With the exception of the genetically blessed, Singapore’s scorching heat coupled with extreme humidity can be a recipe for disastrous skin conditions. Throw hormones in the mix and the ultimate wildcard — face masks as a result of the pandemic, and one could say it has been a rough time for everyone’s skin.

The thought of implementing lasers as a quick solution never did cross my mind. I used to reserve that thought for the distant future where active acne wasn’t really a thing; instead, lasers would be perfect for lightening the scars left in their wake.

But to debunk any misconception, anyone who’s experiencing active acne can still look to lasers for improvement. But specifically, it’s best to do it with at a skin clinic, with medical solutions in place. IDS and its arsenal of aesthetic treatments alone, can easily treat a spectrum of conditions. Especially since everyone’s skin is different, one treatment plan would not necessarily work for the other.

First, a consultation to assess and diagnose with one of the clinic’s doctors. Perhaps, a slight setback lies in the clinic’s resources is the inconsistency with doctors on site — especially those who are first-time patients. In a brief consultation, it did feel a tad bit hasty along with an onslaught of rapid-fire questions, which may or may not sit well with the patient in question. As with every medical assessment, the experience is deeply personal, which means one doctor might not work the same for everyone. While I was left feeling a little intimidated from the consultation process, my doctor recommended a Dual Yellow Laser treatment, followed by salicylic acid. 

I was well underway of PMS (Premenstrual symdrome), which meant that my skin was flaring up quite a bit. Unlike the others like Picolaser, Dual Yellow Laser is gentle enough that no numbing cream was needed. A sheen of cooling gel was first applied, before the doctor performed the treatment. This laser of two wavelengths penetrates deeply, targets pigmentation, and commonly used to treat melasma. There was no pain or discomfort during the entire process that lasted about three minutes. Then, salicylic acid — essentially like a chemical peel — was applied all over my face. A brief moment of burn to endure, but all was right soon after.

Post-treatment, my skin was evidently brighter in the following days. A couple of acne scars was also significantly lighter, and overall, my angry skin does feel much calmer. Of course, lasers aren’t the magic fix to prevent acne, but together with other treatments as recommended by your doctor, they can momentarily treat the scars and the current acne, as well as brighten and revitalise your current complexion. Make it a monthly routine and I’m pretty sure better results will ensue.