Best Face Forward

WORKING FROM HOME, and not being able to get a facial because it's not allowed doesn't mean you should stop caring for your face.

"Home facials will help to maintain the skin, and some skin problems such as dehydration and dullness may be improved," says Lily Kew, founder of leading organic facial bar, Kew Organics.

She says that over time, skin will accumulate dead skin cells, and will cause skin thickening, dullness, a lacklustre complexion, and the texture will turn rough. "This dead skin will clog the pores with whiteheads and blackheads," she says. Worse, this could lead to breakouts.

For this reason, Ms Kew suggests doing home facials once a month. "Facials will help to exfoliate the skin to remove thick and excessive layers of dead skin cells to unveil the new and good skin underneath," she says.

Start by gently holding a hot towel over the face to open the pores. Next, cleanse the face to get rid of grime and sebum, then exfoliate to remove excess dead skin cells. The next step is to do a facial massage, followed by a facial mask. Ms Kew recommends using an eye mask to combat fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and moisture loss around the eye area.

After washing off the mask, spritz on some toner, followed by gently patting on an eye and a facial serum. The last step is to apply some moisturizer.

PRODUCTS TO TRY

KEW ORGANICS ELIXIR HYDRATING CONCENTRATE SERUM

This rejuvenating serum contains organic German chamomile water that will give the skin a super hydrating boost. It also helps to reduce wrinkles, increase collagen, minimise enlarged pores and repair damaged skin tissues. Apply the serum before moisturiser. S$167.60, from keworganics.com.

DR KEVIN CHUA AESTHETIC HYDRATING CLEANSER

A non-comedogenic hydrating cleanser that is infused with antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes. The antioxidants are good at battling against blue light that is emitted from screen devices. The cleanser is suitable for all skin types. S$59, from illumiderm.biz.

SOUL GOOD PROJECT CLAY MASKS

Clay masks are said to be good for drawing out impurities and giving the skin a glow. Pink Glow contains French and Australian pink clay that helps to tighten pores while detoxifying the skin. Green Detox is made with French green clay and superfoods spirulina and matcha. S$28.90, from soulgoodproject.com.

BANISH TIRED SKIN WITH A FACIAL MASSAGE

STEP 1: FOREHEAD

Using fingers pads, press skin from the centre of the brows, up to the hairline, to the side and down to the temple area. Repeat three to six times.

STEP 2: BROW AREA

With your thumbs, press beneath the brows, moving across the length of the brows. Repeat three to six times.

STEP 3: UNDER EYES

Using your finger pads, press under the eyes, moving inwards to the nose. Repeat three to six times.

STEP 4: CHEEKS

Place finger pads vertically on the cheek, and gently press outwards from the nose to the ears. Repeat three to six times.

STEP 5: CHIN TO JAWLINE

Roll your knuckles in a circular motion from your chin along the jawline to the ears. Repeat three to six times.

STEP 6: NECK

Roll knuckles along the neck avoiding the windpipe. Sideways and downwards to the collar bone. Repeat three to six times.