Why Climate-Aware Skincare Matters in Singapore
Living in Singapore means navigating a daily skin tug-of-war between heat, humidity, sweat, air-conditioning and, for many, regular in-clinic aesthetic treatments. Skin often ends up in a confusing middle ground: oily on the surface, dehydrated underneath, and easily sensitised. Many global skincare brands are formulated for temperate climates, which can feel too heavy, too stripping, or overly reactive when used consistently here.
Skinscape’s newly launched skincare range takes a different approach. Founded by medical aesthetics doctor Dr Harvey Ho, the brand is built around the realities of humidity-reactive skin — especially skin that is frequently exposed to lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency treatments and active-heavy routines. The focus is not on aggressive correction, but on helping the skin regulate, stabilise and recover without tipping into excess oil or irritation.
Gentle Reset Cleanser: A Barrier-First Cleanse
The Gentle Reset Cleanser is a non-foaming, cushiony cleanser that immediately challenges expectations. It does not lather and does not leave that familiar “squeaky clean” feeling, which can initially make you question whether your skin is actually clean.
Used over a week, it became clear that this cleanser prioritises barrier support over instant gratification. While it is not suitable for use with cleansing brushes due to the lack of foam, it effectively removes daily impurities, sunscreen and light makeup without leaving the skin tight or reactive. Post-shower, my skin did not feel stripped or desperate for immediate moisturiser — a noticeable shift for dehydrated, sensitive skin.
Importantly, there was no redness or post-cleanse irritation, making it a good option for those whose skin is already sensitised from treatments or actives.
Afterglow Serum: Oil Control Without Dehydration
The Afterglow Serum, formulated with 10% niacinamide alongside soothing ingredients like purslane, allantoin and aloe, delivered its results in a quieter, more functional way rather than an obvious cosmetic “glow”.
While there was no instant radiance effect in the first week, the performance showed up elsewhere — and more meaningfully for Singapore skin. Despite having a sensitive combination skin type with an oily T-zone, there was no midday oiliness throughout the day, which was genuinely impressive. There was no need for blotting, glasses stayed put on the nose bridge, and makeup and skincare layered more smoothly.
By the end of the week, overall redness had reduced, and areas of uneven tone on the cheeks appeared calmer. Blackheads on the nose and cheeks looked smaller and less pronounced, likely due to better oil regulation allowing the rest of the skincare routine to work more effectively. This stood out particularly because niacinamide is already a familiar ingredient in my routine — yet this formulation performed better than other niacinamide products I’ve used.
As someone who is on medication that often triggers acne flare-ups and skin itchiness, I was cautious about introducing anything new. A week into using Skinscape, I didn’t experience any new acne and the background itchiness I usually feel had eased significantly.
Given the short trial period, longer-term brightening results may take more time to surface, but the immediate improvements in oil balance and redness control were noticeable.
A Thoughtful Approach to Humidity-Driven Skin
What Skinscape does well is resist the urge to overcorrect. Instead of pushing strong actives or heavy textures, the range focuses on lightweight, breathable formulations that help the skin stay stable — especially important in a climate where overstimulation and barrier fatigue are common.
For those who regularly undergo aesthetic treatments, or who find their skin oscillating between oily, dehydrated and sensitive, this line feels designed to support the skin’s recovery cycles rather than fight them.
Final Thoughts
After a week of use, Skinscape’s Gentle Reset Cleanser and Afterglow Serum showed promising results in managing oil without compromising hydration — a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in Singapore’s climate. While some benefits, like brightening, may require longer-term use, the improvements in redness, oil control and overall skin comfort were clear.
This is skincare that feels intentional, climate-aware and respectful of skin that is already doing a lot. Not flashy, not aggressive — but quietly effective.
For more details on Skinscape and their products, visit their website https://www.skinscapeclinic.com/shop/.
Images: Skinscape Clinic
Melissa Fann
Rui Ting Goh
