Skin type is genetic or hormonal due to phase in life, stress or medication.

Dry skin is due to insufficient oil/sebum production by the skin. The skin tends to feel tight/rough, be scaly/flakier, and itch.

Oily skin is due to over-produciton of sebum.

Normal skin means that the you have balanced oil/sebum production.

Combination skin means that some areas of skin are dry/oily/normal and other areas have a different level of sebum production.

Sensitive skin means that your skin tends to react to various ingredients or environmental conditions, becoming itchy and irritated.

Dry skin is a skin type and is due to insufficient oil/sebum production by the skin. The skin tends to feel tight/rough, be scaly/flakier, and itch. The cause may be genetic, hormonal or medication.

Dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water, regardless of skin type. Your skin is likely to appear dull, with accentuated fine lines and dark circles under your eyes. Skincare will help lock in water, but you probably first need to drink water more frequently and take care of your overall health.

The minimum skincare routine for day consists of 3 steps: cleansing, moisturising and sun protection.

For evening the minimum is 2 steps: cleansing and moisturising.

Applying exfoliators, toners, masks and serums depends on a number of factors including:

• active ingredients in your base products (ie, cleansers, moisturisers & sunscreen)
• skin condition/concern at any given moment in time
• skin type
• season
• climate
• personal preference

Yes, if you will get any sun exposure. Even on overcast days you should put on sun protection if you will be going outside.

In your 20s

KIDS

• ROUTINE should consist of: gentle cleansing, moisturising on an as needed basis, and putting on sun protection every time they head outside
• DO NOT USE hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, vitamin E, retinoids (retinol, retinal, etc) or any anti-aging ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, collagen, peptides and growth factors. When in doubt, consult your paediatrician.

ADOLESCENTS / TEENS

• ROUTINE should consist of: gentle cleansing, moisturising + putting on sun protection every time they head outside
• Active ingredients may include niacinamide, BHAs (including salicylic acid) and vitamin E.
• From mid-to-late teens, you may add vitamin C in your routine.
• Start with low dosages and avoid using too many products with active ingredients. Be aware that some actives can reduce the efficacy of other actives (eg, AHAs or BHAs with niacinamide).
• DO NOT USE anti-aging ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, collagen, peptides and growth factors.
• For products & ingredients targeting acne, first consult a dermatologist, as these are quite aggressive on the skin; there is a risk of weakening your skin barrier or triggering more acne with incorrect usage.

ADULTS in their 20s

• DAILY ROUTINE should consist of: gentle cleansing, applying toner/maintaining a healthy skin pH, moisturising, putting on sun protection
• WEEKLY ROUTINE should include: gentle exfoliation 2-3x per week to stimulate skin turnover (+ nourishing face mask 1-2x per week)
• Use active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, vitamin C, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10. Start with lower dosages!
• You may start to add preventative anti-aging ingredients such as ceramides & low-dose retinoids, depending on your skin condition.
• When in doubt, consult a dermatologist.

ADULTS in their 30s

• Changes to your ROUTINE: Gentle daily chemical exfoliation to stimulate skin turnover & collagen production, night treatment/cream with anti-aging ingredients, firming face masks + daily eye cream for fine lines.
• Anti-aging ingredients such as ceramides, retinoids, peptides, growth factors and exosomes to address fine lines, age spots and uneven tone & pigmentation

ADULTS in their 40s

• Changes to your ROUTINE: More oil-based products, anti-aging serums & creams + intensive night treatments
• More intensive anti-aging ingredients + procedures to address skin elasticity, wrinkles, age spots & uneven pigmentation

ADULTS in their 50s+

• Changes to your ROUTINE: Facial oils, intensive moisturisers + targeted treatments
• Anti-aging procedures to address skin elasticity, age spots, uneven pigmentation & rosacea

Avoid:

• retinoids (vitamin A)
• hydroquinone
• AHAs
• BHAs
• formaldehyde
• parabens
• phthalates
• certain essential oils
• chemical sunscreen filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, etc.
• tetracycline

This is not a comprehensive list and a few of the above may be fine in low dosages. Consult your physician about your skincare regimen during pregnancy.

Unopened skincare products can last up to 3 years.

Once opened, skincare products should be used within 6-12 months; the exact duration depends on storage conditions such as temperature, as well as bacteria exposure.