38 Hours In Taipei With DR.WU

When skincare is backed by medical science, consider us intrigued. After all, medical skincare is not just on the rise. It plays a central role in our relentless treasure hunt for the shiniest skin-lovin’ gems. When we got the invitation to join Taiwan’s number one derma skincare brand DR.WU, on a trip to one of our favourite cities, we knew we had to tag along.

From left to right: Dr. Wu Ying-Chin; DR.WU ambassador/Taiwanese actor, Mark Chao; Eric Wu

Powered by both biotech and plant ingredients with advanced patented technologies, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that DR.WU currently retails mainly at Watsons. Founded in 2003 by accredited dermatologist Dr. Wu Ying-Chin (fun fact: his first name translates to mean ‘handsome’ in Chinese!) and his son Eric Wu, DR.WU boasts an extensive range of products — 12 products lines, 70 SKUs to be exact — with safe ingredients and affordability in mind.

DR.WU Mandelik Renewal System

DR.WU is also said to be the first in the world to introduce mandelic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), from clinic to public. The brand’s upgraded Mandelik Renewal System, in a nutshell, is a comprehensive yet gentle at-home chemical peel treatment of sorts for daily skin renewal. Renewed skin every day? We’re sold!

So, what have we been missing out from a brand so close to home? Well, you’re about to find out. Watch the video above as we bring you through our journey in Taipei with DR.WU for the launch of the upgraded Mandelik Renewal System. Then, venture below to see our favourite DR.WU product picks and tips.

DR.WU Daily Renewal Essence with Mandelic Acid

When we first heard about the brand’s mandelic acid range, we felt a little sceptical. “It’s like doing a chemical peel every day, right? Will it ‘thin’ my skin? Are you sure that’s safe?” These questions clouded our minds prior to the media trip. As it turned out, with its MA3PEEL Technology, the Mandelik Renewal System range targets rough, acne prone and dull skin. And guess what: it’s perfectly ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

One of the latest additions to the range that is launching in Singapore this October is the Daily Renewal Essence with Mandelic Acid. Made up of mandelic acid combined with three probiotics, its featherweight texture works to lighten dark spots, smooth uneven skin, and minimise enlarged pores.

Also try: DR.WU Daily Renewal Serum with Mandelic Acid

The star of the range is none other than its serum, designed to penetrate deeper and faster into your skin for instant skin regeneration. When asked if layering serums are acceptable, Eric Wu said: “Your skin type changes over time depending on your current environment, stress levels, and skincare habits. Focus on solving one problem and treating one skin concern at a time.” So instead of layering serums, we say, separate them by day and night, or during weekdays and weekends.

DR.WU Extra Hydrating Lotion With Hyaluronic Acid

Hailing from DR.WU’s hero product range, the Hyalucomplex Hydrating system (now in its 5th generation), is the Extra Hydrating Lotion With Hyaluronic Acid. Designed to let moisture penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin for longer, this hydration-intensive moisturiser smells refreshing and feels luxurious on the skin without weighing it down. We tried this during our stay and our skin felt soft and plumped the next morning.

DR.WU Deep Hydrating Capsule Mask

There is good reason why the DR.WU Deep Hydrating Capsule Mask is priced at a relatively higher cost compared to other regular brands. The answer lies in the quality of its material. 1% of the essence from the cotton linters transforms the mask into a high elasticity, high ductility microinjection sheet. It not only feels smooth yet adheres closer to the skin for optimal penetration.

“Don’t mask longer than the recommended duration,” warns Eric. “Don’t think that the longer you leave the mask on your face, the better. It’s actually quite the opposite. When the serum is absorbed and the mask starts to dry out, it will start sucking moisture from your face. Falling asleep with the mask on the whole night would likely leave you with a nasty dehydration disaster in the morning.”

DR.WU Intensive Repairing Serum With Squalane

According to Eric, the Intensive Repairing Serum With Squalane is “like repairing an old broken cement floor”. This peptides-focused formula from the Ageversal Repairing range is formulated to boost collagen production through the use of peptides. Its oil-based texture is surprisingly light on the skin and delivers hydrating, anti-ageing benefits.

Take heed, it’s never too late to start on anti-ageing skincare. “To repair is always harder and sometimes too late,” shares Eric. “So it’s good to start early to maintain and attain good skin health that will stand the test of time.”

Stay tuned for our upcoming interview with Dr. Wu himself. Meanwhile, find out more about DR.WU here.