People all over the world are now decluttering their lives, thanks to Netflix series "Tidying up with Marie Kondo." Marie, a bestselling author from Japan, helps to get different families to sort out and declutter. This includes clearing and sorting out their piles of clothing, books and even treasured items.

"Sparking Joy" is an often repeated term on the series, as Marie proclaims her mission using her konmari method to help spark joy in the world.

As we move from sorting out our homes, it is time to take a look at the mirror; have a close look at your face under bright light. Ask yourself, does your face spark joy? Are you trulysatisfied with your appearance? Or are there lines and blemishes that you can clear away instead? 

Let us help! In this article, we will share 7 methods to help you take great care of your skin, on a daily basis. It's time to spark joy with your face! ​
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1. Alway Take Specific Care for Each Skin Type
To take the best care for your skin, always make sure to choose products specially designed for your skin type. Dry skin requires different care from oily skin. A wrong match will cause either flaking (from over drying) or pimples (from oil build-up and thereafter bacterial infection).

So what are the best products for the various skin types? ​

Combination Skin - choose a gentle, balancing formula that prevents both irritating and dryness. Use a hydrating serum, and quench your skin with a lightweight liquid or gel lotion. ​

Oily Skin - choose a gentle and soft-free cleanser as harsh formulas can cause oil overproduction. An exfoliator helps dissolve pore-clogging sebum and wash away dead cells. We recommend our Retinol Serum in this case. Oily skin still needs to be hydrated, hence choose a lightweight, water-grabbing cream or gel. ​

Dry Skin - choose cleansing oils and lotsion which help to remove dirt and make up without stripping away moisture. Apply a hydrating serum or essence to quench skin with a boost of water. We recommend our Royal Jelly Essence in this case. For moisturising, a cream with protective ingredients like oils or shea butter will help to keep the water locked in. ​

Normal Skin - Remove dirt and makeup with a mild cleanser that will not disrupt the skin's pH balance. Exfoliate 2 or 3 times a week with a AHA, BHA or retinoid for a fresh, glowing complexion. We recommend our 100% concentrate of Retinol Serum. A light or medium weight lotion with emollients like almond oil will help to retain hydration. ​

A point to note is that the eye contour skin is about ten times finer and more fragile than the rest of the skin on the face. Hence, never over-exfoliate. When removing make-up, always choose a specific routine that will not damage this sensitive area. 

From your 30s onwards, you may begin to see some signs of aging around your eyes. This includes fine lines and textual changes. A retinol-based treatment will help to increase the cell-turnover adn resurface your skin overnight. ​
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Exfoliation is always recommended at least once (or twice) a week. This can be done via a facial scrub, though Wellaholic would recommend using both a Diamond Peel. This microdermabrasion procedure will help physically exfoliate the skin. This can be further augmented by a regular Retinol regime. The vitamin-A derivative can do wonders by chemically exofoliating the skin. This helps to keep the complexion clear. ​
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Keeping the skin moisturised and supple is also essential. This is because the dermis is 15% epidermis and 70% water. With the appropriate daily moisturing skin care, you can then balance the level of water within the skin. ​

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​I have turned forty last year, but more often than not, in my engagement with strangers who meet me for the first time, I am commonly perceived as being in my late twenties or in my early thirties. The next question that comes up usually would be, “what is your anti-ageing regime?” The creation of Wellaholic as a wellness company focusing on great health, great beauty and great fitness stems from my conviction that while we all age, we can take positive steps to looking younger and better than our age. In this articulate, I would like to share my thoughts on this favourite topic of anti-ageing. 

Q: At what age should one start anti-ageing skincare?
A: Can we ever be too young for anti-ageing products? There is an enormous amount of independent research which shows that people in their 20s and early 30s can take simple yet crucial steps to retard ageing. First and foremost, wear sunscreen consistent. Secondly, avoid smoking.
 
In terms of protecting against the sun’s harmful rays, Adam Friedman, MD, director of dermatologic research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has this to say, “I cannot stress enough that the No. 1 thing young adults can do to limit the signs of ageing is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 30 or higher every single day.” In our sunny island of Singapore, this is even more important, as we are subject to large amounts of harmful UV rays. From Wellaholic, we have our W+ Protective Day Cream with SPF50++, which offers the highest protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
 
In terms of smoking, studies have shown that it hampers the body’s ability to make collagen and also leads to premature wrinkling. Take a look at any smokers around you, and you will start to notice that their complexion is less plump. Add a heavy cigarette habit with lots of sun exposure and it is likely that you are more than 10 times more likely to develop wrinkles than people around your same age who do not smoke and avoid the sun. In short, one should start anti-ageing skincare in one’s early twenties. 

Q: What are some of the essentials of anti-ageing skincare?
A: There are a few key components of skincare, or face care. We have the following:

1. Facial cleanser
2. Toner
3. Day cream with sunscreen
4. Face serum
5. Night cream with moisturizer

​For facial cleanser, I always recommend getting an affordable facial cleanser. This is because most facial cleansers or facial soaps do the same thing – they provided a (limited) cleanup of the skin surface. Dr. Beatrice Wang of Carey Wang Dermatology in Montreal, has this to say, “ Washing your face is not a bad idea, but I don’t think you have to be vigorous about skin cleansing. Most of us are not doing manual labour, so we are not getting that dirty.”
 
Instead, I highly recommend using a good toner. When asked “What’s the secret weapon to healthy skin,” Dr. Hadley King, a New York City board-certified dermatologist, had a simple answer: toner. “Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sun screen,” she explains.
 
At Wellaholic, we advocate our alcohol-free W+ Tightening Toner, which contains Azeloglicinia®, Salicylic Acid Complex, Aloe Vera Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, that helps to control sebum while hydrating and clarifying the skin. Azeloglicina® is a patented natural identical derived active ingredient that illuminates and improves texture clarity for a more glowing complexion; it addresses uneven skin tone and dark spots while improving skin quality for a brighter and more luminous complexion.
 
Throughout the day, I would suggesting using a strong sunscreen, like our W+ Protective Day Cream with SPF50++. In order to fully protect your skin, you should ideally apply the day cream in the morning as well as right before lunch, before you step out of your office.

Q: In addition to skincare, what are the other ways to look and feel younger?
A: As espoused previously, I believe that a good diet, good supplementation and good fitness all work together to help me look and feel younger. Since my last twenties, I have been on a daily supplementation of Resveratrol, after reading a research article by the Harvard Medical School on the abilities of Resveratrol to slow down ageing. More than a decade later, I am still on this daily regime, and whether this has contributed to my looking younger is something that I cannot verify, but the growing amount of literature and research on Resveratrol seems to support the initial claims.
 
In fact, Wellaholic’s W+ Resveratrol was one of the key reasons to the creation of our Wellaholic business, as part of my conviction that good things should be shared with all, and that the journey to the fountain of youth cannot be made within a day; it requires years of discipline!
 
And of course, one should not forget fitness and exercise. New research shows that regular physical activity can reduce the inflammation in the body that comes with aging, which could also help decrease your risk of developing related diseases and conditions—like heart disease, depression, decreased mental function, and loss of muscle mass.
 
And there you go -- Ageing is a fact of life. Looking your age is not. There are things that you can do to look younger, but it requires consistency, commitment and discipline. It’s never too early to start, so let’s start today! 

​While a few basic skincare ingredients have become household names, one is constantly part of the conversation: retinol. We have all heard of it, but we’re not all exactly sure what it is—or how it works.

An informative article by Byrdie’s Hallie Gould peels the layers off retinol. In short, retinol is an amazing ingredient for your skin! To find out more, read on.

In an effort to get educated , Hallie contacted both a top dermatologist and a celebrity aesthetician for the full rundown. Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group and celebrity facialist Renée Rouleau eagerly and thoroughly answered all of her burning questions, as well as the ones she crowd-sourced from co-workers and friends.

What is Retinol?

“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has been used for anti-aging and found in many skincare products,” Nazarian explains.

Rouleau adds, “It can stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and encourage collagen production. Retinol can be absorbed within the skin and, when combined with certain enzymes, it’s converted into tretinoin (the acid form of vitamin A, also known as retinoic acid). Using a well-formulated and stable product with retinol will visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage, brown spots, lines, wrinkles and large pores. Its magic is in its ability to resurface the skin’s texture for a smoother, more even-toned look."

What’s the difference between retinol, Retin-A, and retinoid?

“Both Retin-A and retinol are considered types of retinoids (which is a class of medication),” says Nazarian. “Both can help with promoting faster skin cell turnover, and both are proven options for helping reverse signs of skin aging. But retinol over-the-counter—it requires conversion in the skin to the active form, while a Retin-A is a prescription product that is more potent and slightly more effective at diminishing wrinkles and fighting acne. You will need to speak to a dermatologist about getting a prescription.”

“Retin-A restores the organization of cells through cellular turnover in the epidermis, so they are less likely to fall into the pores and block them—resulting in fewer clogged pores and small breakouts,” says Rouleau. “It also improves the look of wrinkles by retexturing and smoothing the skin’s surface and reducing pore size.”

What are the pros?

“The pros of either are that you will see improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and enhanced collagen production in the skin, with improvement in skin tone. Retin-A is just a stronger prescription version that works faster and more effectively not only for anti-aging but also for acne,” explains Nazarian.

Retin-A can be helpful for those with certain types of acne prone skin. “A prescription retinoid is very beneficial for anti-aging and works on some types of acne,” Rouleau explains, “specifically whiteheads, blackheads, closed comedones, and general clogged pores."

What are the cons?

“The cons of either,” says Nazarian, “are that over-usage can cause drying and irritation of skin. Some people with super-sensitive skin conditions like rosacea may not be able to tolerate either. Both topicals also make you more sensitive to sunlight, leading to quicker and easier sunburns. Both are also contraindicated in pregnancy,” says Nazarian.

She continues, “Retinoids can only be damaging to skin if you have a super-sensitive underlying skin condition like eczema or rosacea and can flare and enhance inflammation. Still, patients with sensitive conditions like rosacea may still be able to use a retinoid, but they need to gradually introduce it into their skincare regimen, perhaps only one time weekly, and prep their skin with a topical moisturizer before applying the retinoid.

“Lastly, I don’t recommend Retin-A or retinol it for anyone who doesn’t take sun safety seriously. Daily use of sunscreen is crucial to seeing successful results with a retinoid,” says Rouleau.

At what age should you start using retinol?

Nazarian recommends, “There are no true guidelines on how early you can start a retinoid, but if you’re old enough to be thinking about wrinkles, you should be doing something to prevent them! I find that most women benefit from starting a retinoid treatment in their late teens or early 20s.”

Similarly, Rouleau recommends retinol for those in their late 20s who have minimal to no breakout activity—as this is when cellular turnover starts to slow down. She continues, “Simply put, the best candidate is for those whose breakout years are behind them. If someone has sensitive, easily irritated skin, retinol is a good ingredient to prevent the look of aging whereas a prescription retinoid could be too irritating. With continued use, retinol works to fade hyper-pigmentation (brown spots and patches) and give the look of smoother skin in a gentler, non-drying way than a prescription form.”

What time of day should you apply?

“Most retinoids are not photo stable or sunlight stable, meaning they should be kept in an opaque well-sealed container and used only at night. Generally speaking, I suggest all of my patients begin using a pea-size amount once weekly over their moisturizer. They would gradually increase how often, but not how much, they are using based on how their skin response. If any redness or irritation is noted the next day, you should skip that night’s application.”

Rouleau adds, “Apply your retinol serum to the entire face and neck. Wait three minutes and apply a small amount of moisturizer, if needed. Use the retinol serum for two nights on, one night off, alternating with an exfoliating acid serum and a nourishing treatment serum.”

Are there any all-natural ingredients that mimic the effects of retinol?
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“There are many other topical antioxidants, peptides, and extracts that can have similar anti-aging benefits to retinoids. The benefit of retinoids are that they can be found over the counter and can be very affordable. Remember you’re going to be using this for many, many years! It has a well-established research record and is undoubtedly one of the best tools we have in our anti-aging battle.”
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​What about Wellaholic’s Retinol Range?
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W+ Flawless Face Serum -- A skin rejuvenating serum with Retinyl Palmitate that helps to increase collagen production and hydration to gently reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, excess sebum and enlarged pores and signs of sun damage. Made in Singapore and registered with HSA. $79

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W+ Rejuvenating Night Cream -- skin rejuvenating cream that assists in cellular regeneration and the prevention of collagen loss from UV photo-damage and ageing. With the goodness of Retinyl Palmitate, Hyaluronic Acid and Allantoin. $79
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Here’s wishing you good skin!

Big thanks to Alastaire for the filming, Louis for the coordination, and Joyce and Patricia for being willing models, we have our SHR video. As Wellaholic is still a young start-up, it means that we have to manage costs, and as a result of that, we have to resort to self-help. In spite of this, I would say that the output is a fantastic one. Kudo to the brilliant team for making this happen! =) 

And the description that goes with the video? Let me paste it below: 

★★★★★ " I have decided to replace my hair removal laser, which is very effective but painful, with the painless Super Hair Removal (SHR)."

Suitable for the face and body, SHR removes unwanted hair permanently and painlessly giving you the confidence to flaunt your body. Smooth fuzz-free skin, without the need to shave and wax, is now within everybody’s reach.

SHR is not quite an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and it is definitely not a laser. It is built upon the technological breakthrough where broad-spectrum light is used to warm up and destroy the hair follicles. Because it is not an IPL treatment, it can be used on darker skin. Because it is not a laser, the treatment is not painful.

Book your SHR at Wellaholic, located just 5 minutes by foot from Lavender MRT station. 

Make a booking at bit.ly/elight-facial 
Find out about Wellaholic's SHR at bit.ly/elight-one