Importance of Vitamin C and Vitamin F in Skincare

June 17, 2020

Vitamin C: How is it used in skincare and what are its benefits?

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in the skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps the body repair damaged skin cells.

In helping to promote collagen production, topical vitamin C can help prevent premature aging of the skin, reducing fine lines and helping to prevent or minimize wrinkles. It also inhibits the skin’s melanin production and with continued topical use, vitamin C can minimize hyperpigmentation and can produce an even skin-tone. It may also protect against sun damage with its antioxidant action.

Vitamin C is also useful in acne as it has been shown to reduce inflammation and lighten post-acne hyperpigmentation.

Who should use it and who shouldn’t?

Most people can benefit from Vitamin C – the ‘anti-aging’ and antioxidant properties are beneficial for everyone; skin-lightening for dull and more mature skin as well as anti-acne properties for the younger and blemish-prone individual.

Those with sensitive skin or known allergies to the ingredient should not use it.

What is the best way to use Vitamin C (with what products and how often)?

Vitamin C can be used on its own in creams, lotions or in other formulations, or incorporated into other products. There are various forms, the main form being ASCORBIC ACID. This form is arguably the most effective, but also the most unstable and difficult to stabilize in formulations. Other forms that are more stable and more easily absorbed are often used in skincare formulations – these include Sodium or Magnesium Ascorbic Phosphate (SAP and MAP), Ascorbyl Phosphate Palmitate Sodium (APPS) and numerous others. Efficacy of the products depend greatly on the formulation and the stability of the compound in the formulation.

Vitamin C can be used regularly, even twice daily and in combination with almost any other product.

Are there any side effects to Vitamin C or ingredients it should not be used with?

There should not be any side effects except in those individuals who are sensitive or allergic to it. However, some formulations may cause dryness or mild irritation because of the low pH (acidity) of the formulations. It is believed that Vitamin C and Niacinamide should not be used together. However, it has been shown to be untrue when in fact, the use of both may be synergistic. It is true, however, that these two ingredients in the same formulation may be unstable.

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Vitamin F: What exactly is Vitamin F?

Vitamin F is not a ‘true’ vitamin, and in terms of skincare, this name is sometimes used to refer to two Essential Fatty Acids (EFA): Linoleic Acid (LA), an Omega-6 EFA and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), an Omega-3 EFA (FYI, the “F” stands for ‘fat’)!!

How is it used in skincare and what are its benefits?

The ingredients act as building blocks of ceramides, which are a type of lipid that help make up the skin cell membrane.

Both LA and ALA also affect immune responses and inflammation in our body; and because LA and ALA play a big role in our cell membranes and immune health, they play a big role in our skin in maintaining barrier integrity.

By maintaining barrier integrity, Vitamin F helps lock moisture in, keep toxins and bacteria out, heal existing damage, and prevent skin dryness, rough texture, increased sensitivity, allergies, inflammation, aging, and skin conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema, and atopic dermatitis.

Who should use it and who shouldn’t?

Anyone can use products with Vitamin F, but it is particularly useful for those with dry, sensitive skin or those prone to eczema.

Acne and blemish-prone individuals may however, find the product too rich.

What is the best way to use Vitamin F (with what products and how often)?

Vitamin F may be used with almost any product.

Are there any side effects to Vitamin F or ingredients it should not be used with?

There are no known side effects to Vitamin F.

Our Team

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Dr. SK Tan

Special Interest

  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Anti-Aging
  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Ingredient Studies

Dr. SK Tan

    Qualifications

  • MBBS
  • Diploma in Venereology (University of London)
  • Diploma in Dermatology (University of Wales)
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)

About Dr. SK Tan

Dr Tan graduated in 1971, with a Bachelors of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelors of Surgery (BS) from the University of Malaya. Dr Tan’s interest in dermatology led him to train at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in the 1970s and he has since been focused in the field of aesthetic dermatology.

He is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Tan was one of the first local doctors to be certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. His personal interest in pigmentary disorders and acne has also led him to become an International Member of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India, the Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS).

Dr Tan’s work has led him to be invited to speak at numerous international conferences in the US, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He is a co-editor of “Handbook of Cosmetic Microbiology”, a reference book published by Marcel Dekker, and his papers have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, and Expert Review of Dermatology, and has contributed a chapter in the reference book ‘Pigmentary Disorders: A Comprehensive Compendium’.

Special Interest

  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Anti-Aging
  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Ingredient Studies
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Dr. Ben Yim

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Body-Contouring
  • Fat Reduction

Dr. Ben Yim

    Qualifications

  • M.B.B.S (Monash University) 1994
  • Diploma Practical Dermatology (University of Wales College of Medicine) 1998
  • MSc. Clinical Dermatology (University of London) 1999
  • MBA (University of Chicago) 2011
  • MSc Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics (Anglia Ruskin) 2018
  • GDFM (NUS) 2019

About Dr. Ben Yim

Dr Yim graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He has also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from the University of London and more recently in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics from Anglia Ruskin University in UK, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Family Physicians in National University of Singapore.

Dr Yim has been practicing aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000. The former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has been offering a wide armamentarium of aesthetic services including Botox, fillers for facial enhancement, skin tightening with Thermage FLX, Ulthera and fractional lasers, threadlifts, and non-invasive body contouring treatments.

As a trainer for Allergan Medical Institute in Singapore, Dr Yim has been invited to speak and train for numerous aesthetic workshops and conferences including “The Advanced Facial Anatomy and Injectables Workshop”, Botox and Filler injectable training workshops organized by Allergan, “The Singapore Disease Conference 2008” and “1st International Conference on Healthcare Transformation 2008” and Forum for Professional Self-regulation jointly organized by the SingHealth Centre for Health Services Research and the NUS Medical Society, to name a few.

Dr Yim comes from a family of four doctors, all in private practice in family medicine. Despite the move into full-time aesthetic medicine, Dr Yim has also taken an interest in family medicine pursuing a Master degree in Medicine in Family Medicine in NUS in which he hopes to complete in 2020.

Outside of his profession, Dr Yim also actively participates in social projects such as tattoo laser removal for prison inmates and teenage delinquents. For leisure, he enjoys golf, reading, playing the piano and running – he has participated in several half-marathons.

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Body-Contouring
  • Fat Reduction
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Dr. Liz Lum YX

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring

Dr. Liz Lum YX

    Qualifications

  • MBBCH BAO (Trinity College Dublin)
  • Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)

About Dr. Liz Lum YX

Dr Liz Lum YX graduated from Trinity College in Dublin with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She has also earned a graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Apart from these, Dr Lum has also attained certification by the Ministry of Health accredited bodies under the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetics Dermatology Education Group for various aesthetics procedures. Before joining IDS, Dr Liz Lum YX was a surgical trainee with the hand surgery department in SGH.

Jean Cocteau once said, “If there is a defect in the soul, it cannot be corrected on the face; but if there is a defect on the face and one corrects it, it can correct a soul.” For this reason, Dr Liz Lum YX has a special interest in acne treatment that dates back to times when she had to deal with her own acne problems and breakouts. This drove her to identify the need for innovative products and treatments to treat acne problems. She strongly believes that many acne prone patients will benefit from a combination of innovative dermatological products, lasers and medications.

Dr Liz Lum YX’s other interests include injectables such as botulinum toxins, fillers and laser treatments for pigmentary disorders. Outside of her profession, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones over good meals, movies, and a cup of coffee.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
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Dr. Ian Tan

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Anti-Aging
  • Body Contouring
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
  • Hair Regrowth
  • Weight Management

Dr. Ian Tan

    Qualifications

  • MBBS (Singapore)
  • MRCS (Edinburgh)
  • GDFM (Singapore)
  • GDFP Dermatology (Singapore)
  • Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine, Amercian Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
  • Accredited Family Physician
  • Basic Obesity Management Accreditation 2 (BOMA 2)
  • Certificate Course in Andrology

About Dr. Ian Tan

Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore and is one of the few medical doctors selected to lead the Singapore National Healthcare Group surgical residency program. He had his basic years of training in various hospital surgical specialties and he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (General Surgery) in 2013.

Through his practice, he developed a keen clinical interest in dermatological conditions and has obtained a Diploma in Dermatology (FP) from NUS. Dr Tan aims to help his patients achieve beauty through science by using appropriate skincare, aesthetic procedures and lasers. He believes his experience in surgery will complement his work in aesthetic and dermatological procedures at the IDS clinic.

A former national, Dr Tan was an avid athlete during his college days and developed him in local and regional canoe competitions. Outside of his profession, he enjoys running and going to the gym.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Anti-Aging
  • Body Contouring
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
  • Hair Regrowth
  • Weight Management
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Dr. Michelle Wong

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Focused Ultrasound Lifting
  • Skin Brightening
  • Cryo based Treatment

Dr. Michelle Wong

    Qualifications

  • MBBS from The University of Melbourne, Australia
  • Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London
  • Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine from American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)

About Dr. Michelle Wong

Dr Michelle Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and Bachelors of Medical Science. She obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology with Distinction from the Queen Mary University of London, and holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).

In aesthetics, Dr Wong believes she has discovered her ikigai – the intersection of what she is both good at and loves doing. Her preferred tools of the trade are injectables such as Botox and Fillers, which she wields with finesse and intuition - often achieving what her patients desire but cannot express through words. Out of passion and interest, she regularly attends conferences and workshops, eager to learn about the latest treatments and techniques to further hone her craft.

Combining the science of medicine with the art of beauty, Dr Wong provides an honest consult to help her patients achieve their skincare and beauty goals. She believes in understated elegance – a focus on a less-is-more approach - and works to enhance her patients’ natural features whilst instilling self-confidence. Her reassuring and gentle approach puts patients at ease allowing her to achieve maximum results through safe and effective procedures.

In her free time, Dr Wong enjoys taking long walks with her dog at the park. Her family praises her inner domestic goddess that can whip up an impressive variety of home-cooked meals. She is also active in church medical missions and believes in contributing back to society through her God-given gifts and talents.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Focused Ultrasound Lifting
  • Skin Brightening
  • Cryo based Treatment
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Dr. Vivian Yong

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement

Dr. Vivian Yong

    Qualifications

  • MBBS
  • GDFM

About Dr. Vivian Yong

Dr Vivian Yong graduated from National University of Singapore in 2006, and has an experience of more than 10 years in Aesthetics. She has also accumulated extensive surgical skills and experience from various rotations in general surgery, ophthalmology, and ENT.

Dr Vivian has always had a natural inclination towards science subjects and this led her into medicine. During her medical graduate days, she developed a keen interest in Aesthetics and Skincare, and she believes that Aesthetics is one area that allows her to help a patient achieve their ideal artistic expression based on science. While Dr Vivian is always keen to accommodate her patients’ needs, she ensures that their welfare remains the utmost priority. This is why Dr Vivian is loved by her patients for always being meticulous and attentive to details.

Dr Vivian’s eye for beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Outside the clinic, Dr Vivian loves to spend her time in leather crafting and jewelry making, transforming basics into beauty. She also loves spending her quiet time exercising in the gym or chilling at home with her loved one.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement
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Dr. Lina Yow

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Acne and Acne Scarring
  • Skin Rejuvenation
  • Facial Lifting and Contouring

Dr. Lina Yow

    Qualifications

  • MBBCH BAO
  • MRCS (Edinburgh)
  • Masters in Surgical Science
  • Diploma in Dermatology

About Dr. Lina Yow

Dr Yow graduated from Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom, with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. In addition, she has a Masters in Surgical Science from the University of Edinburgh and a membership from the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh). She underwent her initial years of surgical training in the United Kingdom before returning to Singapore in 2020.

Over the years, Dr Yow developed a growing interest in medical aesthetics as it is a fine art marrying science and clinical acumen to achieve a patient’s aesthetic goal. To further her knowledge and skills, she is constantly further educating herself and is also currently pursuing a diploma in Dermatology from Cardiff University, United Kingdom.

Dr Yow believes in the importance of an equal doctor-patient partnership. She aims to provide informed clinical knowledge to guide her patients to reach an optimal shared goal and achieve a more confident version of themselves. Her attention to detail and friendly manner led her to receive the Singapore Health Quality Service Award during her time in the public hospital, recognizing the high quality of care she has provided to her patients.

In her free time, Dr Yow enjoys spending quality time with her family. She also loves the outdoors and was previously part of her university rowing team. She keeps up her enjoyment of fitness through regular strength training, spin, and pilates.

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Acne and Acne Scarring
  • Skin Rejuvenation
  • Facial Lifting and Contouring
Make An Enquiry

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