Business Times - 04 Apr 2009
Natural mix
Explore alternative skincare treatments which adopt nutrition and plant-based approaches. By Cheah Ui-Hoon
The Natural Skin Clinic
90 Clemenceau Ave #04-01
Singapore Shopping Centre
Tel 6337-9781
www.thenaturalskinclinic.com
AS a teenager, Charles Ng was plagued with serious acne and a sensitive skin condition. By chance, he came upon an article in a medical journal discussing the possible side effects of the chemical-based approach in skincare. The same article talked about alternative treatments which included nutrition-based and plant-based approaches to skincare instead.
'I was then also suffering from obesity and low self esteem - the last thing I want was to aggravate my skin condition!' he says. 'Hence I avoided all means of medication and chemical-based applications and treatments.'
He started mixing his own skincare formulations, starting off with common ingredients such as cucumber, aloe vera and chamomile infusions. His interest in this grew over the years, so much so that the mechanical engineering graduate - who now has flawless skin of course - opened his own skincare clinic in 2003. To his knowledge, The Natural Skin Clinic is the only one here that relies completely on botanical products for 'nutritional treatment'.
What makes plant-based formulations preferable to chemical-based treatments? While Mr Ng is careful not to disparage the mainstream approach, he believes that a plant-based skincare approach is more readily absorbed by the skin; alleviates specific concerns faster when correctly prescribed, and the skin has less resistance to natural ingredients which they can identify and readily breakdown.
Plant-based treatments also provide longer lasting and more sustainable results, he feels, and they are hypo-allergenic, and the biggest plus point is that there are no synthetic preservatives, 'suspected' carcinogens, drying alcohols, and perhaps synthetic fragrances and dyes. 'So there's less worry about chemical-induced reactions such as allergies, rashes, asthma, hormonal imbalances.'
Some of the herbs he commonly use include Indian gooseberry, a fibrous fruit that is prized for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. 'It is one of the richest, natural and most stable sources of vitamin C; at least four times more than what is found in medium-sized oranges,' he shares. 'The phyto-chemical properties of this fruit help stimulate the production of red blood cells, enhance cellular regeneration, rejuvenate and boost skin immunity, and alleviate acne condition.'
And then there's scutellaria root, a native Chinese plant which has a natural skin lightening compound which limits the human skin's enzyme tyrosinase production, which in turn inhibits melanin activity. Flowers are also useful, like marigold, which contains lutein. 'In the presence of other antioxidants in the skin, together with beta-carotene, it's effective in protecting cells from UVA damage and act as a free radical inhibitor,' says Mr Ng. After so many years coming up with formulations and having them tested and approved in laboratories in Europe and Australia, Mr Ng says that it's not just the qualities of plants, but their concentration, processing method and application that makes a difference as well.
One very good example, is the aloe vera plant. 'there are many forms of aloe vera on the market today, including pills, liquids, aloe juice, and freeze-dried soluble powders.
Freeze dried aloe powder is produced from the pure aloe gel and is by far the most effective way to absorb the benefits into the skin because among its many forms, the properties remained as the most intact.
'This will give the product the highest range of molecular weight possible. The more complete the molecular weight, the more complete the healing properties will be,' he explains.
He customises treatments to each client, specialising in acne conditions, anti-ageing, dark eye circles/puffiness, pigmentation and eczema to maintenance concerns such as oily complexion, dry and sensitive complexion and routine facial treatments. His youngest client is nine years old and oldest, 75.
'Women form 70 per cent and men 30 per cent of my clientele. All came to me by word of mouth,' he says.
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