Q: I'm turning 33 soon and realise I should get serious about skincare. I have been battling big pores, blackheads, whiteheads and oily yet dehydrated skin. I also have lines around my eyes and more pronounced nasolabial folds. Please recommend affordable anti-ageing products.

A: Emi Haruhara, a spokesman for Japanese skincare brand DHC, says one reason for your oily complexion could be that your skin is producing excess sebum to make up for the lack of moisture. This is because dead skin cells are not shedding as quickly as they would in younger skin.

This results in a duller complexion, clogged pores and hence problems of big pores, blackheads, whiteheads and combination skin.

Try the cleansing oil ($42) from DHC's Olive Essentials range to help restore your skin's pH balance and radiance.

As for those lines and nasolabial folds, these are caused by the loss of elasticity in your skin.

The products from the DHC Coenzyme Q10 range ($63.50 for toner, $48 for moisturiser, $40 for eye cream and $29.50 for four sheet masks) have anti-ageing, moisture-retaining properties which help to firm and smoothen skin. DHC products are available from all Watsons outlets.

Another budget anti-ageing option is L'Oreal Paris' Revitalift range. Try the Aqua-Milky Toner ($14.90), Day and Night creams ($27.90 each) and the Extreme Retightening Gel and Anti-Wrinkle Cream treatment serum ($34.90) for a complete regimen.

Also look out for the revamped versions of the Double Lifting Treatment, Double Lifting Eye and Fit & Stretch Mask, coming to all personal care stores next month, as well as the new Revitalift Pro Contouring System firming serum, which will be available in May.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.