Aesthetic Guides

The modern age is a sprawling wonderland of beauty innovations. With hordes of beauty creams, facials and devices on the market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, wondering, “But which one truly lives up to its promises? Which one is suited to my particular needs?” To minimize the confusion around your beauty treatment options, we’ve compiled a list of the best high-tech facials, their benefits, and where exactly they are available in Singapore. While facials aren’t essential to skin health, they certainly kick your regimen up a few (okay, more like several) notches – and with Christmas swiftly approaching, we think you deserve a treat.

1. Oxygen Facials

Is it right for me? That depends – how much do you want nourished, glowing skin? Out of all the oxygen facial’s many positive reviews, it is by far the after-glimmer and glow that is the most reiterated. After treatment, many report of younger-looking skin that looks hydrated and perfectly moisturized. Those with dry or dull skin will benefit most from this oxygen goodness.

How does it work? A machine or handheld wand sprays pure, highly-concentrated oxygen right into the outer layer of the skin. This is nourishing for the skin on many levels – not only is this oxygen pumped with minerals and vitamins, but it also replenishes declining oxygen levels in the skin. These declining oxygen levels are one of the few contributions to fine lines and wrinkles.

Any notable fans? Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Jessica Biel, Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian.

Where is this available in Singapore? J Studios – their oxygen facial was voted the Best Facial Treatment for the Beauty Insider Spa & Salon Awards 2018.

2. LED Light Therapy

Is it right for me? The core abilities of light therapy lie in diminishing signs of aging and easing hyperpigmentation. However, it has a range of additional benefits that vary with the wavelength of light emitted and thus the color you see. From collagen production to acne-reduction, this skin treatment has it all – it all lies in the color spectrum.

How does it work? A mask or light panel is placed at a safe distance from the face and emits colored light. Different colors and wavelengths allow for a different level of penetration in the skin. While many colors are available, red and blue are the most common. Red is popular for its ability to stimulate collagen production and speed up the skin’s healing process, while blue remains a tried-and-true favorite for its ability to kill acne-causing bacteria. It seems too simple to be true – but there’s a good reason LED Light Therapy continues to wow beauty-enthusiasts! The results speak for themselves.

Any notable fans? Jessica Alba, Kourtney Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Chrissy Teigen.

Where is this available in Singapore? The Esthe Clinic.

3. Microcurrents

Is it right for me? We can’t help that gravity causes our facial muscles to droop over time – but we can take the appropriate steps to lift them again to their once-sculpted state. If you’ve been feeling like you need that extra lift and vitality, microcurrents may be the answer. Its abilities to tone and tighten the facial muscles are unrivalled except by more invasive options — there is a reason it has earned its reputation as a natural face-lift and a needle-free Botox.

How does it work? Two handheld metal nodes send zings of electricity into the skin, triggering collagen and elastin production. This bump of electricity also helps to re-educate weakened, drooping facial muscles so they appear more lifted and perked. And if you’re anxious to know about the pain element of this – don’t worry! As the name ‘microcurrent’ would suggest, these are low-level currents that are safe for the body so discomfort is rare.

Any notable fans? Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Williams, Kate Winslet.

Where is this available in Singapore? For maximized benefits, we highly recommend home microcurrent treatment. With your own Lebody Face device, beauty becomes a lifestyle and not just a one-time indulgence. However, if you’re looking for a microcurrent taster, the St. Gregory Spa at the Pan Pacific offers on-site treatment.

4. Microneedling

Is it right for me? If you’ve always been insecure about the finer details of your face – fine lines, acne scarring, minor wounds – then microneedling may be what you’re looking for. Treatment has been known to assist the healing of acne scars and to diminish signs of aging. On top of all this, cell regeneration leaves the skin looking firm, plump and revitalized.

How does it work? A roller with tiny, shallow needles leaves small pricks across the skin. These small pricks are too small to leave any lasting effect – they are considered “micro injuries” and their sole purpose is to drive the skin into repair mode so that collagen production is enhanced. It also stimulates further healing on existing scars.

Any notable fans? Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Naomi Watts, Kim Kardashian.

Where is this available in Singapore? The Cecilia Westberry Beauty Spa