Tropical UV levels can remain high throughout the year, while sand and water can reflect UV rays. And don’t judge your exposure by how hot it feels. “UV exposure occurs even on overcast days and in cooler weather,” says Dr Rachel Ho, aesthetic doctor and medical director of The Skin Longevity Clinic.
The changing science has also prompted some aesthetic doctors to rethink their approach to patient care. One of them is Dr Rachel Ho, who left her established aesthetic practice to open Skin Longevity Clinic, one of Singapore’s first clinics dedicated entirely to the concept of skin longevity, in May.
SINGAPORE – For close to a year, 37-year-old Chiarina Mapa has been experimenting with PDRN skincare. Once a week, the chemist applies a skin-tingling serum that makes little cuts on her skin, preparing it for the absorption of ginseng DNA in the product.
Take it from us at ELLE Singapore—finding the crème de la crème in beauty is no easy feat. Fortunately, the team, alongside an esteemed panel of beauty insiders and experts, have meticulously prepped, primed, and treated our faces, bodies, and hair from top to toe to find the best in class. Celebrating beauty at its peak, here are the 80 winners, from serums and creams to makeup and fragrances, that will captivate your senses and win your hearts, just as they have won ours.
The fascination is not with the usual broadening of the cheeks caused by weight gain, but the curious appearance of a bigger head, predominantly observed in male celebrities. Singapore aesthetic doctor Rachel Ho says she has had more mature male clients complain of the same bloating, and local writer Don Shiau has observed it in himself, friends and public figures alike. But does a skull actually grow with age? The short answer is no, though it might appear to. Says Dr Ho: “The adult human skull does not grow larger once skeletal maturity is reached, typically in one’s early 20s, as the cranial sutures have fused. “However, the facial skeleton changes shape and dimension due to bone remodelling. The overlying skin, fat, muscle and ligaments also change, which can alter how broad or heavy the head and face appear in photographs.”
Before we delve into the veracity of these claims, we first need to understand what exactly lymph nodes are. Dr Rachel Ho, medical director at La Clinic, says lymph nodes are clustered in the neck, armpits and groin. They are part of our body’s lymphatic system, which serves a critical role in both immune function and the drainage of surplus extracellular fluid. “Lymph nodes are immune organs whose functions can influence skin appearance,” she shares. “The lymphatic system clears excess interstitial fluid. When this system is compromised, fluid accumulates, leading to swelling, which may present as swollen faces and under eye swelling. “The lymphatic system also removes toxins, cellular debris and defends against infections. This immune function and removal of waste can support overall skin health, resilience against infections and environmental stressors,” she adds.
Historically, these benefits were only accessible through in-clinic PDRN treatments, most commonly via injectable skinboosters. “PDRN is injected directly into the dermis to initiate its regenerative and reparative benefits through several pathways,” explains Dr Rachel Ho, a local aesthetic doctor. “The injections can improve skin quality and stimulate collagen production in the dermis, which in turn enhances texture, firmness, fine lines, pores, and scars,” she continues. The results are evident, says Singapore-based beauty enthusiast Sabrina Marican, who underwent an injectable PDRN skinbooster earlier this year. “After the treatment, my scars are lighter, and my skin—which is naturally dry—feels noticeably bouncier,” she shares.
As on Instagram, healthcare professionals are also present on TikTok. Dr. Dray, a specialist in dermatology, accumulates over 2 million views on his content. In second place, Dr. Adel, also a dermatologist, generates over 238,000 views. Aesthetic physician Dr Rachel Ho has over 10,400 views.
Too much of a good thing can oft be a bad thing when it comes to certain aspects of skincare. Aesthetic doctor Rachel Ho gives the lowdown on the most disastrous ingredient combinations to avoid—and the optimal ones to incorporate into your routine
