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 painless extractions, it is safe to say that 2023 is brimming with promise when it comes to full-body massages, facials, and the like. Bearing this in mind, Vogue Singapore‘s editorial team ventured out into the beauty scene to review the latest and greatest in treatments designed to address a variety of concerns. This month, we look to KINS Clinic for an acne-busting facial that promotes a brighter, enlivened complexion through the incorporation of newfangled technology; Skin Inc for a nourishing and skin-regenerative treatment focused on bolstering wound healing as well as collagen production; the benefits of immersing oneself into a hyperbaric oxygen chamber; and more.
Whether you’re dealing with sensitive, sagging, or dry skin, or simply craving a well-deserved sensorial pampering session for the day, peruse the best beauty treatments to try in Singapore, as recommended by Vogue Singapore’s beauty desk.
1 / 4
Signature Facial Treatment, $288 for 90 minutes at KINS Clinic
Who it’s catered for: Acne-prone skin types looking for a thorough cleanse that doesn’t incur further skin irritation.
Vogue’s review: The KINS Signature Facial Treatment incorporates the highly-raved about HydraFacial; a three-step cleansing, hydrating, and extracting procedure that seamlessly (and painlessly) rids the complexion of skin gunk and impurities. Its efficacy can be credited to its nifty like vacuum wand crafted to open pores and extract contaminants in the blink of an eye. Indeed, the pressure emitted from its nozzle was so gentle, I had to ascertain that the process had begun after an obligatory cleanse employing the KINS Cleansing Oil. The light suction motion was a far cry from the aggressive kneading and pinching of manual extractions of days past; a traumatic collective fever dream experienced by all skincare savants at some point in their lives.
A cooling mask followed post-extraction. My parched complexion required a hydrating variant that served to saturate my visage in moisture and nourishment, paired with the KINS Booster that comes brimming with the brand’s signature lactobacillus and fermented organic soy milk. The difference was discernible within the 90-minutes treatment time—skin was brighter and more smooth than before, with errant pimples looking comparatively less inflamed than before. A perfect fix for those looking to calm, nourish, and boost skin radiance without worsening active breakouts. In fact, I found that zits went down faster than before in the days following this treatment, dissipating and flattening in the wake of an illuminated, healthier complexion.
KINS Clinic, 360 Orchard Rd, #11-09 International Building, Singapore 238868. Tel: 8895 6419.
2 / 4
Cocoon by O2genes, from $2,880 per month to rent
Who it’s catered for: Every wellness girlie in her biohacking era should experience O2gene’s Cocoon. Delivering 100 per cent pure oxygen in the comfort of your home, the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is driven into your skin and cells at an increased atmospheric pressure to boost oxygenation to the entire body. This in turn, spells a host of benefits to your skin, sleep, and cellular health.
Vogue’s review: The science-backed HBOT therapy has long been used to stimulate blood circulation and oxygenation, leading to healing and recovery where it has been shown to offer relief to both acute and chronic pain, improving relaxation and sleep quality while promoting cellular regeneration and blood flow.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to help with reverse ageing, lengthening telomeres (to the uninitiated, telomere length is a marker of biological ageing, and they shorten each time a cell divides until they become too short and thus, die).
“This was cited by a study done by Professor Shai Efrati in Israel,” says O2genes founder, Dr Josh Lim, PhD in chemical engineering and material science from Nanyang Technological University.
It has also been used by those recovering from surgery or long COVID, as well as athletes looking to recover after strain or injury. But importantly, and something we can all get behind: an improvement in sleep and cognitive ability.
“The University of Alberta neuroscientists found that exposure to high levels of oxygen encourages the brain to remain in deep, restorative sleep,” shares Dr Lim, who has been known to spend the night in the chamber.
While we had a brief snooze or two in the Cocoon, we did however find the air-conditioned, larger-than-life device a little loud. Nonetheless: “Deep sleep helps our brains and bodies with recovery as well as memory consolidation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be used to enhance deep sleep to ensure that individuals who tend to suffer from insomnia get enough restorative and slow-wave sleep.
“Moreover,” adds Dr Lim, “high levels of oxygen also boosts the ability of the body to generate natural melatonin, a hormone in the body that induces sleep.”
As oxygen is non-toxic, this non-invasive treatment has no side-effects so you can breathe deep, and easy.
Rent the Cocoon by O2genes from $2,880 per month, available at O2genes
3 / 4
Oxy-Cryo Glow Infusion Treatment, $315 for 60 minutes at Skin Inc
Who it’s catered for: Sensitive, decongested, inflamed and lacklustre skins love this efficient yet deeply relaxing 60-minute treatment.
Vogue’s review: Designed to promote skin recovery for post-surgery healing, the Oxy-Cryo Glow Infusion Treatment harnesses the power of oxygen to regenerate the skin, boost blood flow, encourage cell renewal and in turn, collagen production for fresher, healthier looking skin.
First, you’ll fill out Skin Inc‘s diagnostics quiz to help the therapist determine your changing skin’s needs and customise your own My Daily Dose Cocktail Serum to be used in-treatment. Aside from gently exfoliating dead skin with a cleanse and peel (note: there are no extractions in this facial), this treatment delivers close to 100 per cent medical-grade oxygen and negative anions to hydrate, reportedly boost collagen formation and skin renewal.
Skin Inc, 320 Orchard Rd, Level 4 TANGS at Tangs Plaza, Singapore 238865. Tel: +65 8218 0668
4 / 4
Secret Duo RF Microneedling, $780 at Skinscape
Who’s it catered for: Those with acne scars and a dull, tired complexion.
Vogue’s review: RF (radio frequency) microneedling isn’t new in the aesthetics realm but it is at this brand new clinic that you can get your treatment enhanced with an additional skin rejuvenation laser, known as Erbium Glass Laser. After a brief consultation with the doctor, a thick layer of numbing cream was applied all over my face and around the eyes. After about 45 minutes, the treatment commenced, starting with RF micro needling. Warm sensations landed upon micro needle jolts, to which areas were targeted twice—the second application proving slightly more painful than the first. Here, fine medical-grade needles penetrated the skin surface as RF heat energy work to cause micro-injuries, hence triggering the skin’s natural healing response. Through this process, collagen production is ramped up, with existing fibres tightening at the same time. Right after, the Erbium Glass Laser combed my face—creating small pricks that weren’t as painful as they were ticklish. My acne scars were targeted with this—while the special laser also gently resurfaced the inner layer of my skin.
As someone with sensitive skin, the treatment did result in a redish burn all around my face, but thankfully, it started to cool down after a few hours. Healing creams were also dispensed so I could do my own after-care. The morning after, my skin was still slightly red but it was noticeably brighter and more radiant; acne marks were also visibly lightened. I suppose with subsequent sessions, results would definitely be more optimal. While downtime was warned to be about five to seven days, my skin was good as new following the next 24 hours.
Skinscape, 8 Marina View, #02-07 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960. Tel: 6612 7496
