Can I use Lemon juice as a Vitamin C Serum Substitute?
REPLY:
A well-formulated vitamin C skincare product fights against skin ageing in a few ways; it repairs sun-damaged cells, it stimulates collagen production and encourages cellular turnover, finally, it prevents irregular pigmentation, brightening the skin in the process. However, the quality of vitamin C varies from product to product. Vitamin C is notorious for having an unstable shelf life and different products may deliver different results as a result of varying formulations. However, a good topical vitamin C should be able to deliver these benefits.
Lemon juice contains vitamin C but this should not be used on the skin to substitute the vitamin C that is found in a skincare product specially formulated for facial skin. In fact, lemon or lime juice can actually do more harm than good to the skin. Firstly, it may even cause a ‘phototoxic reaction’ as lemon juice contains a substance called furocoumarin which causes a rash or skin darkening when exposed to sunlight. Other plants which also cause phototoxic reactions when present on the skin include; bergamot, bitter orange, parsley, figs and St. John’s Wort.
Help! I need to know what I can do about my “moustache”
– troubled Jessica, 23
REPLY:
First things first… If you’re sprouting bushy growths suddenly in unexpected places and having irregular menses, consult your doctor to ensure that you are not looking at a hormonal issue.
Bleaching is, of course, a painless way to make fine hair look less obvious (caution: thick hairs against tanned skin may turn out to be a blond moustache!). Shaving is easy, but it will cause unsightly stubbles to form and possibly ingrown hairs (shaving bumps) as well. And that’s not elegant-looking at all, gal!
Besides other temporary measures such as threading and waxing, laser hair removal is probably the best permanent solution to free you from your hairy situation. The laser targets the pigment in your upper lip hair to disable the follicle. IPL hair removal is another well-proven method of permanent hair reduction, but it’s only suitable for those with very fair skin and dark hair. So see your skin doctor for a proper assessment before deciding between laser and IPL.
I like mixing products from different brands and even from my skin doctor. Is there a guide to help me decide the correct order to apply my skin products?
– Min Li
REPLY:
Applying your beauty products in the right order will help you benefit the most from your skincare regime.
Rule 1:
In general, the medicated ones or treatment product should be one of the first to go on. This will allow the active ingredients to penetrate your skin properly. Remember to give it a minute or two to be absorbed properly before layering on the rest so that it will not become diluted out and less potent.
Rule 2
Also sort your products according to their texture – the lightest formula will go on before the heavy ones. Hence, you would apply your toner, then serums before the gels, followed by the lotions and creams.
Rule 3:
Apply your sunscreen as the last step in the day to ensure that your skin is protected by this invisible but important veil (yes, even if it looks cloudy!). If you have a make-up base, use it before the sunscreen. Give your sunscreen a minute to sink in before wearing your make-up so that it doesn’t streak.