Some consumers swear by a complicated seven-step nightly ritual. But when it comes to caring for your skin, “...less is more” says Dermatologist Dr Ruban Nathan from Sunway Medical Centre. Asian skin’s greatest foe is the sun. It gives us age spots and induces our pores to produce more sebum (which clogs up, get infected and turns into a pesky pimple). If you’re not prone to acne, you can wear sunblock to protect your skin. But if you are, sunblock might make things worse.

Bottom line: “If you have skin problems such as acne, you have to see a dermatologist to get the right treatment. Get to know your skin. Know what it likes and what it doesn’t like,” says Dr Nathan. Acne is a disease which can be treated with several courses of oral contraceptives, especially in acute cases where conventional pharmacy products or miracle creams don’t seem to work.

17 Tips:

Gel cleansers are gentler than their foam counterparts which is why it’s so great for acne-prone skin. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 118ml, RM16.10

Dab on the offensive spot twice a day. Clearasil Pimple Treatment Cream, RM10.90