The Best Acne Scar Treatments Available in Singapore: What Really Works?

Everywhere in the world is struggling with stubborn acne scars, but there are specific clinics in Singapore with advanced treatment choices. Most adults are dealing with self-esteem issues stemming from remnants of acne because breakouts are such a nuisance. The heavy-duty treatments for scar-remnant acne in Singapore are laser therapy, microneedling and chemical peels. The results depend on the type and severity of the scars.

When it comes to acne scar treatment Singapore, SL Clinic is one of the aesthetic clinics. All patient’s recovering timelines are optimized by customizing treatment techniques to accommodate different scar types and skin conditions.

Personalized recovery plans depend on skin type, budget and treatment options like number of sessions and duration of gaps between sessions. Most clinics offer consultations which are excellent for plotting a recovery strategy that is optimally tailored for everyone.

Understanding Acne Scars

Acne scars form after severe acne heals, leaving behind different types of marks on the skin. These scars vary in appearance and depth, with specific causes that determine how they develop and persist.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars typically fall into two main categories: atrophic (depressed) and hypertrophic (raised) scars.

Atrophic scars include:

  • Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow punctures that look like small holes
  • Boxcar scars: Wider depressions with defined edges
  • Rolling scars: Wave-like depressions that give skin an uneven appearance

Hypertrophic scars are raised bumps of extra tissue that form during healing. These are more common on the chest and back.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) appears as dark spots after acne heals. While not true scars, these discolorations are often confused with scarring and are common concerns in Singapore’s diverse skin types.

Causes of Acne Scarring

Acne scarring results from inflammatory acne that damages deeper skin layers. Several factors influence scar formation:

  1. Inflammation plays a major role. When acne becomes inflamed, it can destroy skin tissue and collagen, leading to scars.
  2. Delayed or improper treatment increases scarring risk. Putting off acne treatment in Singapore allows inflammation to continue causing damage.
  3. Picking or squeezing pimples significantly worsens scarring by pushing bacteria deeper and causing more inflammation.
  4. Genetics also determine how your skin heals. Some people naturally produce less collagen or have skin that heals with more visible marks.
  5. Sun exposure can darken existing scars, making them more noticeable, especially in Singapore’s tropical climate.

Effective Acne Scar Treatments

Singapore offers several proven methods to treat acne scars, ranging from over-the-counter products to advanced medical procedures. These treatments vary in intensity, cost, and recovery time, allowing patients to choose options that suit their specific scar types and skin concerns.

Topical Treatments and Serums

Retinoid creams stand out as first-line treatments for minor acne scarring. These vitamin A derivatives increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production to gradually improve skin texture. Products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) help exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of superficial scars.

Vitamin C serums protect against further damage while brightening discoloration from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For best results, consistent application for 8-12 weeks is usually necessary.

Specialized silicone gels and sheets help flatten raised scars by regulating moisture and reducing inflammation. Many Singapore dermatologists recommend using these products after more intensive treatments to optimize healing.

Key ingredients to look for:

  • Retinol/Tretinoin
  • Glycolic acid
  • Lactic acid
  • Salicylic acid
  • Niacinamide
  • Vitamin C

Dermatological Procedures

Laser therapy remains among the most effective treatments for moderate to severe acne scars in Singapore. Fractional lasers create thousands of microscopic treatment zones that trigger the body’s natural healing process. Chemical peels use controlled chemical solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin. Depths range from superficial to deep, depending on scar severity.

Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production. When combined with radiofrequency (RF), this treatment delivers energy deep into the dermis for enhanced results.

Popular procedures at Singapore clinics:

  1. Fraxel laser resurfacing
  2. CO2 laser treatments
  3. TCA cross technique for ice pick scars
  4. Dermal fillers for depressed scars
  5. Subcision for tethered scars

Advancements in Acne Scar Removal

Recent advances of noninvasive devices like AGNES RF and INFINI have further optimized the reconstruction of acne scars. The opportunity to use the patient’s own tissues, such as in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which combines with other procedures to augment healing, is especially beneficial.

AGNES RF and INFINI utilize radio frequency (RF) energy to target scar tissue through insulated microneedles. This technique preserves the epidermis while ensuring maximum energy delivery to deeper tissues. Stem cell therapy is at the forefront of regenerative techniques for acne scars. Some Singapore clinics have begun offering services that use growth factors for cellular-level skin restoration.

 

Read More...

FairPrice Xtra: Grab 1-For-1 Health & Beauty Essentials And Juicy Deals From 14 – 27 October 2021

FairPrice Xtra’s health & beauty fair is back again! From now till 27 Oct, save smart with these great discounts and take this opportunity to stock up your beauty essentials! This time around, FairPrice Xtra has also added men’s beauty products so all can be involved. For the gentlemen out there, bag 1-for-1 picks from Listerine, Gillette and Nivea Men. Not forgetting the ladies, pick out your favourites from well-known brands like Bio-Essence, L’oreal Paris and any more! With a $100 budget, you can easily have a fresh makeover from head to toe in no time!

Save more as you buy more! Redeem FREE* FairPrice Gift Voucher with every $70 spent on participating products. That’s not all. Try your hands on the SURE WIN Spin the Wheel and win attractive prizes with every $30 spent on participating products.

* T&Cs apply: While stocks last. Gift with purchase valid at FairPrice Xtra stores only. Check in-store for more information.

Can’t wait to get your hands on the wide variety of discounted health and beauty products? Stay on this page as we share the best bargain buys with you!

Buy 1 get 1 free picks from 14 – 20 October

1. REJOICE Perfume Shampoo Assorted (600ml)

Usual Price: $9.90
Now: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Rejoice has been around for years, and they have never failed to deliver products that smell good and work wonders on our tresses. Want lingering fragrance like you’ve just applied perfume on your hair? Try the Rejoice Perfume Collection, available in Peony, Luminous Rose, and Luscious White Strawberry.

2. FOLLOW ME Anti-bacterial Body Wash – Extra Cool / Natural Fresh (1000ml)

Usual Price: $7.90
Now: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

The pandemic has been with us for almost two years now. Kudos to all who’ve been keeping up with safe distancing measures and personal hygiene. Other than washing hands frequently with soap and water, you may want to add FOLLOW ME Anti-Bacterial Body Wash to your collection of tools to fight germs. Whether it’s the Extra Cool or Natural Fresh type, say goodbye to up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria with every wash.

3. SKIN BY GILLETTE Face Mask (5S)

Usual Price: $29.90
Now: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Gentlemen, this one’s for you. SKiN By Gillette is a premium skincare sub-brand designed for men. Using Korean skincare technology, the moisturising face mask contains vitamin B3 with cica to restore more youthful and healthy-looking skin. The top mask targets water-oil balance, while the bottom mask nourishes your potentially bumpy skin after shaving. A perfect combination mask to have!

4. NIVEA MEN Deep Clean Facial Foam (100g)

Usual Price: $7
Now: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Taking care of your skin is no longer exclusive to the ladies, it’s time for the dudes out there to pamper yourself as you impress the ladies. Before you hydrate with a face mask, thoroughly clean up the dirt from your face with the NIVEA MEN Deep Clean Facial Foam that promises 10x effects! Better still, it comes with vitamin E and aloe vera extract to prevent dry out from frequent washing.

5. LISTERINE Mouthwash Assorted (250ml)

Usual Price: $5.70
Now: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Do you know that brushing alone only cleans 25% of your mouth? That is why it’s recommended that we rinse twice daily for about 30 seconds to stop the germs from attacking our oral health. Thanks to Listerine’s extensive selection of mouthwashes, you will be able to find one that tackles your underlying oral issues. A healthy oral cavity definitely helps to build up your confidence!

Other juicy deals from 14 – 27 October

6. KIREI KIREI Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soap Assorted (250ml)

Usual Price: $7.80 for 2
Now: $5.95 for 2

The difference between liquid hand soap and creamy foam is that the latter can help reach hidden parts of your hands more effortlessly. This means that you will be effectively protected against germs with Kirei Kirei’s antibacterial and antiseptic ingredients. But not to worry about dryness as it’s gentle on the skin since it contains 100% cleansing ingredients from plants. This is a must have to keep your family safe and protected.

7. MOREMO Keratin Hair Colour Assorted

Usual Price: $37.80 for 2
Now: $26.35 for 2

MOREMO Keratin Hair Colour is a product of South Korea. It’s not your average hair dye because it promises a 3-step intensive hair dye process. Firstly, use the Keratin Hair Ampoule before colouring to protect your hair from damage. Secondly, apply the Keratin Colour evenly to your hair. Lastly, apply the Recovery Balm B as the final step to lock in all the goodness and watch your hair shine from the root after washing. Get higher colour radiance for your hair with less damage. Ladies and gentlemen out there who crave for a fun hair colour, this is a product not to be missed!

8. DOVE Foaming Body Wash Assorted (400ml)

Usual Price: $9.90
Now: $6.90

Powered by Japan’s skincare technology, Dove’s Foaming Body Wash contains 5x beauty essence and hydro-ceramides. It restores and locks in moisture, strengthens your skin’s protective barrier, and can soothe skin from sensitivity. Get them now and enjoy a luscious and indulging shower me-time.

9. L’OREAL PARIS Crystal Gel Cream (50ml)

Usual Price: $39.90
Now: $29.90

Put $10 savings right back into your pocket if you purchase the new L’OREAL PARIS Crystal Gel Cream from now till 27 October. After application, your skin will instantly feel fresh, moist, and smooth. Use it before your make-up routine so your beauty products can glide on effortlessly. Tested by an Asian skin expert, long-term use of the product promises less visible pores, limited oil production, and crystal-like skin.

10. BIO ESSENCE Bio-White Advanced Whitening Day / Night Cream (50g)

Usual Price: $59.80 for 2
Now: $37.95 for 2

We can’t deny our love for combination products because we know they’ve been tried and tested to bring out the best results for our skin. With this promotion, take this chance to bag home the whitening day and night cream as a set. It comes with Tanaka and camellia flower extract to give you a lovely natural rosiness, a lifesaver for any dull skin tone.

Are you all pumped up to shop at FairPrice Xtra’s Get Glowing from Within healthy & beauty products fair? We definitely are! Be sure to collect all of your free gifts and vouchers at their Customer Service Counter before you head home!

You can find out more participating brands available at FairPrice Xtra’s Health and Beauty Fair here. See you there!

Read More...

5 skincare gift sets under S$50 you can consider for the yearend season of giving

This year hasn’t been great for many of us, and the yearend celebrations would probably be slightly different. Amid the pandemic, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2021 organisers said on Thursday (Nov 5) that there will be no fireworks display at Marina Bay on New Year’s Eve. Oh well, it’s indeed better to be safe than sorry with the virus still lurking around.

But don’t be disheartened! We read that fireworks will still be available at various heartland locations islandwide. More details to come as we take a step closer to December. And talking about the yearend, let’s not forget to keep up with the spirit of giving. With everyone tightening their belts this year, we’ve put together five skincare gift sets under S$50 for your consideration.

Get them as a present for yourself or your loved ones!

#1: Clinique Merry Moisture

Clinique Merry Moisture

Price: S$19

We will roll with the most affordable option, Clinique Merry Moisture at just S$19. The set consists of a Moisture Surge™ 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator (1oz/30ml) and a Chubby Stick™ Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon (0.04oz/1.2g). The hydrator contains hyaluronic acid and aloe water to give skin the power to rehydrate itself. At the same time, the lip balm nourishes lips with vitamin E, mango, and shea butter.

#2: Innisfree Winter Glow Skin Set Holiday Edition

Winter Glow Skin Set Holiday Edition

Price: S$26

Next up on our list, we have the Winter Glow Skin Set Holiday Edition (70ml) from Innisfree. This skincare trio comprises of the Jeju Green Tea and Jeju Orchid essentials you need for moisturised glowing skin. The packaging is a collaboration with Steven Harrington, an LA-based artist and designer known for his cheerful and contemporary, psychedelic pop-aesthetics. Let Harrington’s signature quirky illustrations delight the festivities!

#3: Sephora Collection Wild Wishes Tropical Skincare Set (Limited Edition)

SEPHORA COLLECTION Wild Wishes Tropical Skincare Set

Price: S$26

With the same budget at S$26, you can also consider the Wild Wishes Tropical Skincare Set (Limited Edition) by Sephora. The selection of masks boasting a variety of different ingredients, textures, and benefits come in a limited-edition tropical design pouch. To be exact, you will get five types of masks, including a mud mask, grape face mask, pineapple nose mask, green clay mask, and an açaï smoothie mask.

#4: Origins Mask Merry Skincare Set (Limited Edition)

ORIGINS Mask Merry Skincare Set (Limited Edition)

Price: S$36

Similar to our previous listing, Mask Merry Skincare Set by Origins has five must-have masks. Original Skin™ gently exfoliates and refines pores while the Drink Up™ Overnight infuses skin with 72-hour hydration. The set also includes Dr Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Mushroom to soothe the look of visible redness. Lastly, the Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask detoxifies, and Charcoal Honey gently purifies pores and nourishes.

#5: Laneige Mini Sleeping Mask Set

LANEIGE Mini Sleeping Mask Set 25ml x 3

Price: S$46

To round up our list of skincare gift sets under S$50, we have the Laneige Mini Sleeping Mask Set at S$46. The collection includes the well-known Water Sleeping Mask (25ml), Lavender Water Sleeping Mask (25ml), and Cica Sleeping Mask (25ml). The overnight masks will restore your skin’s liveliness, giving you a well-rested appearance the next morning. Bring either one on your staycations or your upcoming yearend trip to Hong Kong!

May your upcoming Merry Christmas be filled with lots of love and laughter.

Read More...

5 Budget-Friendly Korean Beauty Tips

Korean beauty secrets focus on the rigorous steps that you need to follow on a daily basis. They invest their time and money on flawless skin to wear less makeup. Dewy skin with tinted lips is the way their go-to look!

#1: DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Much like the tip shared by a Parisian model, renowned Korean artist Song Ji-eun is zealous when it comes to drinking water. She drinks about three liters of water daily. She believes that the act of hydration will keep her skin looking radiant. She is right!

Drinking water is essential for your body. In some cases, it may even lighten your skin! Generally speaking, it keeps your skin from cracking or drying out.

#2: FOLLOW THE 10 STEPS

Most Korean skincare regimen involves 10 steps. It includes applying sheet masks, essences, serums, moisturizers, fermented products, and sunscreen. Cleansing and exfoliating are parts of the ritual too. I am going to focus on exfoliation.

Exfoliation not only cleans out clogged pores, but also removes dead skin cells. Doing so will brighten your skin. People with sensitive skin must exfoliate once a week. While, people with less sensitive skin shall exfoliate three times a week. Consider purchasing the Palmer’s Exfoliating Facial Scrub for S$15.90.

#3: MASSAGE YOUR OWN FACE

Many Koreans prefer showering with a warm to hot temperature setting. As an avid fan of facials, I learned that the steam opens up pores. It makes it easier to remove your blackheads and other imperfections. Fortunately for South Koreans, skin clinics are rampant in their area. So, how can we mimic this convenience?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Massage your face whenever you want to. Create circular motions with your fingers tapping your forehead, cheeks, and jaw. Massaging it can increase ciculation. It is believed that this can lead to a dewy complexion.

#4: USE A CHARCOAL FACE MASK

Buying sheet masks in South Korea is synonymous to purchasing rice in Singapore. It is a necessity! What face mask ingredient is all the rage? Well, charcoal is popular these days. Charcoal dries out your face to detoxify it from excess oils. Furthermore, it exfoliates the face to wash out other impurities. Let it sit on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.

A popular Korean brand for face sheet masks is MEDIHEAL. Its black charcoal mask retails for S$8.90 at Watsons.

#5: WEAR A TINTED LIP COLOR

Korean women prefer wearing lip tints for its many advantages. Firstly, it stays put throughout the day. You can eat two slices of pizza and still have stained lips! Secondly, brands incorporate different natural products such as plant extracts and essential oils. Lastly, it is perfect for the low-maintenance or no-makeup look.

Image Credits: Hanbyul❤ via Flickr Creative Commons

Korea’s innisfree carries a variety of lip tints including the Eco Flower tint for S$10. It has balsam, calendula, rose, azaleas and camellia extracts make your lips look fresh and beautiful.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Budget-Friendly Skin Care Tips That Experts Recommend

Dreaming of fresh, glowing, and youthful skin without the need to spend hundreds of dollars on expert services?

Skip fancy skin treatments by rejuvenating your skin with five simple skin care tips that beauty professionals do themselves.

1. BE GENTLE

Regular shaving and cleansing can damage your skin so lower its intensity by avoiding strong soaps and by shaving cautiously. Strongly formulated soaps can remove oil from your skin. So, use mild cleansers especially with your face.

Shaving cautiously entails protecting your skin by adding another layer of lotion, shaving cream, or gel before shaving. Also, you must shave in the direction of your hair growth and not against it.

2. STAY PROTECTED

Dermatologist Lisa Garner, the former president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, often fills her palm with about half a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover her face, ears, and neck. To keep your skin youthful, stay protected by using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.

Image Credits: instagram.com/p/31AA7yD6vf via @agoncilloanna

Image Credits: instagram.com via @agoncilloanna

Reapply every two hours particularly if you are perspiring or swimming.

3. FRESHEN UP

Consisting of 95% water, it comes as no surprise that cucumbers help freshen and moisturize the skin. Also, cucumber pulp can help improve your skin’s complexion especially if you have redness or irritation.

Just place at least two cucumber slices in a plastic bag and let it freeze in the fridge overnight. Remove it from the fridge the next morning and place two slices in your eyes for 10 minutes. Guaranteed instant freshness and less puffy eyes is in store!

4. QUIT SMOKING

One of the best ways to protect your skin is to quit smoking. According to research, smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, which diminishes the blood flow. This exhausts the skin’s supply of oxygen and nutrients leading to “older-looking skin” and more wrinkles. Furthermore, smoking damages the elastin and collagen – important fibers to give your skin elasticity and strength.

5. SOOTHE IRRITATION

Dermatologist Jeanine Downie shares that frozen peas can help soothe irritated and itchy eyes. Simply put the bag of frozen peas on your eyelids for about five minutes.

The coldness of these veggies can help reduce the swelling. Compared with ice packs, frozen peas easily follows the shape of your eyes and leads to a quicker relaxing effect.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...