Author: Megan Thomas

EDITOR'S CHOICEINSIDER'S GUIDEMUST READTIPS & ADVICE

What Exactly Is So Good About Nicotinamide

Megan ThomasLeave a comment

You may have heard of Vitamin B3, found in foods such as tuna, salmon and avocado, which is important for maintaining metabolism and nervous system health. Apparently, vitamin B3 can also be applied to the skin. Known as or nicotinamide or niacinamide, this skin vitamin boasts of a wide range of skincare benefits such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Translated to layman terms, this means that nicotinamide can improve skin texture and strengthen the skin. It can also help to reduce hyperpigmentation, increase cellular turnover – healthier and younger-looking skin. So if you already eat Vitamin B3, why do you still need to apply it? It appears the oral Vitamin B3 goes straight to helping the body perform its more vital functions, while topically applying nicotinamide ensures that most of its benefits goes to the skin.   Unlike Vitamin C which can irritate sensitive skin, nicotinamide is pH-neutral and combines well with other skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. It is also great for oily or acne-prone skin, yet it Continue Reading

ARTICLE OF THE MONTHEDITOR'S CHOICEMUST READ

5 Beauty Blunders That Age You

Megan ThomasLeave a comment

Delaying the skins of aging and acquiring a beautiful complexion requires more than just picking the best skincare products. Here are the top 5 beauty blunders to avoid falling victim to. UNDERESTIMATING YOUR SPF UVA rays from the sun age you before you realize it. These sneaky things penetrate the clouds and glass windows so the only way to prevent your skin from aging prematurely and forming wrinkles too early is to protect it with a broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Don’t forget the neck and there are lip balms with SPF too. Sunscreen can now be washed on (think wash-on sunscreens like Guardian Angel and Bodyguard), applied on the face (Umbrella SPF 70), or eaten (oral SPF). SLEEPING WITH MAKEUP ON Thought it’s no big deal falling asleep with makeup, oil and dirt on your face? Apparently this is a nasty habit the can create absolute havoc on your skin, clogging pores, transforming skin from divine to drab. If you put on makeup, at least clean it Continue Reading

ARTICLE OF THE MONTHEDITOR'S CHOICEINSIDER'S GUIDEMUST READMUST READNEWEST

Forget Glass Skin, Get Mochi Skin Instead

Megan ThomasLeave a comment

Want the coveted, poreless, mochi skin of Japanese women? Mochi skin is all about super plush, bouncy skin, like those chewy, pillowy Japanese rice cakes that my children absolutely love. If you do, then you should add ampoules to your skincare diet. But here’s the catch, while we were all taught to love exfoliation, Japanese skincare favours nourishing the skin with supercharged serums instead. This quasi-minimalist approach argues for the case of avoiding overdoing the skincare. Instead, the Japanese mochi skin wants a good cleanser, rather than thinning the skin unevenly or excessively with scrubs or acids.   DOUBLE CLEANSING If you aren’t doing this, you are doing it wrong. This may come as a surprise, but even if you don’t wear makeup, you should have been double-cleansing. Start with a cleansing oil or makeup remover before you start on that gentle facial wash.   START USING AMPOULES If you haven’t been able to adhere to the 10-step K-beauty routine, here’s the good news – mochi skin is achieved by Continue Reading

ARTICLE OF THE MONTHNEWESTTIPS & ADVICE

Try A Peel-A-Thon With This Bespoke Peel During Self-Quarantine

Megan ThomasLeave a comment

Did you know that chemical peeling is not new and has already been used hundreds of years ago? Cleopatra used lactic and tartaric acid (in milk and red wine) to give herself mild chemical peels. In 1834, chemical peels were officially discovered in the lab, and received its recognition in the medical industry in the 1960s. We now know that sour milk and wine contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which are found in a range of over-the-counter skincare products and in professional treatments in clinics. Chemical peels are extremely efficient treatments – they treat a variety of problems such as uneven skin tone, smoothens the skin by encouraging cellular renewal, removes fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and even acne. But chemical peels intimidate people, because peels are fundamentally acids and if applied incorrectly, can cause side effects or a redness that can last for months. But luckily for us who now have to play our part during the pandemic and stay at home, there is a convenient and rather Continue Reading

ARTICLE OF THE MONTHEDITOR'S CHOICEINSIDER'S GUIDEMUST READMUST READNEWEST

These Are The Anti-Aging Products You Need From Your 30s

Megan ThomasLeave a comment

Wrinkle creams used to be reserved until wrinkles were starting to appear, but people are starting to invest in their youth – starting on pre-aging treatments and creams before the signs become too obvious.   BEFORE BEDTIME: RETINOL Vitamin A is fast becoming the single ingredient that skin doctors believe anyone seeking anti-aging benefits in their skincare should have. Here’s are some of the reasons why: It penetrates deeply to stimulate fibroblasts – cells that produce collagen, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It exfoliates and increases skin cell turnover, evening out skin tone and also has pigment-lightening effects.   IN THE MORNING: STEM CELL SERUMS Touted as a breakthrough for skin aging problems, stem cell extracts such as Evercell Luxe Skin Charger have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help protect our skin from premature aging. This increases skin’s elasticity, preventing the dreaded facial sag. Expect an improvement in skin texture and radiance as it also boosts increased cellular turnover at the skin’s surface.   BEFORE YOU Continue Reading