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1. Washing hands before starting the whole skincare routine.
Before starting the whole washing process, it is vital to wash your hands thoroughly. Every day, we unconsciously touched numerous objects with our hands and the bacteria on our skin surfaces can lead to skin and eye irritation or infection.
2. The first and most essential step of nighttime skincare routine even before washing face.
Shasa Hu, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of the skincare consultation service highly recommends making makeup removal the first step of the skincare routine. The minerals, chemicals, pigment, and preservatives can clog your skin pores and prevent penetration of skincare products (Business Insider Singapore, 2020).
Note: sunscreen and whitening cream also need to be removed before washing face.
4. Should I use any mechanical device to wash my face?
If your skin is sensitive, no cleansing device or brush is recommended to be used as this might further destroy your fragile skin barrier. You may use your fingertips to gently massage damp face in circular motions and this can be repeated more on your T-zone as it has a higher amount of oil glands.
Note: be careful with your fingernails while massaging face as they can scratch your skin, or the bacteria live under your fingernails can cause infection too.
Moreover, cleansing brushes can lead to oil build-up, said Hu (Business Insider Singapore, 2020).The cleansing devices might cause the skin to produce more sebum in response to aggressive mechanical exfoliation.
If your skin needs exfoliation, Hu recommended using a gentle exfoliating cleanser or a soft muslin cloth. Remember not to over-exfoliate as our skin has a natural protective barrier which helps us retain moisture (healthline).
5. What is sebum and why we should remove an excess amount of it?
Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by the body’s sebaceous glands. It benefits our skin by coating, moisturizing, and protecting skin surface. To be more specific, sebum contains fatty acids & triglycerides (57%), wax esters (26%), squalene (12%), and cholesterol (4.5%) (healthline).
For oily skin, the body may be producing an excess amount of the mixture of lipids (fat-like molecules) that make up sebum (healthline).
Sebaceous glands located at the majority of our body with the highest concentration at face and scalp.
An excess amount of sebum can lead to clogged pores. Together with dead skin and bacteria, pimples will be formed on the surface of the skin pores.
Hence, while sebum is a necessary component of healthy skin as it locks in moisture, too much of it is problematic as well. The best situation for your skin will be achieving a water-oil balance by adjusting your skincare routine according to your skin type and condition.
6. Water temperature?
No scorching-hot water should be used to wash your face for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
Warm water is recommended to help unclog the skin pores.
If your skin is hypersensitive, you might need to test if the water is too warm for your skin first before washing the face.
At the end of the face cleansing routine, cold water is recommended to calm the skin.
7. What should I use to dry my face after cleansing?
Facial tissue would be recommended as it is disposable and thus very hygienic.
The clean washcloth is also recommended if the cloth is not contaminated with bacteria and not too abrasive which might cause irritation (Business Insider Singapore, 2020).
Note: Gently pat and dry your skin without rubbing.
Quick Summary
1. Wash hands before starting skincare routine.
2. Remove make up is the first step even before washing face.
3. How often you should wash your face depends on your skin type.
4. Use fingertips to massage your face gently is more recommended than using mechanical devices.
5. Do not over-exfoliate your face skin.
6. Achieving water-oil balance is better than excessively removing sebum.
7. No scorching-hot water should be used to wash your face for all skin types.
8. Be aware of materials you use to dry your face after cleansing.
Remember to moisturize your skin and continue with the rest of the usual skincare routine.
Reference articles
https://www.businessinsider.sg/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-shower-dermatologists-advise-2019-6
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/face-washing-how-to#9
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sebum
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Made to enhance your existing skincare, our Smart Hydro Pure Activator is the newest addition to our Smart Hydro Pure Line.
The Smart Hydro Pure Activator combines our Smart Hydro Pure Formula with β-glucan & α-glucan oligosaccharide using patented technologies to strengthen your skin's natural abilities, powerfully moisturise and boost the absorption of your existing skincare products!
Throughout our Smart Hydro Pure Line, one notable feature would be our "Deep Sea Water", naturally mineral-rich, pollution-free, and ionised using patented EDH (Electrolysed Dissolved Hydrogen) for better absorbency into our skin.
The Smart Hydro Pure Activator consists of the same ionised deep sea water, enhanced with 2 new powerfully skin-beneficial ingredients.
β(beta)-glucan is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative agent derived from yeast. With the ability to boost immunity, it is widely used in medicines, health supplements, other products and is FDA-approved. It also contains 6 skin-beneficial nutrients, including amino acids which are the building blocks of our body's protein.
As a powerful humectant, β-glucan is able to penetrate into the skin's dermis layer, effectively preventing transepidermal water loss, restoring moisture, promoting collagen synthesis, and enhancing cellular immunity. It thus increases your skin's density, giving you healthier, firmer and smoother skin!
α(alpha)-glucan oligosaccharide is a natural probiotic found in natural sugars that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin. This beneficial bacteria allows for healthy skin metabolism and maintains the skin's pH balance.
The beneficial bacteria also feeds on sweat, dead skin and sebum, helping to protect your body against harmful germs and bacteria.
By restoring moisture on the inner layers and strengthening the skin's natural protection on the surface, and β-glucan and α-glucan oligosaccharide work together to give you youthful and glowing skin from inside out!
Instead of the traditional use of hot water, solvents and other techniques, we culture the yeast to retain its natural molecular structure. This allows us to use a highly-pure concentration of β-glucan, and skip on the addition of preservatives and synthetic substances!
This means that all ingredients are non-toxic, and have little to no risk of causing irritation even on sensitive skin types!
Click here to learn more about the Smart Hydro Pure Activator!
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Wake up and smell the roses!
Skincare can get tough, and the DERMABELL Team would like to share our knowledge about what makes up the products you put on your skin: Ingredients! Stay tuned for our weekly featured ingredient(s)!
Roses don't just look and smell nice, they yield great skincare benefits for your skin too!
Rosa Centifola, also known as the humble cabbage rose, Provence Rose, or Rose de Mai. This beautiful species of rose is well-known for its clear-sweet and honey-like fragrance, and only blooms in the right temperature & environment. It is widely cultivated in Egypt, France and Morroco.
Rose de Mai is also prized for its rose oil, which reaps an array of skin benefits, especially for dry and sensitive skin!
EWG Score: 1 (Very low risk of sensitivity!)
The essential oil of Rose de Mai is naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B, C and amino acids. These act as emollients to smoothen and moisturise dry skin.
Rose de Mai contains 63% phenylethanol, giving it antiseptic & anti-inflammatory properties to soothe redness while preventing breakouts and skin infections.
Rose de Mai has even been known to have aromatherapeutic properties. A study has even shown that inhaling the scent of Rose de Mai inhibits excess water loss in the skin, while lowering the concentration of the stress hormone, cortisol in the body!
Stressed? Is your skin dry & sensitive? Try adding Rose de Mai to your skincare routine to calm, smoothen and moisturise!
Want some in your skincare? Try our Rose Modeling Gel Masks!
Premium Rose Modeling Gel Mask [ 5 Uses ]
]]>Moisturise me!
Skincare can get tough, and the DERMABELL Team would like to share our knowledge about what makes up the products you put on your skin: Ingredients! Stay tuned for our weekly featured ingredient!
We're glad that all of you chose the right answer! Salicylic acid is used to prevent skin inflammations and is a popular ingredient in skincare for troubled skin!
Sodium Hyaluronate is the ingredient that helps your skin stay moisturised & plump throughout the day!
Sodium hyaluronate a powerful natural moisturising factor (NMF). It is hyaluronic acid in its salt form, which is a polysaccharide that can naturally be found in the body's connective tissues.
Main Function:
What's a humectant? - A humectant is a moisturising agent that draws and retain moisture from the air into the skin, just like a magnet! With more moisture, your skin stays youthful, radiant, plump and your skin barrier has better defence against environmental aggressors.
EWG Score: 1 (Very low risk of sensitivity!)
Sodium Hyaluronate has remarkable moisture-retaining properties, said to hold up to 1000x its weight in water! In salt form, it is more stable & less likely to oxidise than in acid form. Plus, with a molecular weight lighter than that of hyaluronic acid, it is more easily absorbed into the skin and can reach the deeper layers of skin.
When applied to the skin, Sodium Hyaluronate not only reduces trans-epidermal water loss, but attracts and locks moisture in the dermis layer. This effectively hydrates the skin, and boosts its volume and density for a plumping effect.
Sodium Hyaluronate is not just a moisturising ingredient - but a POWERFUL one. In a humid climate like Singapore's, Sodium Hyaluronate is going to be your best friend, no matter your skin type!
Want some in your skincare? Try these out:
Up next: Hint - Wake up and smell the flowers!
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The Sun is a deadly laser, to our skin that is! We get that sun protection can be a little confusing, so we've made this guide to explain important points about sun protection and answer some commonly asked questions about sunscreens!
The #1 reason for skin-aging is none other than the sun. More specifically, Ultraviolet (UV) rays. The Earth's atmosphere may filter out a large portion of the sun's rays, but our skin is still victim to many tough-to-resolve problems caused by exposure to the remaining UV rays. This includes skin cancer, hyper-pigmentation and signs of aging.
Hence, since prevention is easier than cure, it is important for us to get the help of a little sunscreen!
The Sun emits 2 basic types of UV rays:
UVA Rays - These penetrate into the deepest layer of skin (the Dermis) and plays a big role in the development of wrinkles and other signs of ageing. UVA rays also contribute greatly to the development of skin cancer and can be passed through glass.
UVB Rays - These damage the skin's outer layers (the Epidermis), causing redness and sunburns. UVB rays cannot significantly pass through glass.
SPF is short for Sun Protection Factor. It measures the percentage of UVB rays blocked from your skin by a product. SPF 15 would block 93%, while SPF 40 would block 97%. The higher the SPF, the longer it takes for your skin to get sunburnt. However, ultrahigh SPF ratings (50 and above) are not much more protective than an SPF of 30 - 50, as the percentage increase becomes more and more gradual.
For day-to-day wear, we recommend that your sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and above.
PA (Followed by +, ++, or +++) is a rating system used in Asia to show how much UVA ray protection a product offers. It stands for Protection Grade of UVA. The more + symbols on a product, the more times longer it would take your skin to tan, as determined by a Persistent Pigment Darkening Test.
For everyday-wear, we recommend using a sunscreen with PA++ or higher.
Another term used to show protection against both UVA & UVB rays is Broad Spectrum, but this doesn't quite show how strongly a product protects you.
Tip: Have easily-irritated skin? Try a sunscreen that uses Titanium Dioxide as its sun-protectant. Although its sun protection is only rated moderate - high, it doesn't cause stinging and skin irritations like many other sun-protecting ingredients!
There is still a chance your skin might suffer from sun damage even if you have sunscreen on, and that's because your skin wasn't properly covered. To achieve the indicated amount of sun protection, the recommended proportions are 2mg of sunscreen per cm2 of skin. Roughly, 20¢ coin-sized dollop or the length of your index finger would be enough to cover your face & neck.
Tip: Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine, and should be reapplied every 2 hours when staying outdoors for long periods of time, no matter how high the SPF.
Makeup that offers sun protection might sound like a convenient option. However, just like how 2mg of sunscreen per cm2 of skin would provide the proper amount of UV protection, it would be nearly impossible to wear that amount of foundation or powder. With the average usage amount of most base makeup, your skin will not be getting enough sun protection, and will sadly still be vulnerable to UV damage.
Even if you’re indoors, you might still be exposed to the UV rays emitted from light sources such as fluorescent lights & some LEDs. Also, UVA rays can pass through glass, meaning your room's windows will only filter out some UVB rays. Thus, we recommend to stay protected everyday, not just on days when you’re going to the beach or for a swim.
Irritation-free sun protection that actually works!
Skincare can get tough, and the DERMABELL Team would like to share our knowledge about what makes up the products you put on your skin: Ingredients! Stay tuned for our Ingredient of the Week every Monday!
It might sound like a harmful metal, but Titanium Dioxide is a natural mineral found in the earth that is commonly used in many skincare products.
Main Function:
What's so special? - Although its main function is to act as a sun protectant, Titanium Dioxide is one of the few active sun protectants that have little to no irritation on sensitive and easily reddened skin. It can even be used around the eye area as it is known to have no stinging sensation unlike other sun protectants.
EWG Score: 1 - 3
Titanium Dioxide works by forming a barrier over the skin to repel and deter UVA & UVB radiation from direct contact with the skin.
UVA Rays - Penetrates into the deepest layer of skin (the Dermis) and plays a big role in wrinkles and other signs of ageing. UVA contributes greatly to the development of skin cancer and can pass through glass.
UVB Rays - Damages the skin's outer layers (the Epidermis), causing redness and sunburns. UVB cannot significantly pass through glass.
With protection against both UVA & UVB rays, you can rest assured that your skin stays youthful, healthy, and free of sun damage.
If your skin is easily irritated by many sunscreens on the market, try one that uses Titanium Dioxide!
Want some in your skincare? Try our Sun Perfect Cure Cream!
Up next: Hint - Hail Hydration!
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Taking a trip? It's important not to skip on your skincare routine, not just for your Instagram selfies, but to prevent breakouts and dryness due to environmental changes and increased sun exposure. On the flipside, you might actually be doing more damage to your skin with the wrong skincare practices.
Here are 5 skincare mistakes to avoid on your next overseas holiday! (And what you can do instead!)
Have you ever licked your lips,only to realise that they quickly become dry again? In an airplane, the dry air pulls moisture from its surroundings, including your skin. When your skin is wet from freshly applied products, it makes it an even bigger target for moisture loss. Plus, the airplane can be a playground for bacteria and other germs, so applying your skincare on an airplane may even cause breakouts and other skin problems.
What to do instead?
The sun is the no.1 reason for skin-aging. When you're up in the clouds on a plane, the ozone layer is thinner and UVA & UVB rays hit you stronger than when you're on ground level. This makes your skin more susceptible to burns, premature wrinkles and dark spots.
What to do instead?
Different environmental conditions can affect your skin in various ways. A hot, humid & tropical climate like Singapore's might cause your oil glands to produce more oil than usual, while a cold & drier climate might leave your skin thirsty for moisture. Hence, its important that your skincare nourishes your skin and protects it in the right ways.
What to do instead?
One of the most well-known products that dry out the skin is alcohol. Switch out your products that contain denatured alcohol, SD alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. These alcohols damage and thin out the skin barrier, causing your skin to become more sensitive over time.
What to do instead?
You've just landed, your skin is feels dry and your pores are enlarged. This is the perfect opportunity for bacteria and other germs to settle on your skin, causing clogged pores, breakouts and even infections. Neglecting your skin when you're off the plane would be detrimental to its state, so definitely clean & nourish it as soon as you reach your accommodation.
What to do instead?
There you have it, 5 skincare mistakes you can avoid on your next vacation. Share this with a friend going on a staycay or business trip, and stay tuned for more of our skincare advice.
Have a safe flight! ✈️
What's so great about Centella Asiatica/ Cica/ Gotu Kola?
Skincare can get tough, and the DERMABELL Team would like to share our knowledge about what makes up the products you put on your skin: Ingredients! Stay tuned for our Ingredient of the Week every Monday, starting today!
Also known as Tiger Grass, Cica, Gotu Kola & Indian Mugwort amongst many other names, Centella Asiatica is a small herb that commonly grows in swampy areas of Southeast Asian countries.
Main Functions:
Centella Asiatica isn't just for one skin type alone. On troubled skin, it works to prevent breakouts and heal broken skin. On dry or easily irritated skin, it can help to soothe and hydrate skin to prevent further inflammations.
EWG Score: 1
Known for its medicinal properties, Centella Asiatica has been known to heal and provide anti-inflammatory benefits in treatments of many cultures, including Chinese medicine.
Now, it is a popular ingredient in many skincare products due to its multitude of benefits and powerful antioxidant properties.
Centella Asiatica contains madecassoside, which is an active compound that serves as an anti-oxidant. Anti oxidants protect our skin against free radicals, which are caused by pollution and can weaken the skin's collagen production. Madecassoside is also known to be a powerful anti-inflammation and redness-reducing agent.
Centella Asiatica also contains asiaticoside, which promotes the skin's collagen production to keep the skin plump and youthful. Studies have even shown that asiaticoside has wound-healing properties.
Lastly, Centella Asiatica is rich in amino acids. Amino acids are part of our skin's natural moisturising factors (NMFs), which allow the skin to retain moisture and stay hydrated over time.
Centella Asiatica is more than just a skin-soothing agent, it promotes healing, prevents inflammations and has anti-aging properties on all skin types. If you're looking to calm your skin and prevent breakouts, definitely think about adding Centella Asiatica into your skincare routine!
Want some in your skincare? Try these out:
Up next: Hint - Protection is key!
]]>Made to strengthen and protect the skin barrier while soothing sensitive skin, the Smart Hydro Pure Line isn't just an experience, but provides the skin with the nourishment it needs to stay healthy and reduce hypersensitivity!
The Smart Hydro Pure Line is made with oceanic water found deep below the surface level, (that's -605m deep!), where it is pollution-free and naturally found to be rich in essential minerals. The water is transported using Korea's only pollution-free pipe system to obtain the water in its purest form, where it can then go through diferent technologies to refine it further!
EDH technology - Electrolyses the deep oceanic water, giving it a micro-particle state with high ion activity, allowing for easy penetration into the skin.
MBT technology (Mineral Balance Technology) - Gives the water a mineral balance ratio similar to amniotic fluid (the liquid surrounding fetuses during pregnancy), allowing it to penetrate into the skin effectively with no irritation.
Oil is needed to remove stubborn makeup residue, while water is needed to soothe the skin when irritated by harsh rubbing during cleansing. Thus, a 3:7 oil:water ratio ensures that the skin can be cleaned with minimal irritation.
By the way, the Smart Hydro Pure Cleansing Water is made with NO mineral oil! Instead, it uses only natural plant-based oils such as flaxseed, coconut & moringa seed oils that won't clog the pores and cause breakouts.
Find out more about the Smart Hydro Pure Cleansing Water here!
The Smart Hydro H2O Pure Water benefits the skin in 8 different ways!
1. Anti-Bacterial: Prevents bacterial infections
2. Anti-Inflammatory: Prevents breakouts & allergic inflammations
3. Anti-Ageing: Firms and tightens saggy skin over time
4. Cell-Regenerating: Promotes cell regeneration for healthier skin
5. Skin Barrier-Strengthening: Prevents hyper-sensitivity and protects skin from pollution
6. Hydrating: Replenishes the skin's moisture
7. Calming: Soothes and minimises redness
8. Detoxifying: Revitalises tired skin
Find out more about the Smart Hydro H2O Pure Water here!
Did you know? This is the original product that inspired the full line of Smart Hydro Pure products! You can find its' original Pro-sized version here!
The Smart Hydro Pure Line ensures that your skin is in tip-top shape without the addition of harsh/ harmful chemicals, just pure, effective goodness! 💦
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Follow these steps for the perfect routine that will be sure to nourish and infuse your skin with all the nutrients your favourite face masks have to offer!
The DERMABELL counter is located at 1F, Star Avenue, Main Branch of the LOTTE
Departmental Store, 30, Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul. Do visit the main LOTTE Duty-Free store to find out more about DERMABELL and the products we carry!
We hope to reach out to more local and overseas skincare enthusiasts through LOTTE's Duty-Free store. We appreciate and look forward to your continued support, and will strive to provide excellent service and products.
Sincerely,
The DERMABELL Team
Cosmeceuticals are a cross between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They contain active ingredients to solve skin problems or benefit your complexion by altering the skin’s inner layers. The ingredients in cosmeceuticals are more potent than cosmetic skincare, but not as strong as prescription pharmaceuticals, meaning that they can be used routinely on the skin without the major side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Active ingredients are defined as pharmaceutical ingredients that have beneficial effects on living things.
Usually, cosmetics do not contain any active ingredients. If they do, it's only in light doses that would not be enough to make a big difference. Cosmetics are produced to sell to the masses; think big department stores and online retailers. As a big company, the last thing you would want is for masses of consumers to have adverse allergic reactions to your product, so only a small amount of anything that would cause major change is put into a product, or none at all.
On the other hand, cosmeceuticals contain the right dosage of active ingredients that has positive effects on the skin without causing damage. The formula and manufacturing techniques of a cosmeceutical is adjusted to properly allow the active ingredient to penetrate the skin as well. In other words, effectiveness is key when creating cosmeceuticals, but without overdosing the skin.
For cosmetics manufacturers, the concept and budget is first derived, keeping their target audience and the current trends in mind. This rules out ingredients and processing techniques that are too costly to mass produce and product ideas that might not sell. After a budget and concept is set, the ingredients are chosen according to what fits in the budget.
As for cosmeceuticals, manufacturers first find out how much potential an ingredient has. By focusing on that one 'star ingredient', they can develop a unique formula and manufacturing technique for bottling it as a cosmeceutical. Once product is completely finalised, then is the total cost finalised. This makes for products that are usually on the pricier side compared to cosmetics, but take the cake when the formula and ingredients are considered.
Formula-wise, cosmetics are only complex enough to work on the surface of the skin. Active ingredients and the way a product is manufactured makes the most difference in this one. In other words, cosmetics may smell and feel nice on the skin and perk up your complexion for a day or two, but only temporarily.
Meanwhile, because they contain active ingredients and have the right delivery system for them, cosmeceuticals are able to correct skin concerns by create the structural changes under the skin barrier and promoting change to the cells themselves, improving your skin from the inside out for the long term.
On 29th May 2018, DERMABELL was announced the winner of the Korea Consumer Satisfaction Awards (KCSA) in the Professional Skincare category. This prestigious annual award acknowledges top performers in various categories on the basis of their consumer satisfaction index.
We are humbly grateful for this opportunity, and will continue working hard to serve our customers to the best of our ability.
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