Long gone are the days when facials were the same song and dance: slather some stuff, brave through extractions and you emerge feeling like a new woman. These days, they’ve merged with cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements that may seem very lab rat-like, but the truth is, that coveted lit-from-within look doesn’t come from just slathering a few serums on your face. You gotta throw in some lasers and stem cell in the mix. Here are some of the facials you should try, stat:
Stem Cell Facial at La Clinic
A three-step facial, this Stem Cell Facial at La Clinic in Paragon Medical Centre for those seeking younger-looking and healthier skin (aren’t we all?) with reduced fine lines and wrinkles, plus smoother and more radiant skin. Using stem cell serum obtained from a biotechnology company in Singapore that uses a patented source of stem cells from the umbilical cord lining, the procedure does not involve any actual stem cells. Instead, the serum contains very high concentrations of growth factors and proteins for the repair and rejuvenation of the cells of the skin.
According to Dr Rachel Ho, “Fractional CO2 laser is first performed at a very gentle and precise setting to create very fine, tiny microchannels in the skin. This laser then kickstarts the skin repair and rejuvenation in the dermis of the skin.” Next, the the stem cell serum is applied to the skin before you go through a recovery mask and LED light. The result — youthful, glowy skin that makes you look like you’ve stepped out of a time machine.
290 Orchard Road, #08-01/02 Paragon Medical Centre, Tel: 6235 4040, www.laclinic.com.sg
Ultraformer 3 HIFU Facial at Sozo Aesthetic Clinic
If you have large pores or sagging skin, you’ll fall in love with Sozo Clinic’s Ultraformer 3 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment to stimulate collagen production that also doubles up as a targeted solution for those who want jawline sculpting or even double chin reduction.
It’s a fairly comfortable procedure that requires a numbing cream, your skin may appear slightly pinkish after the procedure but it should settle within the hour, but you might experience a dull ache around your jawline for three to five days.
1 Raffles Place, #05-12/13, Tel: 935 1811, www.sozoclinic.sg
S.T.A.R At Epion Clinic
A HydraFacial is performed somewhere in the world every 15 seconds, and if you’re one of the last human beings on earth who doesn’t know what a HydraFacial is, it’s a medical-grade hydradermabrasion device that carries out a patented three-part regimen — cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing skin with intensive serums. Instead of blasting the skin with grit as traditional dermabrasion does, this is a gentler approach, vacuuming out all the gunk from your pores while simultaneously pushing in potent actives, which moisturise, brighten, plump, and protect. The best part is, it works for everybody, from teenagers with acne; adults with pimples, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation; and even for older patients with sun damage and even flaky pre-cancerous spots (as part of more serious treatments. Epion Clinic takes Hydrafacials one step further with their signature STAR facial, a skin tightening, aquadermabrasion & rehydration facial that combines the exfoliating and hydrating benefits of the Hydrafacial MD with the FDA-approved Sciton Skintyte 2 followed by a 24k Gold revitalising mask.
While the HydraFacial portion of the facial happens like it does in every other clinic, what sets theirs apart is what happens after. Using second-generation infrared light technology, Sciton Skintyte 2 makes your cheeks, jowl and jawline look remarkably more lifted, and gives you that much-coveted V-shaped face and a more youthful and slimmer appearance minus pain or downtime. To achieve this, the Sciton Skintyte 2 heats the dermis to increase collagen and elastin production, making your skin firmer and tighter. Unlike Botox and fillers, this is non-invasive and offers additional hydrating benefits. Finally, a 24K Gold revitalising mask is applied to seal in the renewed radiance and suppleness.
Sciton Skintyte 2 can also be used on firming and lifting skin on the neck area which often shows signs of ageing first but is hard to treat. It can even be used on the body to help tighten sagging skin after dramatic weight loss or pregnancy.
145 Tanglin Rd, Tel: 6732 2122; www.epionclinic.com
