On the Go: 6 Skincare Tips for Commuters

Commuting daily or most days of the week exposes your skin to UV rays and other environmental aggressors. Smog, stress, and pollution can also take a toll on your skin and generate free radicals that can trigger cell damage. They can speed up aging and contribute to dull skin, enlarged pores, and dark spots.

This only makes it important to prep and protect your skin when commuting. Below are a few things you can incorporate into your regimen to defend it against environmental damage. 

1. Start with cleansing

Prime your skin in the morning by cleansing it with a gentle formula. This gets rid of dirt, oil, and other impurities that may have accumulated on your face while you sleep. It is also worth noting that some allergens and dead skin cells may gather and linger on your pillowcases and get transferred to your face while you doze off. 

Dr. Sylvia’s Deep Cleanser with Rice Water is suitable for oily and problematic skin. It helps get rid of skin cells and excess oil to leave your skin feeling clean, renewed, and refreshed. For very dry and sensitive skin, we have Dr. Sylvia Sensitive Cleanser with Aloe Leaf Water. Formulated with soothing ingredients, it is gentle enough even for rosacea-prone skin. 

2. Always moisturize

Another way to protect your skin against environmental aggressors is to moisturize daily. Applying a quality formula morning and night can help alleviate dryness, control oiliness, and keep the skin looking supple and hydrated. It also gives you a smooth base for makeup application and helps it stay on your skin longer. 

Just be sure to choose a product that is right for your skin type. Dr. Sylvia’s Deep Hydrating Moisturizer is ideal if you have oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. This helps restore moisture in the skin without using oil-based ingredients. It also strengthens the skin without clogging the pores or triggering breakouts. 

3. Don’t forget your SPF

You should always apply sunscreen regardless of the weather. This is because UVA rays (the kinds that penetrate the dermis and are associated with skin aging) are present all year round, even on cloudy days. They can also pass through clouds and glass in cars or office windows. 

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply 20 minutes before commuting or sun exposure. Dr. Sylvia’s Clear Defense 45 with Broad Spectrum provides protection against UV exposure and can help reduce blotchiness, redness, and hyperpigmentation.

For further reading: 9 Ways to Up Your Sunscreen and Sun Protection Game

4. Use antioxidants

As pollution generates free radicals, using antioxidants can help protect the skin. Quality vitamin C serums are packed with antioxidants and are effective at neutralizing free radicals. They can also help with the production of collagen and elastin, reduce the look of wrinkles, as well as lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Dr. Sylvia’s 20% Vitamin C, B, E Serum with Ferulic Acid contains potent antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients that work together to provide a comprehensive anti-aging and skin-brightening formula. Benefits include:

• Protects the skin against environmental damage
• Brightens the skin
• Evens out skin tone
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces redness and soothes the skin
• Leaves the skin looking more radiant and youthful 

For further reading: Here’s How You Can Get the Most Out of Your Vitamin C Serum

5. Exfoliate your face

Pollution and other external aggressors can cause a buildup of dead skin cells that can leave your skin looking dull and older. Exfoliation sloughs them away, as well as helps you get rid of oil, dirt, and other impurities. It can also brighten your skin and enable active ingredients in products to penetrate deeper. 

Just make sure to use gentle exfoliants and avoid abrasives or harsh scrubs. Depending on your skin type, you can do so between one and three times per week. Chemical exfoliants are gentler than physical ones, as they don’t involve rubbing or manually removing the skin. 

6. Stay hydrated

Traveling by public transportation, particularly during summer months or with long commutes, can sometimes leave you tired and dehydrated. Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast helps, as well as drinking lots of water before your commute. You should also carry a water bottle, so you’ll have something to drink on the go. 

Staying hydrated during your daily commute can also positively impact your productivity, including your physical and mental performance. You can also freshen up your skin and boost your skin’s hydration levels with a sheet mask at home. Look for a product with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and peptides.  

Get in touch with us

Don’t let UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors take away your skin’s natural glow. Include these skin care tips in your routine and contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to schedule facials and chemical peels that can rejuvenate your skin. 

Book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out which procedure can solve your skin woes and help you look and feel your best.