I’M in my late 40s. I’ve been using whitening serums, day moisturisers and night creams in my daily skincare routine. I’ve tried various products to improve my skin as I believe prevention is always better than cure. However, fine lines and wrinkles are still appearing on my forehead and neck. This is despite applying various creams and serums. The wrinkles are making me look older than my years and the products which I’m using don’t seem to have any effect. Is there a technique to apply the moisturiser which I don’t know about? – Siew Phin

According to Cindy Ng, Babor training manager, it’s not about application techniques but what you apply on your skin. Our skin changes as we age and it makes sense to occasionally re-evaluate our skincare regimen. At this stage of your life, you will probably need more than whitening and hydration to avoid the outset of lines. It is only normal that more pronounced lines will begin to appear around the eyes and forehead in your 40s.

Common changes in the fourth decade onwards include drier skin, whereby your skin will need more nourishing products to keep it supple and hydrated. There could be elastin damage leading to sagging skin; deeper ingrained expression lines; wrinkles; cell metabolism and renewal slow down; and breakdown in biochemical processes. The rate of this degeneration is mainly determined by our genetic make up.

If your concern is still whitening, do continue your brightening skincare regimen but supplement with products that will stimulate the skin’s metabolism, support the regeneration of cells and revitalise the complexion.

Exfoliation is important as we age to remove build up of dead skin; dull, uneven skin tone; and dryness. In turn, your skin will respond by producing new skin cells that appear younger and possess better protective function. Try the Babor Cleansing Enzyme Cleanser, a fine-grain cleansing powder with vitamin C and enzymes. A cleansing powder with a skin renewal action, it stimulates the skin’s natural regeneration. It is especially effective in loosening skin cell bonds to encourage cell turnover and visibly help skin texture refinement.

To help diminish the fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and restore overall complexion, use Babor’s Skinovage PX range. It’s an intelligent premium skincare range that promotes healthy skin by effectively protecting against ageing caused by UVA rays and free radicals. The AB Mimical Control Cream from the range reduces expression lines, leaving skin looking relaxed, smoothened and visibly more youthful.

Before you turn in for the day, cleanse all trace of make-up thoroughly with Babor’s Mild Cleanser, an extremely mild, skin-friendly cleansing milk that binds pollutants and harmful substances on the skin while purifying pores. Follow up with Babor Cleansing Rose Toning Lotion, a calming and refreshing facial toner that hydrates and clarifies the skin after cleansing.

The Babor Fluids FP 3D Lifting Fluid, a serum with a triple-action formula, will help reduce wrinkles, tighten the skin and strengthen natural contours. It contains valuable silicones and yellow poppy extract which can help remodel facial contours to restore definition and prevent a double-chin effect.

Beautiful skin is still possible after 40 if you understand your skin and choose the right skincare to meet your needs.

Babor will be giving Siew Phin Babor’s Mild Cleanser worth RM170.

I’ve been looking for a hair dye that won’t cause any allergy reaction for the past few years. However, I’ve not been successful in getting a dye that will not cause itch on the scalp. The itchiness persists even after a few hair washes. I’ve used hair dyes without ammonia and herbal hair dyes, however, I still face the same problem. I need to have my hair coloured to cover the grey. – Yim Ho

Randall Wong, national education manager for L’Oreal Professionnel and Pureology, says that having a patch test before each colouring session is one of the ways to avoid scalp discomfort and allergy. You seem to experience similar situations even with different hair colouring products. It’s probably because your scalp is naturally sensitive.

Firstly, don’t wash your hair on the same day as your hair colouring session. The natural sebum secretion (acid mantle) on the scalp may help to form a layer of protection. Secondly, ask for L’Oreal Professionnel’s Scalp care called StillCap. It is a product specifically to be applied on the scalp before any hair colouring session. With the natural acid mantle and Stillcap, you will get double protection and hopefully, prevent your scalp from feeling itchy.

End your hair colouring session with L’Oreal Professionnel’s Soothing Scalp treatment at the salon – Soft Peel is for the scalp and Cristalceutic for the hair. For your home care, invest in a bottle of Vitamino colour treated hair shampoo and Sensi Balance conditioner to soothe, calm and hydrate your sensitised scalp.

It may be extra investment for your hair and scalp on your part, however, you will be able to have a less sensitised and more hydrated scalp. A “challenged” scalp will need special attention, and professional products from salons can help minimise your scalp and hair problem.

Pureology will be giving Yim Ho a Vitamino colour-treated hair shampoo, and a Sensi Balance conditioner, altogether worth RM143.

Beauty Q
Here’s a chance to get your “always wanted to know but didn’t know who to ask” beauty questions tackled. Send your queries to StarTwo to be answered fortnightly by beauty professionals from beauty or skincare houses. The queries should be beauty-specific and may be on skin or hair concerns, cosmetics or products, too. Please indicate in your e-mail subject matter: Beauty Q and send your beauty questions to beautyq@thestar.com.my. Published letters will receive a gift. Please include your name, address and contact number. All the best to your beauty quest!

best to your beauty quest!

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