From The Straits Times    |

Photo: DrGL and CNP Laboratory/Instagram 

Doctor-backed skincare brands are fast gaining popularity – and for good reasons. They promise the latest technology, potent active ingredients and powerful formulas that are safe for over-the-counter use.

With more and more doctors bringing their products – which were once only available to their patients – to drugstores and mainstream retailers. Read on to find out more about the 5 professional grade skincare brands you can now pick up without an appointment or a visit to the clinic.

 

DrGL

 

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Doctor to the stars, Dr Georgia Lee was struck with a severe allergic  that resulted in blisters all over the left side of her face that turned into stubborn hyperpigmentation that just wouldn’t go away. She then created a cream that treated the hyperpigmentation. Her personal experience sparked her interest in skincare and her eponymous skincare range DrGL was born.

Star product: DrGL Sun Protection SPF30 ($108): Apart from repairing existing sun damage and shielding the skin from harmful UV rays, this lightweight sunscreen also offers anti-ageing benefits.

 

CNP

 

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The CNP Laboratory was the brainchild of three South Korean dermatologists – Dr Cha Mi-kyung, Dr Park Yeon-ho and Dr Lee Dongwon who developed their own skincare line after seeing how the skin condition of dermatological treatment patients deteriorate when the wrong skincare products are used. Today, CNP is staffed by skilled dermatologists, and is one of the leading skincare brands in Korea that has found fans in K-pop star BoA, Girls’ Generation Yuri and Running Man’s Yoo Jae-suk. The brand is available at selected Guardian pharmacies.

Star product: Propolis Energy Ampule ($40.90): This ampule contains a concentrated propolis extract prized for its antioxidant and moisturising benefits. BoA once revealed to the Korean media that she mixes the ampule with her bb cream to get that dewy finish.

 

Dr Wu

 

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The brand was started in 2003 by Dr Wu Ying-Chin a renowned Taiwanese dermatologist, together with his eldest son, Eric Wu. The latter and his two sons suffer from eczema and this prompted him to become a dermatologist and start his own skincare range. Dr Wu is known for its products that are supposed to replicate the effects of skin treatments done at the clinics.

Star product: Dr Wu Intensive Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid ($43.90): Formulated with the patented technology, HyaluComplex (fifth generation hyaluronic acid), this serum has been said to penetrate deep into the epidermal cells without irritating the skin.

 

Murad

 

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Dr Howard Murad was a pioneer for the use of alpha hydroxy acids and its exfoliating properties in topical skincare and he has treated more than 50,000 patients in his career. In his research, he found that water loss is the main cause for skin ageing.

Star product: Murad Balancing Moisturizer Broad Spectrum ($75): This antioxidant packed non-comedogenic moisturiser doubles up as a lightweight sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

 

Skinceuticals

 

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The brand has a series of anti-ageing products based on scientific research conducted by Dr Sheldon Pinnell, a renowned American dermatologist from Duke University. Dr Pinnell found evidence proving the skin absorption and antioxidant benefits of vitamin C formulations by Skinceuticals.

Star product: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ($150 for 15ml and $248 for 30ml): This is an antioxidant serum that is formulated with a mix of vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid to help protect the skin against free radicals and therefore wrinkles and sun damage.

 

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