If you live in a city like Singapore, chances are, you’re exposed to all types of pollution. You may be thinking, “I’m indoors all day, so why should I have to worry about pollutants?” While most of us work in sheltered environments, there are still pollutants lingering in the air, even though these particles aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Earlier in March, the smoke that was blown from a hot spot in Johor also caused slightly hazy conditions in Singapore. People woke up to a burning smell in parts of the country too. In fact, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) briefly entered Band 2 (Elevated) before returning to Band 1 (Normal).
Although the haze has subsided, you’ll still be coming into contact with air pollutants everywhere. Poor air quality has been linked to a host of ailments, and while it certainly has an effect on your overall health, pollution also has a serious effect on your skin.
What pollution does to your skin
Before we show you how to tackle pollution, here’s a quick science lesson to explain what pollution particles can do to your skin. Cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, and the haze all contain microscopic contaminants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals.
These free radicals can strip the skin of its essential barrier lipids (a.k.a. fats), which help retain moisture and keep out dirt and other impurities. In turn, they can lead to a compromised skin barrier.
Some may experience increased skin sensitivity, dullness, as well as premature signs of ageing, such as pigmentation and wrinkles. Pollution can also worsen inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. We may not be able to control the environmental factors, but there are simple steps we can take to limit pollution damage. A great way to start is to invest in a cleanser that has anti-pollution properties to remove dirt and environmental toxins from the surface of our skin and deep within our pores.
A go-to product we keep in our arsenal is none other than SENKA’s Perfect Whip.
SENKA Perfect Whip: A cleanser with anti-pollution properties
To effectively remove dirt and environmental pollution from your skin’s surface, you’ll need a mild yet powerful cleanser like the SENKA Perfect Whip. This cleanser has been the number one facial cleanser in Japan for 12 consecutive years now, and for a good reason.
A pea-sized amount of this product is all you need to whip up a dense, cushiony foam in your palms. Its fluffy foam is packed with microscopic bubbles that remove invisible dirt, fine dust and particles (PM2.5), and dead skin cells to give you “Massara Suppin” skin, which translates to clear, bright, and beautiful bare skin.
The formula also contains naturally derived white silk cocoon essence that protects and smooths your skin, and is further boosted with double hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture even after you cleanse. To top it all off, the cleanser uses SENKA’s unique Aqua-in-Pool formulation to strengthen your skin’s barrier, shielding it from daily environmental damage.
With continued use, you’ll notice clearer, healthier, more radiant skin that’s able to withstand the effects of pollution much better.
If you’ve been a long-time fan of the SENKA Perfect Whip, you may have spotted a little difference in the packaging too. The tube now sports a white silhouette of the cleanser’s foam on the front – an adorable touch to its design.
SENKA Perfect Whip retails from S$7.90 at Watsons, Guardian, Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG, FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, Unity, Metro, Watashi+ on Shopee, Qoo10, Redmart, and Lazada.
Other variants in the SENKA Perfect Whip range
Besides the original Perfect Whip Cleanser, SENKA also has five other variants in its cleanser range that cater to different skin concerns and types. Read on to find your perfect match!
SENKA Perfect Whip Collagen-in
A firming facial cleanser, the SENKA Perfect Whip Collagen-in contains 60% beauty serum and collagen, which promote skin elasticity as they reinforce the skin’s barrier. This way, your skin will be able to defend itself against any visible signs of ageing. You’ll see firmer, more supple skin with every wash.
SENKA Perfect Whip Collagen-in retails for S$8.90 at Watsons, Guardian, Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG, FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, Unity, Metro, Watashi+ on Shopee, Qoo10, Redmart, and Lazada.
SENKA Perfect Whip Acne Care
The first-ever cleanser to be infused with Kyoto chamomile extract, SENKA’s Perfect Whip Acne Care uses this antibacterial and antioxidant-rich ingredient to heal the skin and prevent further damage.
Besides that, the cleanser also contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and remove deep-seated, dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup. This allows it to decongest the skin and prevent existing breakouts from getting worse, so you’ll achieve clearer, blemish-free skin.
Related read: SENKA Perfect Whip review: Why women in Singapore are stocking up on the Acne Care Cleanser
SENKA Perfect Whip Acne Care retails for S$7.90 at Watsons, Guardian, Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG, FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, Unity, Metro, Watashi+ on Shopee, Qoo10, Redmart, and Lazada.
SENKA Perfect Whip White Clay
Infused with white clay, SENKA’s Perfect Whip White Clay is rich in natural minerals to effectively remove dead skin cells and dirt trapped within your pores. White clay also helps to refine the appearance of large pores while it keeps your complexion clear and smooth.
SENKA Perfect Whip White Clay retails for S$7.90 at Watsons, Guardian, Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG, FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, Unity, Metro, Watashi+ on Shopee, Qoo10, Redmart, and Lazada.
SENKA Perfect Whip Fresh
If your skin gets greasy before lunchtime hits, opt for the SENKA Perfect Whip Fresh. It contains Uji green tea, a well-known antioxidant that flushes out toxins from the skin, protecting your skin cells and improving your overall complexion in the process.
Besides its detoxifying abilities, the cleanser also removes excess sebum and reduces shine, keeping your skin fresh and matte for longer. You’ll be able to toss the blotting sheets in no time.
SENKA Perfect Whip Fresh retails for S$7.90 at Watsons, Guardian, Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG, FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, Unity, Metro, Watashi+ on Shopee, Qoo10, Redmart, and Lazada.
SENKA Perfect Whip White
In need of a brightening boost? Reach for the SENKA Perfect Whip White. It uses sakura leaf extract and licorice to inhibit melanin synthesis, preventing dullness and amping up its radiance.
The cleanser also contains sakura essence extract to soothe the skin and refine its overall texture. Rich in essential fatty acids, the formula gently cleanses the skin while repairing its barrier for softer, smoother, and stronger skin.
SENKA Perfect Whip White retails from S$7.90 – S$8.90 at Watsons, Guardian, Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG, FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, Unity, Metro, Watashi+ on Shopee, Qoo10, Redmart, and Lazada.
This article is brought to you by SENKA.
