No one can stop the clock when it comes to ageing, but clever, speedy tweaks to your skincare routine can help slow things down BY ARISSA HA
No one can stop the clock when it comes to ageing, but clever, speedy tweaks to your skincare routine can help slow things down BY ARISSA HA
While intrinsic factors like genetics cannot be controlled, your environment and lifestyle habits can influence how fast skin ages. UV damage makes up about 80 per cent of skin ageing, but add that to the list of pollutants we are exposed to daily, it’s no wonder city folks are more prone to premature skin ageing. Here are some easy steps you can take for healthier skin.
BUILD STRENGTH
Like how taking health supplements arm the body in its fight against diseases, using skincare products with the right ingredients can ensure that skin remains in the optimum condition. As skin ages, components which affect skin condition like collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, deplete at a faster rate than the body can replace – inevitably leading to the loss of firmness and elasticity.
Products like the [1] Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate N, $150 (50 ml), and [2] Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum, $265 (50 ml), work on increasing skin resilience so that it’s able to defend against daily aggressors, helping skin stay balanced and healthy.
Antioxidants play a key role in eradicating free radicals, which cause damage to cell DNA and weaken the skin’s structure. The new iteration of [3] Astalift’s Renewal Essence Destiny, $98 (30 ml), contains an improved ingredient, Nano-Resveratrol EX, a powerful antioxidant that is able to penetrate skin deeply to neutralise free radicals. Vitamin C is another antioxidant proven to be beneficial for the skin. Found in the [4] Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, $105 (50 ml). This serum contains the optimum amount of vitamin C to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to improve skin texture and radiance.
However, improving skin’s defence doesn’t just lie in the products used during the day – harnessing the body’s natural reparative powers while you sleep is just as important; which is why choosing the right moisturiser to use at night is key to helping skin bounce back. The [5] ORBIS =U Encore Night Creamy Gel, $73 (30 g), is an oil-free gel which contains apple stem cell extract, hyaluronic acid and elastin which keeps skin plump and firm. Containing the highest concentration of its proprietary ingredient Pitera, the [6] SK-II LXP Ultimate Perfecting Cream, $479 (50 g), works in tandem with other key ingredients to hydrate and firm skin while you sleep.
EYE OPENING ACTS
Eyes may be the window to the soul, but the delicate area around it are also the most telling when it comes to fatigue. Give the eye area some TLC with these nourishing eye creams.
Containing precious silk and pearl extracts, the [1] Clé De Peau Beauté Intensive Eye Contour Cream, $300 (15 ml), brightens and hydrates the eye contours. It comes with its own platinum massage tool to improve circulation and the absorption of the cream.
Harnessing the regenerative properties of the moringa plant, the [2] Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti Aging Power Eye Balm, $111 (15 ml), is a multi-benefit balm, which helps improve the appearance of puffiness, dark under-eye circles and fine lines.
If surviving on five hours of sleep a night is showing on your skin, turn to the [3] Lancôme Advanced Génifique Eye, $105 (15 ml), to rejuvenate the eye area. Containing probiotics and their signature Light-Smooth technology, this eye cream forms a protective veil over the eye area, capturing water molecules to hydrate and plump skin.
Enriched caviar extracts, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, and peptides within the [4] Caviar of Switzerland Intensive Eye Cream, $185 (15 ml), strengthen the collagen network around the eye area, and hydrate intensively to smooth out fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
GO HIGH TECH
Roll With It Facial rollers have been gaining popularity and becoming a vital part of skincare regimen. Jade and rose quartz rollers in particular, like the [1] Canvas Beauty Rose Quartz Roller, $32, are an easy way to cool skin down, reduce puffiness and improve skin circulation.
Electronic massagers like the [2] Osim uGem 2 Beauty Massager, $149, send out 6,000 pulsations per minute to help relieve puffiness and water retention. However, if you’re looking for additional benefits, turn to the [3] ReFa CAXA RAY, $350, which has its own solar panel to power micro currents through skin, to firm the visage.
The luxurious [4] MDNA SKIN The Onyx Black, $490, harnesses the benefits of far infrared rays to enhance circulation, relieve inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
Let There Be Light
After its healing properties were discovered by NASA, LED light therapy became a popular way of boosting collagen regeneration in facial treatments. The trend has since made its way to home devices, so you can enjoy its benefits in the comfort of your own home.
The [1] Foreo UFO Smart Mask Treatment, $408, combines T-sonic pulsation and LED to help the ingredients in the sheet mask – which is attached cleverly to the device with a magnetic ring – to penetrate skin deeply and quickly.
The [2] Skin Inc Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light++ Rose Gold, $398, has five LED light combinations – red, blue, yellow, orange and purple – which can do anything from softening the appearance of wrinkles, soothe redness and improve collagen production.
Combining LED light therapy with radio frequency, iontophoresis, electrical muscle stimulation and ion-cleansing, the [3] Ya-Man RF Beaute Photo-Plus, $539, is a device that does it all. This multibenefit beauty device improves the overall clarity, skin texture and elasticity.
DEFY GRAVITY
Need a lift? These targeted treatments can help firm and tone your visage
Known for its resilience in harsh conditions, the rare black orchid is also the star ingredient in the [1] Bioessence Bio-VLift Face Lifting Cream (Extra Lift + Nourishing), $59.90 (40 g). Formulated along with royal jelly, amino acids, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals, this lightweight moisturiser strengthens skin so that it appears taut.
The reformulated [2] Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream, $138 (50 ml), contains new plant ingredients organic green banana and lemon thyme complex to strengthen elastin fibres. Skin texture appears refined, smoothing out the appearance of expression lines and enhances skin’s natural radiance.
The [3] Guerlain ABEILLE ROYALE Double R Renew & Repair Serum, $223 (30 ml), contains two exceptional formulas in a dual-canister bottle – the Renew formula gently sloughs off dull surface skin with a triple AHA formula while the Repair formula encourages collagen and hyaluronic synthesis, for supple skin.
Known for harnessing the restorative powers of caviar, the [4] La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream – Sheer, $740 (50 ml), contains a breakthrough ingredient Caviar Premier, which utilises bio-mimicry to incorporate previously untapped benefits of caviar.
The encapsulated oil in the [5] L’OCCITANE Immortelle Reset, $89 (30 ml), bursts on contact with skin to release the Immortelle essential oil, a powerful antioxidant, to hydrate and strengthen skin. Paired with botanical extracts, this serum is surprisingly lightweight, and leaves skin looking refreshed and luminous.
The [6] Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge Firming Concentrated Serum, $620 (30 ml), takes a two-prong approach to restoring firmness to skin. Active ingredient marjoram extract restores elastin synthesis while the proprietary complex of seven botanical ingredients strengthen skin to restore bounce.
Formulated with the ceratonia siliqua fruit, a resilient fruit, which is able to regulate its own moisture levels to withstand the most extreme of conditions, the [7] LANEIGE Time Freeze Essence EX, $90 (40 ml), helps stimulate and enhance collagen production for supple, hydrated skin.
DO THE BRIGHT THING
Pigmentations like dark spots or grey patches on skin can make skin appear lacklustre and dull. Besides the use of sunscreen to prevent the formation of new spots, brightening serums can help lighten these imperfections for a more even skin tone. Using Kojic Acid EX, the [1] ALBION EXCIA Whitening Brilliancy Serum, $246 (40 ml), targets pigmentation at its roots by inhibiting the production of melanin.
The [2] History of WHOO Gongjinhyang Seol Radiant White Moisture Cream, $206 (60 ml), contains a blend of oriental herbs which improves skin clarity by decreasing melanin production.
Focusing on the pigmentation around the eyes and lips, the [3] BEVY C. Lumiwhite Moist Up Elixir for Eyes & Lips, $47 (15 ml), not only brightens these targeted areas, but deeply hydrates as well.
LEVEL UP WITH THE PRO
Using the luxurious products from Shiseido’s Future Solution LX range, the Future Solution LX Ultimate Brightening facial, $180 (80 mins), is a truly immersive experience. Moving in tandem with the music inspired by sights and sounds of Mount Koya, the therapist uses specialised massage tools to improve circulation and bring radiance back to the skin.
The DrSpa Glow Mira-Lift, $1,288 (60 mins), combines several technologies like radiofrequency and ion wave technology but the highlight is the gold-plated micro-channelling which infuses skin with hyaluronic acid so that it looks plump.
Using mesotherapy, the FIL Aqua Meso Filler Treatment, $500 (60 mins), delivers skin care products into the deeper layers of your skin to improve dullness and dehydration.
Combining efficacious skincare products with lymphatic drainage massage device, the Asterspring Super Lifting Face Treatment, $350 (85 mins), is able to promote circulation and stimulate collagen production. Skin appears rejuvenated and tightened after treatment.
Using a device that lowers skin temperature, the Porcelain Face Spa Cryotherapy Intensive, $425.86 (75 mins), is able to soothe redness, improve metabolism and firm skin. Mesotherapy helps products penetrate deeply into skin.
The JYUNKA V Ultimate Treatment, $380 (90 mins), emphasises on stimulation and regeneration of skin. Utilising several high-tech tools like radiofrequency, electroporation, laser and cryotherapy, skin appears taut and rejuvenated.
An intensive treatment for dull and mature skin, the Spa by JW Indulge Anti-Ageing Facial, $250 (80 mins), starts off with a deep cleanse and exfoliation to remove dull surface skin. The products used during the facial are selected based on a skin assessment, and includes a facial massage and two masks to deeply nourish skin.
Using a combination of Q-switched Laser and Hydrafacial infusion, the Mizu Laser Facial, $225 (35 mins), from Mizu Aesthetic Clinic effectively breaks down pigmentation, while infusing skin with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides to strengthen skin.
The SW1 24K Uplift , $535 (90 mins), combines Sygmalift’s ultrasound technology with cold laser, aqua-dermabrasion and vitamin skin infusion to slough off dullness, while tightening the facial contours.
Suitable for sun-damaged skin, the EPION Clinic Pro Radiance, $300 (75 mins), starts off with HydraFacial MD’s skin resurfacing to exfoliate and cleanse – setting the stage for a mix of peptides that reduces redness and improve skin elasticity.
The Radium Medical Aesthetics Radium Red Carpet Facial, $308 (60 mins), is the perfect skin treat before a big event. AquaPeel, a microdermabrasion technology which uses water, will soften dead surface skin while dislodging comedones. A mix of vitamins and antioxidants are then applied, and ends off with radiofrequency and LED light therapy to turn up the glow.
Developed to give skin an amazing glow, the Freia Aesthetics Red Carpet Facial, $380 (90 mins), combines the restorative benefits of oxygen with the plumping effects of hyaluronic acid. Pressurised oxygen is infused into skin, while SkinCeutical products, rich in antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, leave skin strengthened and refined.
The Sothys Hydra3Ha Intensive Treatment, $315 (105 mins), hydrates skin with triple hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights, which is able to penetrate skin at different levels. The Digi-Esthétique Facial Massage stimulates circulation.
STYLING: ARISSA HA / PHOTOS: ANGELA GUO / MAKEUP: LARRY YEO USING MAC / HAIR: PETER LEE USING KMS / MODELS: JULIA K AND CAROLIA G, AVE MANAGEMENT
