I’ve had sensitive skin all my life. My complexion is easily prone to redness and flushing, occasional bouts of acne, and I have a T-zone that is somehow both too dry and too oily at the same time. Managing my volatile complexion is no small feat, especially in Singapore.
Living in a densely populated city means that those of us in Team Sensitive Skin get the extra short end of the stick. As Trey Hoi, Education Manager at Kiehl’s, explains: key external factors such as drastic weather and temperature changes, environmental pollutants, and frequent exposure to UV rays—all part and parcel of Singapore living—can trigger skin sensitivity.
High stress levels and poor quality of sleep, AKA #JustSingaporeanThings, are also major internal factors that exacerbate your skin’s redness, oiliness, and instability.
I know firsthand what a pain managing sensitive skin can be, especially during breakouts. If you’re in the same boat, read on to learn expert tips on how you can soothe and fix your sensitive skin, with advice and product recommendations from Trey.
Chemical exfoliants are now an integral part of many skincare routines, as they’re touted as your one-way ticket to glowy skin, less texture, and reduced blemishes. However, if you’ve got sensitive skin, you may want to stay away from that solution boasting a 30% AHA concentration on the label.
For those with sensitive skin, Trey advises that you go through a skin consultation with an expert before trying out any peels or exfoliants.
Trey also cautions that fragrance is another common cause for skin sensitivity, so try to opt for fragrance-free products instead.
It’s a long-held myth that you only need to moisturise if you have dry skin. Dehydrated skin is actually one of the leading causes of excessive sebum production.
“Hydration is key!” stresses Trey. “ An effective moisturiser helps hydrate and calm your skin, and maintains the moisture levels in your skin barrier. This leads to healthier looking skin overall.”
As Trey mentioned, maintaining the moisture levels in our skin barrier throughout the day is key to managing oiliness and sensitivity. While moisturisers are a must in your routine, Trey also recommends adding an emulsion to the mix for deeper hydration.
“Emulsions have emerged as an ideal formulation that’s both light and comfortable for your skin, yet efficacious and deeply hydrating. Because of their lightweight texture—and having a consistency that’s known for being lighter than a cream, heavier than an essence, and more substantial than a serum—these hybrid formulations can provide a nourishing yet targeted layer of support to address a variety of your specific skin concerns,” Trey explains.
10-step skincare routines may seem like #goals, but they might do more harm than good for your sensitive skin. Trey recommends a streamlined, high-efficiency skincare routine with mild and gentle products to alleviate redness, inflammation, and oiliness. Here is Trey’s suggested routine:
When it comes to the types of ingredients to look out for, Trey recommends buying skincare that is tailor-made for sensitive skin. Most products like these have words like “sensitive” and “fragrance-free” on the label.
Overcoming Singapore’s erratic weather and its effects on your skin doesn’t have to be a complex affair. Knowing the right tips and steps is all it takes to a more effortless glo-up.
Kiehl’s Calendula Collection is a great pick if you are trying to build a skincare routine that can manage oilier, sensitive skin. You probably know the range for its signature Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, lauded for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and its status as the #1 Toner in Singapore.*
Recently, Kiehl’s has also expanded the collection to include their all-new Calendula Skin-Soothing & Stabilizing Emulsion, designed for oily skin that is prone to sensitivity and blemishes.
The lightweight emulsion harnesses the soothing power of calendula and a proprietary Vitamin B complex to deliver clear and stable skin for 24 hours. Among its several benefits are increased skin hydration, as well as reduced redness, the appearance of pores, and shine. According to Kiehl’s research, prolonged use of this emulsion also leads to 1.5x less frequent breakouts.
Kiehl’s latest multitasking powerhouse and the cult classic Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner are currently available at all Kiehl’s outlets islandwide. If you are interested in trying out a sample size before you commit to buying a full-sized bottle, you’re in luck: Kiehl’s is offering interested customers a free skin analysis and 10-piece sampling kit at any of its outlets, from now till 31 August 2024. Register for your free analysis here.
The skincare brand is also running a 28 Days Healthy Skin Challenge, where you get your money back if you don’t see results within 28 days. Terms and conditions apply. This challenge is only available till 31 August.
This post was brought to you by Kiehl’s.
Photography by Lee Pei Yee.
*“KIEHL’S calculation is based in part on data reported by Beauté Research SAS in April 2024 through its “Singapore – Quarterly Retail Sales Report – Q1 2024” in the Department Stores, Boutiques and E-commerce Prestige market. (Copyright ©️2024 Beauté Research SAS)
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