids help the natural moisturization of the skin. Many brands have already used amino acids as one of the highlights in advertising their product. 

Collagen’s most important compound is amino acids. Moreover, amino acids are divided into different variants, each having an important role to provide healthy skin. It maintains skin hydration and protects the skin from free-radical damages. 

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is popular in skincare products that are opting to provide hydrated skin. Its contribution is to maintain the elasticity of your skin, which is essential in fighting skin ageing by increasing the production of collagen. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place, helping the skin to have enough time to maintain its hydration.

Benefits of Minimalist Skin Care

As mentioned, minimalist skin care’s technique is to use less to get the best benefits of every product. With that said, there are more benefits in doing so than just the aesthetic side. You may be surprised how much more it will be beneficial to you. Some of its benefits include the following:

• Too much product on your skin can cause irritation, be overly dry, and lead to breakouts. Also, without proper knowledge and research, the products you might be using don’t work well when used together at once, causing you to have more skin issues and irritation.
• It decreases your expenses. Skincare products are usually expensive. Most products are branded and use compounds that are said to be more effective than other products. Those who are keen on their products usually go for brands that are known for their skin services. 
  Why choose 10 different costly products rather than using only 4 different products that can give you the same benefit. 
• Certain skincare products contain ingredients unable to absorb to the skin such as activated charcoal. The ingredient initially became popular in the food market and eventually became a hit on skincare products. Based on some research, activated charcoal is best for the stomach to absorb poison or drugs, but not for cosmetic purposes. If you wish to remove dirt from your face, you get rid of dirt and bacteria by simply cleansing with a mild facial wash. 
• Products such as cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil are usually incorporated in many skin care routines. These three products were said to be useful in removing acne. However, since they are oils, it doesn’t always give you the results you expect. It can worsen your skin condition because it can clog your pores. Instead, you may eliminate them from your regimen and use products that contain salicylic acid.
• Scrubs are often misunderstood as exfoliators. If you want to get rid of dead skin cells, face scrubs are not advisable to use every day, especially for those with sensitive skin. It can cause skin irritation and may lead to unwanted breakouts.
• Face mist is common to refresh your skin, but it doesn’t work for everyone and every time. Face mist is not the best way to moisturize your skin. Also, not all face mist can moisturize. Get rid of mist that contains fragrance and alcohol, it may dry your skin and cause irritations. 

Skin Care and Lifestyle

Skinimalism is not only about the product. It is also best effective when you also care for your body. Your body requires sleep, a healthy diet, and exercise. When missed, it may also affect your skin. When you are stressed, fatigued, inactive, and eating too many calories, even though you are careful with your routine, you may not be able to achieve the young-looking skin you are going for. 

First, make a habit of maintaining a proper diet. Nutrition is very important to your body, and whatever happens to your body also affects your skin. 

Have you experienced having a crappy stomach from eating a lot of oily food throughout the day, then you get a pimple on certain areas of your face? Or suddenly you see zits under your jaw after a week of not drinking enough water? That’s how tightly linked your skin condition is to your eating habits.

Remember that a good diet affects your entire lifestyle. It affects your mental health, physical health, and, especially, your skin’s health. 

For a good complexion, eat more food that is rich with the following nutrients:

Antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables are the best suppliers of antioxidants, such as blueberries. It helps in providing cell renewal, prevents free radicals, and protects from sunlight that can damage the skin. If you may have noticed, antioxidants are a popular ingredient when promoting skin renewal on some skin products and supplements.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is famous for healing the skin by assisting the production of collagen. Eating vitamin C not only improves your immune system but also improves healthy skin. 

Protein

Protein is not only for building muscles, but it also helps repair damaged skin. Lack of protein in your body can reduce the ability of the skin to heal quickly. Some foods that are rich in protein include fish, eggs, yogurt, and tofu.

Lastly, remember to always drink water to keep your body hydrated.You might also want to add a physical exercise routine to keep your body active and have healthy blood flow, which can also become beneficial to have great skin.

Skinimalism for Skin Damage

As you are only using limited amounts of products, it is normal for minimalist skin care to have its limitations. Most of the steps involved in it are great ways to improve the quality of your skin and prevent any future skin issues. However, it may not be enough to treat pre-existing skin problems such as wrinkles or dry skin.

For those who need a quick fix to heal skin damages, it is okay to incorporate additional products to your regimen to address such issues. Sometimes, face serums, lotions, and other skin products may work in solving your skin problem. However, not everyone has the same experience. Other products may not be as effective in some people compared to other users. 

With that in mind, do not hesitate to find alternative solutions that can give you optimum results. One thing that you can try are dermal fillers. Dermal fillers were invented to help people with varying skin issues to provide better and faster results. Fillers contain all the good things you need to help improve your skin. 

Furthermore, if you are concerned about eliminating products from your current regimen, dermal fillers can be your first step in transitioning to a minimalist skin care. You are already getting immediate results through fillers that would normally take you so much time and products. It is also not something that you necessarily need to do regularly. After completing your procedure, you can apply a minimalist skin care routine to sustain your results.

There are many dermal fillers available to treat your skin problems. Although, there are only certain products that can provide all the necessary content your skin may have to gain. One of these products is Sunekos.

Sunekos for Skinimalism

Sunekos is an injectable skincare treatment that can stimulate collagen regeneration, which can lead to less wrinkle formation and slow down skin ageing. Its patented formulation consists of six essential amino acids, HY6AA (Glycine, L-Proline, L-Lysine, L-Alanine, L-Leucine, L-Valine), with Hyaluronic Acid. The combination of these ingredients is clinically proven to help in the regeneration of skin cells and collagen. 

Ageing reduces the number of fibroblasts and metabolic activities in your skin. As a result, there’s a lower fibroblast activity in Extracellular Matrix (ECM), which causes skin ageing. Sunekos achieves the production of the new ExtraCellular Matrix (ECM) by stimulating the cells and increasing the production of collagen and elastin, the main building blocks of the matrix. More specifically, its unique formula of essential amino acids boost the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen fibers, and elastic fibers, including Type 4 collagen, which is the hardest to produce.

Sunekos is a good choice when you’re hoping for your skin to get better. It contains most of the ingredients that you mostly see on cosmetic products you use daily, yet, it has a greater effect because it is treating your skin from inside out. 

Skinimalism may be a perfect choice, especially for the fact that you don’t need to extend into different products to have healthy and young skin. Aside from that, it is time-saving and budget-friendly. 

With that said, if there are still concerns that may not be treated by skin products you decide to leave in your routine, it is best to consult a professional dermatologist for better treatment. 

In recent years, more and more people have become cautious about maintaining their skin’s beautiful condition due to the exposure of social media. As a result, skincare has witnessed a massive boom among beauty and cosmetic enthusiasts so to look good. And also, more and more people are becoming open about pursuing alternative options that can give them optimum results for their complexion. 

One of the alternative solutions that have grown in popularity is injectable skincare, or the use of facial fillers. Facial fillers have a polarizing reputation. While a lot of people are now accepting of it as a viable option, there is still some stigma that surrounds it. With that said, facial fillers are excellent alternatives that can immediately create positive change to your complexion. Today, we shall share one of the popular fillers that have popped up for its optimum result: Sunekos.

What is Sunekos?

Sunekos is an injectable skincare treatment known to result in less wrinkle formation and ageing skin by stimulating collagen regeneration by itself. It uses a unique patented HA + HY6AA formula, consisting of six essential Amino Acids (HY6AA; Glycine, Proline, Lysine, Alanine, Valine, Leucine) with Hyaluronic Acid (HA). The combination of these ingredients can help in the natural regeneration of collagen, elastin and Type 4 collagen. Sunekos uses a specific patented formula because any slight change to the formula can give you a different effect or lead to a different outcome.

Sunekos comes in two variants, Sunekos 200 and Sunekos 1200. 

Sunekos 200 is a dermal filler containing low-density Hyaluronic Acid with HY6AA that stimulates collagen and elastin production due to the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and trigger the production of fibroblast. On the other hand, Sunekos 1200 is a booster particularly used in combination with Sunekos 200. It has antioxidant and ‘volumizing’ properties that reduce severe wrinkles and damaged skin.

Sunekos can be applied to different problem areas in the body, such as the face, forehead, under eye area, neck, hands, and arms. Its results address various skin problems, such as severe wrinkles, skin ageing, fine wrinkles, loss of hydration, dark eye circles, acne scarring, and sagging.

Sunekos Review in Japan

Sunekos is commercially distributed to 25 countries around the world. The brand is relatively new in the field of facial fillers in Asia. Despite that, it has been making a name for creating natural results in reducing wrinkle formation and skin regeneration. The amazing results brought by Sunekos injectable skincare are now available to whoever is interested in Japan. 

With that said, not all are willing to undergo such a procedure just by reading some materials regarding the products online. That’s where research comes in. As mentioned, there are cosmetic and beauty clinics in Japan that are now offering Sunekos. It may also help to look at reviews of people who have gone through the process that you are interested in the same experience. As Sunekos is a newer brand in Japan, there is still somewhat scarce material out there for you to compare and contrast. 

To help you, we found one woman, through Instagram, who underwent a “Sunekos Challenge”. A woman, with the Instagram handle @382_20210216, documented her experience of having the Sunekos injectable skincare, detailing everything that happened throughout the process. She specifically had the treatment on her forehead and under-eye area. The procedure was done in Akasaka Stella Clinic in Tokyo, under the administration of Dr. Yu Yanagishita.

For photos and videos of her journey, you can visit her own Instagram account, where she shared everything about her experience. However, all the posts are in Japanese. No worries, as we will detail everything that you need to know about her Sunekos journey, according to her posts. This may serve as a guide as you scroll through the photos and videos on her personal account.

The information presented in this article is purely for sharing purposes, there is no intention of providing medical advices in treating skin issues.

“Sunekos Challenge” Results in Japan

The woman’s treatment did not happen in just one sitting. Sunekos was carried out in specific doses across 4 treatments. She shared how she consulted her doctor and medical staff for an option that will suit her thin skin. That’s when she’s introduced to Sunekos, and she went on to have her first treatment.

For her first treatment, she had Sunekos applied to her forehead and the area next to her eyes. Immediately after the injection, she noticed how the area became bumpy. She described it as a “reptile-like texture” and “like a bubble wrap used for packaging”. Soon enough, the bumps in the area around her eyes subsided, making it look almost flat. Two hours after the procedure, there was a bit of internal bleeding that remained, but she was permitted to go home. She also noted how people did not notice anything peculiar about the areas she got treated.

Treatment with Sunekos is an outpatient procedure. It means that there’s no downtime and the patient can immediately continue with her routine right away. Moreover, slight swelling and bleeding may be a normal occurrence after the injection, though it subsides eventually, as the woman referred to in her post.

On April 21, two weeks after the first session, the second treatment was administered. Here, she noted that was yet to see significant changes on her face. After injecting her forehead, similar bumps appeared in the area. The eye area, which was first injected, became reddish, but the injectable skincare was absorbed later on.

During the follow-up of her second treatment, the woman described the tension around her eyes. She clarified that it is not swelling. Rather, it is a small sign of how Sunekos was taking effect. There aren’t instant changes, as said, but changes are slowly becoming prominent. To display the progress, she also posted a photo that shows the absence of fine wrinkles under her eyes.

The woman came back for her third treatment on May 5. To monitor her progress, Dr. Yanagishita examined her skin’s changes before the injection. Here, her doctor pointed out changes that she hadn’t noticed herself, such as her skin’s volume number was approaching zero, which means her condition is improving. They then proceeded to administer the injection. Again, bumps appeared on her face. She shared how her face looked and felt good three hours after the session. The bumps had flattened a bit. There was slight point-like bleeding, but nothing that foundation or concealer can’t cover.

For her third treatment follow-up, the woman revealed that she had internal bleeding. However, she did not feel pain and felt normal. With that said, the internal bleeding stands out after the day of the injection. She advised her followers to avoid scheduling important dates close to your session to avoid having people noticing it. If can’t be avoided, again, foundation and concealers can help cover it up.

She again made another follow-up a week after her third session. The woman measured the wrinkles near the corner of the eye, the area she was most worried about. She shared how the size, depth, and width of her wrinkles were reduced. As a result, skincare became a more soothing experience for her.

Her final treatment happened on May 11, one week after the last session. Dr. Yanagishita pointed out changes that even she noticed, the woman said in one of her posts. She also mentioned the joy of seeing the changes reflect on the images she documented. There were time constraints for her last session, so the anaesthesia time was shorter than the previous, though she stated that the eye area was easy to anaesthetize. Moreover, she felt the tension and water retention around the eyes due to the procedure.

In her final follow-up, the woman reflected on the results of her “Sunekos Challenge”. The internal bleeding from the third session has subsided and is most likely to disappear with the fourth internal bleeding within a week. Comparing her photos before and after Sunekos, she noted that wrinkles under her eyes had improved. Furthermore, her complexion enhanced, and she noticed a newfound firmness in her skin quality. Finally, the feeling of dryness has decreased due to the hydrating properties of Sunekos.

That concludes her Sunekos review. The woman we have spoken about is only one of the growing number of people who have witnessed the benefits of injectable skincare, not only in Japan but all over the world. There are other Sunekos reviews in Japan that you can search. It might be tedious to find this information, but it is worth it if you want a glimpse of what it’s like to undergo the procedure. There are other reviews outside Japan that you can read. 

With that said, every person has their individual needs when it comes to their skincare. The best way to find out if Sunekos is right for you is to consult a cosmetic professional near you that offers the treatment. So if you want to combat wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing, you can start as early as now!

As skincare has become popular, it would be no surprise if you hear about free radicals. It may be in online articles or information about skin products, antioxidant properties and ‘free radicals’ have become a buzz term among skincare enthusiasts.

Based on science, free radicals are any molecular species capable of independent existence that contains an unpaired electron in an atomic orbital. They function as a donor of electrons to other molecules and vice versa. It may be difficult to understand what free radicals are, but, in layman’s terms, it is as simple as unpaired electrons or electrons without a partner, hence calling them “free” radicals.

But how does it affect your skin? Why is it so important to be aware of what it is?

What Are Free Radicals?

As mentioned in the first part of this article, free radicals are unpaired electrons. These unpaired molecules may be harmful to the body. They are naturally produced by the body, though they can be increased by outdoor sources like pollution, dust, smoke, smog, and household cleaners.

Free radicals are also known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), molecules that have highly reactive oxygen. A human’s body relies on oxygen, but, normally, these molecules split paired oxygen molecules into two single atoms with unpaired electrons. Think of it as losing a pair of your socks. You then choose to use a different sock from another pair, which leaves you with another pair-less sock. Free radicals work similarly. These unpaired electrons scavenge around the body looking for another electron to form another pair, which is why they are described as reactive. As they do this, they cause damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA.

Aging is linked to the increase of free radicals. As people age, the body doesn’t have enough ability to fight the growth of free radicals. This results in more oxidative stress, the imbalance of systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen, and more damaged cells, which eventually leads to degenerative processes and aging.

Your environment can also trigger skin-damaging free radicals. People who live in places where dirt and pollution are more likely to develop the problem. The reason is that pollution is always present, increasing the amount of oxidative stress. Pollutants such as cigarette smoke, metal ions, radiation, and household cleaners or toxic chemicals can worsen the effects of free radicals. Aside from pollutants, an unhealthy diet and alcohol consumption can also accelerate free radicals.

Why Are Free Radicals Harmful to the Skin?

Free radicals are molecules looking for a pair, and, without a pair, these electrons become chemically unstable. These free radicals that are present in the air search for another electron and find its pair from another atom. Similar to how it does inside your body, it finds another pair from other atoms present in your body.

Oxidized oxygen atoms must take electrons from anywhere that is present within their reach, so they can be balanced. They can be compared to a magnet that can attract other atoms. In some cases, steal electrons from healthy cells.

As a result, it can affect the health of your skin. When free radicals are unable to take an available electron from other atoms, they may start finding their partner from the cells that are available inside your body, causing a breakdown in the DNA of your skin. The damage then appears on the skin, wherein wrinkles, sagging, dryness, dullness, age spots, and broken blood vessels occur.

The best example that most studies show that can relate to this matter is an open apple. If you leave it out open, the apple will turn brown. Similar to what your skin will experience when it’s continuously exposed to free radicals.

How to Protect Your Skin From Free Radicals?

The best way to protect your skin from free radicals is to take antioxidant-rich foods seriously. Overeating unnecessary food, especially food that is high in carbohydrates and sugar, can spike free radicals in your body. When you eat, the body’s mitochondria release more activated oxygen than normal during energy consumption, resulting in higher levels of free radicals and more possibility to gain risk of oxidative stress.

Below is a list of food tips that can guide you to protect your skin and prevent increasing the number of free radicals on your body.

• Reduce eating processed meats such as sausages and bacon. It contains preservatives, which are high in producing free radicals.
• Stop reusing cooking fats and oils. Heating fats and oils during cooking oxidize them, generating free radicals.
• Avoid foods that are rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars.
• Eat foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in a variety of plants in the form of vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and certain phytonutrients and polyphenols.
• Alcoholic drinks, especially beer, are not only high in calories but also can produce free radicals in the body.
• Look for foods with β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, like broccoli, carrots, collard greens, corn, mango, and tomatoes.
• Eat more fruits like apples, cherries, grapefruit, kiwi, papaya, red grapes, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
• Spices can not only enhance the flavour of your food, but can also decrease oxidative stress. Examples include ginger, extract, ginkgo, rosemary, and turmeric.
• Flavonoids also have antioxidant functions. Onions, eggplant, lettuce, turnip greens, endives, pears, red wine, parsley, citrus fruits, berries, cherries, plums, legumes, soybeans, milk, cheese, tofu, and miso are good examples of flavonoid-rich foods.
• Tea is also a famous drink that has antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals by providing the missing electron. Its purpose is to stabilize free radicals that damage your DNA, cell membranes, and other existing cells in your body.  

In other words, antioxidants help break a chain reaction that can affect other molecules in the cell and other cells in the body. Yet, it is important to recognize that antioxidants are still chemical properties and not nutritional properties. 

There are also tons of products that can help fight free radicals. With that said, make sure of the components that shall be present on the product. 

• Vitamin A (retinol or retinoic acid) is an anti-ageing component, which is not only good at preventing dead skin cells from blocking the pores, but also great for acne-prone skin.
• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is also a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that can ease irritation on the skin and signs of aging.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a common component present in most beauty products. Aside from being a free radical scavenger, it also accelerates collagen production and clears dark spots.
• Vitamin E (tocopherol) has anti-inflammatory properties that work to even out skin tone, improve texture, and brighten skin.
• Resveratrol has properties that help in skin calming and contributes to reducing redness and even out skin tone.
• Green tea polyphenols can even out skin tone, clear dark spots, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sunekos as a Free Radical Scavenger

Eating healthy is a great way to sustain healthy skin. However, it takes time before results from your hard work and food discipline start to become noticeable. If you want to see more immediate results, you may opt for alternative solutions to go along with your new diet plan. One of the solutions to fight free radicals are injectable skincare like Sunekos.

Sunekos is an injectable skincare treatment that can stimulate collagen regeneration, which can lead to less wrinkle formation and slow down skin aging. Its patented formulation consists of six essential amino acids, HY6AA, (Glycine, L-Proline, L-Lysine, L-Alanine, L-Leucine, L-Valine) with Hyaluronic Acid. The combination of these ingredients is clinically proven to help in the regeneration of skin cells and collagen. It is well known that natural Hyaluronic Acid over 1 Mio Dalton (the density of hyaluronic acid) protects fibroblasts and structural elements of the dermis, as a free radical “scavenger.”

During the aging process, there is a numerical reduction of fibroblast and the skin’s metabolic activities, which consequently leads to a reduction of Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) component. Sunekos focuses on Extra Cellular Matrix targeting, where it restores the intake of nutrients for fibroblast and stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen fibers, and elastic fibers, including Type 4 collagen which is the hardest to produce.

Sunekos achieves the production of the new Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) by stimulating the cells and increasing the production of collagen and elastin. These are the main building blocks of the matrix. The homeostasis, for example, of the Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM), is vital for the health of all tissues and organs. Sunekos has a unique formula of essential amino acids to boost the production of collagen and elastin. This formula is vital to produce Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM), the stimulation of fibroblast and providing the required nutrients of the skin.

Now that you are aware of free radicals, always remember to be mindful of what you digest into your body and also be aware of your environment as much as possible.

This doesn’t mean that you need to create drastic changes in your life to stay away from bad elements. This is only a guide to help you understand how to take care of your skin against free radicals that may potentially affect the health of your skin.  

In recent years, skincare has garnered a wide cult following all over the world. More and more people are now becoming interested and hyper aware about treating the health and condition of their skin. Natural beautiful skin has become the standard. Consequently, various products and articles have come out telling you how to maintain and achieve that healthy looking skin.

If you have been interested in skincare for a while, or have kept up-to-date with the latest cosmetic trends, you might have heard the term ‘skin barrier’. Several skincare experts have emphasized the importance of the skin barrier and keeping it free of damage. 

Even if the name is suggestive of its function, what is the specific role of the skin barrier in having natural beautiful skin? How can you protect the skin barrier from damage?

What is the Skin Barrier?

It is common knowledge that our skin is composed of multiple different layers. The skin barrier is another term to refer to the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin. The skin barrier’s function sounds simple. It prevents the loss of moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and preventing dryness. Furthermore, the outermost layer keeps UV rays, allergens, irritants,  pollutants, and other impurities from seeping into the other layers of the skin. In other words, the skin barrier is your skin’s natural guard against negative elements around your environment. 

However, for a holistic approach to achieving a healthy skin barrier, it helps to know more about your skin- no pun intended- on a deeper level. Like the rest of the skin, the skin barrier is composed of several elements, each with a crucial function, making a complex process of protecting your skin surface.

Components of the Skin Barrier

The Lipid Matrix

Lipid matrix is a network of healthy fats that help hold the skin cells in place. It includes lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. A healthy skin barrier is composed of layers of skin cells arranged in what dermatologists call a “brick-and-mortar pattern”. The “brick” refers to the skin cells, while the “mortar” is the lipid matrix. As the cells are in place, it keeps the skin hydrated and removes any bacteria, pollutants, and allergens off the surface.

The Acid Mantle

The acid mantle pertains to the protective film of natural oils, amino acids, and sweat that sits on top of the skin cells. It helps as a protective cover that shields the skin from the negative elements. Moreover, it keeps the skin’s pH slightly acidic (around 5.5). pH is a measure for how acidic or basic water is. A slightly acidic pH protects the skin from contaminants like unwanted bacteria or fungus.

The Microbiome

The skin microbiome is a term for the collection of  microorganisms that inhabit the skin. These microbial living creatures are a natural part of the skin’s health and behaviour. It has vital functions for the skin that our body cannot supply on its own. These functions include impacting our bodies’ production of fats, altering the skin’s pH by secreting acidic molecules, and affecting the immune system by directing it to either accelerate or slow down.

SALT

SALT is nowhere similar to the staple condiment on your kitchen counter. SALT pertains to the skin-associated lymphoid tissue, which is considered the skin’s own immune system. A healthy skin barrier is the result of a smart and balanced immune system. It should be strong enough to prevent infection. With that said, if the skin’s immune system becomes over-responsive or hyperactive, it can also cause damage.

Causes of Damage to the Skin Barrier

Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Just like other parts of our body, we need to keep it healthy to maintain its function. If your skin is not in its best condition, it fails to function at its best level, causing damage to your skin. Remember that the more irritated and damaged the skin barrier is, the less effective it is in keeping the moisture in your skin. As a result, it leads to dryness, inflammation, and sensitized skin.

If you notice symptoms like increased redness, flakiness, dryness, and inflammation, it’s a telltale sign that you no longer have a healthy skin barrier. It can then further to more serious conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and acne if not treated immediately. Though, before you can find the right solution to your problem, you need to distinguish what caused it in the first place.

Here are some of the possible causes of disrupting your healthy skin barrier:

Harsh Cleaners and Manual Exfoliation

Remember that your skin barrier is delicate. Manual exfoliating tools like gritty, physical scrubs, and spin brushes can easily damage the outermost layer of your skin. If you prefer using a cleansing tool for exfoliation, use a silicone cleansing brush instead as it has softer bristles. Still, be gentle and do not press too hard. The safest bet in not damaging the skin barrier is using your clean hands. Furthermore, avoid using cleansing products that contain sulfates like SLS and SLES, which takes away the skin’s essential moisture and natural oils.

Layering Multiple Products

People may think that using more products produces more benefits for the skin. With the amount of skincare products out there, it is easy to be tempted to try all of them. Sometimes, we might be even urged to layer them on top of one another. However, it is essential to take note that most of these products have powerful active ingredients. Layering them together may cause more damage to your skin than good.

Even products that have proven for their skin benefits can still, if not used properly, cause irritation, weakening the skin barrier. You can still use products with active ingredients like hydroxy acids, l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and retinol, though not layered on top of one another. It also helps to use more powerful products in intervals. Give time for the skin to recover by skipping these products and replacing them with hydrating nourishing alternatives.

Too Much Fragrance

Limit or avoid using products that  contain fragrance as much as possible, regardless if you have sensitive skin or not. Leave-on products such as moisturizers and facial oils usually contain fragrance in them, so stay away from those variants. Whether they are natural or synthetic, fragrances are some of the most recognizable allergens and irritants. Oils with notes of cinnamon, ylang-ylang, peppermint, citrus, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, and wild orange should generally be avoided.

Bad Internal Health

Achieving natural beautiful skin should be approached from the inside-out instead of outside-in. Your internal health greatly affects the quality for your skin barrier. It helps to be more mindful and create more conscious decisions regarding your lifestyle, specifically when it comes to food.

Primarily, your diet has a massive impact on the quality of your skin’s condition. You may include foods rich in prebiotics such as asparagus, garlic, and onions to your meals. Also, adding omega-three fatty acids like salmon and extra virgin olive oil can help the maintenance of your skin barrier’s health and integrity. More importantly, cut out sugars and refined carbs, as these cause inflammation and other unwanted skin issues.

Ways to Maintain a Healthy Skin Barrier: To Achieve Natural Beautiful Skin

Now that you are more aware about the causes of damage to your skin barrier, it is easier to find solutions that specifically target these issues. Here are some tips to keep your natural beautiful skin:

Hydrate and Moisturize

Keeping your skin moisturized is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Products containing ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum can help restore moisture back to the skin.

In particular, ceramides improve the dryness, itchiness, and scaling by a poorly functioning skin barrier. It acts like a cement, strengthening the structural integrity of the skin. Ceramide moisturizers are recommended for acne prone skin and darker skin tones, which often contain lower ceramide levels.

Furthermore, moisturizers help reduce the amount of water loss from a damaged skin barrier. These products leave a thin film on your skin, keeping in the moisture. As the skin stays hydrated, it can easily perform its function. Products with hyaluronic acid and glycerin are recommended for this purpose.

Aside from the usual skins, there are alternative options that can bring deeper nourishment to the skin. Recently, more people have become more open about the idea of facial fillers. It used to have a taboo connotation among skincare enthusiasts. However, in the hands of a great doctor and a trusted facial filler product, you can achieve great results. 

Facial fillers are becoming popular for its regenerating properties. A unique injectable skincare treatment that stimulates natural collagen regeneration is available for those we are looking for natural results and treating troubled areas. Why is it unique? Because it uses a unique patented formula consisting of six essential Amino Acids (Glycine, Proline, Lysine, Alanine, Valine, Leucine) with Hyaluronic Acid (HA + HY6AA). The combination of these ingredients can help in the natural regeneration of collagen and elastin, especially Type 4 collagen which is known to be the hardest collagen to build, the building block of the skin.

Simplify Skincare

As mentioned earlier, layering tons of skincare products further damages your skin barrier rather than nourishing it. Like how the saying goes, “less is more”. 

Limit yourself in using products with active ingredients like exfoliants, retinol, and even vitamin C. Overly exfoliating using products with strong acids strips away your healthy skin barrier or makes its condition worse. Remember that your skin is delicate. Avoid over-washing, over-scrubbing, or using random products that may damage the sensitive acid mantle layer of the skin. Be gentle and give your skin time to heal on its own. Stick to a simple regimen of cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. With that said, exfoliating is still important to get rid of built up dirt and debris on the surface, just use a gentler method to do so.

Keep pH in Mind

Again, pH refers to how acidic or basic water is. A well-balanced pH level is crucial to a healthy skin barrier. The skin usually maintains its pH level at around 5.5 to 5.7, which is slightly acidic. Any large deviation from the ratio, whether it’s too high or too low, can throw off the function of the skin by causing inflammation and irritation.

Some skincare products’ pH level ranges from 3.7, all the way up to 8.2. To keep your skin’s pH level balance, cleanse using a product that’s close to your skin’s natural pH. Also, stay away from classic soaps as they are too alkaline, which strips your skin of its natural oils. 

Those are some information that you need to know about having a healthy skin barrier. Now that you are more conscious about that layer of your skin, it will be easier for you to avoid possible causes of damage. If your skin has already experienced damage, it is not the end of the world. As we have discussed, there are various ways you can restore the health of your skin and avoid any future damage. It may not be the easiest and hassle-free process, but putting in the effort can benefit you in the long term.

It is common for people who do their makeup to find it difficult to pull off a stunning makeup look without it going wrong and cakey. Regardless of how much you try, sometimes you make these makeup mistakes again and again. Maybe you were thinking it was just the weather or the product or your skin. Well, all of those can be a factor for having cakey makeup. That is why it is very important to know more about your skin and what product you should wear.

What Causes Cakey Makeup?

There are tons of reasons that cause cakey makeup. It could be because of how the foundation is applied, the unremoved dead skin accumulated on the surface, maybe your skin is too dry or too wet, or maybe you layered the products wrongly. 

These are the possible reasons that can cause cakey makeup to occur.

1. Wrong Skincare

Skin Care is important whether you are putting on makeup or not. It is good to practice a skincare routine that can help you have better skin and avoid skin conditions like oily, dry, and flaky skin. All of these can affect how you look with makeup on.

Exfoliating and moisturizing the face is the topmost priority during your skincare routine, but not all exfoliating and moisturizing products can help. For dry skin, it is important to consider exfoliating as a part of your skincare routine but sometimes it is also not advisable to use exfoliating products, especially strong chemical exfoliation.

For sensitive skin, it is not advisable to use exfoliating products that require scrubbing, as it could further irritate the skin and cause redness that is hard to cover with makeup. Finally, for oily skin, it is recommended to look for moisturizing products that won’t give that greasy feeling. It is important to understand the ingredients used in the moisturizer so as to achieve water-oil balance for your skin to prevent any unnecessary outbreaks!

You must be asking why it is so important to know what skincare routine will suit you. Skincare helps a lot to achieve your makeup desired look. It also reduces the necessity of over-putting foundations, heavy concealer, and other concealing products that is a huge factor for cakey makeup.

2. Pre-preparation mistakes

An important part of the makeup routine is having your skin prepped. After going through your skincare, a common mistake people make is starting to put the foundation on without putting any product that will hold the makeup.

Primer is a necessary product that should be used before putting on foundation. It helps reduce visible flaws that you have in your face including open pores and acne scars. A primer should be applied at least 30 minutes after your skincare to avoid mixing it with the products you had applied during your routine. You can use your hands, sponge, or a brush to apply it around your face, especially to areas that are sometimes missed like the edges near the ears and the corners of the nose.

3. Bad application of foundation

Always know what foundation will suit your skin. If you have dry skin, use oil-based or water-based foundations to give a dewy finishing. On the other hand, for oily skin, you can also use a water-based foundation to carry out a light foundation result or powder-based foundation that is oil-free. Alternatively, you can look into the ingredients used for the foundation and look out for non-comedogenic, unnatural dyes, perfumes and synthetic ingredients. Mineral makeup is one recommended foundation to use for oily skin, acne-prone skin or sensitive skin.

Remember that the way you apply your foundation is also important. It is better to use a makeup sponge for applying the foundation. Also make sure that you start with a pea-sized amount of product on the back of your hand and use a bouncing motion while gently applying it to your skin. 

Putting a lot of foundation for the first layer can make your skin wet which will not let the other products hold onto your skin well. Since you will be adding another product that will cover unwanted spots, you better stick to applying less amount of foundation.

4. Improper Concealer application

As the name suggests, concealer is a product that helps conceal areas that you want to cover like eye bags, pimple marks, and acne scars.

During application, be aware of the amount of concealer you are applying, because too much concealer can also cause cakey makeup. Only use it to conceal unwanted areas. It is best to go for light yet full coverage concealers. In application, using your fingers to dab and slowly blend them into your skin is one of the commonly used methods.

5. Too much Powder

Using powder is the final step for your makeup base, but it is important not to overdo it. There are different types of powders to choose from based on your skin or what finish you are going for. If you wish to choose a powder to prolong your makeup, you can use a setting powder or finishing powder. If you have oily skin, matte-finished, oil control, no-sebum mineral and shine control powders are the best choice.

These powders are not like your usual powder. You don’t need to be applied on your entire face. It serves different purposes depending on how you apply it. You can use a very light amount of setting or finishing powder and dust it on areas like your cheek, chin, forehead, and nose just to make sure it sets your foundation and concealer. Some use a setting powder to “bake” certain areas to highlight their features and add a glowing finish.

Ways to Prevent Cakey Makeup

1. Always remember to exfoliate properly

Flaky skin can result in uneven makeup. Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and smoothen the skin to avoid lumps or bumpy textures in the skin. This should be practiced often more for those who have dry skin. Exfoliants come as either physical or chemical. Generally, avoid physical exfoliants as it makes the skin susceptible to  sagging. Chemical exfoliants dissolve dead skin cells by detaching them from the surface of the skin.

2. Moisturize

Moisturizers prevent dryness and hydrate the skin that allows you to get that glow-like appearance after applying makeup. It also helps add a barrier between the skin and the product to reduce the possibility of having a cakey face.  It also helps to keep your face hydrated with necessary moisture to keep the natural glow and fullness of the skin.

If you want to avoid cakey makeup throughout the day, having different types of moisturizers at hand can help. Day-time moisturizers usually SPF in them to protect your skin from the sun. Also, most of them are designed to be used under makeup. It creates a smooth, oil-free canvas for the makeup to set on. On the other hand, night-time moisturizers focus on moisture and recovery. Your skin regenerates while you’re sleeping, so these products tend to have anti-aging compounds that penetrate the skin. If you have acne-prone skin, you should be more cautious about the type of moisturizer to use. Check the labels for oil-free and non-comedogenic products as they’re less likely to cause breakouts.

If products do not give enough moisture to your skin, there are alternative options out there. More and more people are becoming open to the idea of dermal fillers to regenerate their skin’s moisture. There are a lot of filler variants out there that give effective and natural-looking results, so you don’t have to worry. An uprising dermal filler in Asia uses hyaluronic acid- a common ingredient in many skincare products- with six essential amino acids that helps to regenerate the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of the skin. As it penetrates the skin, dermal fillers help keep the skin moisturized from the inside-out. To find out more, press HERE.

3. Blend the foundation properly

This is a common mistake done by many people. There are times when there are spots that still have a lot of foundation, causing it to become cakey after applying the other products. Use a damp sponge to help the foundation stick well to the skin and blend it easier.

4. Use a setting spray

After applying all of your makeup, consider applying a setting spray. The setting spray helps eliminate the residue left from the other products, giving a natural finish. It also prolongs the longevity of your makeup so that it can last you through the day and night, perfect for someone who is out for the whole day! 

5. Avoid applying too much makeup on creased areas

Creases are the lines you can see in your face. As much as you want to cover it, it is better to avoid applying too much foundation on the area. It actually has the opposite result. The lesser the foundation you put in this area, the less visible it is. The type of foundation applied (as mentioned in the beginning) plays a role in the visible creases, so do be careful on your choice of foundation!

6. Take your time

Each product applied should have a set time. It is wrong to move on to the next product without giving time for the skin to absorb the previous product. For example, after applying primer, it is good to let it set for 1-2 minutes before applying concealer or foundation. Unless you are rushing for time, otherwise, it is good to give your skin time to set the foundation right (literally).

7. Proper makeup tools

Aside from knowing makeup products, you must also make sure you know of the tools you will be using. Whether it is a sponge or a brush, the tools you use determine the quality of your application.

8. Apply every product gently

You don’t have to pound the skin hard for the product to stick. Be gentle and take time to blend the makeup. Also, do not over-apply any of the products. A lot of layers can cause the makeup to drip and become cakey.  

Products that Prevents Cakey Makeup

Face Primer

Primer is the base of the makeup. It acts similar to a double-sided tape between the skin and the foundation. Primer is the best product you can use as a base to smoothen the skin and create a poreless surface for the makeup to set on, especially to those who have big, opened pores. Usually, not applying a face primer can cause dots across the T-zone and lumps on a few areas of your face, resulting in a cakey makeup look. It’s just like applying paint on a wall without using a primer.

However, some say that primer isn’t really necessary if you have prepared your skin with the right moisturizers and serums that perfectly suit your skin type. They add that it is only best to use primers for events that will need extra hold for your makeup and for situations you are seen close up. Some examples may include photoshoots, live interviews, awarding ceremonies and other events alike. 

Translucent Powder

Translucent powder is one of the all-time favourite products of many makeup artists. Same as a setting spray, using a setting powder can help keep your makeup stay longer. 

Setting powder and setting spray differs depending on either your skin type or the way it is applied. Setting sprays are used by spraying it on top of the entire finished makeup, while setting powders are used on specific areas that need more attention like the T-zone where it is commonly oily. 

There are also different shades of translucent or setting powder based on the look you are trying to achieve. There are also colorless powders available for all skin tones and tinted shades for a warmer look. 

Lastly, remember to not overuse powders. It is a usual mistake that has to be addressed to avoid a cakey look. A light amount of powder is enough to cover the oily areas and hold the foundation for a long time.

Setting Spray

A setting spray is usually a combination of alcohol and water that is used to keep your makeup and prevent it from smudging. It may also be referred to as face mist.

Setting spray is a good product to prolong your makeup especially for long occasions like weddings, company events, business conferences, etc. 

With that said, a setting spray is not a daily skincare product and should not be used too often. Remember that it contains alcohol that can cause dryness to your skin. The best way to use setting sprays is applying a light amount of the product by distancing it away from your face upon spraying after your makeup is done. Also, applying too much setting spray at once can cause too much moisture to the makeup, which may cause your makeup to drip or smudge easily. 

Same with foundations and powders there are specific setting sprays made for different skin types like oil-control setting sprays that are composed with a matte formula. There are also alcohol-free setting sprays if you’re worried of having dry skin.

Face Foundation

Face foundation can be in liquid, stick or powder form. The purpose of foundation is to create an even surface for the skin where all the other products, including eyeshadows, blush, concealer and bronzer, can stick on. 

It covers the uneven areas on the skin to make it look smooth and clean. To achieve a perfect clean look, it is important to know what kind of foundation you need to use. 

There are different kinds of foundation made to match your skin type and skin tone. There are foundations for oily skin, dry skin, and other skin types. There are also foundations made with different tones to match the color of your skin and make it look close to natural. 

How to Select the Right Foundation

1. Know your shade

One of the mistakes that you may have done before is swatching foundation at the top of your hand to test the color. The thing is, that part of your hand is darker than your face, causing you to choose a darker foundation. It is better to try foundations on areas like your chest, or any spot at the center of the face and blend it towards the hairline to see if it matches the tone of your cheeks.

Also, keep in mind to test foundation colors under natural lighting because light can affect the shade of the foundation. For example, yellow toned lights can make other foundations look warmer.

2. Know how much coverage you will need

Coverage is knowing how dense you want your foundation to be. For people who don’t put on a lot of makeup and only use it for covering a few spots, then a light to medium coverage is advisable. Although, if you need a foundation that needs to stay longer and doesn’t need a lot of touch ups, then a full coverage foundation is best for you.

3. Know your skin type

Skin type is very important when buying products for the skin. The compatibility between the product and your skin type determines how long the makeup will stay and how it will look after a few hours after application. 

For oily skin, it is better to use satin finish, light water-based or matte foundation to make it look smooth and control the face from being too greasy. While for dry skin, choose foundations that have more moisture like liquid foundations and stick foundations that are often creamier. If you are not sure of what skin type you have, there are also foundations available that can be used for all any skin type. 

4. Identify your undertones

It is important to consider your natural skin tone, whether you have warm or a cooler skin tone. You can identify this by checking your bare skin in front of the mirror. If you can see that you have a yellow tone or a golden tone, this means you have a warmer undertone. On the other hand, if you can see pinky or rosy tones, then your skin has a cool undertone. 

These tones are important because it can help you choose a better shade of foundation. Most of the time, products are already labeled whether they are warm-toned or cool-toned foundation.

5. Ask a makeup professional

If it is still difficult for you to understand how to choose the right foundation for your skin, you can always feel free to ask a makeup professional. They will help you understand what shade and type of foundation will suit you best. It’s also not hard to find this information. There are numerous articles and videos online that teach you tips and tricks when it comes to makeup products and applications.

Now that you have all the guides to choosing the right products, make it a habit to keep this information in mind and try to practice them whenever you apply or buy your makeup. Sometimes, it will not be easy to switch products or routines from the ways you were used to, but a few changes can go a long way. After doing so, you’ll feel better with the results and be able to share your personal experiences to other people who had the same problem as yours.  

Have you noticed fine lines and sagging skin when you face in front of the mirror? These are some telltale signs of ageing skin.

Ageing skin is something that a lot of people dread happening. However, to some degree, it’s inevitable as we grow older. “Accepting that it is a natural part of ageing eases the process.” That way, rather than concerning yourself about the already visible signs, you are more determined to find solutions for your skin issue. Yes, this is the common way of phrasing things whenever ageing skin has been touched on. As cliche as it sounds, but this is the truth!

Before you can find a solution, it helps you better to know which signs of ageing skin you are experiencing right now.

Signs of Ageing Skin

Wrinkles and Sagging Skin

Wrinkles and sagging skin are the most evident signs of ageing skin, making it a primary concern of many women and men. Areas such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms are typical spots where the issue can be spotted. 

As you age, your skin slows down its production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is the protein that gives the skin its shape. It’s composed of tightly constructed fibres that help your skin maintain its structure and firmness, resulting in a firm and plump complexion. On the other hand, elastin, as the name suggests, gives the skin elasticity. It allows the skin to bounce back when it is stretched. 

It becomes easier for wrinkles and skin sagging to occur when there is lesser collagen and elastin in the skin. These signs become more apparent in areas commonly exposed to the sun, like the forehead and face.

Sunken Eyes and Cheeks

You may also notice how your face shape is slowly becoming hollow during the process of ageing skin. Over time, the area between the skin and bones loses its volume, making areas like the eyes and mouth more veiny, thin, and more prone to wrinkles. Moreover, your skin becomes thinner as you age, again due to loss of collagen.

The sunken look makes your face look older. The loss of volume also leads to sunken eyes. As you age, you may notice that your eyes become dark, sunken and hollow even if you get enough hours of sleep. Little folds and fine lines will start to appear under your eyes, adding onto the dark eye circles that make your eyes look even more tired. While sleep deprivation and dehydration may also cause the problem, ageing is a primary reason for sunken eyes. As it is one of the most delicate parts of the face, the skin under the eyes is a vulnerable area and once it loses volume, it will become thinner which makes your blood vessels more visible and therefore resulting in darker under eyes. 

Timeline of Ageing Skin

Again, age is a primary factor when it comes to the formation of wrinkles, sunken eyes and cheeks. It happens to both men and women as they grow older. While some people embrace these changes, others fear that it will happen to them.

With that said, other factors can cause premature ageing skin. Unhealthy lifestyle choices like too much exposure to the sun without sunscreen applied, and even genetics may cause fine lines in your skin at a more rapid pace. The skincare choices you make as early as age 20 or younger will affect how your skin looks in the years to come. 

To dispel some of the negative perceptions regarding ageing skin, it helps to know what happens to a person’s skin throughout their life. It will also help you adapt your routine based on your skincare needs at a specific age.

In your teens to young adulthood, you will notice how your face slowly becomes more mature. You begin to lose your ‘baby fat’, making your features more prominent. The changes may seem subtle, but it signifies your transformation from a child to an adult. During your teenage period, the type of skin problems faced are majority on puberty acnes, oily skin condition and other facial trouble areas. However, what you may not know is that it’s the start of the ageing skin process. 

First signs of ageing skin can become apparent as early as your turn 25. Some of the very early signs that you may notice are ‘motor wrinkles’, which are lines and creases caused by frequent movement. It usually happens around the brows as it is generally used for various facial expressions. Also, if you spent a lot of time under the sun or squinting at a computer screen when you were younger, it’s more likely you’ll form ‘crow’s feet’ or the tiny lines around the eyes.

By the age of 30, you still retain a big part of your youthful-looking skin, especially when you keep up a good skincare regimen. However, you may also notice that your skin starts to look duller and less radiant. The ‘dreaded 11s’, dark eye circles with fine lines or the pair of lines between the brows, commonly begin to appear around this time. You also need to prepare yourself to notice the shadows forming along the T-zone between your nose and the corners of your mouth.

Lines referred to as ‘purse strings’ start to appear around your upper lip as you enter your 40s. The area around your mouth is vulnerable to sun damage. If you didn’t use sunscreen when you were younger, the more likely these lines form as you grow older. Also, if you smoke, it will speed up the process, with deeper lines forming. Existing lines in your face may also deepen at this time, while more wrinkles may appear on your forehead.

Signs of ageing skin become most prominent by age 50 and older. If you have been keeping up your healthy skincare treatment routine, your skin will probably be looking good considering your age, though there are still some noticeable lines. However, if you haven’t been paying attention to your skin, you may experience the extreme results of age and damage. You will notice the deepening of lines and wrinkles due to the massive breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres in your skin. Also, your face loses volume, and the skin gets loose, causing your face to look droopy. The dull color on your skin will be more obvious alongside the changes in hormones due to menopause that might affect the skin condition. 

Common Prevention Of Ageing Skin

While you can’t turn back ageing skin, there are things you can do to slow down and minimize the process. A revamp of your current lifestyle to something healthier and cleaner helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. If you want to achieve youthful-looking skin as you grow old, you need to be more conscious about taking care of your skin as early as possible. Here are some ‘preventive measures’ you can take when it comes to ageing skin.

Avoiding Exposure to Sunlight

Exposure to ultraviolet lights is considered the Number 1 cause of wrinkles. As mentioned earlier, if you spend a large amount of time under the sun when you’re younger, the more likely wrinkles start to form at an earlier age. Not only does it result in premature ageing skin, but UV lights may also lead to skin cancer.

There are three types of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. 

UVA rays penetrate the middle layer of your skin. It leads to premature ageing skin, including wrinkle formation, skin texture changes, and uneven pigmentation. On the other hand, UVB rays mostly affect the outer layer of your skin. Exposure to too much UVB rays causes sunburn.

UVC has the highest energy portion in the UV spectrum. UVC rays from the sun do not reach the surface of earth as it’s blocked by the ozone layer. Exposure to UVC happens through radiation lamps and lasers, and overexposure to such may lead to severe burns and skin cancer.

Avoid going out during the sun’s peak hours (around 10 am to 2 pm) as much as possible. When going out, you may want to opt for garments that cover most of your skin, though it might be inconvenient as it can get too hot. So, make sure to apply sunscreen whenever you go out on a sunny day.

Make sure to purchase a sunscreen that is ‘broad-spectrum’. This type of sunscreen is designed to block both UVA and UVB light better than the typical SPF variants that only protects the skin from sunburn. SPF refers to the level of protection against UV rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection you have. Let’s take the lowest and highest SPF as an example. SPF 15 sunscreens filter about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 filters about 99%. 

Moreover, you tend to sweat due to the heat of the sun. No sunscreen is completely waterproof. To make sure your skin’s protected throughout the day, re-apply based on the hours stated on the SPF. Pairing it with a moisturizer also helps the skin radiate.

Reduce or Cut Out Smoking

Smoking definitely will negatively affect the functions of many organs in the body. Considering that the skin is the largest organ in the body, it is not surprising that smoking is linked to ageing skin. It speeds up the appearance of various signs of ageing skin, and the longer and more frequent you stay in the habit, the more likely for wrinkles to form.

Nicotine, along with other chemicals found in cigarettes, narrow your blood vessels. As a result, it reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Cigarettes also release enzymes that break down essential skin components, such as collagen and elastin, creating damage to the skin structure necessary for skin elasticity and health.

Slowly reduce the habit of smoking until you are cut out from it entirely. Even if you are a non-smoker, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as it also affects the quality of your skin.

Eat Less Sugar, Drink More Water

What you eat also plays a vital role in your ageing skin process. A diet consisting of foods high in sugars allows the formations of wrinkles and skin sagging. Our skin becomes drier, more fragile, and less elastic as we grow older. It is due to the decreased production of natural oils in the skin. Sugar sets off body glycation, where it produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs accelerate the effects of ageing by breaking down the collagen in the skin.

Limit your sugar intake to only 10% of your daily calories. AGEs are also found in foods prepared by grilling or frying. So, aside from sugar, eliminate the number of oily foods in your diet. It not only helps you achieve younger-looking skin, but it also improves your overall health as it keeps your blood pressure steady and maintains low cholesterol levels.

As you reduce the amount of sugary and oily foods in your diet, amp up your daily water intake. Water keeps your skin hydrated and replenished. In addition, people who consume large amounts of water are less likely to form wrinkles as it increases and maintains the skin’s elasticity. 

Consume at least eight glasses of water per day. To be more specific, women are recommended to consume 2.7 litres of water, while men should drink 3.7 litres a day. If the flavour of plain water is too unbearing for you, you can infuse it with lemon, cucumber, or fruits to add flavour and nutrients to your drink.

With that said, note that drinking large amounts of water does not fill the lines in your skin, but it helps in hydrating the skin and slowing down the process of ageing skin.

Dedicate to a Skincare Routine

Your skincare routine can be the make it or break it point when it comes to ageing skin. We have touched on the importance of using sunscreen. However, it is not enough if you want to maintain your youthful-looking skin. Adding a few products into your routine can immensely help your skin’s condition.

Washing your face is not enough. Cleansing is crucial to remove any impurities that may have accumulated throughout the day. It removes pollutants and bacteria, but it also cleanses any skincare product you’ve applied earlier the day. Use a gentle cleanser that preserves your skin barrier and doesn’t strip your skin’s natural oils, preventing dehydration. Furthermore, cleansers with a high pH  can irritate your skin, so go with a lower pH level.

Due to ageing, the skin slows down in replenishing itself. It means that fresh skin cells aren’t replacing dead cells as quickly as before, making your skin dull and uneven. Exfoliation helps to get rid of dead cells on your skin. Exfoliants come as either physical or chemical. Avoid physical exfoliants like sugar scrubs and bead cleansers as it makes the skin more susceptible to  sagging. Chemical exfoliants dissolves the bond between skin cells, allowing them to detach from the surface. Also, it’s suitable for any skin age.

Another step is using serums. Serums increase collagen in your skin and act as antioxidants that relieves dermal stress caused by skin ageing. Anti-ageing ingredients in serums to look for include vitamin A derivatives (retinol, tretinoin, and tazarotene) and vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate).

Last, but  not the least, moisturize. As you grow old, your skin produces less sebum, the natural oils that keep skin moisturized. It makes your skin drier and dehydrated, causing the formation of fine lines. Moisturizers are specifically designed to help skin ageing issues. Use moisturizers with water-binding humectants like glycerine and hyaluronic acid.

Remember that any amount of skincare cannot stop the process of skin ageing. Instead, it slows down and prevents immense skin damage. Also, results do not happen overnight. It takes effort and time to see consistent results.

Alternative Solution for Ageing Skin

Again, there’s no way to stop your skin from ageing. The tips above are some things you can do to slow down the ageing process and prevent further damage to your skin. If you want to embrace these changes in your skin, there’s nothing wrong with showing it off. However, if you are on the flip side and want to conceal them, there’s still hope for you.

In recent years, skincare has become a growing industry. Consequently, more products have popped up in the market as solutions for wrinkles and skin again, from creams to supplements. Both men and women have also become open to the idea of facial fillers, like Sunekos. It may have been somewhat a taboo in the past. Still, more people recognize that facial fillers are a viable option in keeping youthful-looking skin with the right medical professional and product.

Sunekos 200 & 1200

Sunekos is an injectable skincare treatment that stimulates collagen regeneration, leading to less wrinkle formation and ageing skin. It uses a unique patented formula consisting of six essential Amino Acids (Glycine, Proline, Lysine, Alanine, Valine, Leucine) with Hyaluronic Acid (HA + HY6AA). The combination of these ingredients can help in the natural regeneration of collagen, elastin and Type 4 collagen. Any slight change to the formula can give you a different effect or lead to a different outcome; that is why Sunekos uses a specific patented formula. 

As mentioned, during ageing, the number of fibres and metabolic activities in your skin reduces, resulting in lower fibroblast activity in the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). The Amino Acids with Hyaluronic Acid formulation of Sunekos regenerates the ECM of your skin, stimulating the reproduction of collagen and elastin, the two main structural elements of the tissue. More specifically, it stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen fibres, and elastic fibres, including Type 4 collagen, which is the hardest to produce.

Sunekos can be applied to different problem areas in the body, such as the face, neck, hands, arms, and under-eye area. It also addresses various skin problems, including severe wrinkles, skin sagging, ageing, loss of hydration, sun damage, and dark circles.

Sunekos comes in two variants, Sunekos 200 and Sunekos 1200. 

Sunekos 200 is a dermal filler containing low-density Hyaluronic Acid with HY6AA that stimulates collagen and elastin production. On the other hand, Sunekos 1200 is a booster particularly used in combination with Sunekos 200. It has antioxidant and ‘volumizing’ properties that reduce severe wrinkles and damaged skin.

It is best to talk with your medical professional regarding which injectable skincare option suits your skin goals.

Hopefully, after reading this article, ageing skin no longer sounds like such a nightmare. It is a natural part of growing old and is not something to be ashamed about. However, if you still second think whether you want those fine lines in your face, by all means, seek out possible treatments. Regardless, make sure to give focus not only to your skin but also on your overall health, so you don’t only look good but feel good too.

The pandemic forced us to work within the comforts of our own homes. The work-from-home set-up has its perks. It eliminates the need for a morning routine to prepare yourself to go to the office. Also, it removes unnecessary fuss about finding ways to look good during professional work sessions. However, face-to-face interactions have now been replaced with virtual meetings.

With that, despite only being seen through a screen, it still requires you to look presentable in front of your colleagues. Being at home in your comfort zone, it is understandable that even thinking of simple tasks like wearing something simple may already be difficult or too unmotivating to do as many will choose to be in their pajamas. Although there is no need to put in the usual routine you did in the past, a bit of effort can take you a long way.

So, here are some of the ways you can do to look good in your virtual meetings.

Step 1: Dress to Impress

As the classic saying goes, “dress for the job you want.” That still rings true even if we have moved towards online work set-ups and virtual meetings.

For most of us, dressing up belongs to our standard routine of going to the office. As more people see and notice us on our way and inside the office itself, we tend to give a bit more attention to what we wear. 

Now that we do most of our work inside our home, our tendency to dress according to our job description may have slowed down or minimized. For example, you are likely to do your work with your laptop perched on your lap while sitting on your bed or sofa. With such a set-up, wearing a suit or a bottom-up shirt is no longer needed.

With that said, despite working remotely, virtual meetings are something you need to prepare for physically. The simple reason is that it is still a job and how you present yourself is a way to show professionalism. How you look can perceive how people see the quality of your work.

For an online set-up, it’s especially important to look good from the torso up. A clean and crisp formal collared shirt is a great virtual meeting staple. Neutral colours are a versatile go-to. Though you can add a pop of colour now and then, generally avoid bold prints. A simple shirt can do for more casual meetings, but you may want to stay away from wearing sleeveless tops. Another simple trick is to throw on a blazer and it is one of the easiest ways to look good.

If you find a boost from shopping, you can invest in tops and jackets to add to your wardrobe. When it comes to bottoms, if wearing dress pants or a work skirt can get you in the right headspace, do it even if you’re doing the meeting in the comfort of your bed. Sweatpants will be acceptable; just remember to not stand until the camera’s off and the session is over.

Step 2: Complement Your Virtual Background

Our home is our private sanctuary. There are times that we want to keep the look of our interior for ourselves. It might also be the case that you haven’t got the time to do some cleaning for your workspace, and you do not want that to be a conversation for your following work function. 

Luckily, with virtual meetings, you can choose and change your virtual background. Even if it’s a simple detail, the right background can do wonders to your image on a screen. Choose something bright that matches your outfit. Make sure to coordinate the colours so you can strike the balance of being visible but not to stand out too much.

Also, match your background based on the nature of your appointment or online meetings. More formal meetings with clients or colleagues may require a simple and clean backdrop. For more casual meetups or discussion you can have fun with colourful and graphic backgrounds. It’s also a great way to show off your personality and bring some fun to the virtual room!

Step 3: Know Your Camera Angles

Knowing one’s angles is not only a skill that actors or models should master. Working professionals can also benefit from adopting such knowledge and skill. One big reason for doing so is to make an impression with the people you are working with. How you present yourself to others can be one important factor in creating the impression of you looking approachable or unsociable. 

It is especially essential during the online set-up, where all the focus is on the upper half of your body. Sadly, virtual and online communication can lead to greater miscommunications. Being aware of how you come off in front of a camera helps to make conversation as effective online as it is in real life.

If you haven’t figured out your angles yet, you can always take time to practice. A mirror is always a helpful tool in this situation. However, as much as you can, use a camera to know your angles. How you project on the screen creates a different image from what you see on your reflection. Practice your angles through a webcam, phone camera, or whatever you use during your virtual meetings. Tilt your head from side to side, up and down. You will notice that different angles change how you look.

To make the process easier for you, pay close attention to your chin and use that as a guide. Having your chin too up can make you come off as a snob and standoffish. Generally, most people look good with their chin slightly down. It opens up your eyes and allows the light to hit on your cheekbones. Pulling your chin down a bit more can make you look powerful, fitting for those who have more authoritative job positions. However, make sure not to pull your chin down too low as it does not let people see your whole face.

Step 4: Invest in Skin Care

The last and essential way to look good during your virtual meetings is having healthy and glowing skin. Of course, the other factors mentioned earlier- clothes, background, and camera angles- may help, but skin in pristine condition makes for a better image in person and online.

In a face to face setting, we always try our best to hide or conceal our dark eye circles, dehydrated complexion, and prominent wrinkles. They are physical manifestations of possible stress and exhaustion from work. As a working professional, you need to look like you are on top of your game, and healthy skin can project that aura.

It is especially noticeable in virtual meetings, where, again, the emphasis is on the upper half of your body. Considering how much technology has advanced in years, the camera can capture the finest detail of your face and skin condition. With that in mind, looking at skincare as a long term investment may not be too far fetched.

Here are some ways to have your skin looking good:

Sleep

Studies show that people who sleep for seven to nine hours a night tend to have more moisturized skin compared to those who only get to sleep for five hours or less. The skin’s ability to retain moisture aids in fighting signs of ageing. Proper sleep can help protect your skin and can heal itself after being exposed to ultraviolet rays. Sleep deprivation results in swollen eyes, dark circles, more wrinkles, and an overall gloomier appearance.

Skin cells regenerate more quickly at night. As the skin regenerates, it produces collagen, which is responsible for helping the skin keep its volume and elasticity. Furthermore, blood flow to the skin is more frequent when asleep. The process delivers the necessary nutrients the skin needs to protect itself from the elements like sun and dust.

Experts also recommend sleeping on your back instead of face down or sideways. The position prevents your face from rubbing against the pillow, maintaining the smoothness of your skin. Sleeping on the front causes body fluid to pool, resulting in eye bags and a puffy look. On the other hand, sleeping on your side causes the formation of sleep lines on the side you slept on. Proper elevation helps to reduce puffiness and fluid accumulation.

Hydration

The simple task of drinking water can do wonders for your skin. The body is composed of up to 60% of water. It requires adequate hydration to flush out waste and keep your vital organs functioning properly. With that in mind, the skin is considered the largest organ of the body, so it is no surprise that hydration plays a huge role in keeping it healthy. If you don’t want wrinkles to form, don’t let yourself and your skin get dehydrated.

As you grow older, your skin slows down its production of collagen, one of the primary contributors to skin elasticity. As a result, there’s a high risk of skin sagging and wrinkles. Water is one of the critical components of collagen. Drinking enough water aids in improving skin elasticity and maintaining youthful-looking skin.

Furthermore, dehydration leads to dull and dry skin and even the formation of wrinkles. Hydrated skin is always a great way to look good as it looks radiant, healthy, and glowing. With that said, it doesn’t happen overnight. Make sure to consume at least eight glasses of water a day for a couple of weeks.

Cleansing

Facial cleansing can be a foolproof way of making your skin look good. It removes dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris caused by external elements like air and the environment. Throughout the day, bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and dead skin cells cover your skin, specifically the face. Washing the face removes these impurities, giving the skin a clean and fresh look. Going a day without washing retains the dirt in your skin. Make sure to clean your face at least once a day.

Moreover, the skin produces oil to protect the skin from the elements. The oil reaches the surface of the skin to form a barrier against bacteria and dirt. Excessive dirt builds up on the surface causing follicles to be blocked, trapping oil, sweat, and dead skin cells. Skin cleansing clears the pores and prevents dirt buildup. If you have oily skin, it is recommended to cleanse your face at least twice daily, however, it varies based on individuals

Alternative Treatments

The tips mentioned above are great ways to prevent early signs of skin ageing. With that said, more factors cause the skin to deteriorate. One of the common factors includes ageing, which is something that you cannot prevent from happening. Also, other skin conditions cannot be treated by mere sleep, hydration, and cleansing alone. 

If your concern includes wrinkles, there are little to no natural solutions that can erase the existing fine lines in your skin. Even drinking large amounts of water does not fill lines in your skin.

If you aim to replenish your skin and maintain a healthy glow, do not hesitate to find alternative skincare solutions. Luckily, as there’s a growing number of people interested in taking care of their appearance- especially during this pandemic- skincare has become a booming industry. As a result, there are many options out there, including products, supplements, and skincare treatments.

Facial fillers have also become popular among skincare enthusiasts. Undergoing aesthetic procedures with facial fillers may still be frowned upon by some, but many are becoming open about their desire to do so. As long as you are in the hands of a great doctor and a trusted facial filler product, you are sure of a safe procedure with natural-looking results. If you are looking for a natural-looking result with 6 natural ingredient facial fillers, do not hesitate to consider this!

Those are some of the ways to look good for your future virtual meetings. Do not let the pandemic hold you back in making an effort to look presentable. Making an effort to follow these tips can give excellent results. 

Remember that you are your best asset in any job you go into. Yes, it includes your knowledge and skill, but how you look can affect how others perceive you. If you look good, you’ll also feel good, which then gives you the confidence to go through your day head-on. So start as early as now and create an image that transcends the screen!