Basic Instinct

Sometimes, less is not just more with skincare - it is about the absolute imperative.

- Bryan Goh

As of reporting time, the weather in Singapore is currently 34°C with a UV index of eight which means we are seeing a lot of red-tinged faces no matter where we go. And we are not the only ones the global market size for sensitive skin care products was valued at USD41.12 billion last year. According to a study at Aveeno - the American brand that has made such products its cosmetic calling card - there has been a 55% increase in the number of people over the past two decades who self-identify as having sensitive skin.

To date, we have published at least 32 online stories and 14 print ones about what it is to have skin sensitivity. There are visual cues - redness, inflammation and patchiness - as there are physical discomforts like itching and burning. More often than not, the story would end with us recommending one to get a proper diagnosis with a dermatologist.

What was the green light for this story then? The answer lies in keeping things simple with the products one uses when applying skincare.