As a marketing executive in the aesthetics industry, I believe that I should look presentable but with added pressure for great skin: as a living proof that aesthetic treatments and skin care products do work!
With that in mind, I simply cannot continue ignoring my oily, acne-ridden complexion. I have to do something about it. I’m going back to my trusty derm: Dr. Loke at Novena Medical Centre.
I was first introduced to Dr. Loke back when I developed a horrible allergic reaction when my family was on a cruise trip to Thailand in the early 2000 and the last stop was Singapore before heading back to Jakarta, Indonesia.
The tour guide recommended us to visit this dermatologist Dr. Loke at Peace Centre, Selegie Rd (back when he was still practicing there).
Within 2 days of oral meds intake and applying his prescribed topical, my allergy subsided and within 5 days- 1 week, it was all gone – it truly was a miracle, my allergy was cured! That’s how I first got acquainted to the amazing dermatologist Dr. Loke.
Back when I was in junior/high school I started to develop mild acne on my face, tiny zits here and there, but nothing too serious. It was only when I came to Singapore to study for university that I decided to take care of my acne and visited trusty Dr. Loke again. Fortunately, SMU City Campus location and Peace Centre was really convenient (5 minutes walking distance from the School of Economics & Social Sciences) so I visited Dr. Loke regularly once every 3 or 4 months, taking oral meds and his prescribed “minimal skincare” products.
My acne was cleared throughout my study in SMU; it was only until my final semester before I graduate that I just did not take care of my skin at all. It might be attributed to the fact that Dr. Loke moved his practice to Novena Medical Centre which was less convenient for me so I kept putting off visiting him (not to mention his notorious queue since he does not take appointments).
My skin, back at the time, I felt was still OK (graduation in July 2010 followed by one year plus of stressful and depressing job-hunting period) where skin care was just not in my mind at all, I was obviously much more concerned in finding a job. That is until end of November 2011 when I finally land my first full time real job (ever!) as a marketing executive in the aesthetics industry.
I did not realize that my skin was sooo bad until my colleagues and my friends commented how my face was constantly oily, how my pores were clogged (blackheads on my nose) and how I have lots of acne. Previously, I did notice that I have zits here and there, but they come and go so I did nothing about it.
“No one’s UGLY, just LAZY.” How very true. I have put off visiting my trusty Dr. Loke for a year plus and I just couldn’t take it anymore. So I went ahead and visited him on January 14, 2012. On a Saturday – since it’s I’m working weekdays. I came at 9am, waited for 1 and 1/2 hours before finally meeting Dr. Loke at about 10.30am.
Let’s treat this as a “virgin” visit. Dr. Loke’s consultation fee was S$75.
Dr. Loke prescribed me:
Oral Medication + Topical
- ALPRIM 300 mg (antibiotics: twice a day) = S$15
- ORATANE 20 mg (Isotretinoin/ Roaccutane: After the first 10 capsules once a day, take 1 capsule twice a week) =S$88
- Dr. Loke’s Spot Treatment (Neohydro: day & night on “pimples”) =S$8
Inclusive of GST 7%, Total was S$186
“Minimal” Skin Care Products:
- Eau Thermale AVENE Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser (day & night) =S$25
- 2 X Dr. Loke’s Acne Lotion Forte (for night time, before sleeping) =S$8 /each
- Dr. Loke’s Lip Ointment (excessive drying on the lips due to oral meds: Roaccutane) =S$7
(L-R) Topical: NeoHydro Acne Spot, Acne Lotion, Avene Cleanance, Dr. Loke Lip Balm
That’s IT! Can you believe that? Dr. Loke never pushed any skin care products to his patients. He only said to me “if you want, maybe you can apply sunblock in the morning, but up to you.” (I did not purchase at the time)
The total consultation fee + oral medications + topical + “minimal skincare products” amount to SGD$234 on 14 Jan 2012.
The oral meds lasted me until my second visit on 10 March 2012…
(to be continued)
Always Happening 