If you have always desired to be Snow White (without the circus of dwarves), but do not want to put your skin through excessive peeling (Obagi) or lasers, a tomato (not an apple), may be your antidote. Crystal Tomato is a revolutionary health supplement made with specially-grown tomatoes that are naturally-rich in colourless caretenoids, making them one of nature’s most efficacious whitening ingredient.

The result of 10 years of research and development by laboratories in Israel (and we know how advanced in technology, Israelis are), these precious tomatoes contain a high concentration of colorless caretenoids – Phytoene and Phytofluence, which have been proven to benefit skin and improve its clarity. I won’t bore you with all the scientific data and charts. All you need to know is that these two will increase protection of DNA and skin cells against oxidative and UV damage when you have them in higher quantities in your skin…via the consumption of Crystal Tomato. This supplement also contains L-Cysteine, an amino acid which already exists naturally in you and this helps to maintain the structure of proteins in your body and promotes healthy skin by encouraging collagen formation.

What’s great about Crystal Tomato is that it not only has the ability to lighten dark skin and pigmentation, such as acne scars and age spots on your face, it also works to lighten marks on your body, including dark underarms! This supplement is safe and approved by HSA (Health Sciences Authority) Singapore. In fact, one of the scientists behind Crystal Tomato, is Dr Alain Khaiat, who is an advisor with HSA and president of Seers Consulting who provides consultancy services to several regulatory authorities and associations in the areas of Cosmetics R&D and Safety Evaluation.

Crystal Tomato is marketed and distributed by Gromark Consumers Enterprise. It retails for $169 for a box of 30 caplets at selected clinics. For a list of stockists, contact Gromark at 6253-4388 or email [email protected]

“Ageing is optional” – This is the tagline of newly-opened aesthetic clinic, DERMACARE™ Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, which prides itself on three values – safety, results and luxury.

Located on the fifth floor of ION Orchard, this urban retreat is perfectly catered for sophisticated clients who can be dropped off directly outside its entrance, allowing them immense convenience and privacy in accessing the clinic. Be pampered the moment you enter the clinic by their in-house concierge, where you will wait in the plush private lounge and be served refreshing beverages such as juices, organic teas, including Bird’s Nest! You will also be handed your personal iPad where you can browse the web or check out DERMACARE™’s very own app which showcases all their treatments and you can even watch videos of their procedures in this interactive app.

DERMACARE™ Aesthetic & Laser Clinic offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic, slimming and luxury facial treatments – from HydraFacials to Ultherapy, to cater to your every discerning need – marrying medical expertise with the highest standards of quality and unparalleled luxurious pampering.

DERMACARE™ Aesthetic & Laser Clinic is located at #05-05, ION Orchard. For more information, visit www.dermacare.com.sg and “Like” their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DermacareAesthetic.

Is there such a thing as drops of youth?

Stay tuned next week to find out…

I’ve just come back from The Farm – an amazing detox retreat where I did my first colon cleansing, and I must say, I am hooked! This is definitely on my annual to-do list, joining the ranks of famous celebrities like the late Princess Diana, Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Mae West, and many others who credit colonic cleansing for their radiance.

Colon cleansing involves involves repeatedly flushing the colon out with pure water or organic coffee, removing layers of accumulated toxic debris, taking physical pressure off the abdominal organs. Parasites, candida yeast and other fungal forms are cleansed out as well. This gets rid of belly fat which so often is mainly comprised of the bulk of built-up wastes rather than adipose (fat) tissue. These methods also tone and condition the bowel, getting rid of constipation. Constipation is your complexion’s worst enemy.  When your colon is clogged with waste material, your body tries to eliminate toxins through the skin.  Even if your skin is functioning properly, these waste materials end up deposited in the pores and tissues creating a sallow and mottled complexion. Besides clear skin, each session also leaves you refreshed and energised. In fact, I’ve been as buzzed as a 2-year-old since I got back – and all this without coffee (which I’ve kicked too after the detox)!

Keen to try it?

The Farm is having a special promo “7 Day RAIN CLEANSE Organic Weight Loss Retreat” reflecting 30% discount off the entire programme. This is a time limited offer valid until September 30, 2011 only! Book your spot now

Men rejoice! Dr Georgia Lee is launching a Men’s Range for her eponymous and highly successful skincare line, DrGL. Stay tuned here for updates…

Apparently so, says Lily Kew, founder of GLOW Aesthetics. And, if you look at this 40-year-old’s taut and glowing skin, it must work! She shares more skin secrets here:

The clichéd answer would be to eat more fruits and veggies, drink more water and consume less salt in foods. However, I am going to share a secret my grandmother has passed down to me. 

Believe it or not, you need to eat pigs’ skin and make sure you shave off the layer of excess fat; just eat the skin itself. You can find this commonly as a key ingredient in kway chap at your local hawker centre. You can also find pigs’ skin at some yong tau foo shops.

Apart from this, another food that contributes to good skin is chicken feet, which you will normally find served as one of many dim sum dishes. Alternatively, if you were to cook chicken feet with red dates, wolfberries and peanuts, I promise this will give you skin that everyone will be envious of.

Another food that will give you good skin is white fungus. I suggest these foods because they are high in collagen and fats. Once consumed; they provide your skin with natural moisture which prevents the formation of wrinkles, and creates a barrier prohibiting UV rays from damaging your skin and thus prevents pigmentation. The collagen gives your skin added firmness.

To read her full article, get a copy of Aesthetics & Beauty Guide December issue, in newstands and petrol kiosks now!

To launch its new Bi-White REVEAL Deep Cell-Whitening Spot Intervention, designed to target all dark spots – acne marks, freckles, age spots, sun spots, hand spots and brown spots, even the most stubborn ones, leaving skin visibly fairer, more unified and healthier after four weeks, Vichy Singapore wanted to demonstrate the product’s efficacies with a fun and interactive Facebook app.

Called the Vichy Spot Removal Application, you can upload your photo and use an anti-blemish tool to remove your spots. You can then choose to publish your flawless photo on your profile page to share with your friends, and or publish it on Vichy’s album. Everyone who plays with the app will be applicable to win a full-sized product and attend a Vichy workshop where you will have the chance to win a year’s supply of Vichy products worth $1200!

Remove your spots here at Vichy Singapore now!

Isn’t this a thing of beauty? This emerald bottle, or more accurately, the contents within, has been the secret to my glowing skin lately. Ever since I started using DrGL’s collagen essence diligently twice a day, I have been receiving compliments about my “good skin”.

The name, Collagen Essence, is a misnomer actually, as this product contains Hyaluronic Acid, which occurs naturally in the deeper layers of our skin. Hyaluronic Acid is used in this formula for its perfect affinity with skin and for its amazing ability to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.

Here’s Dr Georgia Lee, creator of this “miracle water”, telling us more about it:

1. Why did you create the Collagen Essence?

Dr GL: I love the hydrating effect of Hyaluronic Acid when it is used as a filler for my patients and so decided to create a pure Hyaluronic Acid essence which is micronised so that absorption is assured and the product is locked in where it works best.

2. What are the ingredients in the essence?

Dr GL:  Hyaluronic acid

3. Who is it suitable for?

Dr GL: It is suitable for all skin types from oily and acne-prone skin to mature skin although in harsher dry weathers, a second layer of richer moisturiser may be needed.

4. What are some of the results after using the essence?

Dr GL:  The skin is immediately plumped up after a few days of continual usage. It glows  and is  firm from the hydrated skin cells. (absolutely true!)

5.. How much is it retailing for?

DrGL:  S$198 at Escentials, 3rd floor, Paragon

Ever since I hit my 30s, I’ve been kinda obsessed with my skin. Which is why I started Reviewantiaging.com so that I can review all the anti-aging treatments out there for other skin-obsessed people.

When it comes to determining your complexion’s age, your ID  tells only part of the story. Lifestyle habits — diet, sleep schedule and sun exposure — complicate the results. And if that’s not confusing enough, choosing the best way to turn back the clock on your skin’s appearance can be so baffling, that you’ll probably end up confused not glowing.

Many factors can affect your skin health. Factors such as:

1. Lifestyle habits – if you smoke and think sunscreen is only for triathletes, you’re in skin trouble!  

2.  Whether you do outdoor sports  or exercise in general – the heart-thumping, sweaty sort; walking around the office does not count as exercise

3. Diet – eating lots of leafy greens, citrus fruit, red tomatoes and salmon will put you in good stead

4. Family genes – if your mum constantly gets mistaken as your sister, you’re in good hands

5. Mental health – if stress is your best friend, you’ll probably look like your grandma in no time

6. Skincare – finding the right skincare is like finding your soulmate

Here’s how to look even younger and keep that glow going strong!

20s
Your skin is plump and regenerates regularly, bringing healthy cells to the surface,. Whether you’ve always avoided the sun (smart move) or past sun sins haven’t reared their wrinkly head yet, make “I heart SPF” your mantra. Gentle anti-agers like a good moisturiser at night, will keep skin so healthy that you will continue to be asked for your ID at clubs.

30s
OK, you don’t get carded anymore, but no one’s calling you “aunty” either. Smile lines are shallow, freckles may be getting darker or your skin simply isn’t as smooth or dewy as it once was. Coax your complexion into looking and behaving more like it did a decade ago with potent over-the-counter products. There’s still time to prevent deeper wrinkles and sun spots.  

40s
Here,  Mom and Dad genes play a crucial role in how skin ages.  Here’s the bad first: your skin has definitely aged. The good news: Woes such as dullness, fine lines and brown splotches are reversible. Tried-and-true topicals and glow-restoring peels can minimise wrinkles and discoloration in several weeks. If you smoke, extinguish your habit for faster results.

50s
Skin never forgets, and it’s reminding you of every freakin’ ray of sun that found your SPF-less cheeks over the years, but here’s the silver lining: Breakthrough treatments such as lasers refresh rough skin, erase sun spots and iron out wrinkles in a flash, shaving off years and making those sun-drenched memories even more distant.

Dr Georgia Lee thanking everyone for showing up

When Dr Georgia Lee throws a party, the whole world shows up. And this was the case today at Escentials. Despite the downpour, head honchos of local media graced the soiree of the relaunch of her skincare line – now called DrGL. Of course, it also helps that your BFF is expert party organiser, Dr Frank Cintamani, who organised the Audi  Fashion Show last year.

Montage of new DrGL logo

DrGL skincare range

With a slick new packaging and branding done by award-winning creative director, Theseus Chan, with visuals shot by renowned photographer, John Clang, DrGL looks ready to take the local (and regional) beauty market by storm. Her products boost quality ingredients like gingko and perform multi-tasking roles – for example, her blusher has anti-blemish  and anti-pigmentation properties.  She also has a new Eye Repair cream which comes in handy capsules that can be resealed after use.

DrGL Eye Repair

Personally, I’m a big fan of her Collagen Essence which I use diligently twice a day and attribute my glowing skin to. In fact, when I told Dr Lee about it, she said that she’ll supply me enough to use on my body too! *Happy dance*

DrGL Collagen Essence

Not one to stinge on quality, the doorgift came in a gorgeous packaging and inside…another bottle of my favourite Collagen Essence! YAY!

DrGL is available at Escentials, 4th floor, Paragon. Here are more photos from DrGL’s event:

Live model in display at DrGL launch

Make-up collection of DrGL

DrGL