Category: NEWEST

Confession: I Tried This IPL Photofacial Every Month For 5 Months

Before I start, you might be wondering what the big deal is about. IPL or not, it’s just a facial, right? If it was just a facial, perhaps, but the Illumi facial I tried at the SW1 Clinic is one of their signature hybrids, where you get to try a facial which combines the comfort of a spa treatment and the efficacy of a clinical treatment as well. So what really makes this hybrid facial stand out from the rest? Illumi Brightens Up Any Dull Complexion Immediately Without Downtime My therapist was Rae, who removed my makeup and cleansed my skin. She then covered my eyes with a set of goggles. Then she applied a cold, clear gel to my face before she applied the first zap of IPL on face, starting from my jawline. I read that IPL can be painful, but I am happy to report that the Illumi facial was anything but that. As the treatment progressed I did feel the handpiece warm up, but it was Continue Reading

Postpartum Glow-How: How To Get Glowing Skin After Pregnancy

The pregnancy glow may be real, but this only lasts at most 9 months. Losing the glow is almost certain after giving birth, not only because the pregnancy hormones are no longer there to keep your skin rosy-looking, but also, other problems such as acne and pigmentation are also unmasked. So what are the common problems new mothers face after pregnancy, and what can you do to keep your skin looking clear and dewy? We spoke to Dr Michelle Lim from the SW1 Clinic, a mother of 2 herself, who gave a talk to over 200 expectant mothers earlier this year at the Super Mom Birth And Baby Seminar.   Problem 1: Acne and acne scars Some women have clear skin, until they have babies! If you have active acne, Dr Michelle recommends seeing a doctor quickly to clear them. Acne, especially the cystic ones, tend to scar. Some doctors will give antibiotics or stronger acne medication such as Roaccutane, but the latter especially, while very effective for cystic acne, Continue Reading

5 Sunscreen Myths We Want You To Stop Believing

It is summer now and you can’t wait to get out in the sun. Or you live somewhere in the tropical climate and live in fear of pigmentation? If you were just like me and have problems finding the right sunscreen (there are so many choices, I know!), here are 5 sunscreen myths we have debunked which will help you get smarter when you purchase your next sunscreen. Tip: It is not always about buying the most expensive ones!   Myth 1. Physical sunscreens clog up your pores and cause acne For those who don’t know, physical sunscreens are also known as mineral sunscreens, because they contain mineral ingredients titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These work not by being absorbed into the skin (i.e. chemical sunscreens do that), but by forming a barrier on top of skin and deflecting damaging UV rays away from the skin. Contrary to popular belief, physical blockers are less likely to clog up skin and cause acne – silicones and mineral oils do. These tend Continue Reading

Is The Non-Surgical Nose Job For You?

When it comes to enhancement of the nose, there are essentially two options— surgical and non-surgical. If you are opting for the surgical route, you are talking about rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. It can make the nose larger or smaller; change the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip; alter the tip of the nose; or correct bumps, indentations, or other defects in the nose. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions to access the bones and cartilage that support the nose. Depending on the desired result, some bone and cartilage may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from another part of the body or using a synthetic filler). A splint is placed outside the nose to support the new shape of the nose as it heals.       If you, like many others, do not like the idea of invasive surgery, you can consider non-surgical options of augmenting your nose. The non-surgical Rhinoplasty, or non-surgical nose job as it is Continue Reading

A Rookie’s Guide To Facial Oils

First we had the toner, then came along the essence. Now, facial oils are emerging as the after-moisturizer oil – something like an emollient for superficial hydration and protection. So how exactly do we make include the facial oil in our skincare regime? Is it worth adding it in (and the money)? And which skin types are suitable for facial oils?   Sensitive and Dehydrated Skin Facial oils provide an additional barrier for skin prone to irritation and inflammation. While moisturizers deliver moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic deeper into the skin, adding a facial oil to one’s sensitive and dry skincare regime will give skin a moisture sealant, making your moisturizers much more effective. So if you are not quite there with the dewy complexion with your moisturizers, then maybe adding a facial oil will make that happen.   Read More: How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne Greasy Skin If you have oily skin, “oil-free” skincare is probably what you want because the last thing you probably want is Continue Reading