I injected human-derived tissue into my face for better skin 

My journey towards better skin after decades of battling acne scars has been a long and often frustrating one. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that improving your skin takes patience, consistency and finding the right doctor.

Since committing to a more comprehensive approach to treating my acne scars, I’ve been faithfully following the treatment plan mapped out by Dr Gerard Ee.

After multiple sessions of Infini Microneedling and Secret RF, my acne scars have visibly improved. The treatments helped smooth texture, soften deeper scars and restore a level of confidence I hadn’t felt in years. But while my scars were looking better, I still felt my skin lacked something. It appeared tired, dull and less resilient than it once did.

With the focus shifting from scar repair to overall skin quality, Dr Ee recommended Elravie Re2O, Korea’s first ECM (Extracellular Matrix)-based skin booster.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term ECM, think of it as the skin’s support system. It is the structural framework responsible for maintaining firmness, elasticity, hydration and the skin’s ability to repair itself. As we age, this framework gradually breaks down, contributing to skin that appears thinner, drier and less bouncy.

Formulated using human acellular dermal matrix (hADM), Re2O contains many of the same structural components naturally found in youthful skin, including collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans and other extracellular matrix proteins. Rather than simply encouraging the skin to work harder, the treatment aims to restore some of the building blocks that are gradually lost through ageing, sun exposure and environmental damage.

It is particularly suited to patients who have tried multiple treatments but still feel their skin looks fatigued or lacks vitality. Re2O is also commonly used to address enlarged pores and atrophic acne scars, making it a natural next step in my own skin journey. By supporting the skin’s structure and collagen remodelling processes, it can help improve texture and soften the appearance of depressed scars over time.

While the treatment itself is relatively quick, taking about 15 to 20 minutes, I won’t pretend it was painless. Even after numbing cream was applied, I could still feel some stinging and pressure as Dr Ee inserted the micro-cannula and delivered the solution beneath the skin. There were moments of discomfort, but overall it was manageable.

Downtime varies from person to person. Mild swelling, redness and small bumps are common and usually subside within a few days. I experienced some bruising, though it was easily covered with concealer. To be fair, I tend to bruise after injectable treatments such as Rejuran and Juvelook as well.

Despite the discomfort, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Since the treatment, I have received countless compliments about my skin. As someone who struggled with acne scars for more than a decade, hearing that my skin looks healthier, smoother and more radiant has been incredibly reassuring and a genuine confidence boost.

Results develop gradually, with improvements in texture and skin quality becoming more noticeable over the following weeks. For me, Re2O felt like the natural next step after treating my acne scars — less about correcting a specific concern and more about improving the overall quality and resilience of my skin.

One thing Dr Ee emphasised is that Re2O isn’t intended to replace treatments such as Rejuran, Juvelook or Radiesse. Instead, it complements them. While those treatments focus on repair, collagen production or structural support, Re2O works on the skin’s underlying environment. By helping to restore the extracellular matrix, it creates a stronger foundation that may allow other treatments to perform more effectively.

After years of focusing on fixing what acne had damaged, Re2O felt like a shift in perspective. It wasn’t about chasing perfection or finding a miracle treatment. Instead, it was about investing in the long-term health of my skin — and giving it the support it needs to age better.

Dr Gerard Ee is the Managing Director of The Clifford Clinic.