This serum changed my skin so much I wish I had discovered it before

Bioeffect: Skincare from Iceland

1/5

Founded by three Icelandic scientists, Bioeffect bases its skincare on their discovery of plant-based Epidermal Growth Factors, after 10 years of research. The brand’s premise: this plant-based ingredient will change your skin for the better.

Bioeffect products are made completely in Iceland – starting from its lava fields in the Reykjanes Peninsula where a 2,000 square metre greenhouse grows their barley plants in inert volcanic pumice. Energy is harnessed from sustainable geothermal energy and uses pure Icelandic water that’s full of nutrient-rich minerals.

The discovery: EGF and how it pares down your routine

2/5

The latest buzzword in skincare is EGF, which stands for Epidermal Growth Factors – naturally occurring proteins in the body that send messages within skin cells to trigger repair and regeneration.

This “communication” is important for boosting collagen and elastin production. Our skin needs this to stay healthy and improve skin density. It’s even more crucial because as we age, the body’s production of growth factors reduces and this, in turn, causes a slowdown in cell turnover and skin repair.

Research shows that skin elasticity reduces by 1 per cent every year after we turn 20. By the time a woman reaches menopause, this density reduces by up to 30 per cent. This loss results in sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

EGF is the star ingredient of the Bioeffect EGF Serum, which  contains only seven ingredients. The serum is a revolutionary product that has  10 years of research and development in the making. It uses a barley-based compound to replicate the effect of the natural EGF in your skin, helping to increase skin thickness and density.

Why only seven ingredients? It’s so that the purity of each active ingredient can be maintained, while keeping these ingredients, well, active.

Dr Björn Övar, chief scientific officer and a co-founder of Bioeffect, explains: “EGF is a cell-signalling protein, and these types of protein are very delicate and highly sensitive to many other chemicals. They don’t work properly with oils, fat, alcohol and emulsifiers, which may not be necessary for skin.”



Most notably, a clinical study found that Bioeffect EGF Serum helped improve skin density¹.

Dr Björn says you only need to apply a few drops of the serum at night and let the EGF do the rest. If you feel you need other products, he advises that you wait for at least 10 minutes before applying other moisturisers or eye cream. The serum is suitable for all skin types and contains no fragrance, no alcohol, and is oil-free.

What happened when I used Bioeffect EGF Serum for two weeks

4/5

With this advice, I tried the Bioeffect EGF Serum for two weeks, and only at night.

The difference in my skin has been astounding.

It is a clear liquid and almost oil-like in texture, but not viscous. I squeeze four drops from the dropper and glide the serum across my skin, massaging it into my laugh lines, neck, and gently under the eye area. It is immediately absorbed and does not leave a tacky feel.

That first morning, I wake up with clear skin that isn’t dry or super-oily. My skin felt comfortable and looked brighter. Unlike other moisturising serums I’ve used, this one doesn’t leave an overnight shine, yet I can see and feel that my skin is more hydrated. My skin feels plumper, I look less tired and my laugh lines are less obvious.

What’s even more amazing is that I see these results by following Dr Björn’s instructions and using only the serum, leaving it to do its work, while skipping all my other serums and even moisturiser.

The Verdict

5/5

After only two weeks of use, my sensitive skin has not suffered a single breakout. In fact, it is clearer and even has a slight bounce. My laugh lines are definitely looking less obvious – a sign of the anti-sagging ingredients at work!

Ever the beauty cynic, I did some more research and found Dr Björn again, who says: “The EGF in our products communicates with the skin cells, conducting them to change their behaviour, and energising them to be youthful again.

“The cells gradually begin to alter their own biology and slowly, you’ll start to see the effects. It may take weeks, or even months, but you will see the effects.”

While I can’t measure the thickness of my skin, just from how it looks and feels, I believe that the EGF Serum has put my skin cells to work. Pare down your skincare routine with better results for your skin, consider Bioeffect EGF Serum to send the right messages to your skin cells.
¹Independent scientific split-face study, including 29 women using Bioeffect EGF Serum twice daily for two months. Results presented at the 12th Anti-Ageing medicine World Congress in Monaco, 2014
Bioeffect EGF Serum is available for $227 at Novela stores. There are four outlets:

#02-101/102 Singpost Centre (tel: 6741-0615)

#01-182/183/184 Northpoint Mall (tel: 6252-7023)

#02-41 IMM (tel: 6564 3173)

Yue Hwa Building, 70 Eu Tong Sen Street (tel: 6970-0273)