Refine Your Skincare Routine For Fall

With fall coming in, both the temperature and humidity in the air will start to drop, and the skin's lipid barrier will become more fragile as a result. While dryness is the most prominent symptom of a damaged skin barrier due to an impaired water retention function, the skin will also be more prone to sensitivity, acne, and even inflammation, as it can no longer effectively block out pollution, dirt and bacteria.

It is therefore time to start transitioning your skincare routine, and strengthen the skin for the weather change, so that it does not go into shock when winter comes.

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Step ① Use a Non-Foaming Cleanser

A good skincare routine starts with a good cleanser. Foaming cleansers, which usually contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), strip the skin of its natural oil, and can damage the skin’s lipid barrier, thus weakening its water retention ability, which leads to dryness and pre-mature aging. Its defence ability in stopping harmful bacteria and pollutants from entering the body through the skin will also plummet, resulting in acne, irritations, redness, and inflammations like eczema and dermatitis.

In other words, always use a cream, lotion or non-foaming gel/liquid cleanser, so that the skin will not be stripped of its natural oil, and the lipid barrier can remain healthy and intact.

MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Goji Mallow Cleanse™  <- Click to shop

A hydrating and nourishing cleanser with a marshmallow-like texture. Enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Açaí Berries and Oat Silk, as well as nourishing oils like Frankincense, Avocado and Plum, it locks in moisture, provides essential nutrients, reduces inflammation and increases elasticity of the skin, all the while providing a gentle cleansing action.

EATH LIBRARY
Smooth Operator Purifying Cleansing Gel  <- Click to shop

A mildly acidic cleanser that respects the skin barrier, gently dissolves and removes daily grimes in a hydrating, non-irritating way using naturally derived surfactants. The unique formula is enriched with White Truffle, Betaine Salicylate, Noni Fruit, and various berry extracts, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, as well as the brand's patented core brightening complex AYM to treat breakouts, lighten hyperpigmentation, increase transparency and elasticity, and fight free radicals. 

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Step ② Exfoliate with Acids

The skin is constantly producing new skin cells and shedding old ones. The rate of this process of cell turnover can be slowed down by factors like sun, wind, pollution, stress, hormones, and age. Thus when the skin looks and feels dry to the touch, sometimes it may not actually be as dehydrated or dry as you think——it may be merely a buildup of dull, dry, discolored, dead skin on the surface, which not only makes the skin appear dull and textured, but also makes it difficult for skincare ingredients to penetrate. Bacteria and excess sebum may also be easily trapped inside the skin, resulting in acne.

A well-formulated gentle acid formula can dissolve the bond between dead skin cells, so that they can shed easier and quicker without irritation even for sensitive skin. The skin surface will be smoothed, pores will be unclogged and minimized, hyperpigmentation will lighten, and skincare ingredients can better penetrate the skin. Over time, it will also stimulate collagen synthesis, thus thickening the dermis and smoothing wrinkles.

Just avoid glycolic acid that can easily irritate, and also physical exfoliation, as these physical particles can easily damage the skin, as well as cause micro-tears, leading to acne, dryness, or worse, permanent damages.

OUMERE
No. 9 Exfoliant  <- Click to shop

Contains natural effective yet gentle AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, together with Mulberry, which has the highest concentration of resveratrol in nature, as well as Goldenseal, Licorice Root, and Aloe Leaf Juice, etc., it removes dead skin cells, speeds up cell turnover, brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, unclogs pores and prevents acne, while providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions.

AGENT NATEUR
acid(wash) Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser  <- Click to shop

Infused with premium organic ingredients, such as Peony Root Extract, Lavender Flower Water and Oil, Aloe Vera, as well as Lactic Acid, this gentle cleanser removes daily grime, soothes inflammation, and gently exfoliates to brighten dull skin, refine texture and pores, reduce hyperpigmentation, and reduce blackheads and acne yet without any irritation, leaving skin silky, supple, and youthful.

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Step ③ Use a Hydrating Toner Within 60 Seconds After Cleansing

Think about how you wash the dishes. When you squeeze dish-washing liquid to a dry sponge, it won’t get distributed evenly on the sponge, and you won’t be able to clean the dishes effectively. The skin after cleansing is like that dry sponge. Without that extra water in the skin, all the skincare products you put on the skin afterwards won’t get absorbed and distributed in the skin; whereas if you put serums, oils or moisturizer on damp skin, they will be able to penetrate much better.

Moreover, when the air’s humidity is under 70%, humectants like hyaluronic acid in your serums will not be able to pull water vapour from the air to hydrate the skin; instead, they will draw water from the dermis (the second layer of skin) to the epidermis. This essentially means, you will have to replenish the skin with actual water molecules, such as water itself, aloe vera leaf juice, green tea, or hydrosols, so that the humectants can actually have something to draw from.

TWELVE BEAUTY
Ultra Revitalising Elixir  <- Click to shop

With a base of rare distilled Mallow, 5% Niacinamide and Panthenol, and ingredients including Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sodium PCA, Saccharide Isomerate, Allantoin, Rice Starch, as well as precious botanicals, this powerful yet gentle formula provides long-lasting hydration, soothes irritations, improves the skin's natural barrier and water retention function, reduces inflammations, fights free radicals, pollution and allergens, whilst brightening and repairing the skin.

AGENT NATEUR
holi(water) Hyaluronic Pearl & Rose Essence  <- Click to shop

Fortified with Bulgarian Rose Water, Lavender Water, Pitaya, Cucumber, Pearl Powder, Jasmine Oil, Honey, Sandalwood Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate, this ultra hydrating toner intensely hydrates, softens, soothes, plumps, tightens and brightens the skin. Its rich content of antioxidants and phytonutrients also provide anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial benefits, thereby reducing and improving acne and redness.

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Step ④ Add an Anti-Inflammatory Hydrating Serum

Colder weather and hotter showers will accelerate trans-epidermal water loss. It is further accelerated by using heaters at home or in the car. To compensate for this water loss, it is essential to replenish the lost hydration.

However, a serum that merely provides hydration, such as a hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5 serum, is not enough. As mentioned above, a weakened skin barrier is prone to acne, sensitivity and inflammation because it can no longer effectively block out pollution, dirt and bacteria. By choosing a hydrating serum with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties, the skin will be hydrated, soothed and strengthened at the same time.

Just remember, it is essential to use an oil or moisturiser after a hydrating serum to lock in that hydration.

KLUR
Immersion Serum Concentrate  <- Click to shop

Besides having a wide range of ultra hydrating ingredients, including Green Tea Water, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate & Sodium Hyaluronate, the serum is also packed with 3 forms of Peptides to stimulate collagen synthesis and micro-circulation, improve skin barrier and hydration, reduce wrinkles and inflammation, regenerate collagen fibers, and rejuvenate skin. Whilst, Niacinamide, Reishi, Gotu Kola, White Tea and Chamomile etc. are added to brighten, fight free radicals, hydrate and soothe.

TWELVE BEAUTY
Ideal Moisture Level Serum  <- Click to shop

Formulated with various hydrating ingredients, such as Saccharide Isomerate, Panthenol and long-chain Sodium Hyaluronate, as well as prized organic botanicals like White Genepì and Mallow, it helps to provide long-lasting hydration while forming a protective layer on the skin surface to lock in moisture. It also improves the skin's barrier function, soothes irritations, fights free radicals, reduces inflammations, protects against UV rays, and repairs the skin.

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Step ⑤ Replenish Lipid with a Face Oil

While the body is made up of up to 70% water, the outermost layer of the skin, aka stratum corneum, is made up of ceramide, cholesterol and saturated fatty acids. Together they create a water-impermeable, protective layer to prevent excessive water loss, and act as a barrier against the entry of bacteria. However, the levels of these lipids decline with age; as a result, upper layers of the skin become thinner.

On top of that natural loss of lipids, the colder weather further weakens and damages the barrier. The result is skin that is more prone to dryness, dullness and conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, whilst fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent.

This means, not only do you need to add hydration, you also need to add oil to achieve healthy skin. By replenishing the skin with lipids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols that are abundant in oils, not only will the skin feel moisturized, the skin will also be able to fortify itself, retain optimal moisture, fight free radicals, stimulate collagen production, and maintain a healthier, stronger barrier to effectively improve skin issues such as dryness, eczema, irritations, oiliness and wrinkles, thereby slowing the aging process. 

By building stronger barrier functions via oils, the skin will be able to lock in moisture naturally, and you may not even need a moisturiser. In fact, for those that are prone to clogged pores, an oil may be even better than using a moisturiser.

OUMERE
Serum Bioluminelle™  <- Click to shop

Combining Carrot Seed Oil, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Green Coffee Oil and Black Seed Oil, which are known to have superior anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, as well as Ursolic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Elastin Protein, Ginseng, Reishi, and Turmeric etc., it promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, improves wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, hydrates, soothes, reduces acne, fights free radicals and slows aging.

AGENT NATEUR
holi(oil) Ageless Face Serum  <- Click to shop

With a base of Rice Bran Oil and Rosehip Oil, as well as actives including Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Ketogluconate, Damascus Rose Extract and Helichrysum and Sandalwood Oil, the lightweight holi(oil) reduces fine lines and wrinkles, promotes cell and collagen regeneration and self-hyaluronic acid production, reduces redness, soothes and improves rosacea and eczema, and effectively slows aging. The ingredients are also clinically-proven to actually reduce acne, scarring and hyperpigmentation!

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Step ⑥ Use Moisturizer Sparingly

While some skin, with a compromised skin barrier, will benefit from a heavier moisturizer as it helps to lock in that water brought to the skin by a hydrating toner and serum, if you are prone to clogged pores, you may need to be careful.

This is because, putting on layers upon layers of moisturizer on the skin, or using heavy ones with mainly occlusives, only mean this thick physical barrier will sit on top of the skin 24/7. Dead skin cells will then be stuck to the skin and unable to shed naturally; excess sebum, dirt and bacteria will also be trapped in the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Therefore, we suggest choosing a lightweight one that nourishes and at the same time, provides other benefits. Also, remember, a thin layer of moisturizer is all you need for it to work.

EATH Library
All Day Radiance Light Concentration Cream  <- Click to shop

With a blend of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Allantoin, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory formula provides long-lasting hydration, soothes dryness, redness and sensitivity, and locks in moisture. Whilst, the brand’s patented core brightening complex, Face Reactor™, together with Ginsenocide, Niacinamide, Goji, Noni and Purslane, have been clinically proven to inhibit tyrosinase and melanin activity, lighten pigmentation, stimulate collagen synthesis, smooth wrinkles, fight free radicals, and strengthen skin.

MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Skin Quencher  <- Click to shop

Enriched with 16% olive-derived Squalane, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, as well as Aloe Vera, this serum / lightweight moisturizer hydrates, soothes inflammations, and calms, whilst sending signals to cells to produce more collagen, plump skin, and smooth wrinkles, thus restoring and maintaining the skin’s youthful appearance.

Twelve Beauty
Nutritive Repair Emulsion  <- Click to shop

Developed to target the golden time at night for skin repair, the gentle yet powerful botanical ingredients, including Cupuaçu Butter, Argan Oil, Spent Grain Wax, Sunflower Seed Oil, White Genepì, Mallow, Masterwort and Butterfly Bush moisturize, repair the lipid barrier, increase elasticity, soothe and reduce sensitivity, while helping to regenerate and strengthen the skin overnight.

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Step ⑦ Mask When Needed

Do you need to mask everyday for hydration? The short answer is no. If you feel like you need to use a hydrating mask every other day, or even need to use a paper mask every night, then you should probably take a look at your existing routine, and re-read Step 1 to Step 6 above, as you are likely not hydrating your skin or protecting your lipid barrier properly.

However, when you feel like your barrier is compromised, such as after being out in the cold or in a heated room, after laser treatments or being on a plane, or if there’s an important date coming up, then ramping up usage frequency as an intensive course of treatment would be beneficial.

A sleeping mask that does more than pure hydration will also greatly benefit the skin. Our skin is at its most reparative state when we sleep, and what a sleeping mask does, is locking in all the moisture and nutrients previously given to the skin, whilst providing the skin with extra nutrients to address specific skin concerns. Just remember, a light layer is all you need.

EATH LIBRARY
The Bright Recovery Brightening Overnight Mask  <- Click to shop

The sleeping mask features the brand's patented core brightening complex AYM to visibly brighten, even skin tone, and lighten hyperpigmentation. It is also enriched with Royal Jelly, Squalane, Allantoin, Niacinamide, Arginine, etc. to envelop the cells with hydration and moisture, protect the skin from free radicals, stimulate collagen production to firm skin and smooth fine lines, whilst locking in moisture and preventing trans-epidermal water loss throughout the night. 

MARIE REYNOLDS
Butter Balm  <- Click to shop

The easily absorbed, anti-bacterial and multi-use formula is enriched with botanicals abundant in vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids from ingredients such as Sea Buckthorn, Avocado, Macadamia Seed, Apricot Kernel and Pomegranate Seed Oil, together with prebiotic Baobab Seed Oil and soothing Oat Silk, it intensively moisturizes and nourishes the skin, strengthens and repairs barrier function, and reduces irritations and redness.  

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