Skincare Trends You Don’t Realise That Are More Harmful Than Good

June 19, 2020

1. What are some skincare mistakes many Singaporeans tend to make?

Don’t forget your sunscreen! In my practice, I have seen many patients who admit the lack of sunscreen in their daily skincare routine. Many women often rely on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in their makeup or oral sunblock. Please remember to use a separate sunscreen! Just because your foundation or moisturiser comes with SPF doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. Furthermore, sun protection from makeup such as foundation is insufficient as most of us simply don’t apply that thick a layer of makeup enough for adequate UV coverage. Makeup and skincare with SPF and oral sunblock are not designed to replace sunscreen, but to complement protection against harmful UV damage. When applying sunscreen, you generally need a coin-sized amount for effective sun protection. If you’re spending the day outdoors, reapplying sunscreen once every two hours is also essential.

Another common mistake is not removing your makeup before going to bed or after a workout session at the gym. Never head to the bed without removing your makeup as sleeping with makeup on can clog pores and aggravate acne formation. Increasingly, Singaporeans are beginning to be more health conscious and are hitting the gyms and spinning studios much more than before. Whether you’re stopping at the gym on the way to work, heading there right after work, or squeezing in a lunchtime workout sesh, it’s best to do so with a clean, makeup-free face. As your body heats up during a workout, your pores open and you don’t want that makeup to settle back into the pores. It’s also very important to cleanse the skin following a workout to remove bacteria and sweat residue that accumulated during your workout.

Who doesn’t love the benefits that come from using acids in skincare? However, applying too much acids can result in over-exfoliation. This may cause irritation or allergic reactions, which can lead to itching, increased skin sensitivity and redness. It is also not advised to use a facial scrub daily. Many patients have the misconception that they can reduce or remove the bumps on their faces through daily scrubbing. Some are also over-zealous in wanting to amortise their new facial exfoliation gadget. As a general guideline, scrubbing two to three times a week is sufficient. If you’re uncertain, always pay a visit to your skin doctor to get the correct diagnosis and recommendations.

Another common skincare mistake is the overzealous squeezing of acne which can result in scars or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Use an anti-blemish product diligently and allow your acne to heal properly. Keep your fingers off your face. Alternatively, if the products are not working, see your skin doctor for a cortisone jab.

2. What are some key aesthetic trends to know for the new year?

For the new year, key aesthetic trends will be centred on skin quality, skin tightening and ‘prejuvenation’. Prejuvenation refers to preventive beautification in young adults, typically in the early 30s or even late 20s. Patients in this age group are leaning towards the concept of prevention to slow down symptoms of ageing for as long as they can, instead of getting aesthetic treatments only when there’s a need to correct the more advanced signs of ageing.

Thanks to social media filters, the demand for smooth glowing skin has been increasing. People want treatment procedures that offer better skin quality and firmer looking skin with minimal to no down time. Combinations of minimally invasive procedures and nuanced use of injectables can offer such synergistic, natural looking effects.

 

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Dr. SK Tan

Special Interest

  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Anti-Aging
  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Ingredient Studies

Dr. SK Tan

    Qualifications

  • MBBS
  • Diploma in Venereology (University of London)
  • Diploma in Dermatology (University of Wales)
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)

About Dr. SK Tan

Dr Tan graduated in 1971, with a Bachelors of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelors of Surgery (BS) from the University of Malaya. Dr Tan’s interest in dermatology led him to train at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in the 1970s and he has since been focused in the field of aesthetic dermatology.

He is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Tan was one of the first local doctors to be certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. His personal interest in pigmentary disorders and acne has also led him to become an International Member of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India, the Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS).

Dr Tan’s work has led him to be invited to speak at numerous international conferences in the US, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He is a co-editor of “Handbook of Cosmetic Microbiology”, a reference book published by Marcel Dekker, and his papers have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, and Expert Review of Dermatology, and has contributed a chapter in the reference book ‘Pigmentary Disorders: A Comprehensive Compendium’.

Special Interest

  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Anti-Aging
  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Ingredient Studies
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Dr. Ben Yim

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Body-Contouring
  • Fat Reduction

Dr. Ben Yim

    Qualifications

  • M.B.B.S (Monash University) 1994
  • Diploma Practical Dermatology (University of Wales College of Medicine) 1998
  • MSc. Clinical Dermatology (University of London) 1999
  • MBA (University of Chicago) 2011
  • MSc Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics (Anglia Ruskin) 2018
  • GDFM (NUS) 2019

About Dr. Ben Yim

Dr Yim graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He has also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from the University of London and more recently in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics from Anglia Ruskin University in UK, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Family Physicians in National University of Singapore.

Dr Yim has been practicing aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000. The former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has been offering a wide armamentarium of aesthetic services including Botulinum Toxins, fillers for facial enhancement, skin tightening, fractional lasers, threadlifts, and non-invasive body contouring treatments.

As a trainer for Allergan Medical Institute in Singapore, Dr Yim has been invited to speak and train for numerous aesthetic workshops and conferences including “The Advanced Facial Anatomy and Injectables Workshop”, Botulinum Toxins and Filler injectable training workshops organized by Allergan, “The Singapore Disease Conference 2008” and “1st International Conference on Healthcare Transformation 2008” and Forum for Professional Self-regulation jointly organized by the SingHealth Centre for Health Services Research and the NUS Medical Society, to name a few.

Dr Yim comes from a family of four doctors, all in private practice in family medicine. Despite the move into full-time aesthetic medicine, Dr Yim has also taken an interest in family medicine pursuing a Master degree in Medicine in Family Medicine in NUS in which he hopes to complete in 2020.

Outside of his profession, Dr Yim also actively participates in social projects such as tattoo laser removal for prison inmates and teenage delinquents. For leisure, he enjoys golf, reading, playing the piano and running – he has participated in several half-marathons.

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Body-Contouring
  • Fat Reduction
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Dr. Liz Lum YX

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring

Dr. Liz Lum YX

    Qualifications

  • MBBCH BAO (Trinity College Dublin)
  • Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)

About Dr. Liz Lum YX

Dr Liz Lum YX graduated from Trinity College in Dublin with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She has also earned a graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Apart from these, Dr Lum has also attained certification by the Ministry of Health accredited bodies under the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetics Dermatology Education Group for various aesthetics procedures. Before joining IDS, Dr Liz Lum YX was a surgical trainee with the hand surgery department in SGH.

Jean Cocteau once said, “If there is a defect in the soul, it cannot be corrected on the face; but if there is a defect on the face and one corrects it, it can correct a soul.” For this reason, Dr Liz Lum YX has a special interest in acne treatment that dates back to times when she had to deal with her own acne problems and breakouts. This drove her to identify the need for innovative products and treatments to treat acne problems. She strongly believes that many acne prone patients will benefit from a combination of innovative dermatological products, lasers and medications.

Dr Liz Lum YX’s other interests include injectables such as botulinum toxins, fillers and laser treatments for pigmentary disorders. Outside of her profession, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones over good meals, movies, and a cup of coffee.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
Make An Enquiry

Dr. Ian Tan

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Anti-Aging
  • Body Contouring
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
  • Hair Regrowth
  • Weight Management

Dr. Ian Tan

    Qualifications

  • MBBS (Singapore)
  • MRCS (Edinburgh)
  • GDFM (Singapore)
  • GDFP Dermatology (Singapore)
  • Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine, Amercian Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
  • Accredited Family Physician
  • Basic Obesity Management Accreditation 2 (BOMA 2)
  • Certificate Course in Andrology

About Dr. Ian Tan

Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore and is one of the few medical doctors selected to lead the Singapore National Healthcare Group surgical residency program. He had his basic years of training in various hospital surgical specialties and he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (General Surgery) in 2013.

Through his practice, he developed a keen clinical interest in dermatological conditions and has obtained a Diploma in Dermatology (FP) from NUS. Dr Tan aims to help his patients achieve beauty through science by using appropriate skincare, aesthetic procedures and lasers. He believes his experience in surgery will complement his work in aesthetic and dermatological procedures at the IDS clinic.

A former national, Dr Tan was an avid athlete during his college days and developed him in local and regional canoe competitions. Outside of his profession, he enjoys running and going to the gym.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Anti-Aging
  • Body Contouring
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
  • Hair Regrowth
  • Weight Management
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Dr. Michelle Wong

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Focused Ultrasound Lifting
  • Skin Brightening
  • Cryo based Treatment

Dr. Michelle Wong

    Qualifications

  • MBBS from The University of Melbourne, Australia
  • Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London
  • Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine from American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)

About Dr. Michelle Wong

Dr Michelle Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and Bachelors of Medical Science. She obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology with Distinction from the Queen Mary University of London, and holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).

In aesthetics, Dr Wong believes she has discovered her ikigai – the intersection of what she is both good at and loves doing. Her preferred tools of the trade are injectables such as Botulinum Toxins & fillers, which she wields with finesse and intuition - often achieving what her patients desire but cannot express through words. Out of passion and interest, she regularly attends conferences and workshops, eager to learn about the latest treatments and techniques to further hone her craft.

Combining the science of medicine with the art of beauty, Dr Wong provides an honest consult to help her patients achieve their skincare and beauty goals. She believes in understated elegance – a focus on a less-is-more approach - and works to enhance her patients’ natural features whilst instilling self-confidence. Her reassuring and gentle approach puts patients at ease allowing her to achieve maximum results through safe and effective procedures.

In her free time, Dr Wong enjoys taking long walks with her dog at the park. Her family praises her inner domestic goddess that can whip up an impressive variety of home-cooked meals. She is also active in church medical missions and believes in contributing back to society through her God-given gifts and talents.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Focused Ultrasound Lifting
  • Skin Brightening
  • Cryo based Treatment
Make An Enquiry

Dr. Vivian Yong

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement

Dr. Vivian Yong

    Qualifications

  • MBBS
  • GDFM

About Dr. Vivian Yong

Dr Vivian Yong graduated from National University of Singapore in 2006, and has an experience of more than 10 years in Aesthetics. She has also accumulated extensive surgical skills and experience from various rotations in general surgery, ophthalmology, and ENT.

Dr Vivian has always had a natural inclination towards science subjects and this led her into medicine. During her medical graduate days, she developed a keen interest in Aesthetics and Skincare, and she believes that Aesthetics is one area that allows her to help a patient achieve their ideal artistic expression based on science. While Dr Vivian is always keen to accommodate her patients’ needs, she ensures that their welfare remains the utmost priority. This is why Dr Vivian is loved by her patients for always being meticulous and attentive to details.

Dr Vivian’s eye for beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Outside the clinic, Dr Vivian loves to spend her time in leather crafting and jewelry making, transforming basics into beauty. She also loves spending her quiet time exercising in the gym or chilling at home with her loved one.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement
Make An Enquiry

Dr. Sean Lim

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement

Dr. Sean Lim

    Qualifications

  • MBBS (Singapore)
  • Certified Personal Trainer

About Dr. Sean Lim

Dr Sean is a dedicated medical professional with a diverse background in procedural disciplines and holistic care. He graduated with an MBBS degree from the National University of Singapore, earning recognition on the Dean's List for his exemplary performance in his final year Professional Examination. Fully registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), Dr Sean is also certified to perform aesthetic procedures by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG). Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Sean actively engages in community service and leadership endeavours. He has contributed his medical expertise to humanitarian missions, including Naamjai Medical Missions trips to Thailand and a collaborative effort with plastic surgeons from NUH at Yangon's Defense Services General Hospital (DSGH).

Dr Sean's commitment to excellence extends beyond the medical field. As a former Singapore national athlete in pole vaulting, he has represented Singapore in numerous international competitions, earning accolades and setting records. Dr Sean’s passion for health and fitness is evident in his certification as a personal trainer and his dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle.

A proud new father, Dr Sean cherishes quality time with his family outside of work commitments, demonstrating a balanced approach to life and well-being. His belief in delivering quality care with a personal touch reflects his ethos as a compassionate healthcare provider.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botulinum Toxins
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement
Make An Enquiry

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