Ask The Expert: Starting anti-ageing skincare, and other beauty issues explained

Double cleansing may not be necessary for everyone, says our expert for this week. Photo: Sephora

Ask The Expert is a new monthly column for you to get your questions on beauty and fashion answered by experts in the field.

This month, Sephora Malaysia replied to questions on skincare.

What’s the best age to start using anti-ageing products or procedures? – Ilia, Kuala Lumpur

Typically, the interest in exploring anti-ageing products or procedures doesn’t arise until one reaches their 40s. However, it is advisable to begin taking care of your skin earlier, ideally from age 24 onwards.

The effectiveness of anti-ageing products and procedures varies based on lifestyle and skin quality, but starting with a good skincare routine is the best approach.

You can get a free consultation to assess your current skin condition at a skincare counter.

The experienced beauty advisors can guide you on selecting the most suitable products for your skin.

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Do we need different skincare products for morning and evening? – Lucy, Johor

We recommend having a day- and night-specific routine for optimal results. This is because various times of the day necessitate the use of distinct products, similar to countries experiencing seasonal variations.

Incorporating different moisturisers during the day and night can have a notable impact on the appearance of your skin.

What products should everyone have in their skin care routine? – Fiona, Petaling Jaya

Skincare needs change according to the phase of life we’re in. But the basic must-haves in every beauty routine should include cleanser, toner, and moisturiser for general upkeep.

You should also have a serum to target specific skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles and sunscreen to prevent pre-mature ageing.

It’s best to have a serum to target specific skin concerns. Photo: Sephora

Can we use different brands at the same time such as cleanser - brand A, toner B, serum C, moisturiser D, etc. – Caroline, Klang

Incorporating a variety of brands into your skincare routine is not a problem, but it’s important to have a basic understanding of key ingredients in order to know which ones can complement and enhance the effectiveness of your other products.

This involves identifying which skincare ingredients are incompatible, such as retinol and vitamin C, and avoiding them.

Is toner necessary? – Lina, Selangor

While not essential for everyone, toner is recommended, especially if you have particular skin concerns that you want to address.

By selecting a toner with the appropriate benefits, you can improve the condition of your skin.

Toners are useful for restoring the skin’s pH balance after cleansing, removing any leftover residue from cleansing, providing gentle exfoliation, and supporting barrier repair or acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, depending on the ingredients.

Consequently, toner is an important component of an effective skincare routine.

Can I use multiple masks at the same time? – Ida, Bangsar

Yes, using multiple masks simultaneously can be beneficial for targetting different skin concerns.

For instance, if you have combination skin with an oily T-zone or enlarged pores, while the rest of your face is dry or normal, you can apply a salicylic acid mask to your T-zone and a hydrating mask to the remaining areas for more effective results.

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Do we need to use makeup remover or double cleanse when we use sunscreen (no makeup)? – Nita, Damansara

Double cleansing may not be necessary for everyone, especially if you don’t wear a lot of makeup.

However, individuals who use strong sunscreen (such as athletes) or resistant makeup can benefit from double cleansing, as it helps break down these products for more thorough removal.

In the case of oily skin, double cleansing can also help remove excess oil. Ultimately, the decision to double cleanse depends on individual needs and personal preferences.

Got any makeup queries? Not sure whether you need a foundation or concealer? Need spring makeup tips? Email your questions with the subject heading "Ask The Expert" to [e-mail] by May 1. Please include your name, address, contact number and if you prefer, a pseudonym.