Rhythm and Flow

The key to gorgeous skin is simpler than you think. The KANEBO Skincare collection promises to work together with your body’s natural cycle to give you a glowing, healthy complexion.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
The key to gorgeous skin is simpler than you think. The KANEBO Skincare collection promises to work together with your body’s natural cycle to give you a glowing, healthy complexion. 
Clockwise from top: The
First Serum, $98, Night
Lipid Wear, $130, Fresh
Day Cream SPF15/
PA+++, $98, Moisture
Flow Rich Lotion, $82,
Refreshing Creamy
Wash, $41, and Moisture
Flow Lotion, $82.
Clockwise from top: The First Serum, $98, Night Lipid Wear, $130, Fresh Day Cream SPF15/ PA+++, $98, Moisture Flow Rich Lotion, $82, Refreshing Creamy Wash, $41, and Moisture Flow Lotion, $82.

We are all genetically programmed with an internal biological rhythm from birth, and our skin is no different. During the day, skin goes into a protective mode to ward off threats as it is exposed to more environmental factors, such as UV rays, wind and pollution. It is at night, when skin is most metabolically active, that it repairs and renews itself.

Our skin cells are programmed to renew at night because that is when they are less likely to be damaged by environmental exposure. When skin is working optimally, it should be able to protect and repair itself without effort. However, if you notice that your complexion is starting to look dehydrated, dull or rough, chances are, your skin’s natural rhythm has been disrupted. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as lack of proper rest, ageing, stress, an unbalanced diet or even your current skincare not addressing your needs.

The best way to help skin maintain a hydrated, smooth and radiant appearance is to support its cycle, which is what the new KANEBO Skincare range reportedly does. The approach behind the collection is “Chrono Beauty”, which is the concept of following your skin’s natural rhythm to give you the optimal care when needed. Of the 10 products in the line, the must-haves are definitely Fresh Day Cream, Night Lipid Wear and The First Serum.

In the day, skin is in its protective mode as it experiences more environmental “attacks”. Fresh Day Cream SPF15/PA+++ ($98) works to give you a glowing, strong complexion throughout the day. It has the exclusive Baby-soft Oil Formulation that forms a moisturising film over skin. Inspired by vernix, the cream-like substance that covers the body of a baby while in the womb, the formulation helps to protect, prevent dehydration, and keep your complexion smooth. This refreshing moisturiser also has a Morning Botanical Complex made of althaea root, golden camomile, and fucus serratus seaweed extracts to help increase blood circulation, nourish and augment skin’s energy levels.

To help undo all the damage accumulated in the daytime, Night Lipid Wear cream ($130) soothes irritation, replenishes moisture loss and cocoons skin in a protective and nourishing barrier that prevents dryness as you sleep. A Night Botanical Complex infused with sweet tea, liquorice and bitter orange peel extracts reportedly works to fight free radical damage and enhance skin regeneration, so you wake up to a healthier complexion. It also has a calming Night Velvet Bouquet scent with apple, blue lotus and sandalwood notes to help you relax.

Another key element of the KANEBO Skincare line is hydration. When skin has enough moisture, its protective barrier is stronger and is more able to guard against harmful effects of the environment. Another plus: With enough moisture, your complexion will look and feel more supple, plump and bouncy. The First Serum ($98) should (as its name suggests) be used as the initial step of your beauty routine after cleansing. Despite the lightweight texture, it drenches your complexion with ample moisture on multiple levels. How it supposedly works: loquat leaf extract hydrates the skin’s surface, aqua glucoside strengthens the protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, while watercress extract helps in the circulation of water.

For best results, use the entire range as a set. Start with either Softening Cream Cleansing ($49) to remove light makeup, or Mellow Rich Oil Cleansing ($49) for waterproof or stubborn makeup. Follow with Refreshing Creamy Wash ($41) to get rid of dirt and impurities. Apply The First Serum on cleansed skin, followed by Moisture Flow Lotion ($82) to hydrate and soften the soften the complexion (it also comes in a Rich texture for drier complexions). healthy, glowing complexion.

The KANEBO Skincare collection followthe Japanese practice of double moisturisingusing an emulsion and a cream. After your Lotion, choose between the Bouncing Emulsion ($98) or Bouncing Rich Emulsion (for dehydrated complexions) to balance skin, and leave it plump and moist. End off with Fresh Day Cream in the morning, or Night Lipid Wear in the evening. Used together, the products promise to give you a healthy, glowing complexion.

Photography Jasper Yu / Art Direction Adeline Eng.