In Singapore\u2019s hot and humid climate, avoiding the sun is almost impossible \u2013 and according to Dr Kelvin Chua, founder of SkinLab The Medical Spa (SkinLab), the effects can show up on the skin in more ways than one.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven with umbrellas, hats and sunscreen, prolonged ultraviolet exposure can lead to sun spots. The humidity can also clog pores and make them appear enlarged. For those with sensitive skin, conditions like rosacea may flare up,\u201d he explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n
These are among the most common concerns reported by individuals seeking treatment at SkinLab. Yet while many turn to skincare and routine facials for a quick fix, they may not always be enough to address issues that lie beneath the surface, says Ms Yeon Soo, senior skin consultant at SkinLab.<\/p>\n
\u201cA traditional facial is like a \u2018surface refresh\u2019. It\u2019s wonderful for relaxation, deep cleansing and hydration. However, it can\u2019t change things deep under the skin,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to Ms Yeon, light-based treatments provide a more targeted option for specific concerns. \u201cThey go into the deeper layers to physically break down sunspots, shrink blood vessels and stimulate new collagen production,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
She breaks down the two common types \u2013 laser and IPL \u2013 in simple terms: \u201cA laser uses a single, focused beam of light, like a spotlight, for very specific problems. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of light, like a camera flash, to treat multiple concerns like redness and brown spots at once.\u201d<\/p>\n
She adds: \u201cThink of these treatments as \u2018smart energy\u2019 for your face. A cream or serum sits on top of your skin and primarily reaches the upper epidermis. Conditions such as pigmentation and rosacea may require treatments that can reach deeper below the surface.\u201d<\/p>\n
In light-based treatments, the light is attracted to \u201ctargets\u201d such as dark pigment or redness, says Ms Yeon. \u201cWhen the light hits these targets, it turns into gentle heat, breaking down the imperfections and telling your skin to start its natural healing and renewal process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Light-based treatments today may also integrate multiple technologies into one session, with some quick enough to fit into a lunch break.<\/p>\n
One example is the Stellar M22<\/u><\/span><\/a>, a non-invasive treatment offered by SkinLab. It combines IPL and laser technology in one machine to tackle tone, texture and redness.\u00a0<\/p>\n Each Stellar M22 treatment begins with a personalised consultation, where the therapist assesses your skin type, sun exposure history, goals and sensitivity levels before selecting suitable settings.<\/p>\n PHOTO: SKINLAB THE MEDICAL SPA<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Says Ms Yeon: \u201cThe Stellar M22 is suitable for those with sun damage, such as pigmentation and sunspots; uneven skin tone, including redness and broken capillaries; or early signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. It can also revitalise dull, tired-looking skin and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and acne scars.\u201d<\/p>\n The machine uses different filters and settings, which are adjusted by SkinLab\u2019s therapists to target different depths and colours in the skin.<\/p>\n As Ms Yeon explains, dark melanin is absorbed by the light energy, which breaks pigment into tiny particles that are gradually cleared by the body. The light energy can also be adjusted to only \u201csee\u201d red. It then heats up tiny red blood vessels that show up as redness under the skin, causing them to shrink and fade away.\u00a0<\/p>\n A broader setting may be used on dull-looking skin to gently heat the whole surface, which \u201cwakes up\u201d the collagen, she says. \u201cBy clearing these \u2018distractions\u2019, your natural, even skin tone shines through.\u201d<\/p>\n The settings are determined only after a consultation to understand the individual\u2019s skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure history, products used, skin goals and sensitivity levels, she adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n Each Stellar M22 treatment at SkinLab lasts 60 minutes. Following the consultation, skin is double cleansed and toned with acupressure. Facial hair may also be shaved if necessary.<\/p>\n The Stellar M22 Laser IPL is then carried out, which most people find very tolerable, notes Ms Yeon. This is because the device has a built-in cooling tip called CoolScan that remains cold against the skin for comfort.<\/p>\n After this, a customised mask is applied, followed by sunblock or moisturiser.<\/p>\n The Stellar M22 treatment combines IPL and laser in one session to target concerns such as pigmentation, redness, uneven tone and enlarged pores.<\/p>\n PHOTO: SKINLAB THE MEDICAL SPA<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Downtime is minimal, though some may experience mild redness, similar to a minor sunburn, or slight swelling that lasts for a few hours to a day. This can usually be covered with make-up before the individual heads back to work or a social event, says Ms Yeon.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a non-invasive option for busy professionals who want to seek treatment without having to hide away at home to recover.\u201d<\/p>\n Most notice an initial glow and skin that feels smoother. Darker spots may also appear like \u201ccoffee grounds\u201d for a few days before flaking off, which is all part of the healing, she adds.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll notice your skin tone looking more even as the targeted pigment begins to fade,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n During this recovery period, Ms Yeon advises to keep skin hydrated with a gentle moisturiser and protect it with a high-SPF sunscreen daily.<\/p>\n \u201cYour skin may be more sensitive after treatment, so you must shield it from the sun to prevent new spots from forming.\u201d<\/p>\n A series of three to five sessions, spaced about a month apart, is usually recommended by SkinLab\u2019s therapists for optimal results.<\/p>\n Says Ms Yeon: \u201cThink of your skincare routine as daily maintenance and light-based treatments as a deep overhaul. By clearing the deep-seated pigment and refining the skin texture with Stellar M22, your daily skincare products can actually penetrate better and work more effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information, visit SkinLab<\/u><\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>
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