Having healthy looking skin is everybody's dream, but not everyone has flawless skin. Balanced diet and lifestyle, sufficient sleep and the use of right skincare products play a part in achieving healthy looking skin.
Everyone's skin condition is different and will have different product needs. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from Aesthetic professional to assess our skin problems and prescribed the right products for us.
I was thrilled to begin my IDS journey with Innovative Dermatological Solutions (IDS) because I have heard lots of good reviews from social media platforms and was excited to try it for myself.
I made my first visit to IDS located at International Building (Orchard) which is their flagship store. They have another outlet at Novena Specialist Center. Upon registration, I had to submit a online health declaration form and a hardcopy form to fill up my particular for first time visit.
Established since 2014, IDS Clinic offers offer innovative and effective treatments, and products from IDS Skincare that are designed to address the most common skin problems such as acne, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation and therapeutics.
I was being brought to a room for consultation with Dr Michelle Wong. After assessing my skin's condition, Dr Michelle pointed out my skin's problems that I am facing which includes combination skin (oily skin around T-zome), clogged pores and acne. She has customised a set of skincare products and the product application sequence targeting at my skin's problems.
After the consultation, I was led to another room where one of the staff assigned to me, Mary, who explained in more details about each product that I will be using and letting me try out the texture of the products.
Next was to wait for my name to be called to collect the products at dispensary counter and good to go after that.
I received a customised IDS skincare set targeting at my skin problems. There are the skincare products that I use daily. The only difference between day and night regime is the exclusion of (S2) Non-tinted Sunscreen in the night regime.
Skincare products that I use weekly.
Let me share with you my skincare regime and the 8 products in details.
Step 1: Cleanse with (C1) Refreshing Cleanser
C1 Refreshing Cleanser is suitable for normal to oily/blemish-prone skin. It contains botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.
The cleanser has a gel texture that lather well into soft foam when massage on our skin, it also has a light orangy scent. I like how it makes my skin feel clean, soft and refreshing after the wash. It supports skin cell regeneration with the deep cleansing, but did not strip away the skin’s natural protective layer.
Step 2: Exfoliate with (FS) Facial Scrub (use twice a week)
I have to admit that I have often neglected this step in the past. This is actually a very important step to exfoliate the dead skin from the surface to unveil new skin cells. With the dead skin cell remained at the surface area of our skin, no matter how good the skincare product is, it will not get easily absorbed into the skin. This product is ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin.
The facial scrub contains ultra-fine crystals that are not too harsh on skin. It helps in clearing out impurities and regulating sebum production. With the removal of dead skin, our skin become smoother and brighter.
The facial scrub is very gentle that it can be use daily, but I use it only twice a week.
Step 3: Rejuvenate with (PM) Probiotic Mask (use once a week)
The mineral-rich mask is designed specifically for oily and problematic skin. Just apply a moderate layer after cleansing and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes.
I only know that probiotics are commonly found in food such as yogurt, pickles, kimchi and some cheese, but this is the first time I am using a product with probiotics. The probiotics is in the form of Lactobacillus ferment, which aids in reducing blemish size and inflammation.
After using the mask, I noticed that my skin become softer and instantly looked dewy. It also helped to unclog the dirt in pores and clean away the excess oil.
Step 4: Tone with (T1) Refreshing Toner
I am using T1 Refreshing Toner which is suitable for normal to oily/blemish-prone skin. I typically spray the toner mist on my face and neck, then pat until it is dry. Alternatively, you can also spray onto cotton pad and gently wipe all over the face.
The toner is cooling and comforting when sprayed on skin, it is effective in soothing my skin and balancing sebum production. It also helps to unclog the pores, leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Step 5: Clear with (PF) Pore Formula
This is a wonder product if you have large pores, visible blackheads and whiteheads. Dr Wong has suggested me to apply thinly around T-zone, forehead and chin area, do not apply too much as it might cause breakout. It contains flower extracts which speed up wound healing, reduce sebum production and control inflammation. This product is suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin.
I am always bothered by my visible enlarged pores and my T-zone tends to get oily easily, I get start to feel the greasiness by noon. This product really works, it regulates the sebum production, reduce the blackheads and whiteheads, making my skin looks cleaner. The product has a very unusual scent that may not be to everyone's liking.
Step 6: Treat with Serum (C+) C-Plus
This award winning serum is suitable for all skin types. It is formulated with Vitamin C which contains antioxidant, stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, anti-acne and achieves skin brightening.
The watery texture of the serum was lightweight and fast absorbed into skin. It has lightened up my acne marks, making the angry red spots looked visually smaller. My skin also looked more glowing after the application.
Step 7: Moisturize with (OM) Oil-Free Moisturizer
The moisturizer is oil-free which allows our skin to absorb the hydration without greasiness, suitable for oily or blemish-prone skin. It is enriched with Vitamin C, E and a gentle Vitamin A derivative that helps in clearing up complexion, minimizing sebum production and lightening blemish marks.
I always prefer moisturizer that comes in a pump dispenser so that it eliminated contamination from external contact with the product. The texture of the moisturizer did not feel heavy and absorbed into skin within seconds. The lightweight gel moisturizer has deeply hydrated my skin, making my skin looked dewy and glow with radiance after using it.
Step 8: Protect with (S2) Non-Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++
Sunscreen is one of the important step in skincare which many people neglect nowadays. Even with our mask on, we still need to put on sunscreen when we head out so that we are protected from the harmful UV radiation and radicals from pollution.
With SPF 50 PA++, the sunscreen gives a high coverage against the harmful pollutants, minimizes the risk of prematured aging and other skin problems. Not only that, the sunscreen also has moisturising effect.
I have definitely seen improvement in my skin with just a week of using. Thank you IDS for treating my skin problems and giving me more confidence in showing my bare face.
My thinking has changed over the years. I would rely more on makeup products to cover up my flaws when I was younger, but now I would rather rely on more skincare products and wear lesser layers of makeup. Every step of skincare regime is important as they act on different functions of our skin. I will be sharing with you on my progress in my next IDS blogpost.
You can visit www.idsskincare.com for more about their products or www.idsclinic.com if you wish to have any teleconsultation service with IDS Clinic!
This post is a collaboration with Studio 155 and IDS Skincare, expressed in my own opinion.
