Thermage FLX at IDS Clinic [Sponsored]

 

After getting really good results from the IDS skincare line and Pico-Laser treatment during my #IDSTransformMe journey with IDS Skincare, I'm definitely more than happy to be able to return to IDS again to try out the Thermage FLX treatment!

Currently using their 4th generation machine at IDS, Thermage FLX is the global leader in non-invasive skin tightening technology, with 15 years of experience in non-invasive skin tightening, and more than 2 millions treatments performed worldwide! It is also the only FDS-approved non-invasive eye skin tightening treatment, which helps to smooth and tighten skin, decrease wrinkles and hooding in the eye area, for younger-looking, lifted eyes. 

If you're not familiar with Thermage FLX, it utilises a patented radiofrequency to deliver heat safely and uniformly into our deep skin layers to renew our collagen. The gentle heating tightens our existing collagen and stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in an immediate skin tightening and well-defined 3D skin contour. Results are not meant to be immediate, but our skin will slowly improve after the treatment for up to 6 months, with the effects lasting up to 12 months! Thermage FLX treatment doesn't only work on our faces, but can also be done on our neck, knees and even buttocks! 

So after a quick consultation with Dr. Ben, I was brought to the treatment room to have my face cleansed and to apply the numbing cream. Unlike the previous Pico-Laser treament, which required a waiting time of 20 minutes for the numbing cream to take effects; the numbing cream was left on for an hour to ensure minimal discomfort during the treatment. 

After cleaning the numbing cream off my face, Dr Ben first marked out the area of my face that he wanted to focus on (mainly my smile lines, my cheeks and my jaw lines) then prepped my skin with alcohol wipes and we're good to go! The entire treatment took about 30 to 45 minutes to complete all 600 shots on my face (and jaw/neck).

During the first couple of shots, there was absolutely no feeling of discomfort, just the vibration of the machine. But towards the end of the 300 shots (on each side of my face), the pain slowly escalated to a rather sharp stinging pain, but still bearable though. Overall, the pain factor would be about 5/10. Definitely a negligible price to pay for the sake of beauty. HAH! 

Here is now I look now. I see a slight lifting effect (my face to a tad smaller?) at the lower cheeks and jaw line, if you compare with how I look before, but do note that it would take at least a month for obvious improvement in the skin to show.

What I like most about Thermage FLX is that there is absolutely NO DOWNTIME for this treatment, the slight prickly sensation on my face after the numbing cream effects has wore off aside, there was no redness or any sort of skin peeling. Our skin will also not be exceptionally sensitive to the sun or any kind of active ingredients, so we can just go back to our usual routines after the treatment, and just wait for the skin improvement to show naturally.

Awesome, right?

To know more about Thermage FLX at IDS, check out their website HERE

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My #IDSTransformMe Journey: Pico-Laser Treatment after IDS Skincare [Sponsored]

There, there.... Finally, we've come to the end of my 4 months journey with IDS. 

To wrap up my 4 months treatment journey withhem, IDS decided to give me a laser treatment session, to lighten my acne scarring pigmentations, and also for some skin tightening effects. 

There's many kind of laser therapy available in the market right now, offering a variety of benefits such as pigment & scarring removal, skin tightening, hair removal, and vascular lasers. Some of them are ablative (vaporise the outer layer of our skin) while some are non-ablative (leave the outer layer of our skin intact), resulting in different length of downtime. All in all, always consult a board-certified healthcare practitioner or medical doctor in a proper clinic (such as IDS) on which works best for you. 

And for my case, IDS suggested that I try the Pico-Laser, a newer type of laser used in the IDS Clinics for pigmentation (and tattoo) removal. The 'pico' in Pico-Laser refers to picosecond, which is one trillionth of a second. This simply means that Pico-Lasers are approximately ten times faster than the traditional nanosecond Q-switched lasers, hence theoretically working more efficiently in targeting the specific tissues with less surrounding tissue damages. Pico-Lasers have also been found to be effective in treating skin texture problems such as acne scars and wrinkles, due to its ability to stimulate collagen at deeper layers of the skin, which is the result of stimulating the body's natural healing process. Most important of all, the main reason why IDS suggested that I try out this laser treatment is because it has NO DOWNTIME, which is perfect for me, as I have to be under the unforgiving hot sun from time to time in the course of my work. 

So, after a brief follow up with IDS on my skin improvement, I was whisked away to one of their treatment rooms at IDS aesthetics for a quick facial cleansing and application of the numbing cream. 

After which, I was left to wait at their "mini-lounge" in their disposable shower cap and facial mask, looking very unglam indeed. HAHA!

After about 20 minutes (and the numbing cream has taken effect), I was brought over to another treatment room to carry out the procedure. Due to the numbing cream, there was absolutely no pain during the procedure, just a slight discomfort (like having IPL shots??) and a faint burning smell. Dr. Ben was also quick and precise, and the whole treatment took about only about 5 to 10 minutes, and I was done!

(ignore the days 1 - 6 here)

Left 1-3: 0 day after Pico-Laser treatment

Right 1-3: 5 days after Pico-Laser treatment

As Pico-Laser is meant to be a milder form of laser treatment (no downtime), there may be visible improvement after one treatment session, but most patients will require several treatments to achieve the end results. 

But I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with the improvement in my skin (lightening of acne pigmentation and the V-lift effect) after just one treatment! 

For more information on IDS and their range of treatments and services, visit their website HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

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My #IDSTransformMe Journey: HTT Facial at IDS Aesthetic [Sponsored]

 Earlier in January this year, I was really glad to be able to join IDS on a 4-months #IDSTransformMe Journey in an attempt to achieve a healthier, clearer looking skin. And I have to say, after 1.5 months of using the range of IDS skincare products recommended to me by Dr. Ben Yim, my skin condition has really improved greatly; and I'm very less plagued by the pesky maskne (mask-induced acne) now, and I'm finally starting to win my lifelong battle with my number 1 enemy, the clogged pores. 

Thank you, Pore Formula. Thank you, Blemish Clear.

And now, for the 2nd phase of my #IDSTransformMe journey, I was given a chance to enjoy a session of their Hydro-Therapeutics Treatment (HTT) back at their IDS Clinic/Aesthetic branch at International Building. 

Their monogram colour scheme and a very clean and chic layout of the place really gave me the feeling that I'm placed in good (professional) hands. HAHA!

After a quick follow-up review with Dr. Yim, I was whisked away to one of these treatment room for the HTT facial. 

The HTT (or simply called Hydro Deep Cleansing) is a deep-cleansing facial treatment that everyone can benefit from. Created by professionals and designed for all skin types, this award-winning treatment works hard through various levels of deep cleansing to remove accumulated dirt, product build-up and clogged sebum that no regular cleanser can.

This facial treatment not only helps to unclog pores, but also aids with cellular regeneration and increase our collagen production, hence reducing our fine lines and wrinkles as well. 

The facial treatment started off with the usual double-cleansing, followed by water dermabrasion (or microdermabrasion) to remove our dead skin cells. Then, it was followed by an ultrasonic cleansing to clean out our pores, before the aesthetician carry out the extractions. As I'm super used to getting painful extractions during facial, the aesthetician was considered rather light-handed for my pain tolerance, and I even drifted off into sleep during the procedure. HAHA!

After the extraction, ultrasonic penetration of Vitamin C was applied to my face, before an anti-acne mask was given. 

At this point, I was getting really comfy on the treatment bed (and sleepy as well) and was hoping to catch a quick nap during the masking time. But the anti-acne mask was a minty one, and extremely cold (their masks are all stored in the fridge), so much so that it jolted me awake and drove away all the sleepiness in me. HEH! 

And then, it was some moisturiser and sunscreen and I'm good to go! My skin definitely felt smoother to the touch, and visibly brighter as well (no filter here, but obviously was under very bright white lights though). 

For more information of the services available at IDS Aesthetic, visit their website HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

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Starting My #IDSTransformMe Journey IDS Skincare [Sponsored]

Growing up, I've never had the luck to enjoy a smooth, flawless complexion. And while I was feeling lucky enough to be only experiencing a few blemishes here and there during puberty while my peers battled with full-face acne problems; my luck soon ran out and I found myself battling a serious case of adult acne in my early twenties. Needless to say, that dark period left me scarred for life (LITERALLY) and the acne problem followed me well into my 30s in the form of period breakouts and now, the dreadful maskne (mask acne). 

So when Studio 155 offered to bring me on a 4-months #IDSTransformMe journey, I simply couldn't be any happier to take it! 

IDS (Innovative Dermatological Solutions) exist to deliver new innovative standards in skincare, and comprised of three entities: IDS Clinic, IDS Aesthetics and IDS Skincare. And my #IDSTransformMe journey naturally started off with IDS Clinic, at one of their branches located at the International Building. 

The clinic, located at the corner of level 2 of the building, was pretty easy to spot with its brightly lit and spacious layout. There was some technical issue when trying to submit my e-declaration form (for the current covid19 situation) and countless refreshes were required before I finally managed to fully load the page, but it might be just me (M1, why you like that?!) or also coupled with the fact that they're stuck right at the corner of the building, hence the sucky connection. 
Anyhow, apart from that minor hiccup, everything was smooth and I was quickly whisked away for my consultation with Dr. Ben Yim. 

Dr. Yim was quick, but thorough with his consultation and I reckon he could easily tell that I once had a very serious case of (adult) acne from the acne scarring I have on my cheeks. In no time (after a couple of questions and answers), he was dropping off a list of products from the IDS Skincare line to my consultant, Mary, who then led me back to the reception area to get me started on my brand new skincare regime.

This is probably the very first time in my life that I'm using more than 2 products (much less to say, the entire range) from the same skincare line. Dr. Yim also recommended that I take their A+, which will help with the appearance of my blemish marks and at the same time improve my skin tone and texture, with the added anti-inflammatory benefits, but it's currently OOS, hence I'm one-short. 

Anyway, my current daytime & nighttime routine is: C1-PF-C+-BC-OM (SC/FS).

Haha, sounds like a complicated mathematical equation, eh? 

Frankly speaking, this is the first time in my 30 over years that I've used more than 3 (4, if you include sunscreen) products on my face at the same time, much less to say that they're all from the same skincare line. Initially I was a little worried about the time needed to smear on all these products, especially for my daytime routine whereby I NEED to get ready in the shortest amount of time possible (I mean, who has time for elaborated skincare when you can get that extra 30 seconds of sleep, right?).

But I was pleasantly surprised to find that all these products gets absorbed into my skin in literally NO TIME! 

So first up, I'll start off by cleansing my face with the C1 Refreshing Cleanser (RTP $66.34).

With a gentle, pH-balanced formulation that maintains the skin's natural protective barrier, this cleanser is ideal for my oily/blemish-prone skin type, helping to deeply cleanse my skin without over-drying it. Love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth (no dreadful squeaky feeling) after every wash! 

Then, I'll immediately put on the Pore Formula (RTP $80.25) on my cleansed skin, around my T-Zone, concentrating more on my nose (those pesky blackheads) and chin (those pesky whiteheads and sebaceous filaments).

The PF is formulated with IDS' proprietary EULASTIN transcutaneous delivery system, which allows the active ingredients to be effectively delivered and absorbed into the skin. This non-oily, watery serum is super light and spreadable, and gets absorbed into my skin almost immediately, helping to reduce my blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes. 

Just one thing to note, is that the PF leaves quite a significant stingy-prickly sensation on my skin for the first few seconds of application, that goes away once the product gets fully absorbed with a few quick taps of my fingers. 

After the PF gets absorbed into my skin, I'll layer on with C-Plus (RTP $160.50) over my entire face.

C+ is IDS' popular age-defense serum, formulated with a potent form of Vitamin C and coupled with Nobel Prize 'Fullerenes' and Tcopheryl to exhibit a superior antioxidant action and strong collagen stimulation. Meaning, this watery, lightweight serum not only serves to lighten my old acne marks, but also adds on some potent anti-aging, anti-(new) acne and skin brightening benefits! 

There's almost no waiting time required (as the C+ literally just sinks into my skin upon application) before I put on the Blemish Clear (RTP $73.83), also over my full face. 

IDS' completely new formulation, the BC is an extremely effective gel-cream that helps with the rapid clearance of active and inflamed pimples. This is like the best 3-in-1 product for all you blemish-prone friends out there; effectively treating currently-acting acne, lightens old acne marks, and prevents new breakouts from occurring by regulating sebum production. 

Although the BC is easily the best product meant for my skin issue, it's still my least favourite of the lot, for the gel-cream product has a consistency that kind of sits on the skin surface (although it's not exactly oily/sticky/heavy), rather than getting absorbed fully by the skin like the rest of the products. 

And finally, I'll end my routine (on good days) with the Oil-Free Moisturizer (RTP $95.23), which is a lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer that's packed with ingredients specially selected to regulate sebum, control acne, minimize shine and lighten blemish marks. Not only that, the OM is also enriched with Vitamin C, E and A derivative to help clear up my complexion. 

I love how just a single full pump of seemingly very little product can easily spread over my full face, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and supple. I'm not sure if I'm making any sense here, but somehow I feel that the OM also helps to push (?!) the BC (which I've previously mentioned that it tends to give this sitting-on-your-skin-surface feeling) into your skin, hence helping to end your skincare routine with a fresh face, without any sticky/heavy feeling on the skin. 

And as I've said, I'll usually end with OM on good days, which sadly are hard to come by these days. So after the OM, I'll usually apply the Spot Control (RTP $30.50), which is of a watery gel-cream consistency, on those active blemishes around my chin and jaw area (die, maskne, DIE!). With a powerful, fast-acting anti-bacterial formula, the SC helps to rapidly minimise the appearance of breakouts while reducing inflammation to soothe and heal the skin. It also helps to regulate sebum production, which will be helpful in preventing new acne from developing. 

And finally, the very last product in my current skincare regime will be the Facial Scrub (RTP $66.34), which contains ultra-fine crystals that effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and help speed up the skin turnover. By helping to clear out impurities and absorbing excess oil, the FS not only regulates our sebum production, but also inhibits growth of p-acne (the bacterium that causes acne) and reduces local inflammation. 

I like that even though the exfoliating crystals are supposedly ultra-fine, you can still feel the gentle, light scrubbing feeling of the crystals on your face and my face feels so ridiculously smooth after every use. It's supposedly so mild that you can actually use it daily, too! 

One thing that I really appreciate about IDS skincare range is that apart from the clean and sleek design packaging that's very pleasing to my eyes, it all comes in easy-to-handle and hygienic pump head dispenser, and all the products (be it PF, or OM) needs only a single full pump to dispense sufficient product means for 1 full-face application. This makes it so convenient for usage, especially when I'm typically half-awake (pre-coffee) during my daytime routine. HEH! 

And now, for the moment of truth....

Before starting the IDS skincare products.

After just ONE WEEK of using the IDS skincare products. 

Taken under the exact same spot and same lighting, you can definitely see that my old acne marks around my jawline (and that huge one on my cheek) has visibly lighten. 

Not only that, the condition of my disgusting whiteheads and sebaceous filaments (mine grows out in just overnight, no joke. If sebaceous filaments is worth any money, I'll be rich!) that's nearly covering my entire chin (sorry, but my Huawei P30 can't capture it) has also improved considerably. I'm definitely hyped up on seeing how my skin will eventually turn out after completing the entire course of the skincare products! 

 

For more information on IDS Group, visit their website HERE

Till then,

Mia Foo

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