From A Dermatologist Series: Your Go-To Skincare Cheat Sheet

Wouldn’t it be simpler to have a skincare cheat sheet at your disposal, especially when you’re not sure where or how to start? Skincare can be overwhelming, with countless products, routines, and tips floating around. If you’ve ever stood in front of a store shelf feeling confused about which cleanser to buy or wondered whether a serum is worth the hype, you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way, which is why having a straightforward guide is so important.

Imagine having all the key skincare steps condensed into easy, practical advice that you can follow without stress. That’s the beauty of a skincare cheat sheet – it removes the guesswork. With just a few essential steps, you can achieve glowing, healthy skin. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, this cheat sheet offers simple yet effective advice on how to care for your skin, including tips on cleansing, moisturising, and sunscreen.

Cleansing: The foundation of skincare

Cleansing is the first step in any effective skincare routine. Dirt, oil, and makeup can accumulate on your skin throughout the day, clogging your pores¹ and leading to breakouts. It’s essential to cleanse your face twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Dermatologists recommend using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser² that matches your skin type – whether it’s oily, dry, or sensitive. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation or dryness.

Moreover, double cleansing is a method gaining popularity among skincare enthusiasts. It involves using an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based one, ensuring that all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and grime are thoroughly removed.

If you’re looking for a professional opinion on the best cleansers for your skin, you might want to consult a dermatologist from a reputable dermatology clinic. They can recommend specific products tailored to your skin type and needs.

Exfoliation: How often is enough?

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin. However, over-exfoliating can cause more harm than good. Depending on your skin type, exfoliating one to two times a week is ideal³. For sensitive skin, once a week may be enough. Chemical exfoliants, like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), are excellent for unclogging pores and evening skin tone. Physical exfoliants, such as scrubs, should be used with caution to avoid damaging your skin’s barrier.

Moisturising: Lock in the hydration

Moisturising is a must for all skin types, even if you have oily skin. A good moisturiser helps maintain your skin’s hydration levels, strengthens its barrier, and prevents moisture loss. If you have dry skin, opt for a thicker cream, while lighter, gel-based moisturisers are perfect for oily or combination skin types.

A technique that has gained attention for enhancing hydration is the ‘sandwich technique’. This method involves layering products like active serums between two applications of moisturiser to lock in hydration. The benefits of the sandwich technique are its ability to keep the skin well-moisturised and prevent water loss, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. By layering products in this way, you ensure that your skin absorbs each product efficiently, leaving it soft and supple. This is also very useful when incorporating certain actives, such as retinol or retinoid products, as this also ensures that the skin barrier is protected, reducing the chance of irritation and making these actives more well tolerated.

Sun protection: The most important step

If there’s one step you should never skip, it’s applying sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays are the primary cause of premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. SPF protects your skin from these harmful rays and should be worn daily, rain or shine. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays⁴.

Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine. If you’re outside for long periods, be sure to reapply every two to three hours. And yes, even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, UV rays can still affect your skin. So make SPF your best friend and apply it generously!

Advanced skincare: Optional but recommended

For those looking to take their skincare routine to the next level, treatments like laser therapy can offer impressive results. One such option is the PicoWay and PicoSure laser in Singapore, a popular choice for those looking to treat stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines. The PicoSure and PicoWay lasers use ultra-short pulses of energy to target pigmentation without damaging the surrounding tissue, making it a safe and effective option for various skin types. If you’re considering advanced skincare treatments, consult a dermatologist to see if laser therapy is right for you.

How to tailor your routine

Everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s essential to tailor your skincare routine to your individual needs. If you’re dealing with acne, you may need to incorporate treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. For ageing concerns, products with retinol or peptides can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Consulting with a dermatologist is always a good idea if you’re unsure which products or treatments will work best for your skin.

A professional dermatologist can provide personalised advice based on your skin’s specific condition. Additionally, they can offer more advanced treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy to address more severe skin issues like pigmentation, scarring, or signs of ageing.

The cheat sheet recap

Cleanse: Twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
Exfoliate: One to two times a week, depending on your skin type.
Moisturise: Use the sandwich technique to lock in hydration.
Apply SPF: Every morning, rain or shine, with at least SPF 30.
Consult a dermatologist: For personalised advice and treatments.

Conclusion

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these basic steps, you can simplify your routine and enjoy healthier, more radiant skin. However, if you’re dealing with persistent skin concerns or want to explore advanced treatments, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist for professional advice.

At Angeline Yong Dermatology, Dr Angeline Yong is committed to raising awareness about skin health and offering comprehensive, all-around dermatological services. With years of experience and Ministry of Health accreditation, Dr Yong provides personalised care to each patient. For a personalised skincare experience, consider booking an appointment at Angeline Yong Dermatology today.

References

Clogged pores: What they are, causes, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 1). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22773-clogged-pores

Face washing 101. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101

Sharkey, L. (2023, May 30). How often should actually you exfoliate your face?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-exfoliate-your-face#average-frequency

Sunscreen. National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. (n.d.). https://skincancerprevention.org/learning/sunscreen/

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From A Dermatologist Series: Your Go-To Skincare Cheat Sheet