​I have turned forty last year, but more often than not, in my engagement with strangers who meet me for the first time, I am commonly perceived as being in my late twenties or in my early thirties. The next question that comes up usually would be, “what is your anti-ageing regime?” The creation of Wellaholic as a wellness company focusing on great health, great beauty and great fitness stems from my conviction that while we all age, we can take positive steps to looking younger and better than our age. In this articulate, I would like to share my thoughts on this favourite topic of anti-ageing. 

Q: At what age should one start anti-ageing skincare?
A: Can we ever be too young for anti-ageing products? There is an enormous amount of independent research which shows that people in their 20s and early 30s can take simple yet crucial steps to retard ageing. First and foremost, wear sunscreen consistent. Secondly, avoid smoking.
 
In terms of protecting against the sun’s harmful rays, Adam Friedman, MD, director of dermatologic research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has this to say, “I cannot stress enough that the No. 1 thing young adults can do to limit the signs of ageing is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 30 or higher every single day.” In our sunny island of Singapore, this is even more important, as we are subject to large amounts of harmful UV rays. From Wellaholic, we have our W+ Protective Day Cream with SPF50++, which offers the highest protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
 
In terms of smoking, studies have shown that it hampers the body’s ability to make collagen and also leads to premature wrinkling. Take a look at any smokers around you, and you will start to notice that their complexion is less plump. Add a heavy cigarette habit with lots of sun exposure and it is likely that you are more than 10 times more likely to develop wrinkles than people around your same age who do not smoke and avoid the sun. In short, one should start anti-ageing skincare in one’s early twenties. 

Q: What are some of the essentials of anti-ageing skincare?
A: There are a few key components of skincare, or face care. We have the following:

1. Facial cleanser
2. Toner
3. Day cream with sunscreen
4. Face serum
5. Night cream with moisturizer

​For facial cleanser, I always recommend getting an affordable facial cleanser. This is because most facial cleansers or facial soaps do the same thing – they provided a (limited) cleanup of the skin surface. Dr. Beatrice Wang of Carey Wang Dermatology in Montreal, has this to say, “ Washing your face is not a bad idea, but I don’t think you have to be vigorous about skin cleansing. Most of us are not doing manual labour, so we are not getting that dirty.”
 
Instead, I highly recommend using a good toner. When asked “What’s the secret weapon to healthy skin,” Dr. Hadley King, a New York City board-certified dermatologist, had a simple answer: toner. “Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sun screen,” she explains.
 
At Wellaholic, we advocate our alcohol-free W+ Tightening Toner, which contains Azeloglicinia®, Salicylic Acid Complex, Aloe Vera Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, that helps to control sebum while hydrating and clarifying the skin. Azeloglicina® is a patented natural identical derived active ingredient that illuminates and improves texture clarity for a more glowing complexion; it addresses uneven skin tone and dark spots while improving skin quality for a brighter and more luminous complexion.
 
Throughout the day, I would suggesting using a strong sunscreen, like our W+ Protective Day Cream with SPF50++. In order to fully protect your skin, you should ideally apply the day cream in the morning as well as right before lunch, before you step out of your office.

Q: In addition to skincare, what are the other ways to look and feel younger?
A: As espoused previously, I believe that a good diet, good supplementation and good fitness all work together to help me look and feel younger. Since my last twenties, I have been on a daily supplementation of Resveratrol, after reading a research article by the Harvard Medical School on the abilities of Resveratrol to slow down ageing. More than a decade later, I am still on this daily regime, and whether this has contributed to my looking younger is something that I cannot verify, but the growing amount of literature and research on Resveratrol seems to support the initial claims.
 
In fact, Wellaholic’s W+ Resveratrol was one of the key reasons to the creation of our Wellaholic business, as part of my conviction that good things should be shared with all, and that the journey to the fountain of youth cannot be made within a day; it requires years of discipline!
 
And of course, one should not forget fitness and exercise. New research shows that regular physical activity can reduce the inflammation in the body that comes with aging, which could also help decrease your risk of developing related diseases and conditions—like heart disease, depression, decreased mental function, and loss of muscle mass.
 
And there you go -- Ageing is a fact of life. Looking your age is not. There are things that you can do to look younger, but it requires consistency, commitment and discipline. It’s never too early to start, so let’s start today! 

​I have been wanting to change my hairstyle for quite a while now, but because of my perennial short crop, it was difficult to find an appropriate hair stylist to advise me on how to go about getting that desired haircut, and whether it would be suit my face shape, etc. Hence, when I was invited by the kind folks of Salon Infinity (@saloninfinitysg) at Suntec City Mall Tower 2 for a haircut, I jumped at the chance. 

Let me describe this in a little more detail. I have been having the conventional Armani haircut for over a decade already. Even though i wanted to change my haircut, my hair was way too short -- I was easily affected by my sides thickening, and within the span of two weeks, I would queue up for a new haircut. 

However, a couple of weeks back, in May, I decided that it was about time to effect change. I read up on the Internet on some of the trending haircuts, and reckoned that I would still stick to a short crop (which was more ideal for my slightly curly hair anyway), but one that would allow me to sweep my hair to the side. In addition, I would like to have a more distinctive side parting, for a fresh and distinct look. 

After being introduced to the creative director Raymond, I summarised quickly to him on what I desired, but I relayed to him that I was comfortable for him to try out his version of what would work for me. Without much hesitation, he went on with his clipper. Within thirty minutes, his deft hands got me this haircut. 

The issue with this hairstyle was that it was not easy to see it from the camera. I then went nearby and took a side view which gave a better depiction of the hair parting line. In short, I was pretty impressed with Raymond, as well as the Aveda treatment when he washed my hair. 

I had a good liaison with the Salon Infinity team, and we struck a pact to detail my hair journey for the next six months. I also requested for a promo and a giveaway offer, which goes below: 

Promo: Get 15% off all ala carte services, including haircut (UP: $69.55) via promo code WILLIE15. Valid till 30 Sep 2017. T&C applies. 
 
Giveaway: Haircut Giveaway to 1 lucky winner via Instagram! Follow @saloninfinitysg and comment why you should win a haircut worth up to $69.55. Contest ends 30 June 2017. T&C applies.