Product layering is imperative to a Korean skincare routine. The meticulous 10-step process feeds moisture and nutrients to the skin, plumping it for a more youthful glow. Too many products, however, could lead to a host of issues, namely clogged pores and irritation.
This is why ‘skip-care’ is trending among time-starved Millennials concurrently struggling with acne.
‘Skip-care’ embraces a minimalist approach to skincare, so it omits unnecessary steps to reduce breakouts and redness caused by an overwhelming number of formulas. It may be a new movement, but beauty brands have started pushing out hybrid products to fit this concept.
Among those brands is Sigi Skin, a new local skincare line founded by Xenia Wong. The 23-year-old enrolled in Jung Saem Mool Art Academy two years ago, which inspired her to create pared-down essentials.
‘Skip-care’ hones in on essential ingredients for a simpler, more effective routine, which is why superfoods such as kale, avocado, and acai are key to Sigi Skin’s three-piece range.
“I started the line with Morning Glow, which is a 100% physical sunscreen. Most physical sunscreens are thick and leave an obvious white cast, so I wanted to formulate one for those with darker skin tones and those who aren’t fond of heavy textures,” Xenia shares.
This lightweight sunscreen is packed with avocado and acai extracts to prevent premature aging. Since it also contains hydrating ingredients such as skin-fortifying ceramides, it doubles up as a moisturiser for oily skin.
She explains, “Sunscreen is the best anti-aging product because it protects against UVA and UVB rays, which cause wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Even when there’s no harsh sunlight, it’s important to use SPF because harmful rays are still present.”
The product bears hints of orange peel, tea tree, and lavender oil to calm the senses and skin, but if your complexion reacts to essential oils, we recommend doing a patch test first.
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“The eyes show the first signs of aging. A lot of my friends don’t believe in the benefits of eye cream because wrinkles have yet to set in. This one is lightweight, so it won’t form milia. Hopefully, it’ll encourage them to use it,” Xenia says.
The texture of Sigi Skin’s eye cream leans closer to a light lotion, so it absorbs quickly. “It contains five different kinds of hyaluronic acid with varying molecular weights to help retain moisture better, while propolis promotes skin regeneration,” she explains.
Niacinamide, found in both the eye cream and sunscreen, hydrates, brightens, and strengthens delicate skin. Before moisturiser or sunscreen, gently tap a thin layer of eye cream around the eyes to spread the product.
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, so we’re not surprised it’s featured in Sigi Skin’s punny Kaleanser face wash. The superfood-infused formula helps detoxify the pores and brighten the complexion.
Since it doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, the unique jelly texture lathers slightly to cleanse without tipping the pH balance of your skin’s natural barrier. Soy extracts are high in antioxidants to soothe and protect the skin.
You can use this face wash for both steps of your double-cleansing routine, so you don’t have to use a separate cleanser to remove your makeup.
“Most of us would prefer a routine that is fast, but effective. That’s why people are giving their skincare routines the Marie Kondo treatment,” Xenia says.
A shared ethos between Sigi Skin and ‘skip-care’ is its streamlined approach to skincare. So if you’re interested in editing your current lineup of products, take a page from Xenia’s routine.
She says, “I use a maximum of five products. Since I double-cleanse in the evening, I’ll wash my face with water the next morning. I’ll follow up with an eye cream, then serum and a sunscreen.”
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