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What is mono-dose skincare? Could it be the most efficient way to take care of your skin?

No more fussing over whether you’re using too little or too much product. Mono-dosage skincare ensures that you use the precise amount every single time.

What is mono-dose skincare? Could it be the most efficient way to take care of your skin?

Is mono dosing better for your skin? (Photo: iStock)

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Ever worried that you’re using too little or too much product each time? To make it easier, brands have taken the guesswork out by introducing mono-dose skincare that deliver the exact amount of product in pods or sachets  – whether it's a cleanser, serum or moisturiser – that your skin needs each time. 

After all, it’s not always easy to gauge how much a 20-cent coin or pea-sized amount is every single time when application instructions can be vague at times.

KEEPING INGREDIENTS FRESH, SAFE AND POTENT

So is mono-dose skincare better for your skin?

Besides ensuring that you apply the right amount every single time, Dr Angeline Yong, consultant dermatologist of Angeline Yong Dermatology, explained that the main benefits of singular dose skincare are ingredient stability, hygiene and contamination prevention as well as freshness and potency prevention.

Is mono-dosing better for your skin? (Photo: iStock)

This is especially important in protecting the active ingredients in the formula, especially if they are prone to oxidation or degradation, which can result in them losing their effectiveness if exposed to air and light. In addition, it also “ensures that the active ingredients remain effective until applied, potentially increasing their efficacy”, said Dr Yong.

This encapsulation system is able to protect the active ingredients, bringing them deeper into the skin and releasing them precisely where and when needed in a controlled pattern, which amplifies the product’s formulation efficacy by tenfold.

In short, it is an easy way to safeguard that a product’s efficacy is optimal for and during application.

Added Lim Ker Han, managing director of Est.Lab: “In terms of preservation, airtight mono-dosage packaging is really the only packaging that fully prevents exposure of the product to air and light, which would degrade and contaminate your skincare over time, especially if the formulation contains actives that are particularly sensitive to light and air, like Vitamin C.”

No one understands this better than Celine Talabaza, CEO of Noble Panacea, a brand that centres its entire product line around single-use sachets thanks to the brand’s OSMV technology.

“This encapsulation system is able to protect the active ingredients, bringing them deeper into the skin and releasing them precisely where and when needed in a controlled pattern, which amplifies the product’s formulation efficacy by tenfold,” Talabaza explained. “If stored in a jar, we would risk the capsules opening prematurely and potential contamination of the formula due to exposure to light, oxygen and friction.”

But that’s not all. Using singular dosages also allows for a controlled application, especially for high-potency ingredients where too little or too much can compromise efficacy or cause potential side effects.

And of course, it makes the products handy to bring on your travels or to the gym.

TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH: DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

How much is too much? What is too little? (Photo: iStock)

Did you know that under- or over-using your skincare products can have drawbacks?

With under-use, your skin can suffer from a lack of hydration and uneven skin texture. “If your skin feels dry, tight or dehydrated, this may indicate that you aren’t using enough moisturiser or hydrating products,” Dr Yong explained.

More important, the lack of results or only seeing minimal results despite consistent use could also point to the fact that you aren’t using enough product each time.

Product pilling is another potential sign of using too much product.

But that doesn’t mean that over-doing it is any better either. With over-use, Dr Yong shared that skin can experience excessive oiliness especially from products that contain oils; irritation or sensitivity, including redness, from over-loading your skin with too many active ingredients; as well as breakouts and clogged pores.

In addition, product pilling is another potential sign of using too much product. “If you find that your skincare products don’t absorb well and tend to clump on the skin, this could be an indication that you’re using too much,” said Dr Yong.

This is why it’s crucial to find the right balance by paying close attention to your skin’s needs and adjusting the amount of product used. Added Dr Yong: “It’s often better to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase as needed.”

DO OR DON’T: USING THE EXCESS FOR LATER

However, while mono-dose skincare should essentially be enough for a one-time use, sometimes you might find that there’s still too much product. And though you might be tempted to stash the balance for later, Dr Yong cautioned against doing so. “In general, it's not advisable to keep the remainder of a single-dose capsule or sachet for later use, especially if the packaging isn't resealable.”

(Photo: iStock)

According to Lim, it would negate all the benefits of mono-dose packaging. In addition, he added that any excess product would often also be stored in a way that would likely degrade or contaminate its contents.

But if the brand does allow you to keep any unused portion for future use, Dr Yong advised transferring the remaining product to a clean, dry and most important, airtight container and away from direct sunlight. This is to minimise degradation of the active ingredients from moisture, light and heat while maintaining the product’s integrity.  

Talabaza also recommended keeping the remainder somewhere with a cool temperature and it should be used within the next 12 hours.

Check the product for its colour and odor before using. (Photo: iStock)

And when using the stored product, always inspect it for any changes in colour, texture or smell before application. Added Dr Yong: “If you notice any significant changes, such as a foul odour or unusual appearance, discard the product to avoid possible skin irritation or adverse reactions.”

But that’s also doesn’t mean you should use every last bit of the product to minimise wastage when it’s clearly too much. Explained Dr Yong, using more product than necessary can lead to deposits on the surface of the skin. “This build-up can interfere with the skin’s natural functions, such as the regulation of sebum production, and potentially disrupt the skin’s balance.”

Alternatively, Lim recommended applying any excess product to your neck and/or hands. Or even share with your other half so both of you can enjoy the skincare benefits together.

5 MONO-DOSE SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO ADD TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

1. Est.Lab OptimaLift A+ Eye Repair Capsules, S$156 (60 capsules)

Est.Lab Optimalift A+ Eye Repair Capsules. (Art: Chern Ling, photo: Est.Lab)

An intensive night-time eye treatment that’s infused with 10 per cent argireline – a close alternative to Botox, and 10 per cent eyeseryl. Together, these erase signs of ageing like fine lines, dark circles, droopy lids and puffy eye bags while boosting collagen production for a more youthful looking eye area.

Available at www.estlab.shop

2. Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Gold, S$33.30 (32 capsules)

Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Gold. (Art: Chern Ling, photo: Kanebo)

Formulated with golden sunflower and golden avocado oils, this powder-to-foam cleanser effectively removes dirt and impurities, including blackheads, keratotic plugs and dead skin cells. Even better? It leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated; never tight.

Available at Watsons and www.watsons.com.sg

3. Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum, S$82 (30 capsules)

Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum. (Art: Chern Ling, photo: Elizabeth Arden)

A light dry oil serum that utilises a dual-brightening technology by combining vitamin C and ceramides to target hyperpigmentation and even the skin tone. The result: Skin looks more radiant.

Available at Elizabeth Arden counters and official Elizabeth Arden store on www.shopee.sg

4. Noble Panacea The Absolute Active Replenishing Moisturizer, S$590 (30 sachets)

Noble Panacea The Absolute Active Replenishing Moisturizer. (Art: Chern Ling, photo: Noble Panacea)

A creamy moisturiser that nourishes the skin from within thanks to the use of a unique OSMV Technology that delivers the active ingredients – sesame seed, retinol, microalgae extracts, black raspberry, goji berry and acai, when and where they’re needed. Skin is smooth, supple and looks youthful.

Available at Noble Panacea counter at TANGS at Tang Plaza and www.tangs.com

5. Babor Algae Vitalizer Ampoule Concentrates, S$88 (seven ampoules)

Babor Algae Vitalizer Ampoule Concentrates. (Art: Chern Ling, photo: Babor)

Revitalise tired, dull and dry skins with this intensely hydrating plankton algae-packed ampoule. It also contains Babor’s signature Anti-Ox complex to further protect the skin against environmental pollutants.

Available at Babor-affiliated spas and www.beautyemporium.shop

Source: CNA/yy
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