Ask The Expert is a monthly column to answer your questions on topics related to fashion and beauty.
This time, Ilona Soeyanto, regional brand education manager of SK-II, answers questions about the beauty trend of skin prepping.
Can you explain what skin prepping involves? How does it differ from a usual skincare routine? – Daphne, PJ
This is a targeted approach of readying your skin for special occasions – so that your face looks radiant and healthy.
The aim can also be to prepare your skin for makeup application. Think of it as transforming your face into sort of a “blank canvas” – but you can skin prep even if you’re not planning to put on cosmetics after.
A typical skin prepping routine involves cleansing the skin with a gentle exfoliant, applying essential hydration products, then sealing everything in with an appropriate moisturiser.
There are two ways of doing it: long term and short term.
A regular skincare routine is like long-term skin prepping. However, when you need immediate results, a short-term method will give your skin an extra boost very quickly.
When do I prep my skin? Is it just before makeup, a few hours before a big event or before I sleep? Does the timing make a difference? – Lynne, Klang
Ideally, if you don’t already have a daily skincare ritual, you need to start a month before to see results. This is because it takes an average of 28 days for our skin to regenerate.
So, begin with applying the right products twice daily. Then you can give your skin a weekly extra boost – say, by using a sheet mask with concentrated nutrients.
This is up to the night before – then in the morning, cleanse your skin properly. This is very important, as you makeup won’t sit properly if you don’t first remove the dead skin cells, pollutants and dirt.
If the base is not right, then any makeup applied will just annoy the skin. Then the texture ends up not being flawless.
Celebrities have shared that the secret to their stunning red carpet beauty looks is skin prepping. Can I follow the routine I saw in their videos and achieve the same effect? – Janaki, Ipoh
What celebrities usually share on social media is just their skin prepping routine before the event. What you don’t see is the amount of daily effort that they put in to take care of their looks.
Achieving that so called “red carpet look” basically starts with well-rounded and consistent skin prepping months before.
Are there any don’ts when it comes to skin prepping? What should I absolutely not do when prepping my skin? – Dina, Seremban
Don’t over exfoliate your skin just before your big event. It can cause unnecessary irritation and will affect how your complexion looks like.
Also, don’t suddenly try out new products. Your never know how your skin will react to beauty ingredients or formulations that you’ve never tested out before.
Finally, remember to not rush your skin prepping routine. For instance when applying different products, you need to give each one enough time to absorb properly.
How about specific concerns like dry skin? Do I need to really tailor a skin prep around such concerns? – Shanti, Puchong
Like any skincare routine, skin prepping should also be tailored to an individual.
If you have dry skin, you need to apply hydrating products. The right serums can help plump up dry skin so that it looks healthy, as well. Then seal everything in with a moisturiser.
Goals differ for everyone. Some people may require a brightening effect, others may look for a quick anti-ageing boost. Different people will have different concerns.
Read more: Vanity Fare: Start your year right with these rejuvenating beauty products
I have my wedding ceremony coming up in six months. What’s your advice for prepping my skin for the big day the night (or even day) before? – Pushpa, Georgetown
You need to start taking good care of your skin now. The first goal will be to get your skin to be as healthy as possible before your wedding day. This means skin prepping with daily serums, moisturisers and essences.
For brides, they would want to have radiant skin. So choose the right products that can give a brightening effect.
Can a good skin prepping routine replace the need for makeup by making my complexion glow? I really don’t like using makeup. – Huan Yuen, Kota Bahru
Actually, that’s the goal of skincare – having healthy skin that can glow without any need to cover up imperfections.
So, if you’ve been consistently prepping your skin, then yes, you may not need makeup.
Do you have any questions on fashion and beauty? Email us with the subject heading Ask The Expert to lifestyle@thestar.com.my. Please include your name, address, contact number and if you prefer, a pseudonym.
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