“Antioxidants are substances that can slow down or prevent damage to cells by unstable molecules known as free radicals, which the body produces as a reaction to environmental aggressors. They can be obtained from both natural and man-made sources and are capable of stabilising or deactivating free radicals before they attack cells,” Dr Toby Hui, senior aesthetics doctor at Freia Medical shares.

“Studies have shown that daily use of antioxidants can reduce pigmentation such as lentigines (sun spots) and melasma, and help combat visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.”

This could be a reason why we often find antioxidants in our skincare products, particularly for anti-ageing and repair. One of the most popular—and potent—ingredient today is vitamin C, which helps to promote collagen production, inhibit the skin’s melanin production, and aid in the skin’s natural regeneration process for a youthful and even-toned complexion.

SkinCeuticals produces one of the best-selling and high-performing vitamin C serums in the market, which contains a super-charged formulation of 15 per cent pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), one per cent vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and 0.5 per cent ferulic acid—which not only offers antioxidant benefits against environmental aggressors but improves signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness, while brightening the skin tone.

The Serum

“Because Vitamin C oxidises easily, it is difficult to stabilise it in a serum. Dr Sheldon R. Pinnell (founding scientist of SkinCeuticals) was the first person to discover the benefits of topical vitamin C on skin. He also pioneered a technique to bottle this antioxidant and bring its protective and anti-ageing effects to the world,” Dr Toby shares.

“What makes SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic stand out is its ability to harness all the antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C with an optimal concentration of 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid. In addition, it contains one per cent vitamin E, which helps to restore lipid and moisture balance to aged and wrinkled skin. Combined with Ferulic acid, the effects of Vitamin C and E are enhanced. What you get is one of the most established Vitamin C products, formulated by the inventor of topical Vitamin C and made by a trusted dermaceutical brand.”

Based on SkinCeuticals' research, specific blends of antioxidants provide superior results in comparison to formulations with just one antioxidant. The efficacy of its C E Ferulic serum helps to strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier and is clinically proven to reduce combined oxidative damage from UVA/UVB rays, ozone pollution, and diesel engine exhaust by up to 41 per cent.

The treatment

The benefits of the C E Ferulic can be best experienced in Freia Aesthetics’ Triple Boost Treatment—a fusion of SkinCeuticals’ signature antioxidant treatment and the clinic’s original HydraFacial. Customised to different skin types and concerns, the facial maximises the effects of SkinCeutical’s high-performing products through Friea Aesthetics' HydraFacial MD technology, a three-step delivery system that includes cleansing, extraction, and hydration.

Gentle double-cleansing is first performed using SkinCeuticals’ Gentle Cleanser and Simply Clean pore-refining gel. Then, HydraFacial's proprietary vacuum technology is used to dislodge and remove impurities while simultaneously delivering an infusion of peptides, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid— which helps to stimulate collagen production, strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, and improve hydration.

(Related: The ABCs of Beauty: Skincare Experts Explain Vitamin E)

This is followed by SkinCeuticals’ Vitamin C Firming Masque for an extra antioxidant boost, which helps to tighten and brighten your complexion while preventing and correcting signs of ageing.

The treatment is complete with a signature Freia facial massage and mask, and SkinCeuticals’ regimen of the Equalising Toner, hydrating and soothing Phyto Corrective Gel, an antioxidant serum selected for your skin type—C E Ferulic for normal/dry skin; Serum 10 for sensitive skin; and Phloretin CF for oily skin—and anti-ageing Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 cream.

“After one session of the Triple Boost treatment, patients will notice instantly brighter, radiant, glowing skin. For continued maintenance, the treatment is recommended to be done once a month,” Dr Toby advises.

“Most skin types and ages from 20 to 40 would benefit from the treatment, unless the client's skin is extremely reactive and sensitive, given that it is a Vitamin C serum. Our experienced estheticians will recommend the best antioxidant serum from SkinCeuticals based on the client's skin type.”

(Related: A Beauty Addict Diary: A Review Of Freia Aesthetics’ Plasma Facial)

Of course, facial treatments and daily care go hand in hand to achieve healthy, glowing skin. An effective skincare routine of products catered to your skin type will truly allow your skin to thrive and achieve its innate radiance.

“For continued efficacy and longlasting results, clients can consider a regime of SkinCeuticals' Equalising Toner; an antioxidant serum such as the C E Ferulic in the morning and the Resveratrol B E at night; the Phyto Corrective (best for sensitive skin) or Hydrating B5 hyaluronic acid serum for hydration; and the Metacell Renewal B3 or Emollience emulsion as the last step. The Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is also a great lightweight sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide to physically filter out broad-spectrum UVA/UVB,” Dr Toby recommends.

However, the best way to know what works best for you is to book an appointment with Freia Aesthetics for an accurate analysis of your skin and a curated skincare programme based on your personal beauty goals.

Freia Aesthetics is offering a trial session of the Triple Boost treatment (worth S$320) at S$224 for Tatler Singapore readers. Simply quote this article to enjoy the exclusive promotion. Terms and conditions apply.

Freia Aesthetics
252 North Bridge Road, #B2-26, Raffles City Shopping Centre | 6258 0233