How can I cleanse my face more thoroughly?
The first step to clearer skin is to keep it thoroughly clean, especially before you go to sleep.
Always use a make-up remover first to get rid of your face paint, followed by a good cleanser to clear skin of the residue.
It is important to pick the right cleansing formula for your skin type to ensure that it is thoroughly cleansed without compromising on its hydration levels and texture.
1. Oily skin
1. Apivita's Natural Soap with Propolis ($15, from Apivita stores) is made with the anti-bacterial propolis and organic thyme essential oil that are known for their antiseptic qualities. This bar of soap can be used for both the face and body.
Boscia's latest Konjac sponge ($26, from Sephora stores) made with bamboo charcoal and konjac root from Jeju island, is suitable for all skin types. The pillowy and smooth sponge is gentle enough for sensitive skin, while potent enough to purify oily skin. Just wet the sponge, squeeze a dollop of cleanser onto it and massage skin in a circular motion.
2. Acne-prone skin
Clinique's Anti-Blemish Cleansing Bar for Face and Body ($35, from Clinique counters) is formulated with encapsulated salicylic acid to fight acne.
3. Normal and combination skin
If you are looking for a luxurious bar soap, give Dior Prestige's Le Savon ($105, from Dior counters from next month) a shot. It contains oil from the rose de granville and uses a micro-gum technology of elastic oval molecules that supposedly better adhere to and cleanse the skin.
RMK's new cleansing formula comes in a powdered form, which makes it a non-spill option to pack for trips. The Powder Soap ($46) is blended with amaranthus flower, bilberry, licorice and soapwort extracts, and foams up easily for thorough cleansing.
4. Mature skin
Try Peter Thomas Roth's Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Cleansing Gel ($71, from Sephora stores). It removes dead cells while helping to slow down the signs of ageing with rose extracts and glycolic acid.
To make your cleansing ritual more effective, why not invest in a tool to help you along?
Clarisonic has launched a new version of its sonic-cleansing brush. The Aria ($270, from Sephora stores) offers three speeds, and can be charged with a USB cable; perfect for jetsetters. It promises to clean skin six times more thoroughly than your hands.
This article was published on May 2 in Urban, The Straits Times.
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