It can be argued that the myriad of advancements in technology is a double-edged sword. With heightened convenience and efficacy comes job displacements brought about by the advent of A.I. tech; ethical concerns surrounding online privacy; and even a dehumanisation of certain services and interactions. And while the relationship between tech and the beauty realm proves to be just as layered and complex, there is something to be said about the innovations, devices, treatments, and that have emerged within the realm as of late. From full-body muscle relaxation utilising specific colour waves to decadent scalp spas, it is safe to say that 2024 is brimming with promise when it comes to massages, facial treatments, and the like.
Bearing this in mind, Vogue Singapore‘s editorial team ventured out into the beauty scene to review the best procedures designed to address a variety of concerns. This month, it’s all about skin and aesthetic treatments. First up, an indulgent 90-minute Swissline facial at Oasia Spa that taps on one lauded face massage, with the prospect of instant lifting and brightening. Beyond it being a miracle session, it’s 90 minutes of bliss and respite all in one—soothing away any tension or stress from the body. To target acne scars efficiently, we also looked to a PicoSure Pro laser treatment at The Artisan Clinic as well as an injectable, Plinest at Dr Kevin Chua Medical & Aesthetics. The former, a surefire and quick way to resolve dark spots and scarring, whilst the latter yields other benefits like skin tightening and collagen boosting, beyond smoothing the skin surface area.
Below, peruse the best beauty treatments and more to try in Singapore, as recommended by Vogue Singapore’s beauty desk.
1 / 3
Swissline’s innovative Signature Face Sculpting treatment, 90 minutes $300++ at Oasia Spa
Who it’s catered for: Dull, sagging skin.
Vogue’s review: A massage that could result in instant lifting effects? I walked in feeling sceptical to what this face sculpting treatment could yield. Housed in the relaxing premises of Oasia Spa, this special facial taps on Swissline’s advanced formulas, accentuated by one signature massage, conceived by Anna Tsankova exclusively for the skincare line, who happens to be the World Face Massage Champion in 2023. Like many others in Oasia Spa, my therapist was trained to execute the massage. She began with a thorough cleanse with the Cell Shock Age Intelligence Skin Friendly Cleanser and Antioxidant Water to prep my skin. After which, a treatment enzyme solution to break down sebum and impurities, sealed in with gauze.
To brighten and reduce pigmentation, she followed up with a Cell Shock Lifting Cure Ampoule. Leaving that to penetrate, the miracle-working massage in tandem with the line’s Botanical Massage Cream. Rhythmic and relaxing, every stroke was targeted to lift the skin and stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation. To illustrate its efficacy, she first did it one side—over the face and neck—as I witnessed the impressive difference, before and after. Once that was done, she laid a cooling Super Collagen Mask while proceeding to massage my hands.
To end off, more Swissline products were implemented. From the under-eye area to moisturising my face, my skin was visibly plump, brighter and lifted after the session.
23 Bch Vw Rd, #01-03 Palawan Ridge, 098679
Tel: 6818 3388
2 / 3
PicoSure Pro by Cynosure, 20 minutes for $550-$800 at The Artisan Clinic
Who it’s catered for: Anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation, melasma, or acne scarring.
Vogue’s review: First things first, the PicoSure Pro laser treatment by Cynosure at The Artisan Clinic is a no-frills treatment that promises the one thing you actually want: results. To start, a consultation with one of the in-house aesthetic doctors is a must—for them to suggest an appropriate treatment plan and decide if the picosecond laser is suitable for you. My own pain points have always been the build-up of acne spots and pigmentation, to which the administered 755nm FDA-approved picosecond laser proved its might in countering.
Post-application of a numbing cream, the actual treatment itself is a quick and effective process that is completed within all of 10 minutes. Meant to photothermally target the melanin chromophore, an undeniable plus point of the PicoSurePro is its non-ablative approach, which not only protects the surrounding skin tissue, but allows the skin to work from the inside-out. Which means all the good stuff; think induced collagen production, increased elasticity and natural skin healing. During the treatment, the laser device offers customisable settings for pulse durations, spot sizes, fluency and repetition rate—that will be determined by your consulting doctor—to target pigmented lesions appropriately and lighten the area. Whilst the time under doesn’t feel long, one should go in expecting to experience a succession of quick sparks or zaps that may tingle slightly, even with the numbing cream. But don’t fret; after a soothing and calming mask is applied, you can be well on your way to your next appointment in no time, with minimal redness for the day, as long as you stay out of the sun. But the real reason the PicoSure Pro is a surefire winner in my heart? With just a single session, I’ve found that most of the visible dark spots and acne scars that usually populate around my cheeks have diminished, and my complexion has been enjoying a youthful radiance that has me feeling like a newborn.
435 Orchard Road, #20-03 Wisma Atria Office Tower, Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 8879 7887
3 / 3
Plinest, 10 minutes for $650-$900 at Dr Kevin Chua Medical & Aesthetics
Who it’s catered for: Those with ageing or blemished skin.
Vogue’s review: Like most injectables, Plinest, is used to aid in skin tightening, rejuvenation and remodelling. A DNA fragment extracted from Italian trout fish, this material is applied in this treatment to stimulate collagen and elastin. After a detailed consultation with Dr. Kevin Chua of his namesake clinic, we identified my concerns surrounding acne scars and uneven skin surface. While Plinest can be used to treat ageing skin that includes fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, the treatment was executed specifically around my areas with scars from previous blemishes.
Rather than just injecting a needle underneath the surface to target the scar tissue, Plinest allows for more wiggle room within to soften the area underneath via a cannula, which is a blunt needle. After 30 minutes of numbing cream marination, the procedure soon begun. There was a minor sharp sensation at the beginning, however what was left was only plenty of tugging as Chua continually pushed the needle inwards and around, beneath my acne scars—as a way to lay down the material and break down the scar tissue. In my case, Plinest and Plinest Fast (its watery iteration) were both used, with the latter for the area underneath my under-eyes.
Multiple incisions were made during the entire procedure, but under Chua’s deft hands and his decision to add a bit of local anaesthetic with Plinest, there was minor discomfort and pain throughout. Downtime wise, mild bruising appeared the day after but subsided after two days. To reap the best effects of Plinest, three sessions are recommended. However after just one session, there was visible improvement to my skin texture, particularly around my acne scars.
360 Orchard Rd, #03-05 International Building, Singapore 238869
Tel: 6694 6700
