Ask the Expert: Top 3 skincare mistakes to avoid and beauty steps to take to prevent signs of ageing
Skinscape's founder and aesthetics doctor Dr Harvey shares exclusive anti-ageing tips, his top beauty no-nos and how to maintain great skin.
It is not often we encounter an aesthetics doctor who delves deep into the patient's external and internal psyche simultaneously. Skinscape’s Dr Harvey believes in taking a holistic approach with a special emphasis on self-care and mindfulness. His clinic at Asia Square Tower is meticulously designed to provide a contemplative wellness experience for his patients, complete with an aura machine. Yahoo Life Singapore took the opportunity to grill him on how we can counteract the inevitable signs of ageing, his absolute no-no when it comes to our skincare regimen, and of course exclusive beauty tips for you dear Yahoo readers. And because we know you want to look your absolute best for the Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year period, Yahoo also got busy sourcing the most suitable beauty products for you on top of your next doctor's visit. It's time to get serious about our skincare.
Yahoo Life Singapore: How do we prevent skin sagging and other signs of ageing as we age?
Dr. Harvey: Good lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest combined with medical aesthetic treatments properly done such as Botox to reduce wrinkles, fillers to compensate for volume loss, Ultherapy to tighten skin, and Profhilo to improve skin quality will ensure that one ages gracefully.
READ:
Top 6 bestselling beauty gadgets on sale at CurrentBody
Best new beauty products in Singapore you need to try right now
Plagued by acne and dark spots? Kiehl's addresses top skincare concerns in Singapore
Please share your top 3 beauty faux-pas and what we should be doing instead
Beauty faux-pas 1: Overuse of exfoliating acids
At Skinscape Clinic, I commonly see patients who overuse exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA, etc), especially by layering acids incorrectly. This increases skin sensitivity and exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions. The layering of acids, even those labeled as suitable for “daily use”, should only be done with the advice of doctors.
Beauty faux-pas 2: Not applying sunscreen on eyelids
The eyelid is one of the most commonly neglected areas when it comes to sunscreen application. It’s important to apply sunscreen to eyelids, being more delicate, they are very susceptible to sun damage. Sunscreen can help delay the formation of wrinkles, crepey or droopy eyelids, and darkening of the periorbital region.
Supergoop Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 PA+++, 15ml
Get it now at S$65 before Sephora sale
Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist
iUNIK, Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen, SPF 50+ PA++++, 60 ml
Cetaphil, Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen, SPF 50, 1.7 fl oz (50 ml)
Eyelids are also harder to treat than other parts of the face, so it is best to provide proper sun protection before treatment becomes necessary. I would recommend using SPF-infused eye products that are suitable for delicate eye areas.
Pixi Beauty, Retinol Eye Cream, Smoothing Eye Cream, 0.8 fl oz (25 ml)
Mizon, Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream, 0.84 oz (25 ml)
Yeouth, Retinol Eye Cream, 1 fl oz (30 ml)
Beauty faux-pas 3: Trying every single TikTok skincare trend
TikTok is extremely persuasive, however, not every viral skincare trend is suitable for your skin. The best way to navigate the never-ending wave of skincare trends is to consult a doctor to determine which routine or product is most suitable for your skin condition or concern. Changing your skincare routine too often will not allow the products to produce tangible benefits for your skin and may even cause skin sensitivity. A good rule of thumb would be to follow through on a routine for four to six weeks before judging its effectiveness, this is especially true for routines targeting acne or pigmentation.
What are 3 non-negotiable beauty tips everyone should do to maintain good skin?
Maintaining a healthy diet, getting sufficient sleep and hydration, and doing activities to reduce stress, such as meditation and yoga are my top three beauty tips. The skin benefits you get from good lifestyle habits outweigh those of expensive skincare products.
READ:
Podcaster Stephanie Bovis shares how she 'crawls out of the hole and into the light'
Yoga instructor Roxanne Gan shares how yoga grounds her & what it can do for you
Learn how you can be slim, calm and sexy through yoga like Tara Stiles
About Dr Harvey
Dr Harvey takes a holistic approach with each patient and believes that the best skin health is achievable only when there is a simultaneous focus on inner wellness. Dr Harvey designed the clinic to provide a meticulous and contemplative wellness experience that reinforces self-care and mindfulness. He believes that external appearance and internal health are intricately linked.
As an aesthetic doctor who practices integrative and functional medicine, his suite of remedial options ranges from facial injectables to non-surgical body contouring to evidence-based weight loss. Dr Harvey enjoys educating his patients about his approach and building long-term relationships which allows him to fine-tune treatment strategies over time. His ideal patient shares his philosophy that facial aesthetics when integrated with mindfulness and a healthy lifestyle will result in the best version of oneself.
· M.B.B.S. (Singapore)
· PG Dip Clinical Dermatology (Queen Mary)
· Dip IB Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)
· American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine Certified Member
Skincape is located at 8 Marina View, #02-07 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960. Book an appointment here.
READ:
How to achieve healthy, glowing skin: Tips from Ensoul Medical Director
The best skin care tips and treatments for 20s, 30s, 40s to 50s and beyond
2023 beauty trends & skincare treatments for that natural radiant glow
This Japanese beauty brand is the answer to a fuss-free skincare routine for him and her
Japan’s No. 1 bestselling skincare Elixir is finally in Singapore and on Lazada
