Caring for dry and blemished skin
Hydrating care for dry and blemished skin
Learn more about moisturising care for skin dryness and blemishes.
Dry facial skin may not be an inherent condition of the skin but could arise due to seasonal changes and other environmental factors. Dryness not only damages the skin barrier but also
lowers moisture levels which could then lead to inflammation and blemishes.
Avoid dryness through adequate hydration and better moisturisation – review how you moisturise your dry skin in your skincare regime and start enjoying healthier and more
beautiful skin!
Combat skin dryness!
Combat skin dryness!
SK-II’s ongoing research to attain dewy and supple skin has inevitably shed light on the causes of skin dryness. These are the key research findings:
1. Your skin’s condition is at its best in the morning
1. Your skin’s condition is at its best in the morning
Atmospheric moisture varies throughout the day, just like how the
moisture content of your skin doesn’t remain constant from dawn to dusk. The
mornings are when your skin is at its most plump and its moisture content
gradually depletes as the day progresses.
Reasons for this moisture decrease
are a combination of the following:
Exposure to a dry air-conditioned environment
Physical and psychological stress
Oxidation damage from UV exposure
Since these conditions are almost unavoidable in our daily lives, moisturisation care becomes all the more crucial in preventing dryness.
2. Skin dryness – how it differs between winter and summer
2. Skin dryness – how it differs between winter and summer
During winter, the skin becomes dryer due to the lower temperature and humidity. In summer, however, even though we experience skin dryness, we feel the stickiness on our skin more. This is because the sebum secretion is higher during the summer months, causing the skin surface to feel sticky. Not only that, stronger UV rays on summer days, along with the extreme temperature variance between air-conditioned interiors and scorching outdoors, can cause a lot of damage. These all affect the skin barrier, making it more tolerable to dryness.

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3. A good night’s sleep gives you better skin!
3. A good night’s sleep gives you better skin!
Statistics show that if we only have five hours of sleep each night for three consecutive days, the skin’s water content will be reduced by 17%. This is a 13-fold increase in water loss compared to normal skin conditions! So make sure you get sufficient quality sleep to enjoy beautiful skin.
4. Smoking and alcohol
consumption are the nemeses of beautiful skin!
4. Smoking and alcohol
consumption are the nemeses of beautiful skin!
Alcohol dehydrates and damages the skin. Moreover, alcohol that is not metabolized by the body interferes with the skin’s protective function and its ability to retain moisture. In fact, your skin begins to dehydrate within half an hour of alcohol consumption! As for smoking, inhalation of tobacco smoke results in oxidative stress. It creates an imbalance of antioxidants in the body which leads to skin cell damage. This results in dull and dry skin, aging, and a host of diseases over time.
5. The Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) maintains adequate skin hydration for dewy skin.
5. The Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) maintains adequate skin hydration for dewy skin.
The NMF in the epidermis forms a protective coat, along with intercellular lipids such as sebum and ceramide, to maintain adequate hydration and supple skin. We start off with a high amount of NMF as a child but this declines rapidly with age. The result is reduced water content which causes the skin to lose its elasticity and become dull and dehydrated. Hence, moisturisation is essential in maintaining youthful skin, embodied by the dewiness of one’s complexion.
Symptoms of skin dryness
Symptoms of skin dryness
Feeling of tautness or dryness in your skin
Absence of glow in the skin, lacking suppleness
Makeup lacks staying power and smudges easily
Flaky skin
Skin feels rough to the touch
Visible signs of acne and/or pimples
Skin that is dry tends to be taut, rough, and lackluster. It also causes an unevenness to the skin texture which prevents makeup from staying on well after application. Not only that, the skin also gets progressively flakier and rougher. Should this dryness persist, the skin’s barrier will be damaged and no longer performs its protective function. This will cause sensitive skin to become rough and secretions from sebaceous glands will increase to counter this dryness. The result is clogged pores, which will then lead to unsightly acne and pimples.
Dry air is a perennial risk.
Dry air is a perennial risk.
The water content in the outermost layer of your skin tends to reflect the humidity of the surrounding environment. This is why the low humidity of the cold autumn and winter air, or dry air, exacerbates skin dryness. Even during summer months, we may experience the harsh effects of dry air when we spend more time in air-conditioned rooms.
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Facial Treatment Mask
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Excessive exfoliation and
abrasion will cause dryness
Excessive exfoliation and
abrasion will cause dryness
Skin dryness can result from the environment, or from damaged skin caused by reduced barrier functions due to cosmetics use. However, our own carelessness could also cause unexpected skin dryness such as, if you rub your face too excessively while washing or drying, or failing to apply creams and lotions gently on the skin. These abrasive actions can damage the skin barrier and further expose your skin to dryness.
Is your skincare suitable for you? Correct your skincare misconceptions now!
Is your skincare suitable for you? Correct your skincare misconceptions now!
Do you only use a toner without a moisturiser because you dislike its stickiness? Or do you avoid cleansing products because it causes your skin to feel dry? Be honest when reviewing your own dry skin skincare regime! It is important to remember that improper care contributes to conditions like stickiness and dry skin which make it difficult for moisture to penetrate the skin surface.
It is a fact that UV rays lower the skin’s protective barrier function
It is a fact that UV rays lower the skin’s protective barrier function
Our skin barrier, which consists of a layer of lipids, shields our skin surface to protect it from allergens and microbes. The sebum barrier, which supplies the skin with sebaceous lipids, maintain the integrity of this skin protection function. However, exposure to UV rays causes oxidation and reduces the efficacy of its protective function.
Sleep matters!
Sleep matters!
Skin cells are constantly regenerating and this renewal replaces our old skin cells. So why is achieving good quality sleep important to skin health? Our sleep patterns affect the growth hormone and when this sleep rhythm is interrupted in its frequency and balance, the growth hormone secretion necessary for regeneration and repair suffers. Dry skin is the result since skin cells and tissues are not repaired as needed.
Maintain a balanced and
nutritional diet for healthy skin.
Maintain a balanced and
nutritional diet for healthy skin.
To support healthy cell regeneration and repair, it is important to have a well-balanced diet. The three-meals-a-day routine is important as it supplies your body with nutritional needs instead of having to rely on supplements. This is also why you’d notice that individuals who go on diets are prone to developing rough skin.
1. Adopt a strict moisturisation regime
1. Adopt a strict moisturisation regime
Our skin looks the best when the moisture and sebum levels are
balanced. This happens when your basic skincare regime includes the use of a
moisturising toner and lotion that help build up the skin protection barrier.
With the current need to don a face mask when outdoors or
interacting with others, it is advisable to apply a layer of milk lotion or
cream for the added protection before wearing a face mask. This moisturises dry skin and helps prevent scratches and abrasions that sometimes occur from
wearing a face mask. If you feel stuffy when wearing a face mask after you’ve
applied the lotion or cream, consider switching to water-based lotion or
cream instead.
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R.N.A.POWER Airy Milky Lotion
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2. Be gentle, do not pull or tug at your skin!
2. Be gentle, do not pull or tug at your skin!
When washing your face, make sure the cleansing agent, be it foam, gel, or cream, creates a lather between your face and hands. Select a face wash suitable for your skin type—be it dry or oily. Pat dry gently with a soft towel instead of rubbing your face. Proceed to use a cotton pad to apply your toner and lotion, moving it in a gentle, circular motion.
3. Sunblock is a must against UV exposure
3. Sunblock is a must against UV exposure
You might have heard comments that using sunblock roughens the
skin – it’s a myth! Any form of sun protection acts as a protective barrier
to reduce the damages from exposure to UV rays. UV rays are what cause our
skin to become dry and rough.
With the changing of the seasons, particularly in early spring
or summer when the UV rays are stronger, the skin’s condition will be
affected. We strongly recommend that moisturisation be an integral part of
your skincare routine, not just for spring and summer, but all year round.
Bear in mind that when choosing a sunblock, it is advisable to select one with
ingredients providing moisturisation that will protect the skin from further
environmental damage.
4. Review your lifestyle habits
4. Review your lifestyle habits
Though 7 hours of sleep a night is ideal, it is not a luxury that everyone can afford. An alternative is to focus on the quality of sleep. Some ways to help improve sleep quality include:
A relaxing, hot bath
Refrain from using your phone or any electronic device at least an hour before bedtime
A conducive environment for rest
A balanced diet that comprises a variety of fruits and vegetables enhances your intake of natural vitamins and minerals to support the regeneration of skin cells. A protein-rich diet consisting of fish, lean meats, and soy products go a long way in nourishing healthy skin.
5. Pamper yourself occasionally.
5. Pamper yourself occasionally.
It will be ideal to enjoy adequate and good quality sleep, along with nutritious, well-balanced meals, as a way of life. Even if this is not possible, self-care and your own well-being
should always remain your primary focus. Treat yourself to a pampering spa session every now and then, or a weekly facial mask regime to replenish lost moisture and restore tired skin as a quick pick-me-up.
Combat dryness during the summer months with a cleansing toner. Use a cotton pad soaked in toner, gently wipe across your face to remove excessive sebum (oily secretions). Not only is
it an excellent way to cool off, but it also helps with minimising dryness to the skin. When winter comes round, use a lotion or cream that is richer in texture, as this will allow the skin to lock in moisture and protect it from the dry environment.
Not treating or taking care of dry skin will result in rough skin and premature aging. It is very important to have proper and adequate moisturisation to keep the skin healthy and hydrated throughout the day.
Recommended Products for Crystal Clear Skin
Recommended Products for Crystal Clear Skin
To ensure your skin remains healthy and supple, always use products that provide excellent moisturisation care!
Facial Treatment Essence
Facial Treatment Essence
PITERA™ resembles your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors, and contains over 50 micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to condition skin's natural functions.
Facial Treatment Mask
Facial Treatment Mask
A moisturisation-focused intensive treatment care that will substantially improve your skin condition. Indulge your skin in intense hydration for Crystal Clear Skin.
R.N.A. Power Airy Milky Lotion
R.N.A. Power Airy Milky Lotion
A moisturising lotion that is quickly absorbed and gives you a fresh, airy-light finish.
Created by

Yumi Narasaki
Yumi Narasaki
Renowned Beauty Writer
As a beauty and cosmetics writer, Ms. Narasaki is actively involved in research in this field, with a special interest in how cutting-edge technology and new trends shape this industry. Ms. Narasaki is part of the editorial team for top Japanese publication, VOCE, and is a prolific online contributor to beauty-centric websites. She has also authored several publications in the field of beauty. In her spare time, Ms. Narasaki enjoys spending time outdoors and in particular, camping.