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As I browse through a WhatsApp group where we were discussing about anti-ageing, , someone casually dropped the “just moisturise and avoid the sun” bomb.

Simple, right? About as simple as teaching a cat to fetch.

I mean, completely avoiding the sun in Singapore?

Unless you’re planning to become a professional vampire or work exclusively in underground malls, good luck with that.

Our sun here isn’t just bright – it’s like that overeager relative who shows up uninvited and stays way too long.

When it comes to anti-aging expectations, I’m in the overachiever camp.

If skincare were a marathon, I’m not just showing up in running shoes – I’m the person with the hydration belt, compression socks, and enough energy gels to power a small village.

Meanwhile, some folks are treating it like a casual stroll to the nearest kopitiam.

And the sun in Singapore really shows no mercy.

Small amount over a short duration of time can carry serious impact that one may need expensive laser resurfacing to fix.

Humidity is another thing.

Which is why you always find your complexion to be much better when you are travelling in a country far away from the equator.

I must point out that if your skin was already batted by weather or acne, laser resurfacing is the way to go and fix it.

It is like making sure the ground of your building is flat before you start piling bricks.

I had done that thrice so far and by the looks of it, I might need to go another run as pigmentation on my left cheek started to resurface.

Other than that, I’m glad I don’t have adult acne now.

It could be I grew out of it or it could be the products I used (or even the exercises and/or supplements).

But I’m certain some of these skincare interventions are somewhat useful.

I started to get better skin when my wife was into Dr Secrets. It gave me that Korean dewy effects that you see on every K drama actors.

But it was also fucking expensive.

The entire set could cost a trip to Bangkok.

I much rather be in Bangkok so that became unsustainable.

My Current Routine (or “How I Spend My Children’s Inheritance”):

1. Cleanser (duh). Because washing your face with dishwashing liquid is apparently frowned upon. I am not exactly sure if the ones I am using play such a big part because the nature of cleansing means the stuff barely touch your skin because it gets washed off. The result from the cleanser is more important, which is to get dirt and grimes off your face. Having said that, you don’t want to use your dishwashing detergent on your face. I am currently alternating between SENKA Perfect Whip White Beauty Foam Facial Cleanser and HADA LABO AHA BHA Exfoliating Wash.

2. Medicube Zero One Day Exosome Reedle Shot 2000 – I got this after seeing the ads on Facebook. Because I’m also sceptical of everything I read on the internet. So I use Arc Browser to search and find out if the product is legit. This serum feels a bit weird when you put it on. It is supposed to sting a little. It reminded me of the time when I went for laser treatment due to a old person spot.

3. Sunscreen – this is perhaps the most important item. Skip everything else if you want to but don’t skip sunscreen. I am currently using ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen. Most sunscreen feels icky on the skin but this does not.

4. Moisturiser – I finally found one that isn’t sticky. It looks more like toner but is moisturiser. HADA LABO Hydrating Lotion Light.

5. Mask – My Saturday night routine, I do this trending mask that you leave on for at least 3 hours. I try to leave it on overnight but since I wake up so often to pee, I take it off when I know the 3 hours mark is up. The mask is white out of the pack and will slowly become translucent. The result is amazing as your skin feels and looks dewy. BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

6. Eye cream – this is a new addition for me so verdict is still out there. I got it because I was getting the moisturiser and they had a 1-for-1 sale which includes any other items within the brand. I got it because my eye bag seems to be getting puffier. HADA LABO Brightening Eye Snow Dew.

Look, skincare in Singapore is like playing chess with the sun while standing in a sauna – challenging but not impossible.

Whether you’re a minimalist with just sunscreen and prayer, or a maximalist with a bathroom cabinet that rivals Watson’s inventory, the key is finding what works for your face and wallet.

Just remember, while good skin is important, it’s not worth bankrupting yourself over.

After all, what’s the point of having that K-drama glow if you can’t afford to leave your house to show it off?

Now excuse me while I go apply my mortgage-payment worth of serum.