Monthly Archives: June 2022

As you get older, your skin begins to tell you a story of how your summer days were spent in the sun, puberty, and every time you smile. The changes to your skin are not always positive. Even major weight gain or decrease can warrant its own chapter. Without a doubt, your skin can serve as physical proof of a well-lived existence.

Wrinkles, acne scars, freckles, sunspots, and cellulite can be treated with skin rejuvenation. Did you know that having smooth, clear, and even skin could improve your overall appearance? Continue reading to learn more about skin rejuvenation treatments and which one is suitable for you. 

SKIN REJUVENATION TREATMENT

A skin rejuvenation treatment is also known as skin resurfacing. It restores a more youthful, beautiful appearance by removing the most damaged outer layers of the skin to reveal the better skin beneath and fostering the development of new, healthy skin cells.

TYPES OF SKIN REJUVENATION TREATMENTS

For your information, there are extremely advanced and high skin rejuvenation treatments being tested in the West and Singapore.

The great aspect about these techniques is that most of them do not require surgery. Dermatologists use a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments to address a wide range of skin issues.

Below is a more detailed list that you can refer to in order to understand more about your skin rejuvenation therapy options:

1) Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that involves applying a solution that causes the skin’s outer layers to peel away. The skin will be smoother after the treatment is complete.

Chemical peels are known to tighten, tone, and brighten the skin. They also decrease or reduce discolouration, age spots, or blotchiness by exfoliating the top layer of skin as well as the dark spots with glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which speeds up the skin lightening process.

There are two types of Chemical peels which are:

a) Light chemical peels that use a moderate solution such as alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, or fruit enzymes. This treatment only penetrates the skin’s outer layers.

b) Deep chemical peels that penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Some treatments are complex and may need surgery.

Please note that it is normal for you to experience redness in the treated area for several days after treatment.

2) Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, also known as laser peel and laser vaporization, helps in the healing of scars, blemishes, and face wrinkles. Laser resurfacing eradicates tiny layers of skin by combining light and heat radiation. The laser will remove the top layer of skin while heating the underlying layers. This boosts the growth of new collagen fibres, resulting in smoother new skin growth.

During skin rejuvenation treatments, two kinds of lasers are used:

a) Ablative lasers which use intense light to remove the outer layers of sun-damaged or aged skin.

b) Non-ablative lasers which utilise just enough light to improve the appearance of scars, sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, and dark circles without damaging the skin’s surface.

Note that the recovery time might differ from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of laser performed.

3) Microdermabrasion 

A microdermabrasion treatment involves exfoliating an area with an abrasive particle vapour. After that, the exfoliated skin is vacuumed away. This treatment is suitable for all skin types and has a low risk of negative effects.

Microdermabrasion can help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It also lightens and improves skin tone while reducing age spots and moderate acne scars. To achieve the optimum results, this treatment can be done in a single sitting or over a series of sessions.

4) Botox

Botox also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A is a treatment that weakens specific muscles by blocking nerves. It can help to smooth out facial wrinkles in skincare.

Some of the side effects of Botox treatments involve:

• Swelling in the injection area
• Pain
• Bruises

The effects can last from three to twelve months, depending on which/what area is being treated.

5) Microneedling

Microneedling is a treatment that is proven to accelerate the production of elastin and collagen. Some chemicals are administered to the skin during this treatment. Hyaluronic acid and ascorbic acid are two examples.

 It is used prior to or after treatment to ensure deep penetration into the skin. The dermatologist will then use an equipment containing small, sharp, thin needles to puncture the skin. This procedure is known to be painless.

Microneedling treatment can help in the recovery of our skin from:

✔     Large pore size

✔     Sun damage

✔     Hyperpigmentation

✔     Acne

✔     Scars

✔     Skin texture problems

6) Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to help restore facial volume and fullness. They can also help in the removal of facial wrinkles for senior citizens while helping the younger ladies restore cheekbones and sharpen a flat nose without surgery. Dermal fillers are often used to elevate brows, and fill in the temples.

7) IPL (Intense Pulse Light)

IPL is a treatment similar to laser resurfacing in that it employs light to cure skin problems, particularly to help rejuvenate the complexion and remove pigmentation issues. IPL involves a broad range of light wavelengths that briefly pulse the skin. The light then absorbs excess pigment in the skin, resulting in a more even complexion. It also stimulates collagen growth, which helps to enhance overall skin tone. This treatment involves no skin removal.

IPL treatments can be used to treat the following skin conditions:

• Sun damage
• Hyperpigmentation
• Freckles
• Redness
• Age Spots
• Texture problems
• Fine lines

POPULAR REJUVENATION TREATMENT AVAILABLE IN SINGAPORE

Have you noticed certain Celebrities that do not seem to age and have always been looking youthful from the beginning of their careers to the present? Do you realize that the trick to keeping those celebs looking young is rejuvenation treatments?

If you are keen to try, fret not! Today, we may enjoy the same treatment in Singapore. One of the most popular rejuvenation treatments that are available in Singapore to date is Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Most of the superstars in the world have all had laser resurfacing treatments. Have you noticed how they all have imperceptible wrinkles and tightened skin?

You can have the same type of skin in Singapore! It is available in most of the dermatologists’ clinics. It typically costs $150 a session and the treatment can be done within a short period – as short as 15 minutes, depending on the area of treatment.   

In short, skin rejuvenation treatments can rejuvenate and heal your skin. The results of a skin rejuvenation treatment will differ based on the treatments and the individuals.

Remember to discuss your goals, past and present medical history, and any concerns with a competent dermatologist. Your dermatologist can assist you in determining the best therapy and plan for you.

Once I got to know more about skin care and the ‘beauty’ behind it, I realized that every skin is different, and every skin colour is beautiful. It’s not about being white or having flawless skin, but it’s about having healthy and radiant skin. And no, it’s not from the pan of a highlighter palette.

So, what is radiant skin? 

Radiant skin is typically seen as a sign of health and vitality. Dull, uneven skin tone or dry skin can make us feel less than our best. No matter how much we can cover it up with make-up, at the end of the day, a healthy and radiant skin – a complexion that permanently looks as though we’re fresh off vacation – is what we have always wanted. 

Though the secret to glowing skin varies and is challenging, we must understand that it requires trial and error from the correct product, practice, and of course, patience. 

Plus, with the constant exposure to the external aggressors such as direct and constant UV rays, which leads to skincare concerns. If you are still figuring out how to get a radiant skin, worry not, as we are here to help you with these quick-fix solutions. 

10+ Tips Towards Radiant Skin 

FOOD – “You are what you eat” 

1. Fruits and Vegetables

I bet you’re familiar with that phrase. And yes, the food that you consume is not just related to your overall health, but it is one of the factors that can help you to get a healthy and radiant skin. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will boost the vitamins and antioxidants in your body. 

2. Oily Fish 

According to BBC Good Food, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardine are rich in beneficial fats that promote skin hydration and younger looking skin. 

3. Nuts 

Nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds are packed with minerals and vitamin E, which help to heal blemishes and reduce inflammation as well as protect our skin cells from harmful UV. Consuming these healthy nuts will result in soft and supple skin. 

4. AVOID Processed Foods & Sugar 

Please stay away from processed foods as most of them contain bad trans fat. And yes, although we love sugar more than we love ourselves, it can damage skin cells and affects the collagen production. Alternatively, you can use natural sweeteners from the fruits or avoid sugar at all costs. Your skin will thank you for it. 

5. Stay Hydrated 

The most important of all is to stay hydrated with the right amount of water. Avoid sugary drinks at all costs, instead drink more plain or warm water. If it’s too ‘plain’ for you, you can put some slices of lemon for an added boost. 

Not to mention, maintaining a nutritious diet will not only encourage a healthy flow of blood, but it also can give you the naturally beautiful glow that you’re craving for! So, what’s good for the body is truly good for the health of your skin.

LIFESTYLE 

6. Shorten Your Hot Shower

If you like to have a hot shower, try to minimize your skin’s exposure to the water that is extremely hot. This is because steam and heat will open the pores and running hot water over your skin for more than a few minutes can strip away the natural oils from your skin. This will leave it looking tired and dull.  

7. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking (or Secondhand Smoke) 

Alcohol is one of the main age accelerators that causes the secretion of stress hormones which can affect your skin as well. If cutting it seems a step too far, you can try to cut it back. 

As for smoking, it makes your skin look older, with more wrinkles. It also damages collagen and elasticity, decreases blood flow, and results in paler, aging skin. 

8. Manage Your Stress 

Though it is inevitable, uncontrolled stress can make your skin become more sensitive. This will then trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. Try to manage your stress and have a healthy state of mind. 

Get enough sleep, distract yourself with positive things, but make sure to talk it out – reach out to someone and share your problems to ease your mind. 

9. Face Massage 

If you are new to this, start now! A two-minute face massage can help your skin look alive in the short term, as well as firming and contouring the face naturally over time. 

Do it every morning while you are doing your skincare routine, before applying makeup. It’s okay if you don’t have any tools to massage your face. You just need to use your fingertips and a massage serum or face oil. 

10. DIY Masks – hydrates, soothes, and glow! 

You will never go wrong with a hydrating DIY mask at home! 

You can try aloe vera gel, these tomatoes’ ‘recipes’, yogurt, honey, or as simple as pouring your hydrating toner onto a few cotton pads and putting it on your face for a few minutes and see how your skin glows! 

11. Sunscreen All the Way 

When you talk about healthy and radiant skin, you can NEVER skip sunscreen, especially in the sunny Singapore. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause various skin problems such as pigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and others. It can also increase the risk of skin cancer. 

It is recommended for you (especially since we live in a tropical climate) to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Do apply it generously and reapply every two to three hours.

12. Always be Gentle to the Skin 

Please avoid cleansers or products with harsh chemicals and even though you like to cleanse your face, you don’t want to rob your skin of moisture by washing it too often. Too much washing can also lead to dry skin or worse, encourage your pores to produce too much extra oil. Thus, it is advisable to wash your face first thing in the morning and right before bed. 

After washing, gently pat dry your face with a clean towel so that some of the moisture remains on your skin and use a hydrating toner, your favourite serum and conceal the goodness with a good moisturizer. Don’t forget your sunscreen during the day.

A blemish is a form of skin imperfection that appears as a mark, spot, discolouration, patch, or other types of superficial flaw on the skin that are usually caused by irritation.

Skin blemishes are a typical skin problem for many women. Some marks are barely noticeable or cause concern, while some detract from your appearance and make you feel self-conscious. Although most blemishes are harmless and pose no health risk, some can indicate skin cancer.

Blemishes are the main reason our skin lacks the clear, flawless, and airbrushed appearance we all secretly desire.

Type and Causes of Blemishes

1. Acne

Our skin contains many pores, each of which is linked to an oil-producing gland. Excess sebum is produced when the oil glands become hyperactive.

When excess sebum, germs, dead skin, and dirt clog your skin’s pores, it can cause pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne can sometimes cause dark spots, pockmarks, or scarring on the skin, resulting in the appearance of blemishes.

Acne is mainly caused by hormonal changes, especially during puberty, improper diets, as well as stress. All of these can trigger an increase in oil production and worsen the acne.

2. Papules

Papules are tiny skin blemishes that can occur alone or in groups which can be any shape. They are approximately 1 cm in diameter and range in color from pink to brown. Papules also include following:

• Pimple
• Chickenpox rashes
• Eczema (a condition that impairs your skin to become red and itchy)
• Dermatitis (common skin irritation that involves Itchy skin, dry skin, rashes, blistering, or flaking skin)
• Shingles (painful rashes that caused by viruses)
• Psoriasis (a skin condition characterized by itchy and scaly patches)

Bacteria and infections that trigger skin irritation are the most common causes of Papules. 

3. Birthmarks

Birthmarks are patches on skins that vary in appearance, size, shape, and color. They normally appear at or shortly after birth and can remain a lifetime or disappear over time. Birthmarks are classified into two types:

• Pigmented birthmarks are generated by an excess of melanin-producing cells in one specific area of the skin. These birthmarks are usually black or brown in colour. 
• Vascular birthmarks appear when there is an abnormal growth or abnormality of blood vessels beneath the skin. These birthmarks could be purple, pink, or red in colour.

4. Ingrown hair

Ingrown hair is hair that curls back and grows inside the skin. It is frequently caused by irritating hair removal processes such as tweezing, waxing, or shaving. People with curly hair are more likely to get ingrown hair than individuals with straight hair.

Ingrown hairs can form red bumps on the skin where the hair should have grown. These lumps can potentially develop into huge, painful, fluid-filled cysts of red, yellow, or white color.

5. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin, which can cause uneven skin tone or dark spots. Hyperpigmentation examples include:

• Age Spots – small, dark spots can occur on any portion of the body that has been exposed to sunlight and are most common in adults over the age of 50.
• Melasma – dark spots that might appear as a result of sun exposure and hormonal changes prevalent in pregnant women.

Sun exposure, acne scars, and hormonal changes such as during pregnancy and aging are common causes of hyperpigmentation.

6. Skin Cancer

Consult any dermatologist if you notice any unusual, black moles, unusual yellow zits, or bizarre red bumps. It could be completely harmless.

But it’s best to avoid that risk and let the doctor determine whether a blemish is skin cancer. This is due to the fact that most skin cancers differ in shape and colour. Some examples of skin cancers are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma – Skin cancer that most commonly occurs on sun-exposed parts of skin, such as the face.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Common skin cancer caused by overexposure to UV radiation.
• Malignant Melanoma – Skin cancer arising from pigment-producing cells.

Tips to Prevent and Reduce Blemishes

There are numerous methods to prevent and reduce blemishes from our skin. For a start, you can try these four tips:  

#Tips 1

Avoid consuming too many dairy products because they not only raise inflammation in your body but also produce a lot of hormonal imbalance.

#Tips 2

Walk at least 10,000 steps at home or anywhere, or engage in 30 minutes of exercise every day. This prevents hormonal imbalance, removes toxins from your system, and keeps you physically well.

#Tips 3

Yoga and meditation can help you cope with anxiety and stress.

#Tips 4

To prevent clogged pores, follow a strict skincare routine that begins with cleaning your face, preferably using salicylic acid facial products. Then, apply an antibacterial cream to heal your skin, and finally, remember to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from UV radiation.

Treatments to Reduce Blemishes

Blemishes on the skin are entirely natural. However, if you want to reduce the blemishes on your skin, there are two methods that you can try:

i. Home Remedies

Please note that these suggestions are not applicable to birthmarks and skin cancer as these are in the list of skin blemishes.

a) Honey: Apply 2 tablespoons of honey to your face and wash it after 10 minutes. Scars can be removed using honey.

b) Cucumber: Apply a cotton ball soaked in fresh cucumber juice to your skin. After 20 minutes, rinse the affected area with cold water. Cucumber is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which aid to promote skin health. 

c) Tomatoes: Massage tomato pulp into your face for 15 minutes and leave it on. Rinse well with cool water. Tomatoes have astringent qualities that help in the shrinking of big pores and the treatment of acne.

d) Steaming: Fill a bowl halfway with hot water and steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes. The warmth of the steam draws dirt, toxins, bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum within the pores to the skin’s surface, preventing blemishes from developing. 

e) Exfoliation: Exfoliate your face with chemical-free products. Twice a week. Dead epithelial cells tend to accumulate in your pores and block them, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe acne. Exfoliation keeps your skin pores clean while increasing blood flow in your face.

f)  Aloe Vera Gel: Use aloe vera-based lotions or massage fresh aloe vera gel over your face. Aloe Vera moisturises the skin and protects it from UV damage caused by the sun. 

ii. Professional Medical Treatment

In Singapore, there are multiple treatments available to eradicate skin blemishes. To eradicate blemishes, dermatologists utilize the same technique as pigmentation experts. Among the treatments available are:

a) Facial treatments that are typically adjusted to the severity of the pigmentation and skin blemishes problem while taking the individual’s skin type into consideration. This form of treatment may cost $50 to $300 per session, depending on the pigmented skin problem.

b) Laser resurfacing and light therapies that use targeted light beams to eliminate blemishes in our skin. Depending on the treatment area, the treatment, which generally costs $150 per session, can be finished in as little as 15 minutes.

c) Chemical peels work by exfoliating the top layer of skin as well as the dark areas with glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which speeds up the skin lightening process. This form of therapy can range in price from $128 to $238 each session.

It is necessary to keep in mind that all of the above treatments are always conducted by a licensed dermatologist. After the treatment, most have the same effect of causing redness in the treated skin area. Do not be scared! The redness of the skin is a normal part of the recovery process and will fade in a few days.