From acne scars to flaky dry skin—it’s not too late to save your face
Imagine this: your skin is the only line of defense your body has against external substances. Whether it’s the scorching sun, fine dust in the air, or ever-changing temperatures, your skin is constantly aggravated and pushed to its limit—which can quickly lead to red, irritated skin, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and more. All visible signs of skin damage that everyone wants to avoid.
What happens when your skin is damaged?
The external layer of your skin is called the ‘epidermis’. When the latter gets damaged, your skin cells eventually break down, causing this protective layer to be weakened and more susceptible to everything from bacteria to UV rays. Not being able to function optimally also means your skin becomes a lot less efficient at absorbing your skincare products.
How to tackle common damaged skin problems:
Problem #1: Sun exposure
The feeling of warm sun rays on your face may be comforting, but it’s also incredibly detrimental to your skin. With harmful UV rays deeply penetrating your skin, collagen and skin elasticity are affected. You then start to see wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation appear. Sun exposure may be one of the most common damaged skin problems, but it’s also the most dangerous as it can lead to skin cancer.
What to do:
Wear adequate SPF—even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside so it’s properly absorbed into your skin. Make sure to re-apply every two hours if you’re out for long hours or partaking in water-related activities. We like the Avant Skincare Ceramides Soothing & Protective Day Cream SPF 20 - this moisturiser aims to neutralise the effects of everyday exposure to environmental aggressors – preventing irreparable DNA damage, to maintain your skin’s youthful bloom.
Shop:
Seek shelter outdoors whenever possible (10am–4pm is when the UV index is at its peak) or use an umbrella for quick shade relief.
Use a high efficacy moisturizer at night like The Moisturizers Co. Cell Regenerate Gel Cream, which contains the powerful antioxidant, Resveratrol that works to protect skin from free radical damage while renewing skin cells. The Cell Regenerate Gel Cream has been awarded the Best Facial Moisturiser (Night) in Beauty Insider's Choice Awards.
Shop:
Problem #2: Acne scars
If there’s anything worse than a series of breakouts, it’s having dreaded acne scars at the end of it. They can be anything from shallow to deep, but they sure cause misery due to their unsightly appearances!
What to do:
Prevention is one of the best remedies—when you’re having breakouts, never ever pick at your pimples. Instead, apply a dab of non-aggravating spot treatment.
In an interview with Allure, dermatologist Annie Chiu recommends a self-made paste of crushed aspirin and water to bring red, irritated skin down quickly. By avoiding inflammation of acne, you halt the formation of acne scars.
Use a gentle moisturizer like The Moisturizers Co. Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel, which utilizes Calendula, Chamomile and Cucumber extracts, soothing ingredients which greatly reduces the appearance of red, irritated skin and inflammation with regular application. The gel moisturizer also contains Allantoin, which delivers moisture while promoting cell renewal, effectively tackling acne scars. The Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel has been awarded the Best Anti-Aging Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin by Her World Singapore.
Shop:
Problem #3: Environmental pollutants
Living in a bustling, modern place like Singapore is wonderful—except the fact that environmental pollutants can prove problematic for city dwellers over time. A study featured in a Straits Times article stated that besides pollutants from forest fires caused by Indonesia, pollutants also stem from industrial emissions, the maritime sector, or even exhaust fumes from everyday vehicles. Dust particles in the air can also cause blemishes, increase sebum production, and overall skin irritation.
What to do:
Use a gentle exfoliating product at least twice a week to remove dirt and bacteria from clogged pores.
Make sure you’re protected from the inside too. Eat antioxidant-rich food like dark leafy vegetables, walnuts and salmon, as these help to intercept damage of pollutants before they have a visible impact on your skin.
Don’t forget—the Resveratrol in The Moisturizers Co. Cell Regenerate Gel Cream is an excellent antioxidant that is formulated to protect skin against irritating substances and promote anti-aging.
Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid in The Moisturizers Co. Ultra Pore Refiner Anti-Blemish Night Cream work in synergy to combat the effects of aerial pollution to clear clogged pores, regulate sebum production and reduce acne breakouts while you sleep.
Ceramide and Euglena Gracilis in Avant Skincare Profusion Algae Revitalising & Firming Anti-Pollution Day Cream form a protective layer that helps plump skin and hold moisture, acting as a barrier against bacteria and environmental pollutants.
Pair it with the Profusion Algae Regenerative & Tightening Anti-Pollution Night Treatment from Avant Skincare in the evening regimen for a balanced, more resilient, and less reactive complexion overnight!
While there are ways to slow down and even reverse the effects of damaged skin, the best advice we can provide is to start practicing good skincare habits right now! It’s a good time to sit down and evaluate your skincare routine to see what products you can replace/add to help improve your complexion. Feel free to drop us a message if you have any questions, and we’ll be glad to help you.
Product recommendations:
About us: We are Skintelligence, a team focused on a 'skin-first' approach to beauty through artificial intelligence. We match products to you based on your unique skin type and needs. Results are highly accurate and personalized with AI and machine learning. It's fun, convenient, and it works. Try it here.
As featured in Her World, CLEO, FEMALE, Shape, Nuyou, Singapore Women’s Weekly, Daily Vanity, Layers of Skins.