Photography Tan Wei Te Styling Sherli Chong
The idea is straightforward: Use a dedicated serum for your skin concern. Worried about dark spots? Bring on the brightening serum. Wrinkles bothering you? Reach for a firming serum.
Using two (or three, or four) targeted serums is better than using a multi-purpose serum that does the same few things, says Dr Yoshinori Shirono, dermatologist and founder of Japanese skincare brand Dr.Ci:Labo. Why? A targeted serum, as the name implies, is made to address one skin issue. It infuses skin with a higher concentration of active ingredients and cuts out the fluff so your face gets more of the good stuff.
Dr.Ci:Labo’s Super 100 Series has four targeted serums. All are moisturising. All are odourless, with no mineral oil or colourants. All can be used day and/or night, even on sensitive skin. And the best part: All sink into skin instantly.
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From left: Dr Ci:Labo’s Super 100 Series of four targeted serums, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Epidermal Growth Factor and Marine-Collagen.
For moisture, there’s the jelly-like Hyaluronic Acid that works on the skin barrier to soothe and calm. For fine lines, there’s the fish-based Marine-collagen. For brightening and pigmentation issues, there’s the olive oil-based Vitamin C. For firming, clarity and suppleness, there’s Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to regulate skin renewal and boost collagen production.
Using more than one serum? Mix them in your palms and apply at one go to save time. Or do what smart Japanese women do: Add a drop of each serum to your face moisturiser. That saves even more time. And it won’t affect the absorption of either product, Dr Shirono says.
The serums cost $32-$129. Available at Dr.Ci:Labo counters and www.ci-labo.com.sg.
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This story was originally published in the January 2018 issue of Her World magazine.