Since the beginning of human history, different cultures from across the world have used skincare products to help restore skin health and enhance people’s physical features. No matter where you look in the past, there is likely to be a skincare product commonly used by the masses.

Applications of skincare among Indigenous nations

Some of the first known uses of skincare were by Indigenous people across the world, in areas like present-day America, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In these places, records passed down over thousands of years documented how naturally-sourced, local ingredients could be applied for a variety of medicinal, health and skincare purposes. Makeup, too, was extensively used for beauty and for ceremonies, where acting, dancing and singing were common.

Skincare in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and China

Written documentation of skincare was first noted in Ancient Egypt. Natural beauty products were particularly popular. And most of which were made from locally sourced herbs, spices and fruits. Oils, such as castor oil, sesame oil and olive oil were also widely used. For example, olive oil and clay were used to make masks that doubled as exfoliators that aided the removal of dead skin. Makeup at the time was used for beautifying purposes and for protection against the sun – much like the broad usage of suncare products, like sunblock, today.

Ancient Greece, much like Ancient Egypt, relied on locally sourced ingredients for skincare. Fruits, milk, olive oil and yoghurt were used to make a wide variety of products, such as perfume, eye shadow, cleansers and hair dyes. In China at this time, skincare was used in conjunction with makeup, the latter of which was a primary feature of ceremonial singing, dancing and theatrical performances.

Mediaeval skincare routines

During Mediaeval times, animal fats were commonly used to create ointments, which supposedly reduced the appearance of pimples. Oatmeal was boiled in vinegar and applied to the face for the same effect. Aloe vera, rosemary and cucumbers were frequently used together for skin cleansing, as were a variety of other herbs mixed with honey. Egg whites, lemon, vinegar, wine, rhubarb, and bay oil were among the more natural ingredients used to make ointments or applied as face masks. Other skincare products were used as protection against the cold weather in Europe’s cooler climates.

One of the other, perhaps more alarming trends, involved the use of arsenic, hydroxide, carbonate and white lead ore, which – as you might have guessed – was not particularly beneficial to overall health! In fact, the direct application of lead often led to premature death, which occurred in both men and women (since both were known to use the ingredient in their skincare routines).

Skincare in the 20th century

During the 20th century, the mass production of consumer goods revolutionised the skincare industry. Suddenly, skincare products were far more accessible to people with lower incomes, and it became possible for everyone to own the newly-launched creams, lotions, moisturisers and sunblocks – not just the wealthy. Harriet Hubbard Ayer invented the first commercial cream in the 1940s, while during the 1950s, face makeup such as foundation and powders took to the scene. The 1960s saw the onset of the makeup routine, which included moisturisers, toners and cleansers. Over the next few decades, scientific rigour came onto the scene, as did an increasing demand for natural products and those with vitamins, minerals, and anti-ageing properties.

Today, skin care is about feeling healthy and confident in your body. With a global trend de-emphasising many of the unattainable beauty standards from days past, the focus today is on health, freshness and personal radiance. The demand for organic, vegan products is growing, as are those which hydrate and support healthy skin repair functions more broadly. Skincare in the 21st century wishes to enhance your best features, and also wants you to have a great time through play and experimentation by trying something new!

Why skincare is so important?

Skincare is important for a number of reasons. While our skin is usually quite naturally resilient, sometimes we need additional vitamins, nutrients and ingredients to support or maintain its youthful glow. A great example of this is the protein collagen, which naturally breaks down in your body over time and leads to the deterioration of your skin health. Many products exist today in face masks, ointments and lotions which supplement your body’s collagen count. Other products, like sunblock, provide more direct protection for your body against the sun and its UV rays, helping to mitigate the risk of skin cancers. Hydrating skincare products, meanwhile, are a great way to fight off dryness in your skin and to protect you against harsh elements, such as pollution.

What are the basics of skincare?

Now you have an understanding of just how prevalent skincare has been around the world, and why it’s so important, let’s take a look at some of the basics of skincare.

At its most basic, a morning skincare routine involves cleansing and toning, moisturising and completing the routine with suncare. Cleansing is the act of removing substances like dirt, makeup, oils and dead skin cells from your face. This not only restores freshness to your face, but it also ensures that the subsequent products you apply are more effective. After cleansing, you can use a toner to balance the pH of your skin, prep it for other products. Toners with specific natural ingredients such as witch hazel or rose water can even reduce acne and dryness. Moisturiser comes next: where you hydrate your skin and enhance its protective barrier, making it feel gentle, smooth and soft. Finally, to protect yourself from the intensity of the sun’s rays, apply some sunblock so that you don’t get sunburnt and harm your skin. Together, these three applications are the most effective way to ensure your skin looks and feels healthy, and to preserve your natural glow as best you can.

More elaborate skincare routines include the use of serums and eye creams, which occur after cleansing and toning and before moisturising. Serums are used for a wide range of treatments, such as to reduce wrinkles, acne and dryness, while eye creams are used to target lines, wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes which develop as a result of sun damage, collagen depletion and ageing. After toning, you can use face masks, as well as serums with retinol and face oils. Face masks are typically used for a combination of hydration, moisturisation and exfoliation. Retinol is primarily used for reducing wrinkles and improving blood circulation. Face oils, on the other hand, are used to lock in the moisture provided by the moisturiser and strengthen the outermost layer of your skin.

How many skincare products do you have to use?

The number of skincare products you use depends on your individual preferences, needs and wants. There is no fixed answer for how many skincare products is the correct amount. For example, the Korean beauty industry has popularised the 10-step routine. Some celebrities, like America’s Chrissy Teigen, have between five and 10 steps in their skincare routine: cleanser, moisturiser, SPF, pore strips, peel pads, face oil and aloe vera. Others, like Singapore’s Fann Wong, have just three simple steps: cleanser, moisturiser and eye cream. By experimenting with a wide variety of products, you’ll get a feel for what works and what doesn’t work for your skin, and you’ll be able to develop your own unique skincare routine.

Why should you avoid poor quality skincare products?

Poor quality skincare products are generally those with copious amounts of synthetic or toxic ingredients. Phthalates, parabens, formaldehydes, synthetic fragrances and retinols, along with compounds like PEG, SLS and SLES, are just a few of such harmful ingredients. They are to be avoided as they may end up causing more harm than good. As such, it pays to look at the ingredients that are listed on the back of a product when you buy them. As a rule of thumb, the more natural and organic the products are, the better.

Gendered differences in skincare

While the world is moving more towards gender neutrality in skincare products, some gendered differences remain. This is mostly as a result of consumer preference, although it does reflect some biological differences, too. For instance, men have slightly more collagen and sebum than women, and men’s hair follicles are slightly thicker and more widely covered over the body. As a result, male and female skincare products adjust to suit these differences in needs. For instance, men’s skincare products contain less collagen and sebum than women’s skincare products.

Some of the best skincare products in Singapore

Some of the best skin care products for women are cleansers, toners, moisturisers (ideally with SPF50+ status), exfoliators, serums and masks. Cleansers like the Laneige Multi Deep Clean Cleanser are ideal choices for exfoliation and makeup removal, making use of active ingredients like papain enzymes and blueberry extract. Other, more need-specific products, include anti-ageing and eye creams. In this department, you might like to start with the Clarins Double Serum Eye Global Age Control Concentrate is a great start for eye serums, and is widely agreed-upon as being a strong pick for fighting wrinkles and lines. Other serums and essences for anti-ageing include the Laneige Time-Freeze Essence EX.

Skincare staples for men include cleansers, toners, moisturisers, hand lotions, eye creams and lip balms. Daytime moisturisers for men should ideally contain SPF50+ and antioxidants, while nighttime moisturisers with retinol are particularly beneficial. For sunblocks, try the Payot Sunny SPF50 Creme Savoureuse, and for moisturisers, give the SkinSoul Switzerland Super Hydrating Moisturiser a go. While collagen products are less in demand for men overall, male anti-ageing creams do exist and can be used should the need arise.

Can I buy skincare gift sets?

You can absolutely buy skincare gift sets, mini sets and value sets on iShopChangi. In fact, we believe that skincare makes for one of the most versatile gift sets for her and for him since there is something for everybody’s personal needs. Skincare gift sets for dry skin, anti-ageing and those with natural beauty products are just some of the options available. Buy a moisturising bundle, like the Theo10 Moisturise Limited Edition gift set. Your lucky recipient will get a range of the brand’s best products, including a shower gel, moisturiser and hand sanitiser, each of which has been carefully formulated with all-natural ingredients. You could even pair the gift set with skincare accessories like the Bath & Body Works Pineapple PocketBac Holder as a cute add-on. If you know someone who likes dry oils, get them the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale Exclusive Bundle, which contains both a Florale Dry Oil of 100ml and a Multi-Purpose Dry Oil of 50ml. Or, for those that need to rest, relax and rejuvenate, or someone with dry skin, add the L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate & Refill Collection to your cart. With a 200ml Almond Milk Concentrate and a refill set of 200ml available, the person who you gift this to will be blessed with the soft, luscious feeling of milk-based moisturisation, sending them into a sure state of bliss no matter what.

Shop for all of your favourite skincare products on iShopChangi

It would be totally understandable if you couldn’t wait to get your hands on some skincare products right now. Lucky for you, iShopChangi sells a huge range of skincare products online in Singapore, which are all available at duty-free prices. Shop through some of the best brands in the world, and have your products delivered to addresses in Singapore for free when you spend $59 or more at the checkout. To save even more while you shop, you can also sign up for Changi Rewards, which offers you even more exclusive member discounts online. Protect, love and celebrate your skin today with the skincare range on iShopChangi, and enjoy the benefits of your healthy, confident glow tomorrow!