Your 20s can be a really overwhelming period. This is the defining decade where you’ll go through multiple transitions - from being a carefree student to a working adult, depending on your parents to financial independence, etc. This is also a time in your life when you’ll experience a lot of firsts: your first job, first big promotion, first serious relationship, so on and so forth. There’s so much to look forward to, yet the thought of it can be scary and daunting too.
But here’s a little tip: your 20s don’t have to be stressful. In fact, the journey can be rather enjoyable after you’ve learnt how to filter out the noise and stay focused on yourself. To that end, here are 3 pieces of advice that we found really helpful when it comes to thriving in your 20s - and did you know that they apply to skincare too?
Read on for more!
#1 Less is more - cut out things that don’t serve you
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You should spend your 20s exploring all that the world has to offer, but it’s easy to get caught up in a lot of things that might not serve you - like excess partying, buying things just because they’re It items and working towards goals that aren’t set by yourself.
If you find yourself in a supposedly “better place”, be it having a higher spending power or a wider social circle, but not necessarily feeling happier, it’s time to reevaluate what should stay in your life and what should go. Perhaps those weekly trips to the club, or that designer bag you’re eyeing?
How it applies to skincare: The thing with skincare is that there are so many fads and trends. It’s easy to get swept up in a complicated 15-step routine when that’s not what your skin really needs. In fact, your skin might actually be really stressed out by you doing too much.
#2 Stop comparing yourself to your peers
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One very important thing to keep in mind during your 20s is that comparison is the thief of joy. It’s easier said than done, especially when your peers are getting promoted, married, or affording things that you can’t at the moment, but please remember that there are so many ways to define success. Plus, we’re all on our own journey and timeline. Just look at Amal Clooney, who married George Clooney in her mid-thirties, or Vera Wang, who found success as a fashion designer at 40!
How it applies to skincare: It’s perfectly normal to be envious of the nice skin that celebrities and influencers have. But remember this - some of these photos may be filtered, and they also have access to a team of aestheticians, dermatologists and makeup artists. Plus, real skin - no matter how smooth or healthy - will have some texture. A poreless and completely smooth complexion just isn’t possible in real life. What you can do though, is to make sure that your skin is glowing, radiant and healthy, which contributes to a smooth texture.
#3 Instead of following the crowd, pay attention to what you really need
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Peer pressure can make you feel like you need to achieve certain milestones by a certain age. Before making any major life decisions or commitments at this age, it’s important to check in with yourself and answer these two questions: why do you need to do this? And is this what you really want?
How it applies to skincare: It seems like there’s a new product or ingredient getting hyped up on social media every other week. Your favourite beauty influencer might make a pretty convincing case for why you should add a new product to your routine, but you should take the time to research whether the product is even suitable for your skin type, concerns and lifestyle.
And if you find that your skin condition isn’t improving after trying out a thousand and one things, it’s time to go back to basics with a minimal but effective skincare routine that focuses on gentle yet thorough cleansing and strengthening your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Freeplus - delicate skincare with a minimal & effective formula
Photo from Freeplus
Freeplus is a made-in-Japan skincare brand by Kanebo Cosmetics, known for having gentle, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested formulas that are free of parabens, fragrances, colouring and alcohol. Their products focus on strengthening your skin’s moisture barrier with natural oriental herbs, so your skin is kept healthy and stress-free. Try it and you might just be surprised by how well your skin reacts to a milder skincare regime!
1. Cleanse with Freeplus Mild Soap Face Wash
Photo from Freeplus
Having a gentle yet effective cleanser is crucial, no matter what your skin type or concerns are. Freeplus’ mild soap face wash is a mildly acidic cleanser, containing amino acids-derived ingredients to maintain hydration levels in your skin while removing impurities. The creamy cleanser lathers up into a fine foam, which ensures a gentle yet thorough cleanse. How can you tell? When there’s no feeling of tightness or tugging after you’ve washed your face! It’s no wonder that this stellar face wash is Freeplus’ bestselling product.
Freeplus Mild Soap Face Wash is retailing at $27 for 100g. Get it here.
2. Moisturise with Freeplus Moist Care Lotion I
Photo from Freeplus
The best time to moisturise your face is right after cleansing, so follow it up with Freeplus Moist Care Lotion I, which has a fresh and light texture. Plus, this is a great product for those who are looking into double-moisturising as the lotion is a humectant that attracts more moisture to your skin.
The lotion is made with 6 types of plant extracts, which help to retain moisture and leaves you with silky smooth skin. Simply spread it evenly on your palms then apply it to your face with gentle sweeping motions, making sure to cover your eye area and neck as well.
Freeplus Moist Care Lotion I is retailing at $42 for 130ml. Get it here.
3. Boost with Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion I
Photo from Freeplus
Remember how we mentioned double-moisturising earlier? An emulsion would be the crucial second step to this process as it helps to seal all that hydration in, preventing moisture from escaping the outer layer of your skin.
Try the Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion I, which has a milky and lightweight texture that is great for both day and night use in Singapore’s humidity. Not only does this emulsion prevent moisture loss, but it also replenishes the moisture of skin cells at the same time, leaving your skin moist, plump and soft.
Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion I is retailing at $48 for 100ml. Get it here.
Photo from Freeplus
Those with drier skin can try switching to Freeplus Moist Care Lotion II and Moist Care Emulsion II, which are formulated to address skin dehydration.
If you’re experiencing any irritation or unstableness at the moment, it’s a sign that your skin is really stressed out. This simple, stress-free 3-step skincare routine with Freeplus might just be what your skin needs to restore balance without burdening your skin with unnecessary ingredients or products. Freeplus’ products also adhere to strict safety standards and will help you build stronger and more resilient skin with prolonged use.
And the best part? You get to save so much time since it’s only 3 essential steps - so you can go ahead and hit that snooze button for a few more minutes of shut-eye!
This post is brought to you by Freeplus.
