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AGEING WELL

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A clear complexion does not just happen. It takes effort and consumer knowledge on your part.

By Ami Ismail

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WELLNESS FOR ALL

belief that this precious metal accelerates cell growth and reverses skin oxidation as it is easily absorbed by the skin.

In Singapore, while gold facial treatments are not offered by big beauty brands like Clarins, you can check them out at smaller salons.

Dancer Tina K who has tried a gold facial says, “I was a bit sceptical as to

whether the sheets of gold leaf applied on my face really made a difference to my skin. I’ve since gone back to my regular hydrating and radiance facials, which don’t have any of these gimmicks but produce results.”

So, before you decide to splurge on any outré treatment, pick basic therapies because sometimes, that’s all your skin really needs.

PHOTOS: tpgimages, Istockphoto

ot every one is blessed with porcelain skin like Fann Wong, and Mother Nature has decided that some of us will just have to live with acne, pockmarks or blotchy skin. Still, that hasn’t stopped anyone from seeking out remedies that will help them look fabulous.

Women (and men too) have progressed from the simple clay, mud and fruit facials to using facial masks with a plethora of chemicals and solutions that claim to include vitamin extracts and herbs. In fact, some salons are known to offer gold facials for their exclusive clients. Yes, gold, in all of its 24K glory. Never mind the hefty price tag, because clients are sold on the

Treats for your face

Most salons offer the following treatments for your skin.

YOUR SKIN AS YOU AGE

Anti-ageing facials (which may be sub-divided into anti-wrinkle, lifting and firming treatment) These facials are meant to slow the ageing process, reduce wrinkles and brighten skin. Products used contain ingredients that are targeted at ageing or mature skin. You can choose from a range of treatments that include vitamin-infused serums, light therapy facials and microdermabrasion.

Whitening facials A whitening facial gives you an even skin tone and a fresh and fair look.

In your

30s

In your

20s 30s

In your

40s and 50s

and early

Acne facials If your skin is oily and prone to acne, this is probably the most suitable treatment for you. The process includes steaming, deep-cleansing, and a variation of a healing mask and moisturiser. The salons might use salicylic and glycolic acids to manage flare-ups.

Hydration facial This is a basic facial where you are given a hydrating facial mask to keep the skin from drying out.

You may have break-outs and occasional acne problems. To prevent premature ageing, use sunscreen.

Research has shown that sun damage is responsible for up to 90 per cent of skin ageing. Always use a moisturiser.

Your skin starts to produce less collagen and elastin as its renewal power slows down. Lines start to develop, skin dulls or even becomes rough.

Skin sensitivity is also a common problem.

Wear sunblock and use products that contain antioxidants.

Exfoliate regularly.

Your skin is prone to early pigmentation, sun damage, an uneven skin tone, wrinkles, sagging skin and scars.

Exfoliation helps to tone the skin as well as lighten brown spots, prevent sagging and the increase of fine lines and wrinkles.

Radiance facial This treatment involves using common fruit acids or peels like citric, lactic, glycolic and tartaric acids from sources such as sugarcane, apples and grapes.

Oxygen facials

PHOTOS: tpgimages, Istockphoto

A treatment that was popular about three to four years ago, though some salons might still offer them. What it does is to plump and smooth the face as well as fight bacteria associated with acne. Pure oxygen mist is sprayed into the skin to repair it at a cellular level.

The oxygen contains essential nutrients and antioxidants that boost collagen and elastin production.

Product knowledge

However, consumers should approach these treatments with caution because while these procedures may benefit your skin, there are risks too.

Says Dr Chiam Tut Fu of Healthway Medical, “Overdoing facials with cleaners that are too strong can irritate the skin and cause dryness, redness, scaling and itchiness.

A breakout comprising of redness is a manifestation of excessive skin irritation”.

And in microdermabrasion, where microcrystals are used to abrade and

rub off the top layer of dead skin cells, risks arise when it’s performed under unsterile conditions where the micro-dermabrasion applicator or vacuum are not properly sanitised.

Improper use of the machine may also lead to the perforation of the skin by the fine crystals used to exfoliate the skin. Although microdermabrasions are done in both beauty salons and aesthetic clinics, Dr Chiam says consumers should only consider going to beauty salons if they do not intend to do excessive microdermabrasion. “Beauty salons

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AGEING WELL

SKINCARE

101

Hydrate, inside and out Drinking lots of water is important, but you also need a good moisturiser, even if you have oily skin. Using a moisturiser will help to hydrate the skin and lock moisture in.

Exfoliate at least twice a week Exfoliation helps to slough away dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling smoother and looking fresher.

For men, Dr Chiam says that their skin tend to be oilier in their teens.

Therefore, they need more cleaning to remove excessive oil and prevent skin problems such as acne.

Protect yourself from the sun Avoid over-exposure to direct sunlight.

Always put on sunblock, says Ms Tan. If you are indoors, use one with SPF25 and if you are outdoors, go for SPF50, and SPF70 if you are at the beach or outdoors throughout the day. The best ones are those that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, says Dr Ashraf. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause

may not be able to manage any adverse effects or complications arising from the procedures done,” he says.

As for chemical peels that use acids, Dr Chiam says that the risk of a person being allergic to the acids used is low, though possible. “Allergies are usually due to the formulation, rather than the specific acids themselves,” he says.

Sharon Tan, Group Marketing Manager of Mary Chia Holdings Ltd, says that those with sensitive skin or are prone to acne should opt for cleansers and toners that are milder and hypoallergenic. They should

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wrinkling and premature ageing, while UVB cause sunburn and suntan.

Eat a well-balanced diet Your skin needs vitamin A, C and E, so eat as much fruits and vegetables as possible.

Ms Tan recommends including avocado in your diet, as the fruit is rich in vitamins A, D and E which are essential in healing, moisturising and soothing skin. Soya milk, tomatoes, spinach, plums and prunes are great for skin too.

Dr Ashraf however, cautions against the idea of “skin foods”. “Nothing that you eat goes directly to the skin. For example, if you eat collagen pills, the collagen from the tablets do not get to your skin directly,” he says.

Stub out Tobacco smoke dries up the skin and contributes to wrinkles, and smoking damages collagen and elastin — fibres that give your skin strength and elasticity.

Rest!

When you are sleeping, the skin is better able to repair itself and regenerate. So get a good night’s sleep of about 7 to 8 hours.

consider non-perfumed products which are gentle on the skin, and use those that are developed using natural botanical extracts. “Note the kind of skincare products used on your skin.

Check that the product does not contain ingredients or chemicals that could irritate your skin,” she says.

Aesthetic procedures when done right, together with the right products can help keep the skin looking good.

Dr Ashraf S Eilyaas of Eden Medical Aesthetics explains: “Most people do not realise that the skin is the largest organ in your body. As with any other organ in the body, it requires care.”

In 50 words, tell us your secret to having radiant skin. The best letter stands to win DrGL® Skin Repair ($98) and for men DrGL® MAN

Cleanser Anti-ageing (worth $118) or for women DrGL® Pressed Powder (worth $108).

Send your entries to allswell@mediacorp.com.sg or c/o Mail, Allswell,, Customised tt Publishing, Caldecott Broadcast Centre, Andrew Rd, Singapore 299939.