Dr Karen Soh, medical director at Prive Clinic, sheds light on when to start using anti-ageing skincare and the factors affecting the longevity of facial fillers.
Dr Karen Soh, medical director at Prive Clinic, sheds light on when to start using anti-ageing skincare and the factors affecting the longevity of facial fillers.
"I am 28, and have dark spots and acne scars on my face. When should I start using anti-ageing skincare? " - Yong Xin
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The skin starts to age naturally when you’re in your mid-20s, so ideally, you should start on anti-ageing products, particularly those with antioxidants, then. The most important thing is to use products suited to your skin type. For those with very dry skin, use oil-based anti-ageing products; for those with normal, combination, acne-prone or oily skin, use water-based ones.
Once you’re in your 30s and acne is mostly behind you, incorporate into your routine anti-ageing products with active ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol (vitamin A).
"My under-eye fillers don’t last as long as I want them to. What affects their longevity?" - Marianne Wong
Typically, the eff ects of fillers last six to nine months, after which the skin returns to its natural state. That said, they could last for a longer or shorter time, depending on the treatment area, the individual’s skin condition and the products used.
In general, the effects tend to last longest in areas that are less mobile. Lip fillers, for instance, may last for only three months, while under-eye and cheek fillers can last for about six.
Other factors, such as genetic make-up, an unhealthy lifestyle and constant massages on the treated areas, play a part too.
"What’s the diff erence between an essence and a toner? Do I need to use both?" - Kam Yet Lai
A toner is designed to rebalance the skin’s surface pH after cleansing, and often has antioxidants or other beneficial additives. It also preps the skin for products applied after.
An essence – sometimes known as a serum – is to be used after a toner to hydrate the skin before you apply other skincare.
You should use both, according to this general rule of thumb: apply the more watery product first, followed by the thicker, richer product.
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