2020 has been a year of adjustments. The months of confinement during circuit breaker (lockdown) saw me slacking in my skin care. As I stayed at home, I did not pay much attention to my skin. It became habitual that it continued into Phase 2. Adding to the damage, I went on extended runs in the weekends, adding new sun spots to my face.

As we march into 2021, I thought it would be only kind to myself to start afresh with a proper skin care regime. Afterall, there's this saying in Chinese that there are no ugly women in the world, only lazy ones.

Timely enough, I was invited to IDS two weeks ago for a consultation with Doctor Michelle Wong. My skin concerns are sun spots and uneven skin tone. She was very personable and patient in sharing her knowledge about freckles and was very skillful in identifying areas of concern. She recommended a complete range of 9 products. Skin Consultant, Cassandra explained the usage in detail including a written guide so that I would not skip a step!

Refreshing Cleanser, Refreshing Toner, Pore Formula, C-Plus, Oil-free Moisturizer, Rejuvenating Complex, Facial Scrub, Tinted Sunblock, Diamond-Dust Perfector 

So, this is my Day Regime. I take 5 steps for work-from-home days and 7 steps on days when I go out!

1st Step: Refreshing Cleanser

One of my faves from the whole range is this refreshing cleanser that has a light fruity scent and it strips off makeup gently without stripping off my skin's natural protective layer. I have dry and slightly sensitive skin and this worked perfectly for me.

2nd Step: Refreshing Toner

As a double cleanser, this toner helped to give a final clean to my skin and also provided great care for my pores. 

3rd Step: Pore FormulaWith this I can reduce the agony of blackhead squeezing during facials as it rapidly clears out blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes.Though I do not exactly like the smell of the product, but trading it with good results is pretty worth it.

4th Step: C Plus

An award winning light anti-oxidant serum, this is formulated with potent form of Vitamin C and active ingredients to increase collagen production. Over two weeks, I can see my skin tone evening out from the forehead to my cheeks. I hope that with longer usage, i will see less fine lines and wrinkles!

5th Step: Oil-free Moisturizer

My day moisturizer, this non-greasy moisturizer did help control acne especially during the week leading to my period, I did not have any acne this month! I like that it is light enough to use during the day, with minimized shine. It is packed with a synergistic combination of Vitamin C and E to give a balanced complexion, and a gentle Vitamin A that aids in clearing up complexion. This is also an award winner!

6th Step: Tinted Sunblock

A must-do step for everyone, this matte SPF50 sunblock is packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory action.

7th Step: Diamond-Dust Perfector

The only make-up product in the entire skincare series, this to me is the star product that helps me face the world, literally! It instantly minimizes pores and blemishes and smooths out appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Most make up base clogs pores and results in acne. But this product is easy to remove and did not clog my pores since I started using it these 2 weeks.

Spot the difference! (left side is with Diamond Dust)

For my evening regime, I add in the Facial Scrub on alternate days and simply exchange the Oil-Free Day Moisturizer (5th Step) for the Rejuvenating Complex.

1st Step: Refreshing Cleanser

2nd Step: Refreshing Toner

3rd Step: Pore Formula

4th Step: C Plus

5th Step: Rejuvenating Complex

As I am already into my 40s, a more potent anti-aging cream can dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The RC contains unique ingredients that boost collagen and elastin production immediately improving skin texture. It is packed with IDS' patented NUELASTIN formulation and delivery system so that the skin effectively absorbs the active ingredients. I like that it is not too heavy for an anti-aging cream.

Taking good care of our skin is a lifetime commitment and requires consistency and discipline.

For just following the steps diligently the past two weeks, I can already see a slight improvement in the brightening of my skin tone. I am very grateful to be part of this transformation journey and I am looking to putting my 'best face forward' this coming Chinese New Year!

Spot the difference! (a brightened skin tone and slightly lighter sunspots)

You can visit www.idsskincare.com for more about their products or www.idsclinic.com if you wish to know more about your skin!

*Credits to Cherlynn

Visit Cherlynn's blog post here.