- 501 Orchard Road, #04-08 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880
- (65) 6235 4429
- hello@vidaskinclinic.com
- (65) 9830 0597
There is no shortage of skincare products or confident claims about what they can achieve. The evidence behind those claims, however, varies considerably. The Singapore Medical Council reflects this in its guidance on aesthetic practice, noting that scientific support for aesthetic practices may be limited or inconclusive.
This does not mean that skincare has little value. Rather, it is important to understand which steps are supported by stronger clinical evidence, which have more limited evidence, and which are largely guided by individual preference.
Different types of research answer different questions. A laboratory study may show that an ingredient affects cultured cells, but it cannot by itself confirm how a finished product will change human skin over time. A randomised controlled trial using a clinical endpoint provides more direct evidence.
When assessing a skincare claim, it is therefore helpful to ask what type of study was performed, what was measured, and how long participants were followed.
For most patients, daily photoprotection and an appropriately selected retinoid provide the clearest evidence-based foundation. Other products can then be added for specific concerns or tolerability needs.
Daily sunscreen has some of the strongest clinical evidence in skincare. A randomised trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine assessed regular sunscreen use against skin-ageing outcomes and found measurable prevention of skin ageing. Trials with an ageing endpoint are uncommon in this field, which makes this finding especially relevant.
In practice, consistency is as important as the formulation selected. Studies of sunscreen use show that application habits remain a common limitation, while reminder systems can improve daily adherence. A suitable sunscreen is therefore one that can be applied in an adequate amount and used consistently.
In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, texture and comfort may strongly influence whether a patient uses sunscreen every day. A well-tolerated formulation used regularly is generally more useful than one that feels difficult to wear.
Topical retinoids have a long history of clinical research in photoaged skin. Multicentre, double-blind studies of tretinoin used over 48 weeks reported repair of sun-damaged connective tissue together with improvements in markers of photodamage.[5] Comparative studies with other retinoids and research into texture and uneven pigmentation have also been published.
Retinoid-related improvement is gradual and is usually assessed over months rather than weeks. Irritation can occur during the introductory period, so beginning at a lower frequency and increasing use according to tolerance may make the routine easier to sustain.
Prescription retinoids are medicines and should be used with appropriate medical guidance. They are generally avoided during pregnancy, and individual advice is important where the skin is sensitive or already inflamed.
Some patients are concerned that regular sunscreen use may affect vitamin D. Available evidence suggests that, under real-world conditions, sunscreen may reduce but does not eliminate vitamin D synthesis.
If there is a specific concern about vitamin D status, it is more appropriate to discuss testing and supplementation with a doctor than to reduce photoprotection without guidance.
Several commonly used active ingredients have plausible mechanisms and some clinical support, although the overall evidence is not as extensive as it is for sunscreen or retinoids. They may still be useful when selected for a particular concern.
Examples include vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and peptides. Their usefulness depends on the indication being treated, such as pigmentation, texture, acne tendency or barrier support, rather than on a broad promise of anti-ageing.
These ingredients can be worthwhile additions to a personalised routine, but they do not replace consistent photoprotection. Product selection should also consider concentration, formulation, stability, and the patient’s tolerance.
Several recurring types of claims deserve closer attention:
A careful interpretation of research distinguishes biological plausibility, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes. This helps patients understand what a product may reasonably contribute without expecting more than the evidence supports.
Skincare can meaningfully support skin quality, pigmentation, texture and protection against photoageing. Its effects remain limited to the concerns it can reach, and it cannot correct every feature associated with facial ageing.
Facial ageing also involves changes in fat, muscle and bone. Imaging studies of the midface have found reductions in some fat compartments and increases in lower compartments, suggesting redistribution rather than uniform loss.[9][10]
These bigger structural changes are not addressed by topical products.
Being clear about these limits makes it easier to select the right approach. A patient seeking improvement in skin quality may benefit from skincare, while laxity or volume loss requires a different assessment.
For many patients, an effective routine can remain relatively simple:
A short routine used consistently is often more helpful than a complex routine that is difficult to maintain.
For some patients, skincare and photoprotection are the most appropriate recommendations. This may be the case when changes are early, when the skin barrier is irritated, or when a procedure would not address the main concern.
Other presentations require a different approach. Some concerns require medical treatment, while changes related to deeper facial structure are unlikely to improve with topical products. Pigmentation should also be properly assessed when the underlying cause is not clear, as different types of pigmentation may require different treatments.
A consultation helps distinguish these situations and allows the routine to be matched to the patient’s skin, concerns, and treatment goals.
A useful skincare consultation may lead to a simpler routine, with the strongest evidence-based steps performed consistently and any additional products chosen for a defined purpose.
At VIDASKIN, skincare advice forms part of a broader clinical assessment. Where photoprotection, a suitable retinoid and time are the most appropriate recommendations, the treatment plan should reflect that.
To learn more or book a consultation, visit us here today.
