Dr Georgia Lee has been taking care of my skin since I visited her original clinic at Holland Village six years ago (it has since moved to Pacific Plaza). If I trust her to zap my face and poke it with needles, I definitely trust her personal line of skincare. The DrGL brand launched in 2004 and the products are made with high quality ingredients from Japan and South Korea. I’m a fan of the cult Skin Repair serum, which I use after dermatologist treatments and when my skin has any form of damage (eg. from the sun or blemishes). If you’re new to the brand, here are the top 10 items to check out, and the ingredients in their formulas:
1. Cleanser Lightening, $88 (100ml)
There are several different cleansers by DrGL, including ones for oil control, anti-ageing, sensitive skin, acne, and one specifically for removing makeup. This lightening version is their most popular; it brightens and exfoliates skin while cleansing it. Over time, it also helps to fade hyperpigmentation with the ingredient, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate — one of the newest forms of vitamin C, that is stable, oil-soluble and penetrates skin easily.
2. Toner Lightening, $168 (128ml)
This toner accompanies the Cleanser Lightening well, by boosting its brightening effects, and helping to reduce discolouration and dark spots over use. Similar to its cleansing counterpart, it has all the benefits of vitamin C in the form of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a potent antioxidant that can repair oxidative damage in skin), and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (which effectively inhibits tyrosinase activity so it can help fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone).
3. Collagen Essence, $198 (30ml)
This hydrating essence has won numerous awards, and is especially beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin (it melts into skin upon contact). It contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a salt-form of hyaluronic acid that is intensely hydrating; Succinoyl Atelocollagen, a pure form of soluble collagen that plumps skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles; and Hydrolysed Elastin, which boosts collagen production so skin retains its natural elasticity.
4. Eye Repair Brightening, $188 (10ml)
This does what its name implies — it brightens the eye area making the eyes appear more awake. The three main ingredients include: Swertia Japonica Extract, which boosts microcirculation; Strawberry Geranium Extract, which tightens pores and brightens skin; and Arginine, which repairs skin damage and speeds up the healing of wounds. Also good to note, this serum has the added benefit of boosting lash growth.
5. Skin Repair, $118 (10ml)
This is the first thing to try from the DrGL brand; it’s a healing treatment that is prescribed for use after any aesthetic procedure, or even as daily maintenance for the skin (although it’s a tad pricey for that). It includes plant stem cells that stimulate skin cell growth, and Alpha Lipoic (Thioctic) Acid, which is an antioxidant that is 400 times more potent than vitamin C or E. I’ve been using this little bottle and it truly does repair skin almost overnight. Improvements in skin are fast and obvious, and that’s how I know it works.
6. Moisturiser, $198 (128ml)
This moisturiser has an essence-like texture, so feels weightless on the skin. It is powered by vitamin C in the form of: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (both found in the Toner Lightening), and Sodium Hyaluronate (an intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid, and also found in the Collagen Essence). I rate this the second most essential product to get after the Skin Repair.
7. Restore Gel Mask, $118 (240ml)
This is a gel moisturiser and mask that feels wonderful after sun exposure, or as a shaving gel. It can be mixed with other skincare in the DrGL series as a “base”. For example, you can mix a few drops of Collagen Essence with two pumps of this gel for an intensely hydrating mask.
Ingredients in this product include: Lactobacillus Ferment (a probiotic that strengthens the skin barrier and protects against harmful bacteria and viruses); Beta-Glucan (anti-inflammatory, moisturising, skin-plumping, and firming); Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate (also anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing, with some pain-relieving properties); Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis) Root Extract (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing); Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Extract (an anti-allergen); Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract (helps to neutralise free radicals in skin, and stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production); and Centella Asiatica Extract (helps to heal wounds, improve microcirculation and fade scars).
8. Sun Protection Mist, $88 (80ml)
I love this mist; after every appointment with Dr Lee, this gets misted over my face and it feels cooling and hydrating. It dries quickly, settling over skincare and makeup and is invisible.
The doctor has formulated this with really good skincare ingredients to keep the skin protected, and these include: Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis) Root Extract (a plant known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties); Peony (Paeonia Suffruticosa) Root Extract (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and rich in amino acids); Co-enzyme Q10 (an antioxidant that protects against blue light); Rutin (also protects against blue light); and Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Extract (an anti-allergen, and anti-inflammatory).
9. Cleanser Hair Anti-Hairloss Shampoo, $98 (240ml)
This is a super blend of Hydrolysed Keratin, which strengthens and repairs hair, and traditional extracts that include: Thuja Orientalis Root Extract (strengthens hair follicles); Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract (promotes new hair growth); and Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract (also known as He Shou Wu, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its rejuvenating and restorative properties). With constant use, hair appears fuller and healthier over time.
10. Solution Anti-Hairloss, $168 (100ml)
There are a whole bunch of traditional extracts that go into this leave-in solution to help prevent hair loss. These include Portulaca Oleracea Extract (anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and antioxidant); Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract (used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth); Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract (also found in the above anti-hairless shampoo); and Thuja Orientalis Extract (which strengthens hair follicles). And just like many other DrGL products, this one is the recipient of several beauty awards.
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