An inside look at how an aesthetic doctor maintains good skin and the types of skincare products to use for maximum efficacy
One of the most common assumptions that you can make about aesthetic doctors is that they have flawless skin and have access to the best products for any form of facial enhancement.
For this week's edition of Skincare Secrets, we speak to Dr Ben Yim of homegrown aesthetics salon IDS Clinic. Opened in 2014 and helmed by Dr SK Tan, the clinic offers various aesthetic treatments as well as products from its own line, IDS Skincare, that are designed to address common skin problems.
Dr Yim has been practising aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000 and was also the former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre. He has been offering a wide range of aesthetic services for clients including Botox, fillers, skin tightening, threadlifts, non-invasive body contouring treatments and more.
However, we are most curious about an aesthetic doctor's day-to-day skincare methods and how to maintain healthy skin with the right products.
In Dr Yim's case, he only started paying extra care towards his skin three years ago. What inspired the change?
Below, Dr Yim shares his regular routine and—of course—the different types of aesthetic treatments he has tried.
See also: What is Personalised Beauty? This 3-Stage Treatment Can Help You Achieve Youthful Skin
How long do you typically spend on your skincare routine?
Dr Ben Yim (BY): 20 minutes a day. This includes day and night applications.
What is your skincare routine like for the day?
BY: Cleansing first, followed by topical vitamin C (I use the IDS Skincare C Plus), pigmentation lightener (SL2 at IDS Clinic) and sunscreen.
What is your skincare routine for the night?
BY: In this order, IDS Skincare Facial Scrub, topical vitamin C, anti-ageing skincare (I use an IDS product called the A Plus and the Rejuvenating Complex), pigmentation lightener that is only available at IDS Clinic and finally, moisturiser. The moisturiser that I use in the evenings is also an IDS product called Moisture Boost. This is slightly richer is suitable for my skin in the air-conditioned room.
What was the last skincare product that you bought?
BY: SL2 from IDS Clinic. It is a combination pigmentation lightening product. Its three active ingredients are cysteamine, arbutin and tranexamic acid. I use this in the daytime to treat the pigmentation on my cheeks. I like the combination approach, thus, avoiding the adverse effects of single ingredients.
Are there any new skincare trends that you’re excited to try or are seeing in the market?
BY: Profhilo—an injectable non-crossed link hyaluronic acid—has taken the aesthetic market by storm in the last 18 months. The visible effects are obvious after five days. There is a hydrating effect on the dry, tired skin around the eyes and a radiant glow to the skin on the cheeks. For those who have sagging cheeks, it gives a gentle lift.
When did you start paying extra attention to your skin?
BY: Only in the last three years. I guess I've not had problematic skin. However, after I crossed 50 years old, I realised I needed extra help with skincare. That's when I started to used therapeutic products from IDS to treat my wrinkles and pigmentation.
What’s one skincare must-have you’ve “influenced” others to purchase?
BY: The C Plus from IDS Skincare. Vitamin C is skincare [that works] for all. Protects the skin from UV light, lightens pigmentation and helps with collagenesis.