Wondering which skincare products to buy for wrinkles, saggy skin or dullness? From luxurious overnight masks and anti-ageing creams and serums for wrinkles, to a beauty supplement that promises to hydrate from the inside out, here are some of the best anti-ageing skincare products reviewed by the team.
Truth Treatment Systems, price varies
“Formulated by a pharmacist who provided these products to aesthetic doctors in the US, Truth Treatment Systems are touted to contain 100 percent active ingredients – no emulsifiers, fillers, or fragrances. Just a drop or two daily is needed for effective results.
Each product can be used on its own or mixed together as a system. The Transdermal C Serum (from $70) brightens, softens and moisturises; the Hyaluronic Mineral Hydrator ($110) hydrates and strengthens skin; and the Biomimetic Mineral Mist (from $27) helps to prime to skin for the absorption of other products. The Truth Trifecta ($370) I tried needs to be mixed together in the palm of your hand, which feels a little odd at first but you get used to it quickly. I used two to three drops of the serum, a pea-sized dollop of hydrator, and a couple sprays of mist to help it all blend and be absorbed.
I am realising now that my skin is not the same every day – some days I want more moisture, and I do not want to apply an acid product to my skin every day as I get red spots after a few consecutive days. This range helps me to tailor what I apply to my sensitive skin to maximise the anti-ageing benefits without overdoing it.”
– Danielle Rossetti
La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil, $820
Available at all La Prairie counters
“Newly launched this month is this night-use oil in the luxury skincare brand’s beautiful signature cobalt blue glass jar. The anti-ageing serum’s caviar retinol works its magic at night while the skin is in its regenerating stage, with the oily texture forming a light skin barrier to retain water loss. Although it’s an oil, the handy dropper releases a tiny amount, which goes a long way. Its non-sticky texture soaks well into my skin, leaving it velvety smooth.
I’ve found that it has visibly smoothened some of my fine lines and wrinkles without compromising on hydration. It’s the perfect combination to counteract the skin dryness that sometimes happens from sleeping with air-conditioning. The only downside is the hefty price tag!”
– Jacqui Young
Dermedics Meso Gen X, $299
“I use this anti-ageing serum twice a week and massage it into my skin using an electric face massager. The combination of the two is amazing. I like to focus on areas that are prone to ageing, such as below my chin and neck. If you’re a mum like me, I suggest doing this ritual in the evening as you’ll want to take your time to really massage the serum into your skin and be relaxed.
Priced at $299 for one set, it’s definitely a splurge, but I could see a real difference in my skin after just the first try. My wrinkles looked slightly smoothened, and my skin felt tight and glowing. I looked like I was 30 again – yes! It’s also free of nasties including fragrances, parabens and colourants. I love how it absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving any stickiness, so it’s great for Singapore weather.”
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Herbal Pharm Miracle Skin Phytoceramides, $90
“This daily supplement is manufactured in the US for online beauty store Herbal Pharm. It contains an award-winning blend of patented phytoceramides (plant-based ceramides) and collagen to hydrate the skin from the inside out, and promises to reduce ageing signs like wrinkles and fine lines over time.
I’ve been taking this oral supplement for a full month, and I’m happy to say that my acne-prone skin is looking slightly better than before. I believe this supplement would work excellent with a disciplined skincare regime that includes a good anti-ageing cream. While the effects took a while (around three weeks of daily consumption) to surface, I believe this has helped me attain a more balanced and hydrated complexion, with less breakouts. I think I’ll need to take it for another month to enjoy the full anti-ageing benefits, but for now, this looks promising!”
– Anthia Chng
Kumuya Rejuvenate Nutri-Serum Concentrate, $119
“After using this regenerative, anti-ageing serum for a full month, I’ve noticed a big difference in my skin. It looks more radiant, the brown patches on my nose and cheeks are lighter, and the lines on my forehead are becoming noticeably smoother too. I use it morning and night after cleansing and toning. Formulated with natural actives like bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid and magnesium, this plant-based serum has a light texture and a lovely feel – it isn’t greasy at all. It absorbs easily with no irritation, even for my oily, sensitive skin.
There’s a nice scent of lavender, but it’s not too overpowering. The serum instantly hydrates the skin well and my skin feels smoother, even the next morning. Another big plus is that Kumuya is cruelty-free.”
– Katherine Tüxen Johnsen
The Honey Collection Beetox Sunrise, $72.90
“I’ve been on the lookout for a deeply hydrating, yet anti-ageing cream for quite some time as I have naturally dry skin. I’m happy that I’ve found a product that ticks all the right boxes. Made in New Zealand, this day cream contains manuka honey and purified bee venom to stimulate collagen production. It goes on beautifully and has a pleasant scent.
I slather this anti-ageing cream on everywhere; my face, under my eyes, my neck and my hands for that extra helping of natural Kiwi goodness. My skin feels plumped up and awake whenever I use it. I’ve also tried the night cream (pictured) and face mask, both of which have also been a real treat for my thirsty skin.”
– Karin Galley
Al’s Beauty 24K Gold Intensive Eye Serum, $68
“This anti-ageing eye serum is packed with ingredients such as coconut and olive fruit oils to plump up and hydrate the skin. I find that it absorbs quickly into my skin and doesn’t leave any sticky feeling. After using it for a month, I’ve also noticed that the skin around my eyes looks fresher and brighter. I don’t usually apply eye serums in the day but this is light enough to go under my sunscreen. I’ve also tried and loved the brand’s 24K Gold Peel Off Mask ($59); you can get both as a bundle for $110.”
– Patricea Chow
IYAC Stem Cell Sleeping Mask, $135
“This is magic in a little bottle! It works hard and delivers what it promises. I was a little sceptical at first, so I went swimming one afternoon and left off my sunscreen – all in the name of research! My skin was visibly toasted, so I applied the mask in the evening and waited for the magic to happen.
The product feels very light. Unlike other thicker sleeping masks on the market, it has a wonderful calming smell, which I really love. It absorbs surprisingly quickly too. I usually wake up looking like a goldfish, with puffy eyes and dull skin. After using this mask, I looked fresh and bright the next day. If your skin is dehydrated, you have to try this!”
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask, $75
This nourishing overnight cream is thick, luxurious but non-greasy. I love to use it after cleansing before bedtime. It contains the perfect blend of ingredients like avocado fruit extract (rich in vitamins C and E), encapsulated retinol, and matcha to reduce those fine lines, even out skin tone, and clear the skin, making it bright and nourished. It’s also free of any parabens and nasties, which is great. The packaging is cool too. It certainly gets my vote!
– Jacqui Young
This feature on anti-ageing creams, serums, and skincare products first appeared in the August 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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