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Ask any beauty pro and they’ll tell you: You won’t find the secret to glowy skin in the pan of a highlighter palette. That’s not to say there aren’t products or treatments that will steer your skin into the right (read: dewy) direction. We got the insider story on what really works to give you a complexion that glows, and came up with a ‘to-die-for’ list (the next best thing to being born a Hadid.) Getting skin that permanently looks like you’re fresh off vacation turns out to be a combination of product, procedure practice, and patience. The good news is that if you’re short on the latter, there are still plenty of quick-fix solutions in this top 10 list.
Try an oxygen facial
“When my complexion looks dull after a long flight or late night, I get oxygen for my skin”—June Tan, beauty editor. Besides its proven benefits to soothe and relax, oxygen delivered to the skin is the fastest way to get your skin bright and refreshed. Oxygen delivered to the skin in mini pulses the is the most direct way to recharge the skin. Another option is to have oxygen delivered via a mask so that the surface of the skin comes into contact with pure oxygen for a period of time, giving the skin cells time to renew and recharge.
Binge-mask
“When my face looks blah, I have this trick I like to do, where I saturate my skin with a series of masks”— Loretta, photographer. Try starting with an exfoliating mask like Crystal Healing to absorb all the dirt and grime, and slough off dead cells. Then follow with a sheet mask such as Water Infusion mask to add hydration to the skin. Don’t neglect your neck, add a neck mask as well. This gives you soft, supple skin for your neck with no added time. By the time you remove your masks, your skin’s guaranteed to be a shade fairer and waaaay softer than before you started.
Give your foundation a boost
“Mix a few drops of luminizer. Try L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops with your moisturizer or foundation, then apply the mixture with a damp sponge. It will create an even, sheer layer of sheen that looks more natural than a highlighter.” —Gita, makeup artist.
Use toner before serum or moisturizer
“Think of it as a glass of water for your skin. Serums and creams can penetrate deeper if your skin is hydrated.” —Marilyn, beauty writer. Besides balancing your skin’s pH after cleansing, toners can confer a host of benefits for your skin such as anti-acne (such as Clear Tonic) and skin whitening (Unicorn Tears). Studies have also shown that when serums are applied over toner (on a damp skin), penetration is enhanced.
Feed your skin bacteria
“When your skin microbiome is disrupted especially from excessive antibiotic use, your skin may experience sensitivity, breakouts and even rashes” — Dr Low Chai Ling, aesthetic doctor. One way to rebalance your skin’s microbiome is to improve the ‘good bacteria flora’ on your skin with a skin moisturizer with probiotics. Used daily, it can strengthen and rebalance skin so that it is less prone to acne and rashes.
Add vitamin C to your routine
“Mix vitamin C powder to any waterbased serum to give your skincare an upgrade” —Alice, model. Vitamin C used each morning can target free radical damage, help lighten brown spots, and even out your skin tone.”
Switch to a chemical exfoliator
“Exfoliate at night with a glycolic acid peel as it can help to speed up skin renewal while you sleep” — Chris, facial therapist. AHA such as glycolic acid can exfoliate dead cells which build up over time as well as improve penetration of skincare and serums, giving you more bang for your buck.
Chill out
“Before a big night out, I go for a Cold Plasma laser which I feel is oe of the best options to tighten skin with no downtime, especially eyelid skin” —- Vanessa Lim, blogger. Neogen PSR uses cold plasma energy to effect skin tightening and lifting and is safe for use over eyelids where the bulk of skin sagging occurs over time.
Try a Light
“I spend 30 minutes under LED Red light at the clinic. After the initial 1-2 minutes, I fall into a relaxed state of bliss and let the photobiomodulation light work its magic on my skin” — Dr Chua Han Boon, aesthetic doctor. Photobiomodulation is a simple, no-fuss yet proven method to kickstart a cascade of skin perks— from improved healing to brighter skin. Do it on its own or with a facial for the full spectrum of benefits.
