IDS Skincare
[ Jody Liu ] IDS Journey: The FIRST step to healthier skin is Skincare
IDS Skincare, 30 August 2021
A month ago, Studio 155 reached out to me for this collaboration with Innovative Dermatological Solutions (IDS) to experience the IDS Journey. For this journey, I will be exploring, understanding and using the products and services of the 3 IDS entities namely; IDS Clinic, IDS Aesthetics and IDS Skincare. This journey involves visiting the Aesthetic professionals so that they can assess my skin and prescribe customised products, laser procedures and treatment facials for me to help my skin improve!
If you are like me and you live under a rock, totally clueless about IDS, don't worry. To sum it up, IDS has 3 entities: IDS Clinic, IDS Aesthetics and IDS Skincare, that offer innovative and effective treatments at affordable and reasonable prices, without sacrificing quality and professionalism. Some of the common conditions they tend to are acne & pigmentation, wrinkles & sagging facial skin, fillers & lifting, tattoo removal, hair removal & body sculpting.
My first visit was to their Chic flagship store at International Building for a consultation with Dr Ben Yim. He shared his observation of my current skin conditions and listed the potential treatment I can consider.
A little background on my skin condition and mindset:
![](https://jyx-shop.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/photos/shares/Jody%201.jpg)
- I used to have acne which leaves some deep scars on my cheeks
- I have skin bumps and uneven skin texture on my cheeks and the areas around my eyes
- I have freckles on my nose bridge and pigmentation on my cheeks
- I still experience hormonal breakouts and I do get breakouts from wearing mask
My skin type is a combination of oily and normal. I am not into aesthetic procedures that requires surgery and for now, I'm not keen in using fillers or Botox.
So the first step towards a healthier skin for me is skincare products. Dr Ben suggested using their range of products to help unclog and reduce the excess sebum production to combat my oily skin issues. I am to revisit him again in a month with consistent usage of their products which I will touch on below!
The consultation with Dr Ben was rather quick and straight forward, once we ended our session, I followed the assistant to another area where she shared all about their skincare products with me. It was a detailed session where the assistant explained to me the different types of products and steps to take for my skin.
After the explanation, I got to the dispensary where I got all the products I need for this review!
For the sake of easy reading, I have split my skincare routine review to 2 parts, head here for the second part!
CLEANSERS
A gentle foaming cleanser that quickly removes light makeup and end-of-the-day residue from the pores with pH-balanced formulation that maintains the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Bis-peg-12 Dimethicone, Lauryl Polyglucose, Sodium Cocyl Isethionate, Ppg-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Peg-6 Capric/Caprylic Glycerides, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Saccharide Isomerate, Niacinamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben
Price: $66.34 for 100ml
- Deep cleansing without stripping skin’s natural protective layer
- Supports natural skin cell regeneration
- Soothes irritated skin and reduces redness
- Contains botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties
This product is ideal for: normal to oily/blemish-prone skin
How to use:
- Apply two pumps of this gel cleanser onto the palm of your hand.
- Gently rub hands together to form a soft foam, then massage onto damp skin, avoiding the eye area.
- Rinse well.
My thoughts on this product:
It's a gentle cleanser that foams up easily, and I like that it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or uncomfortable after wash.
While it's said to be able to remove makeup, I prefer using their Cleansing Milk first before double cleansing with Refreshing Cleanser. I found that it wasn't very effective in removing the type of makeup I use because I favour makeup that are waterproof and smudge-proof!
I've been using this cleanser everyday, and there's still a little more than 3/4 of it left in the bottle. I believe this 100ml bottle will be able to last me between 3-4 months of usage.
A gentle, milky cleansing lotion that effectively removes makeup, excess sebum, surface dirt and grime, revealing fresh and clean skin. It also consists of ingredients that support blood circulation and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, leaving skin with a touch of comfort.
Ingredients:
Water, Isopropyl Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, Glycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Saccharide Isomerate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Colostrum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria, Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, D-Glucose, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower.
Price: $66.34 for 100ml
- Mild formula that is suitable for sensitive skin
- Effectively cleanses skin
- Fragrance-free
- Contains high levels of linoleic acid and is a source of vitamin E to moisturize and soothe dry skin.
- Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant botanical extracts to help combat redness, environmental stress and soften the skin.
This product is ideal for: all skin types
How to use:
- Squeeze 2 to 3 pumps onto the palm of your hand.
- Spread and massage over the entire face using circular motions.
- Rinse well and follow with a cleanser or toner.
- Alternatively, spray mist onto clean cotton pad and gently wipe all over the face and neck
My thoughts on this product:
I use (5 pumps) twice as much as suggested to remove my makeup with this cleanser, anything lesser and I find that it doesn't remove my makeup properly.
I really like using this milk cleanser, I find that it not only gently removes my makeup but also some blackheads and dead skin cells. To double cleanse, I use 1 pump of Refreshing Cleanser after.
I normally use this Cleansing Milk 4 times a week (makeup for work & going out), and there's 3/4 of it left in the bottle. I believe this 100ml bottle will be able to last me between 3-4 months of usage.
SCRUB
This scrub contains ultra-fine crystals and jojoba microbeads that effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and speed up skin turnover. It also helps in clearing out impurities and absorbing excess oil. The result is skin that’s cleaner, more radiant and even-toned as well as soft and smooth to the touch.
Ingredients:
Sodium Bicarbonate, PEG-8, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Carbonate, Jojoba Esters (Beads), PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Fragrance/Parfum, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Magnesium Stearate.
Price: $66.34 for 50ml
- Reduces local inflammation
- Inhibits growth of p-acne
- Regulates sebum production
- Contains jojoba microbeads that are spherical in shape — the edges of the beads are smooth, avoiding microscopic tears on the skin's surface.
This product is ideal for: oily and/or blemish-prone skin
How to use:
- After cleansing, apply a small amount to damp face and neck.
- Gently massage skin in a circular motion, adding water where necessary.
- Rinse thoroughly.
My thoughts:
I was told to use this twice a week, and I foundt hat it helps to clear out impurities. I took a Before & After shot of my nose for comparision, and as you can see from the images, my nose looks less congested.
![Left: BEFORE, Right: AFTER](https://jyx-shop.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/photos/shares/Jody%203.jpg)
My tip for using this is to be gentle to the skin, don't scrub at the skin like you are trying to remove molds from the wall.
With a month worth of usage, I'm left with 2/3 of the 50ml. So I think this will last me about 3 months per tube.
TONER
This product is formulated to give you a matte finish in the morning, while helping to unclog your pores at night. It works hard to soothe inflamed skin, manage sebum secretion and inhibit the formation of blemishes.
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Dimethyl Sulfone, 1-2 Hexanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Betaine, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Triethanolamine.
Price: $66.34 for 100ml
- Acts as double-cleansing
- Unclogs and shrinks pore size
- Calms inflamed skin
- Balances sebum production
- Controls bacteria-causing blemishes
This product is ideal for: normal to oily/blemish-prone skin
How to use:
- After cleansing, pat dry and spray mist onto face and neck from a distance of about 10 – 15 cm, avoiding directly spraying the eyes, nostrils, lips and earlobes.
- Alternatively, spray onto cotton pad and gently wipe all over the face.
- Do not use on broken or irritated skin.
My thoughts:
I use a cotton pad with this toner when I have makeup on that day, and I find that it helps to remove any residual makeup I might still have on my skin. Otherwise, I will spritz the toner onto my palms and pat them onto my skin.
I can't really observe its mattifying effects as described but I do find that it helps to calm my skin and to introduce moisture back to the skin after cleansing.
After using this for a month, I'm left with a little more than half of the bottle. So, this will probably last me about 2 months.
SERUM
This powerful product works to refine pores and reduce blackheads and whiteheads. It minimizes oil production without excessive drying. Formulated with IDS’ proprietary NEULASTIN transcutaneous delivery system, active ingredients are effectively delivered and absorbed into the skin.
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Olivate, Glycerin, 4-Terpineol, Isopentyldiol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol Acetate, Cetearyl Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Olivate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Maltodextrin, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Isohexadecane, Sorbitan Palmitate, Citric Acid, BHT, Trifollum Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract/Trifollum Pratense Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80, Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Extract/Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol.
Price: $80.25 for 30ml
- Rapid clearance of blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes
- Easy to use
- Non-oily formula
- Gentle on the skin
- Improved skin texture
- Contains botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and works to rebalance skin conditions and speeds up wound healing.
This product is ideal for: oily and blemish-prone skin, and those susceptible to developing whiteheads and blackheads.
How to use:
- Twice daily, apply thinly to the T-zone, oily, and blemish-prone areas, or entire face if necessary, avoiding eyes, nostrils, lips and earlobes.
My thoughts:
I really love this Pore Formula! It helps to keep breakouts at bay and if any pimple does appear due to mask-wearing or hormones imbalance, this helps to speed up the healing process of it.
Upon application, there's a slight tingling sensation that wears off after a few second and it only tingles on areas that has breakouts. The Pore Formula has a pretty strong scent of Tea Tree Oil, so some users might not like it but I'm fine with it!
After a month of usage, there's still 2/3 left in the bottle. So one bottle will last roughly 3 months.
This popular age-defense serum is formulated with a potent form of Vitamin C, coupled with Nobel Prize ‘Fullerenes’ and Tocopheryl to exhibit a superior antioxidant action and strong collagen stimulation — resulting in a ‘wrinkle-free’ effect along with significant skin brightening.
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Trisodium Ascorbyl Palmitate Phosphate, Methyl Gluceth-10, PVP, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglutamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Citrate, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Fullerenes.
Price: $160.50 for 30ml
How to use:
- Apply a small amount evenly onto entire face
My thoughts:
After a month of usage, my skin tone has even out and my face looks more radiant now that people have commented on it. I still have some freckles and discoloration from breakouts that will require a longer timed usage to see if they will fade off, but for now, I'm very pleased with this serum!
I use a pump of this serum each time, twice a day. However, I can't really gauge how much is left in this bottle due to its design but I think there's 1/3 left in this. So, a bottle will probably last me roughly 1 and a half months.
Moisturizer
![Left: Oil-free Moisturizer, Right: Moisture Boost](https://jyx-shop.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/photos/shares/Jody%204.jpg)
A lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer that’s packed with ingredients specially selected to regulate sebum, control acne, minimize shine and lighten blemish marks. It is also enriched with high potency Vitamin C, E and a gentle Vitamin A derivative that aids in clearing up complexion.
Ingredients:
Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenylpropandol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid,Caprylyl Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Disodium Edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol.
Price: $95.23 for 30ml
- Excellent hydration property without greasiness
- Generous dose of antioxidants to shield skin against environmental aggressors
- A synergistic combination of Vitamin C and E to give a balanced complexion
This product is ideal for: oily and/or blemish-prone skin
How to use:
- Apply a small amount evenly onto entire face twice daily.
My Thoughts:
A perfect day moisturizer if you have oily T-zone like me, especially for our hot humid climate in Singapore. I was told to use 1 pump of this for Day usage, after the serums and before sun protection. I've been using this daily, and overall, my skin cleared up.
I like that it's not greasy and how light it feels on my skin with the right amount of hydration.
After a month of usage, I'm still left with 2/3 of it. So one bottle will last roughly 3 months.
This creamy formulation works beyond just keeping the skin moisturized. It boasts a powerful curated blend of ingredients that includes essential ceramides, skin-repairing and emollient ingredients to help restore and maintain the natural protective function of the skin’s barrier function, as well as restore damaged skin, leaving skin supple, bouncy and radiant.
Ingredients:
Water, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hyaluronic Acid, Isostearyl Hydroxystearate, Jojoba Esters, Niacinamide, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil/Hydrogenated Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Petrolatum, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Saccharide Isomerate, Collagen, Polyacrylate 13, C12-14 Pareth-12, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Glycerides C16-22 And C-18 Unsaturated, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/Acrylamide Copolymer, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Polyisobutene, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Spent Grain Wax, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide NP, Polysorbate 85, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ceramide EOP
- Immediate improvement in skin texture.
- Hydrate the skin and leaving skin supple, bouncy and radiant restores the protective barrier function
- Evening of skin tone
- Improvement in cell turnover, strengthening of skin barrier function, moisturisization, and reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,
- Promotes microcirculation and has antioxidant protection
This product is ideal for: all skin types
How to use:
- Use this as your last moisturizing step.
- Apply a small amount evenly across the face in one single swipe.
- Avoid rubbing or massaging it in. It can be applied twice daily or as directed by your skincare professional.
- Safe enough to use around delicate eye area.
- Always use sun-protection before going outdoors.
- Always remember to shake well before use.
My Thoughts:
This is my top favourite product out of the whole listing in this post! It's a creamy formulation but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and gets absorbed pretty well into the skin quickly. I use this on my neck as well and the deep lines on my neck are not as obvious as before.
I love waking up to this because my skin always look and feel better in the morning.
After a month of usage, I'm still left with a little more than 2/3 of it. So one bottle will last roughly 3-4 months.
OVERALL
![All products come with a seal.](https://jyx-shop.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/photos/shares/Jody%205.jpg)
The biggest significant improvement from using this skincare products and routine is how healthy my skin looks now. The skin tone is even, my complexion appears to be more radiant and I tend to have lesser breakouts than before (even with mask-wearing).
If I do have a pimple or two, I will quickly dab PF over the spot and it usually heals up within 4 days with minimal scarring.
I also love the effect that MB has on my skin and neck, I started having deep lines on my neck as I approached 30 and secretly regretted not listening to my mum to care for my neck.
I did a video to feature IDS skincare products and how I use them here:
Enjoy!
This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.
*Credits to Jody Liu
Visit Jody Liu's blog post here.
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