
SK-II was already my go-to in my anti-ageing beauty routine, but when it came to tackling dark spots and pigmentation, I knew it was time to raise my skincare game. Here’s what happened when I tried SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence…
I’m going to come right out and say it: I’ve hit my 40s. Some kind friends tell me I don’t look my age, and they’re the keepers. Another thing I’ll happily admit to? I’ve been SK-II curious for a long time: working on beauty stories in my twenties, I was clued in pretty quickly about the brand’s miracle ingredient, Pitera. Over 10 years ago I knew SK-II Facial Treatment Essence was worth taking the plunge with, and we’ve been together ever since. But now it’s time to take things to the next level: I’ve evaded noticeable lines, but another sign of ageing has developed – dark spots caused by UV damage. It’s time to bring in SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence: a skin brightening serum with a new powerhouse ingredient to add to your beauty vocab – Prunus Extract. This game-changer is known for its whitening effect on dark spots and dull skin. Intrigued? Read on…
It’s all about skin brightening
I thought I’d nailed my routine of reinforcing my go-to anti-ageing beauty products with daily sunscreen application, but growing up in Australia under the harsh sun hasn’t left me unscathed. I’m happy in the skin I’m in, and this includes some defined ‘Asian freckles’ and darker patches of skin across my cheeks and nose. It’s known as hyperpigmentation, and is the result of excess melanin production triggered by sun exposure or inflammation. It’s more common in people with darker skin tones, and Asian women know the struggle against dark spots is real. SK-II dug a little deeper in its research, and identified hidden spots and a ‘cloudy appearance’ – caused by UV damage – as another significant factor in dull-looking skin. This led to the development of SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence and its power-packed formula (more on this in a moment).
Would I love a more even, brighter complexion and to look a little more radiant? Bring it on…
What makes SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence work:
Let’s talk about those active ingredients. If you haven’t heard the story behind Pitera, know this: it was discovered when workers in a sake brewery in Japan were revealed to have amazingly youthful skin on their hands, in contrast with their wrinkled faces.
That’s how Pitera, SK-II’s signature ingredient, was born. It contains vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that are essential to skin health. For me, it’s proved its worth over 10 years (yes I’ve strayed, but I always come back).
What else brings in the magic to SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence? Prunus Extract. It’s being hailed as a game-changer when it comes to whitening and reducing visible spots and pigmentation – and, significantly, tackling those hidden spots and cloudy patches caused by UV damage. Another active ingredient, Inositol, is said to contribute to clarity in cells. Infused with Pitera in this super serum, this combination holds great promise.
First impressions count:
I’ve been using the SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence 30ml bottle (RRP $199) for two weeks, and one thing I appreciate is the clean application: no digging your fingers into a pot, an auto-fill dropper dispenses a precise amount into your palm. For me, a full pump is a little too generous, and I’ve found six drops provides enough coverage. It did make my skin tingle slightly the first time I applied it, but I haven’t noticed it since. I don’t expect my defined dark spots to disappear in two weeks, but I have noticed that the texture of my skin looks more even and more hydrated – and dare I say my frown line has been reduced?
Four weeks in:
To be honest, I haven’t looked this closely at my skin for a long time – this review actually made me hyper-aware of how my complexion has been affected by pigmentation, and I see exactly what is meant by ‘dark clouds’ as a result of UV damage. And you know what? These patches are starting to even out. I’ve still got my ‘freckles’, but they don’t seem as intense…
Eight weeks in:
I have to admit I was skeptical that I’d be seeing a significant visible change in just two months. But after using this twice a day, I can actually see a difference. (And this is despite the fact I failed to do all the things I know improve my skin, such as staying well hydrated and getting enough sleep!) Overall, my complexion is more even, and the area where I see discolouration across my cheeks has reduced. Yes, I have my defined freckles, but they’re less dark, and I’m interested to see if this continues with use. This isn’t an overnight solution – I’d never expect that from a topical product – but yes I’ve seen results that left me impressed.
Curious and want to see how Genoptics Aura Essence would work for you? We heard that the product is often sold out at Duty-Free shops, so the domestic counters are our best bet. Here’s where you can find SK-II in store in Singapore, any time.
This article is sponsored by SK-II.