Looking for a skincare powerhouse to add to your routine? Try these clinically proven skincare options to help you glow up and treat existing skin issues.
Moisturisers and Creams
La Mer Crème de la Mer
Another holy grail item to add to your skincare regime this year is La Mer‘s Crème de la Mer. Research done in February 2025 on the Macrocystis Purifera Ferment Serum (MPF-Serum), published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (JCAD), showed a significant increase in moisturisation and barrier integrity over 8 weeks in multiple clinical trials. These involved women 31 to 65 years old. Furthermore, MPF-Serum improved post-procedure recovery for glycolic acid peels and non-ablative laser treatments better than other moisturisers. This ingredient, better known as Giant Sea Kelp is the basis of La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth™, used in most La Mer products. Some examples include The Regenerating Serum, The Concentrate, The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum and of course, the Crème de la Mer.
In particular, the cult favourite Crème de La Mer helps skin feel firmer, look smoother and become more radiant in just hours after application. After four weeks, it eases forehead lines, wrinkles between the eyebrows and folds around the mouth.
Shop online: Sephora | Sasa Official Store on Shopee | La Mer store on Lazada
Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
In a 2013 study on sunscreen, the daily sunscreen group showed no noticeable increase in skin aging after 4.5 years, 24 per cent less than in the discretionary sunscreen group. Recommended by dermatologists, try EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, formulated with 5 per cent Niacinamide that helps reduce the appearance of discoloration and blemishes on your skin. Additionally it contains micronised zinc oxide to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays and works best on fair to medium skin tones. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic formulation is also fragrance and paraben-free, and is considered medical-grade skincare. The tinted version also helps even out skin tone without leaving a white cast. Naturally, it can also be layered under makeup.
Shop Online: Feel Beautiful | Robinsons | Zalora
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Fragrance Free
Another great option is La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Fragrance Free has very high UVA/UVB protection. Its formulation contains a patented Mexoryl 400 UV filter, clinically proven to prevent deep cell damage caused by extreme sunlight. Likewise, the broad-spectrum protection offers SPF50+ and very high UVA protection. This shields against Infrared-A and pollution. Additionally, the Netlock technology provides a high level of tolerance and high resistance to water, sweat and sand. Even when applied around the sensitive eye area.
Shop Online: Glovida | FairPrice Online | Watsons | Shopee | Guardian
Serums
Vitamin C: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Considered the “gold standard” for Vitamin C, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic provides advanced environment protection as they neutralise damaging fine radicals. Some benefits include visible anti-aging benefits, improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while brightening the skin’s complexion, and firming the skin. Once absorbed into the skin, it remains effective for 72h. This dermatologist-approved, medical-grade skincare is paraben free and suitable for most skin types – and can be used post-laser. Its formulation combines 15 per cent pure vitamin C, 1 per cent vitamin E and 0.5 per cent ferulic acid. In particular, C E Ferulic® is clinically proven to reduce combined oxidative damage from UVA/UVB rays, ozone pollution and diesel engine exhaust by up to 41 per cent. Other findings include increase in firmness by 37 per cent, and 27 per cent reduction in the appearance of fine lines.
Shop Online: iShopChangi | Metro Singapore | Tangs Singapore
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronised Multi-Recovery Complex
Sleep-deprived thanks to a toddler who wakes up fifteen times a night? (Ask me how I know). Try the clinically tested Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronised Multi-Recovery Complex for deep nightly renewal and unfiltered morning radiance. Additionally, the formulation visibly reduces multiple signs of aging for a smoother, younger and more radiant look. This deep- and fast-penetrating face serum is based on 40 years of pioneering Night Science Research, using their exclusive 1-in-60-million Night Peptide. After clinical testing, results showed an immediate moisture surge of 128 per cent in a single sleep. Other astonishing results include 14 per cent reduction in fine lines, 10 per cent improvement in elasticity, with boosted radiance upon waking. Of the 543 female consumers who tested the product, 91 per cent said their skin looks more rested, while 89 per cent said their skin felt firmer.
Other benefits of the serum include 72h hydration with hyaluronic acid and other advanced moisture boosters, and 8h antioxidant protection. Additionally, it’s also tested on and appropriate for sensitive skin and post-procedure skin.
Essence
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
The cornerstone of the brand, and arguably the most famous essence in the world, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence contains more than 90 per cent Pitera™, which is a naturally derived ingredient from yeast fermentation. Within is the natural moisturising factor (NMF) that triggers skin regeneration, absorbing 10 layers deep into the skin. Hence, skin can repair and anti-age at the root, and its appearance improves over time. In four weeks, your skin should feel firmer with less visible wrinkles and reduced pore visibility.
Shop Online: SK-II Official Store on Lazada, Sephora, and Shopee
Retinols
Northwestern University led a study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In it, they surveyed 62 top cosmetic dermatology experts across 43 institutions. Only 23 earned approval from America’s dermatologists to treat seven common concerns. Of these. more than 96 per cent of dermatologists recommended retinoids, as these treat skin concerns like oily skin, large pores, dark spots, acne and fine lines. The most effective, and considered the gold standard for anti-aging and acne, is prescription Tretinoin, which directly acts on skin cells. Other options include Adapalene, Retinaldehyde or retinal, and retinol. Pregnant mums should avoid using retinol, and for breastfeeding mums, perhaps the safest option is cosmetic retinols, which are unlikely to affect a human infant or milk, and definitely avoid all oral retinoids.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
One option is cult favourite Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment (from $72 to $115). The high potency, controlled-release formula reduces irritation. At the same time, it fights wrinkles and enhances skin texture. Additionally, the light lotion texture with advanced hydrating complex absorbs quickly while delivering potent results.
Available on: Shopee | Lazada | Fairprice | Sephora for 0.3% Retinol | Paula’s Choice
Red Light Therapy
According to the American Association of Dermatology, research suggests that red light therapy may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lighten dark spots, diminish redness, and smooth skin texture, among other benefits. Some best practices when using a red light therapy device include using one that is FDA-cleared, wearing eye protection where necessary, and checking with your dermatologist beforehand. Those with darker skin may be more sensitive to the visible red light, leading to dark spots.
Red light therapy and near-infrared light can boost cellular energy, stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. Over 1 to 3 months of consistent use, skin elasticity and fine lines could improve. Additionally, the light may also reduce tissue inflammation and speeds up wound healing, improving mild inflammatory skin conditions. Cell mitochondria absorb the photons to promote biochemical repair.
One such device is the CurrentBody Skin Red Light Therapy LED Face Mask Series 2 ($729). During their clinical trial, 35 Chinese male and female subjects used the product for 56 days, and showed that the product was indeed effective. The product moisturised, repaired, firmed, prevented wrinkles, and faded pigmentation spots.
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