My Experience: Dry Skin, Use Sleeping Mask as a Serum

My skin type is normally combination, slightly oily at the t-zone and dehydrated at the cheeks.

Recently, my skin has been very dry and even flaky at the nose area. So I have been trying all means and ways to rehydrate my skin. Dry skin is a pain as it hurts at times when using certain skin products and causes my skin to be more sensitive than usual and my eczema sometimes flares up as well.

The routine I have been sticking with has been working well:

Cleansing: Shu Uemura cleansing oil. Avene gel cleanser
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2
Serum: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack
Moisturiser: La Mer Creme de La Mer

Yes, I have been using Laneige Water Sleeping Pack as a serum, before moisturiser every night and I find it works nicely as a hydrating serum and a wonderful water boost for my skin. It takes a while to absorb and sink in, but it's like I am using a hydrating mask and then using the Creme de la Mer to seal the moisture in. I find that this works better than the other way round: Creme de la Mer then Laneige Water Sleeping Pack. I can't explain why but the effect is just different. In the mornings, I wake up with everything absorbed. My skin is not oily in the mornings but nicely moisturised. Unfortunately, by mid day my skin gets dry again (might be the office air con).

I would only recommend this routine if your skin is really dry or dehydrated like mine as it is this routine is not only rich in moisture but also in oil content. Dry skin means lacking in both oil and moisture, dehydrated skin lacks moisture but not oil. The Creme is really rich in the sense that it is very emollient and acts as a good barrier to prevent moisture loss. This is why I always have a tub of creme de la mer with me cos its the best to use in such skin changes and emergency situations like sensitive reactions.

So, if you have dry skin, you can try using your sleeping mask as a serum before an emollient (rich, oily) moisturiser. It might work better than using it as the last step.

Skincare-holic's Skincare Tip #8: My Skincare Routine-Day

Recently I made a lot of changes to my skincare routine. I started incorporating Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and retinoids as they are clinically proven to improve skin conditions like acne and wrinkles, resulting in clearer skin. I simplified my skincare routine as a result.

Day:
Cleanser: Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser/ Vichy Essentielles Foaming Facial Cleanser/ La Mer The Cleansing Lotion
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2/ La Mer The Tonic
Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream

Comments: My day routine is much simpler now than before. I stopped using a moisturiser before my sunscreen as the LRP Uvidea Cream is moisturising enough and adding a moisturiser would make my skin oily. I also read some articles saying that sunscreen should be applied to bare skin to allow the chemical sunscreen to react with the skin in order for it to work well. Also, sunscreen - when tested in the lab - is used on bare skin, so to get maximum protection, sunscreen should be the first thing applied. (I got this information from dermtv.com, there are many useful videos there).

At times, especially when I have any pimple scars, I will use a whitening serum with Vit C before my sunscreen. Now, this is another source of debate. Some people say that antioxidants and whitening products should only be used at night as whitening ingredients make the skin more sensitive to the sun and might make the skin darker. Some also advocate that antioxidants be used at night as the sun deactivates the antioxidants.

Then there are those (for example Skinceuticals), who manufacture serums like Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, which consists of antioxidants like Vit C, E and Ferulic to enhance sunscreen protection.

In my opinion, as long as adequate sunscreen is applied, I think it is okay to use whitening products like Vit C. By adequate, I mean 1.25ml on the face alone. I often feel that when I try to apply this amount, the LRP Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream becomes shiny and makes my skin look oily. So I am again on a lookout for a better sunscreen product.

I will follow with my Night routine in a separate post.

What is your day skincare routine like? =)

Review: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2

Product Information (from clinique.com)

Step 2: Clarifying Lotion 

The difference-maker. Exfoliates to bring brighter, smoother skin to the surface. A gentle tingle tells you it's working. Apply Clarifying Lotion with a cotton ball after cleansing with Clinique Facial soap. Sweep gently over face and neck, avoiding eye area and lips. Available in five different strengths, one for every skin type

I have mentioned this Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 quite a few times on this blog as I have been using this for the past one year. The bottle lasted me a long time, so it made the price tag quite worth while since you only need a little each time. I bought this at the duty free shop at around S$43, I'm not sure what the retail price is.

Clinique claims this to be an exfoliating lotion but I don't see which ingredient really exfoliates. But I do believe that it does clean the skin well because I always know when my cleanser underperformed when I see yellowish stains on my cotton pad after cleansing. I did, however, see salicylic acid in Lotions 3 and 4. Salicylic acid is a BHA and an effective exfoliant, but since those two are supposedly for oilier skin types, I don't think i will be trying them.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion vs Clarifying Moisture Lotion
This toner contains witch hazel, which is an astringent and some say witch hazel has anti-oxidant properties. This Clarifying Lotion also contains a high alcohol content. I find it amusing that sales assistants actually have this common excuse that the higher ups probably taught them to teach customers when they ask about the alcohol content - they claim it is medical-grade alcohol, which is okay for the skin. We all know that alcohol is drying but I bought this Clarifying Lotion instead of the Clarifying Moisture Lotion as the SAs uniformly claim it has better exfoliating properties than the Clarifying Moisture Lotion (I plan to get the Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion the next time I travel - it contains more natural ingredients and does not contain alcohol).

Effects
As mentioned, it cleans off any remaining dirt and oil off very well. I always know when that my skin is not clean when I see yellowish stain on the cotton pad and when I test with another new cotton pad and the Clarifying Lotion, it remains white. It works as it claims and that is a good thing, in my book.

It caused redness and stinging for the first one or two weeks but my skin was used to it after that and I didn't experience any sensitivity. It didn't dry out my skin, but I will be switching to the Clarifying Moisture Lotion next to avoid the high alcohol content as I find it a tad harsh.

This Clinique Clarifying Lotion contains menthol, which can be an irritant, but it didn't irritate my skin. I kind of liked the cooling after-feel.

When I read reviews of this toner online, I saw reviews at the two extreme ends. People either love it or hate it. I think it is a matter of choosing what suits your skin. I got samples from the counter and also asked the same questions at different counters, which is why I found their generic answer silly when we all know what alcohol does to the skin. I think the Clinique Clarifying Lotion can be a bit harsh if you have sensitive skin, try it out before buying. The SAs are generally okay with giving out samples if you say you have sensitive skin.

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Product Information:

Light, comfortable cream/gel plumps skin with hydration for a full 24 hours. Fine lines, flakiness and tightness are washed away. In their place—a sense of supple, firm, vibrant well-being, even through shifts in humidity. One ‘drink’ and skin looks and feels happier, healthier. (from Clinique website)

 I used to love this product. I would bring this along with me onto the any flight when I travel and where the air humidity is very dry. It provides immediate hydration and leaves my skin hydrated for the entire flight with no feeling of tightness. It delivers everything the product description stated.

But, recently whenever I apply this product onto my skin, it stings and makes my skin red. I have no idea why this is happening. And it is disappointing as well as this product is one that I always stock up as it is my quick fix to dry skin.

I think I should ask a Clinique consultant about this change in skin reaction to the product. When I get my answer, I will post it here.

Skincare-holic's 2009 Favourites List

2009 is coming to an end and I thought it would be good to round up the year with my all-time favourites list. I love trying out new skincare products so unless I particularly love the product, I will not purchase it again. So the products in this list are products that I have purchased twice or more, I think work nicely for my skin, and is worth it's price

1. Fancl Washing Powder

This washing powder creates dense foam that effectively cleanses my skin without stripping it of its moisture. I do not experience any tight feeling after cleansing with the Fancl Washing Powder. When use with the Facial Washing Puff, my skin is left clean with lesser blaskheads. No other cleanser can achieve these results for my skin.

2. Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil

Double cleansing is an important component of my skincare regime. I have used countless bottles of Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil as it removes all of my makeup thoroughly and effortlessly, even my waterproof mascara. It emulsifies easily and does not leave any oily residue behind. Although I am currently using Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, the Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil is still my preferred choice.

3. Fancl Sunguard 30

The Fancl Sunguard has SPF30 PA+++ so it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays sufficiently. I like its light texture and how it is easily blended into my skin.

4. Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Extended Thirst Relief

I always buy the Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Extended Thirst Relief whenever I have the opportunity to travel. I buy it at the Changi Airport DFS because it comes in the set above which includes the Moisture Surge Eye Gel and I find that it is quite a good deal. The Clinique Moisture Surge Extra is what I always use whenever my skin feels dry and what I always bring along onto the plane where the air is very dry. It combats change in humidity and any weather changes effectively. It always keeps my skin moisturised for a long period of time. I use this in thick layers without any fear of milia seeds and I use this around my eye area as well.

5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

I like this moisturiser as it is a basic moisturiser that serves the purpose of keeping my skin moisturised. It does not leave any sticky feeling and absorbs readily. I use this whenever I am suffering from any breakouts as I feel this does not further aggravate my skin condition and does its job of moisturising well.

6. Kose Sekkisei Lotion

I have used 3 bottles of Kose Sekkisei Lotion. I like it as a lotion mask and how moisturising it is for my skin. Although the whitening benefits of the Lotion are not that obvious, the Sekkisei Herbal Esthetic Mask makes up for it. These two Sekkisei products are good but the rest of the Sekkisei line are disappointing.


7. Trilogy Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil has wonderful anti-oxidants and skin regenerative properties. I turn to Trilogy's Rosehip Oil for additional moisture boost when my skin feels dry. Trilogy Rose Hip Oil absorbs easily without clogging my pores and does not leave any oily residue on my skin. I am including this because I was quite crazy over Rosehip Oil products at the beginning of 2009, but the Trilogy range of products (cleansers, toner, moisturisers, masks) disappointed me so I might try other products after this.



To end off my post, below are products I will always avoid.

- Biobeauty Advanced Hydrating Eye Freshening Gel HA玻尿酸清新眼凝露
This caused my eye area a severe allergic reaction which made my skin red, inflamed, swollen and hurt as though I got burnt.

- Henry Tianus.
I bought this after reading raves on Cozycot and because it was a natural product. But the Overnight Skin Perfector caused me acne problems that I have not experienced in years.

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Refreshing Eye Gel

I bought this eye gel as part of a moisture surge extra set, consisting of a Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief and this eye gel at DFS Changi Airport. The set might also be available at DFS Scotts Road. I am not too sure if it is sold over counters in Singapore as there is the Clinique All About Eyes.

I prefer the Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Refreshing Eye Gel compared to the All About eyes because the tube packaging is more hygienic than the tub form of the latter. Effects wise, they are mostly similar but I still prefer the Eye Gel more.

I like how it is easily spreadable across my eye area with minimal tugging of skin and it absorbs easily. Eye creams should be massaged into the skin until it is absorbed for it to work to to it's maximum. I also like that it is gentle on the eye area, unlike Lancome Genifique Eye which makes my eye area turn red due to the alcohol.

I also bought this eye gel because of raves from a Taiwanese program. The host uses a thick layer of this eye gel as a night eye mask and claimed that wrinkles are lessened and eye area very much moisturised. I think this is a good method to use if you have an event the next day to revitalise the eye area, but I have not tried this method as it is too high a usage amount.

I feel that only a small amount is enough to moisturise my undereye area which can be quite dry especially when I am in an aircon room. It doesn't leave any oily or sticky residue on the skin as it absorbs easily.

The eye gel mainly targets moisture but I wish there were some anti-aging properties in it as well. 

All in all, I think this is a good eye gel to get especially if you are at DFS. I love the moisture surge extra as well so buying the set is quite worth the price. The face spray that comes along with the set is quite small so it fits nicely in my bag and I can carry it around to spray as and when I need it.

Rate: 4.5/5