Skincare Routine: What To Do For Pigmentation Issues.

We all have our own skincare routines, regardless of age and gender. Yet, we cannot fail to mention that women are far more interested in keeping their skin healthy than most men. Well, okay, men are interested in this too. It’s just that women pay more attention to some things and they usually use much more products to try and keep their skin fresh and healthy. The reason I am mentioning these differences between genders in the first place is that hyperpigmentation, further explained here, usually affects women more than men.

If you’ve done any research on skin health previously, then you probably already know what pigmentation issues are. In short, hyperpigmentation refers to those patches of skin that tend to get darker than the surrounding areas. It is generally a harmless condition, but some people are still not happy about it and they want to do something to reduce the problem or possibly get rid of it altogether.

In case you’re now wondering whether this issue can be treated at all, the answer is yes. Of course, if you don’t want to do it, you should know that it doesn’t really require treatment. As I have explained, it is completely harmful. Yet, if you do want to try and resolve this problem, you should at least know how to do it the right way. In other words, you need to know how to create the perfect skincare routine to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

Well, if you are ready to learn about the right routine, you should keep reading. I’ll tell you what you need to know in order to actually create the perfect routine for you. The tips I’ll share will, hopefully, help you understand which steps you should take when aiming at getting rid of hyperpigmentation for good. Here we go.

1. Make Sure To Pick The Right Products

As you probably could have guessed it on your own, it all begins with choosing the right products for pigmentation issues. After all, if you start using some poor-quality products, you are highly unlikely to get the results that you desire. This is why you need to be quite thorough when researching the various products that are sold on the market these days since you don’t want to wind up buying something that is of terrible quality and that could even affect your skin negatively.

The most significant thing to do when trying to find these products is research the actual brands. Check their reputation and have a look at any types of comments that people have left regarding their products. Of course, don’t forget to also check the ingredients, so as to get a better idea about the safety and the quality of the goods that you are considering.

Photo credit: Alena Darmel on Pexels.

2. Start Your Day With A Cleanser

Once you’ve chosen the right products, you’ll be ready to start your routine. When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a cleanser. Sure, you can exfoliate before that if you are used to doing it, but a cleanser is undeniably a must. You should also use it in the evening if you want the routine to be perfect, but it is highly important to start your day with it.

3. Use An Antioxidant

Since your goal here is to prevent UV rays from darkening the spots and to generally reduce sun damage, you should add an antioxidant to your routine. That can be vitamin C or E, or even niacinimide. The bottom line is that an antioxidant will help prevent sun damage, which is certainly extremely important when talking about hyperpigmentation. Get some more recommendations here: https://makeupandbeauty.com/skincare-routine-recommendation-pigmented-skin/

Photo credit: Armin Rimoldi on Pexels.

4. Moisturize

Moisturizing is undeniably an important step of the routine as well. You should use a moisturizer after cleansing and after applying the serum. Make sure to choose the right moisturizer for your specific skin, so that you can be sure that it is protecting you well.

5. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

We cannot talk about sun damage protection without mentioning sunscreen, can we? While some people tend to use those 2 in 1 one products, i.e. a combination of moisturizers and sunscreens, you should actually use separate ones for better protection. A mineral-based sunscreen is always a good option.

Aritaum Tips on Taking Care of 20s Skin.

Most skin care experts say that the best time to start a consistent beauty routine is in your 20s, which is probably because the skin’s renewal process start to decline as early as age 25, and may even happen sooner if you have poor lifestyle habits that aggravate free radical damage. Your 20s is the best time to start using skin care products like Aritaum.

Aritaum Flagship Store in Gangnam.

Here’s a comprehensive guide about taking care of your 20s skin that you can easily incorporate into your daily routines:

1. Start exfoliating regularly.
Exfoliation speeds up skin renewal by facilitating the removal of dead skin cell layers more efficiently to reveal new skin layers underneath. Sluggish skin renewal is the main cause for dull looking skin and pigmentation (e.g. dark spots), and our skin’s natural cellular regeneration process begins to decline gradually starting at age 25. Furthermore, premature skin aging may be aggravated by factors like stress, environmental pollution, and bad lifestyle habits that can make your skin look older than it's supposed to.

Exfoliation also helps unclog pores, smoothen skin, and prevent future breakouts. Choose mild exfoliators like acid-based ones containing alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic, and/or glycolic acid. Acid-based exfoliators are not abrasive yet effectively remove dead skin cells from within.

Laneige Clear-C Peeling Mask.

2. Prioritize sun protection.
The sun’s UVA and UVB rays cause a lot of skin damage. In fact, people who are regularly exposed to the sun develop premature signs of skin aging like wrinkles and dark spots than those who don’t. However, most people aren’t concerned about using sun protection products.

Your 20s is a great time to begin using sunscreen in your regimen daily. You can prevent a lot of skin care issues in the future just by prioritizing sun protection. Choose a sunscreen that has at least 35 SPF (sun protection factor) and protects against both UVA and UVB rays (broad spectrum protection), as most sunscreen products may not protect against both UV ray types. Wear sunscreen daily all over your face and body, and leave on skin for at least 30 minutes before going out.

Mamonde Everyday Aqua Sun Cream.

3. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise.
Diet and exercise are non-negotiables are you want to maintain good health and vibrant skin. Sticking to a healthy diet and having regular exercise in your 20s gives you an edge amongst the average population and will surely give you huge incredible benefits you can reap in the future. A sound diet and exercise regimen in your early 20s is the best investment you can get for your health, beauty and even money down the line.

4. Find the right cleanser.
Many teenagers who’ve experienced oily and acne-prone skin may have been used to using strong cleansers, astringents, and skin care practices that can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Once you reach your 20s, however, your hormones are beginning to be more stabilized. Thus, it's also important to begin switching to milder cleansers right for your skin type and begin concentrating on skin hydration and nourishment.

An array of cleansers at an Aritaum store.

5. Adapt your skin care routine to the season.
Just as your hormones begin stabilizing in your 20s, it’s also advisable to begin adapting your skin care routines according to the season. Use lightweight, water-based, or oil-free formulas during warmer seasons to prevent excess oil production and breakouts, and use creamier formulations during the colder months to prevent skin dehydration and dryness. Adjusting your skin care products according to the season puts less stress on your skin and help you adjust to environmental stressors better.

Aritaum Baby Face Mist.

6. Try adding retinol into your regimen.
Retinol is a popular skin care ingredient because it functions both as an anti-ager and for controlling acne. Your 20s is a good time for incorporating retinol into your regimen, as you may still be coming off your acne-riddled young adult days and transitioning into an older adult facing risks of skin aging.

7. Consider anti-aging products.
It is actually never too early to control skin aging by using anti-aging beauty products. Your 20s is an excellent time to begin introducing anti-aging products in your regimen, as your 20s skin is still good at absorbing nutrients and renewing skin cells. When buying anti-aging products, opt for ones loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants, since these actives deal best with fighting free radical damage, oxidative stress, and UV damage.

More skincare products from Aritaum.

Your 20s is an excellent time for starting health and skin care regimens that will pay off greatly in the future. Take care of your 20s skin by adopting these habits, using products like Aritaum and being confident in maintaining that youthful-looking glow well into your 20s and beyond.

Spotlight | Clio Kill Protection Sun Base.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Summer is now in full swing here in the Philippines It's currently 33 degrees outside, the air is still, and the weather overall is just so uncomfortably humid. Now if you think that's hot (and annoying), brace yourself as the weather bureau has announced that it could be sweltering by the end of the month. Goodness!

At times like these, I would rather stay in the comforts of my home lest my asthma acts up. If I need to leave the house, I'd be slathered in organic sunscreen and armed with an umbrella, wearing very little makeup or sometimes, none at all.

Now speaking of makeup, I've been using a different primer since summer officially started. For the past two weeks, I've been using the Clio Kill Protection Sun Base and so far, so good. I bought these at one of the Clio stores in Myeongdong during my last Seoul Searching trip; they were having a 1+1 sale at that time so I got both variants of the sun base for the price of one (16000 Korean won - around Php 740 or $14).

Clio Kill Protection Sun Base in Matte and Glow.

Clio Kill Protection Sun Base in Matte and Glow.

The Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base is a multi-function makeup base that controls oil, blocks harmful UV rays, and leaves the skin with a light, matte finish. It's enriched with silica powder to keep your face from turning into a greasy, shiny mess, and an anti-sebum complex composed of evening primrose, arrowroot, pine leaf, and elm extracts, to keep the oils at bay.

Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base, SPF 50+ PA++++.

Lightly-tinted with a hint of powdery fragrance, the Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base evens out the skin tone and preps your skin for makeup. It feels soft and silky on the skin, the way setting powder does, and keeps your makeup intact for pretty much an entire day. It does, however, leave a slight white cast on the skin, which can easily be corrected with a translucent setting powder.

Clio Kill Protection Glow Sun Base, SPF 50+ PA++++.

On the other hand, the Clio Kill Protection Glow Sun Base has a gel-type formula that feels light and refreshing on the skin. It brightens the complexion as it covers minor skin imperfections, and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and moisturized, the way a facial essence does. Like the Matte variant, this product has a subtle, fresh fragrance that becomes more noticeable as you blend it out on your skin.

Comes in 50 mL squeeze tubes.

Aside from its sun protection benefits, the Clio Kill Protection Glow Sun Base also gives your face a lovely, glowing sheen. It may not be as highly effective as a makeup base compared to its 'Matte' counterpart (I have to retouch a few times a day whenever I'm wearing the Glow Sun Base), but the luminous, healthy finish and the 'glass skin' effect makes up for it.

The swatches below will show you the difference between the two variants.

Left: Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base.
Right: Clio Kill Protection Glow Sun Base.

The Matte variant is lightly-tinted and has a creamier consistency, while the Glow variant is colorless and has a gel-like consistency.

Left: Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base.
Right: Clio Kill Protection Glow Sun Base.

The Matte Sun Base has a thicker formula, while the Glow Sun Base goes on smoothly and is easily absorbed by the skin.

Left: Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base.
Right: Clio Kill Protection Glow Sun Base.

The Matte Sun Base has better coverage but leaves a slight white cast, the Glow Sun Base has a sheer finish but makes the skin look dewy.

Personally, I am more partial to the Glow Sun Base because I'm a fan of the dewy makeup look. If you have dry skin, the Glow Sun Base will suit you better; but if you have oily skin, you might find the Matte Sun Base more to your liking. Both products have the ideal sun protection factor of SPF 50+ PA++++, and thankfully, neither of the two gave me allergies or broke me out. 

Wearing the Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base as my sunscreen/primer.

At my son's Recognition Day, wearing the Clio Kill Protection Glow Sun Base
as my sunscreen/primer.

Will I repurchase? That would be a resounding yes! Much better if they'll be on sale again when I fly back to Seoul! :)

Spotlight | Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway.

As we inch closer towards Christmas, the nights have become longer, the days a tad cooler, and the sunshine is not as scorching as it used to be in this tropical country of ours. But just because the weather has become nippy doesn't mean you can skip on the sunscreen.

It's a golden skincare rule to always, always wear sunscreen, regardless of the weather. So whether it's cloudy, or rainy, or maybe even snowy - for as long you're stepping outside, you need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

That being said, I could not be more excited to get first dibs on the Petal Velvet Sunaway - Althea's very own sunscreen. This new product came with my second Althea Angels box, which also contained a cute hologram pouch and all three of the Althea Petal Velvet Powders.

My second Althea Angels box, as seen on my Instagram. Thank you, Althea! :)

The Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway is an ultra lightweight, invisible sunscreen formulated with Damask rose extracts (yes, it's the same ingredient found in the Mamonde Rose Water Toner) to soothe and moisturize the skin and make it look plump and healthy-looking. It also contains Geranium oil which not only heals troubled skin, but also gives it a radiant boost.

Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway.

This product also contains titanium oxide and zinc oxide which offer sun protection. Both ingredients are compliant to cosmetics standards, non-carcinogenic, and safe to use even on sensitive skin.

Nothing much to read here, as the text is mostly written in Hangul.

The Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway comes in a handy 55 mL plastic bottle. The packaging is sleek and handy, and the size is compliant with carry-on restrictions. (The wanderlust in me is just dying to add that last part, lol.) The bottle has a pointy nozzle which allows you to control the amount of product that you wish to squeeze out. 

SPF 50+ PA++++.

Take note of the instructions - shake well before usage.
Otherwise, this sunscreen will be watery when you squeeze it out.

The pointy nozzle.

This sunscreen has a milky texture which easily blends into the skin and gives it a nice, velvety finish. It does not leave a white cast despite the high sun protection factor, and it dries down matte which makes it good enough to be used as a makeup base. (I still wear a primer on top of it, though, before applying my foundation/cushion.)

A swatch of the Petal Velvet Sunaway on the back of my hand.

One particular thing that I love about this sunscreen is its hypoallergenic formula. Sunscreens with high SPF usually make my skin itch, and I'm so relieved that this one did not break my skin out nor gave me allergies.

Left, without sunscreen. Right, with sunscreen.

I also like its lovely rose fragrance (it's made with roses, after all), though I found it a bit too overwhelming when I first used this product. I eventually got used to it after almost two weeks of constant wear, lol. On that note, if your nose is a bit too sensitive, then the scent might be a bit of a turn-off.

Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway on my face. :)

The Petal Velvet Sunaway is exclusively available at the Althea website, and is currently sold at a special introductory price of Php 480 - that's 10% off its regular price. You can also purchase it as a set with any of the Petal Velvet Powders to get 20% off the regular retail price.

I'll be doing a separate review of the Petal Velvet Powders so please look forward to it! :)

Sneak Peek | The Face Shop x The Simpsons Collection.

Spring may be far from over, but The Face Shop has already launched their summer collection for 2017. And surprise, surprise! It's another collaboration collection, this time with America's most famous family (not The Kardashians, lol), The Simpsons!

The Face Shop x The Simpsons Collection.

Like most of the 80's babies (I believe we are called Generation Y), I grew up watching The Simpsons together with my siblings. I was so into this animated series, so much that I even begged my parents for a skateboard because I wanted to be as cool as Bart. Haha!

¡Ay, caramba!
View the complete collection after the jump!

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Safe Protect Sunscreen.

For most of us, summer is all about outdoor fun. Think beach escapades, theme park adventures, and barbecue parties. But these fun times can come to a quick end once those harmful ultraviolet rays penetrate your skin. Sounds scary, I know.

During the summer, when the UV index is at its peak, it's important to wear sunscreen most of the time - especially between 11 am and 2 pm to avoid potential life-long damages of the sun. These days I've been using the Safe Protect Sun Screen from Human Heart Nature, and so far so good!

Safe Protect Sun Screen.

Launched earlier this month, Safe Protect is the improved version of its predecessor, the Safe Block Sunscreen. All-natural and chemical-free, the Safe Protect is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that boasts of a PA++++ rating. And by PA, I mean Photo-aging protection, which refers to how much your sunscreen shields you from UVA rays that may cause long-term damage to the skin. The more plus symbols, the better protection you get. That means four plus is definitely a plus! :)

Literature at the back.

It also has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 which deflects 97% of those cancer-causing UVB rays and protects you for about seven hours. But like all sunscreens, this SPF 30 drops after a few hours or so, especially when your skin is exposed to water. So whether you're swimming in saltwater or pool water, make sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

Reef-friendly.

You'd also be glad to know that this sunscreen is free from chemical ingredients that are quite harmful to corals. Studies show that the chemicals found in sunscreen induces 'bleaching', which causes corals to turn white and eventually die. With Safe Protect, not only are you protecting your skin, you are protecting precious sea creatures as well.

Sunscreen tips!

All-natural, cruelty-free.

Now here's how the product looks like.

A generous dollop of Safe Protect.

Consistency is just right - neither too thick nor too runny, which allows for easy application and skin absorption. It doesn't feel sticky, and does not leave a white cast on the skin either. It also has a nice, mild scent, which lingers on the skin for quite some time.

Apply liberally, spread evenly!

I love that this sunscreen is very mild and gentle on the skin - no allergies, no breakouts, and safe for sensitive skin. My six-year-old loves this product as much as I do, and applying this before leaving the house has become a habit for him - even after his ten-day swimming lessons are already over. :)

Little man wearing Safe Protect on his face, neck, arms, and legs.
His skin darkened a bit (he swam daily for ten days after all), but at least he doesn't look too charred. Haha! 

There are instances, however, when this sunscreen's consistency would become oily. I understand it's because of the zinc oxide and the absence of synthetic binders, thus causing the oil to rise and separate from the zinc. Not too big of a problem though. All you have to do is shake the tube very well before using and the consistency becomes nice and creamy again.

What I love:

- SPF 30/PA++++

- Non-sticky, non-greasy.

- Lightweight, easily absorbed by the skin.

- Has a nice scent.

- Non-irritating, safe for sensitive skin.

- Doesn't leave a white cast on the skin.

- Proudly Philippine-made.

- All-natural, cruelty-free.

- Reef-friendly.

- Affordable price.

What you might not like:

- Consistency becomes oily at times. 

- Comes in two sizes only.

The Safe Protect Sun Screen is available in two sizes - 50 grams and 200 grams, and is currently being sold at an introductory price of Php 249.75 and Php 599.75, respectively. This product is available at the Human Heart Nature website, and at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide.

Stay Safe under the Sun with Rocky Mountain Sunscreen.

People are wiser about the sun, the sun’s rays, the various types of rays the sun emits, sunscreen and sunblock than ever before.

Still, there are many who are unaware of the difference between sunblock and sunscreen or which rays of the sun cause cancer or wrinkling. This can be potentially dangerous depending upon the person using either product and their previous sun exposure. There is much to consider in the ways of sunscreen. Thankfully, the best broad spectrum sunscreen at rmsunscreen.com can be obtained to make for a hassle-free approach and premium sun protection.

Photo credit: Natures Fare

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen has you covered literally from harmful rays, but they also have you covered in providing excellent information that will vastly help you when you’re out in the sun again. Not only does Rocky Mountain Sunscreen provide excellent coverage protection, they use hypoallergenic substances to avoid allergic reactions from occurring. They feature the new Avobenzone sunscreens that allow the body to perspire to naturally cool itself off in the heat, which is vital while being out in the elements. They also offer lip balms and a variety of other products for safety in the sun. They have skin products for a variety of sports as well.

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen has been protecting customers for the last 18 years. See what sun protection they have for you.

Spotlight | TonyMoly UV Sunset Daily Sun Cream.

"What's your sunscreen?" This question I've been getting a lot these days. Not surprising since the heat is really on in this tropical country. You'd be crazy to leave the house without some sort of sun protection. Unless of course, you want to be charred in this 36-degree Celsius weather.

And so to answer that burning question, here's the sunscreen that I've been using for the longest time - TonyMoly UV Sunset Daily Sun Cream SPF30/PA++.

TonyMoly! 

I got this as pasalubong from my cousin-in-law who used to work in Korea. Been using this for more or less six months now, and as you can see, this tube is still far from running on empty.

SPF30/PA++

This sunscreen has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30, which means you're protected from cancer-causing UVB rays for at least 7.5 hours. The general rule, however, is to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours at least.

As for the protection strength, the PA++ indicates that this product has 4 times protection power against UVA rays. These harmful rays are the ones that cause wrinkles, sunspots, uneven skin tone, and just about anything bad to the skin.

If you can read Hangul, then bravo!

Since the literature at the back of the tube is written entirely in Hangul, I had to refer to the Tony Moly website for the product description. In the website, it goes something like this:

Softly application without skin irritations. Water Melon – protect skin from UV rays, primrose – antioxidant, protect skin, Green Tea Extract – strengthen skin immune system.

Grammar fail, I know. But at least it gave me an idea of what this sunscreen is made of.

Here's how the Sun Cream looks like.

Now what I love the most about this Sun Cream is that it's gentle on the skin. I've always had issues with Western sunscreen brands, mostly because I have uber sensitive skin. One of the main reasons why I stuck with this brand is because it has never broke me out, nor has it given me any allergies.

Its formulation is just right - non-sticky, lightweight, not runny, but not too thick either. The cream is easily absorbed by the skin. You won't even feel that you have sunscreen on. It also has a nice scent, which goes away rather quickly.

The price isn't bad, either. As per the Tony Moly website, this costs only Php 458 and is available at Tony Moly branches here in the Philippines. In Korea, this sells for 7800 won (Php 285 when converted).

What I love:

- SPF30/PA++

- Non-irritating.

- Lightweight.

- No icky, sticky feeling.

- Works well with most of my BB creams.

- Nice scent.

- Affordable price.

What you might not like:

- None, I guess. :)

How about you, what's your sunscreen? :)