Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or AHAs), derived from milk and fruit sugars, include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and malic acid. They work to loosen the binding between the surface layers of dead skin, so newer skin is revealed, improving dullness and uneven skin tone. AHA should ideally be applied at night as skin tends to be more photo-sensitive.

Try: Allies of Skin Bright Future Overnight Facial, $159 (50 ml)

Botulinum Toxin A, more commonly known as Botox (although variations are also produced by brands like XEOMIN and Dysport), is an injectable that can be used to relax facial muscles. When administered on frown lines or crow’s feet, can reduce its appearance. Other applications include using it on the masseter muscles, which can help reduce the jawline.

One of the basic building blocks of healthy skin, collagen ensures that skin remains firm and line-free. As we age, collagen depletes faster than the body can replace it, resulting in loss of firmness and elasticity which can manifest in the form of wrinkles on the skin.

TRY: Astalift Jelly Aquarysta, $148 (40 g).

Dimethicone, a derivative of silicone, often gets a bad rep for causing clogged pores, although there hasn’t been sufficient research to back this up. It’s often found in creams, foundations and makeup primers as it improves its texture, giving it a silky smooth finish. Application of a primer which contains dimethicone can help makeup go on better, while filling in fine lines so wrinkles are less obvious.

TRY: Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer, $55 (30 ml).

Enmei Extract, derived from a traditional Japanese herbs boasts of many health benefits, but when combined with Skingenecell 1P and vitamin C ethyl II, forms a potent skincare compound, SkingenecellEnmei, found in the Shiseido Future Solutions LX range.

TRY: Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream, $192 (15 ml).

Non-invasive radiofrequency treatments like the BTL Exilis Elite generate heat deep within the skin to reduce fat cells and stimulate collagen production. Over time, skin appears firmer with a more defined visage.

TRY: BTL Exilis Elite treatment at The Aesthetics Centre.

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Research has shown that drinking green tea offers a myriad of health benefits, as it is rich in antioxidants. When used on the skin, it fights free radical damage to delay skin ageing and reduces skin redness with its anti-inflammatory properties.

TRY: Origins RitualiTea™ Matcha Madness™ Revitalizing Powder Face Mask, $68

Hydrating skin in our weather can be tricky business, especially if you have sensitive skin. A lightweight cream like the Avene Tolérance Extrême Emulsion contains only seven ingredients, and replenishes moisture without irritating the skin.

TRY: Avene Tolérance Extrême Emulsion, $69.90 (50 ml).

Studies conducted on Idebenone has shown that it is more powerful than vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 when it comes to its antioxidant properties. When used on the skin, it can neutralise free radicals and protect skin cells against damage, thus delaying the signs of ageing.

TRY: Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask, $114 (75 ml).

Jojoba has a similar chemical makeup to sebum, which is naturally produced by our body. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties also make it an ideal hydrator for drier skin types. It can also be added to creams to make them ultra-moisturising, especially useful when you travel to countries with colder climate.

TRY: The Herb Farm Light Jojoba Face Cream, $49 (50 ml).

Derived from mushrooms or the sake brewing process from fermented rice, kojic acid blocks off tyrosinase, an enzyme needed to make melanin. This makes products containing kojic acid excellent spot treatments, and good for use on hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

TRY: Brad Biophotonic Ultra Peel, $236 (50 ml)

Lasers consist of focused light energy, which travels at different wavelengths. When applied to the skin, specific wavelengths have different properties which can be used to break down melanin to lighten spots, treat redness or resurface skin.

TRY: Q-switched Laser for pigmentation or Quadrostar ProYellow Laser for redness and uneven skin tone.

Microcurrent technology started out as a medical treatment for muscle atrophy, but when used as a skin treatment, it lifts the muscles to give the appearance of a contoured visage. Microcurrent is usually painless, except for an occasional prickly sensation.

TRY: ReFa Carat Ray, $359.

Niacinamide (or vitamin B3), offers multiple skin care benefits including improving cell immunity and reducing redness. It also regulates the production of sebum and boosts collagen production to minimise the appearance of wrinkles, making it an all-rounder in skincare ingredients.

TRY: Bioderma Hydrabio Serum, $49.90 (40ml).

With our weather, most of us would shy away from applying anything oily on the skin. However, the oil-in-water texture of the Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil lets you reap the benefit of plumper and more hydrated skin, without the greasy feeling.

TRY: Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil, $210 (50 ml).

Peptides are basically segments of proteins that are produced when collagen breaks down. When peptides are applied on the skin, this tricks it into thinking it needs to produce more collagen to replace the ones that are damaged, thus making the skin firmer and reducing fine lines.

TRY: M&G Aesthetics ReStore Facial Treatment, $300 (60 mins).

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Quercetin is a type of flavonoid; these molecules give foods like spinach, onions, grapes and apples their colours. It has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and neutralises free radical damage. Studies have shown that consuming quercetin can keep skin looking younger for longer.

Retinols are a form of vitamin A which can boost collagen production in skin and rid pigmentation. Some people might experience skin irritation, but the trick is to start with a low dosage (of about 0.03 per cent) and work your way up. Use the Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1% along with the Buffer Cream to vary its strength and concentration, adjusting the ratio as you build resistance towards retinol.

TRY: Demalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1%, $204 (30 ml).

While creams offer hydration, serums are like booster shots for your skin, offering a high concentration of skincare ingredients to target skin concerns. If you have more than one serum in your skin care routine, try alternating them (one for day and one for night) instead of putting both of them on, in case you run the risk of product incompatibility.

TRY: Juvena Juvelia Nutri Restore Serum, $245 (30 ml).

Used as a beauty ingredient by Indians for centuries, turmeric contains more than 300 antioxidants and is lauded for its ability to treat skin woes like acne, pigmentation and even eczema. If the idea of applying turmeric powder directly doesn’t appeal to you, try the Clarins Double Serum, which has improved its formula to include turmeric extract.

TRY: Clarins Double Serum, $170 (50 ml).

Ultrasound treatments like High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) are able to reach depths of up to 4.5 mm to stimulate collagen production, helping skin look tightened and lifted. Some aching might be experienced, especially around the bony areas of the face, and results can be expected after a few weeks when collagen synthesis is accelerated.

TRY: HIFU treatment from ClearSK Healthcare Group.

We know that consuming vitamins is great for the body, but as skincare goes, vitamin C and E are essential as they provide antioxidant properties. Free radicals bombard our body every day and the role of antioxidants is to neutralise the damage, and protect the cells. Constant use of skincare protects containing vitamins can delay the signs of ageing.

TRY: Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream, $77 (50 ml) and IDS C-Plus, $150 (30 ml).

The best wrinkle busters often addresses the weakening of the skin’s basic structure that comes with age – loss of collagen, moisture and elastin. Besides infusing skin with collagen to replace its daily loss, a good anti-ageing skincare product should also be able to boost collagen production to help skin remain supple.

TRY: La Prairie Caviar Absolute Filler, $980 (60 ml).

Most of us neglect this important aspect of skin care, but exfoliating sloughs off dull dead skin that often clogs pores and prevents skincare from properly penetrating the skin. There are two types of exfoliation – chemical, which uses acids like lactic and glycolic acid, or physical exfoliation, in the form of scrubs or microdermabrasion devices.

TRY: Philips Beauty VisaCare Microdermabrasion, $489.

While we wouldn’t recommend slathering yoghurt directly from the tub, skincare products containing yogurt are rich in lactic acid, which rids dead surface skin and lighten pigmentation. It also hydrates and soothes skin.

TRY: Garnier Skin Naturals Light Complete Night Yoghurt Sleeping Mask, $19.90 (50 ml).

Zinc Oxide is an ingredient commonly found in sunscreens. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays and might possibly cause irritation for those who are sensitive to heat, zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen which blocks off UV light in order to protect skin against sun damage.

TRY: ORBIS Sunscreen on Face Light, $18.

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