Coined by many as the ‘grandfather of aesthetics’, Dr. SK Tan is an early adopter of aesthetic medicine who has significantly shaped the aesthetics industry to where it is now. He has over 40 years of experience under his belt including as a founder of the renowned IDS Clinic and The DRx Clinic, in which he sold the latter in 2010. With his revolutionary ideas and unmatched expertise,  he is a pathbreaker and visionary leader. Dr. SK Tan gets up close and personal with Beauty Insider as he exclusively shares his early career as a flying doctor in the 1970s, his biggest lessons, and the future of the aesthetic industry.

How did the IDS brand begin?

IDS (innovative Dermatological Solutions) was started as a ’small’ clinic to continue our (my wife and I) passion for Aesthetics and my personal interest in developing “innovative” skincare and cosmeceutical products. This started after we sold off our previous clinic and skincare business (DRx). The drama grew bigger after an old friend, Dr Jacob Waugh, a brilliant doctor-scientist from Stanford University suggested that we start a research laboratory together. We patented a unique skin delivery system which enabled active ingredients to penetrate the skin and deliver them more effectively and efficiently – this was the impetus for further development of efficacious products.

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IDS has several ranges of skincare products, how do you come up with the formulation and complement it with the treatment? 

I try to respond to patient and consumer needs. Interaction with patients leads us to appreciate what they need and what is lacking out there. We try to come out with products which work more effectively and with less side-effects. A glaring example is our range of acne products – most doctors use proprietary products which are commonly available, and which contain Benzoyl peroxide, Retinoids and antibiotics.

There is no doubt that these are effective but side effects occur in a large proportion of patients and compliance drops, leading to less-than-desirable results and outcomes. IDS acne products are as effective, if not more so, but with greatly reduced side-effects because of careful selection of active ingredients. In the Clinics, we try to formulate effective products which enhance and complement procedures such as lasers, and vice-versa.

What sparked your interest in dermatology? 

I was a ‘flying doctor’ in the 1970s, flying in a helicopter to remote jungle areas in Malaysia to treat the natives. I realised that a large proportion of the patients had skin conditions which required treatment. I was also running a 40-bed rural hospital and also realised that the outpatients also had a lot of skin problems.

Some of the conditions were really challenging and I decided then to train further in dermatology and subsequently spent a few years working in London at the prestigious St John’s Institute of Dermatology.

What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned in your career?

When I entered medical school, our Dean, the late Professor TJ Danaraj, emphasised that medicine is not a 5 or 6-year course – it’s a life-long course! I have always kept that in mind and have never stopped reading and keeping up with latest advances in my field.

What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received?

2 words of advice given by a friend shape my philosophy – chase INTEGRITY and EXCELLENCE! If you do that, success will chase you!

Throughout your experience, what’s the most common skin mistake that people make?

The most common mistake is changing skincare from one brand to another to follow trends or believe that skin becomes ‘resistant’ to products after some time.

You’re known as the pioneer in aesthetics, from your point of view how has the industry changed over the years? How has the pandemic affected the aesthetic industry? 

I have noticed more doctors diving into aesthetics, some very young and with minimal experience – the concern is whether standards of treatment can be upheld. I think if one follows the guiding principle of ‘Integrity and Excellence’ he or she should be do well.

I think the pandemic has changed the mindset of doctors, not only in aesthetics but across the board – that environmental changes beyond our control are fluid and can shape our practice drastically. During the initial phases of the pandemic, many doctors were caught unawares and were helpless. We were blessed in that we had our online portal up and running a few months before the pandemic hit and we were thus somewhat prepared. We were able to offer Teleconsultation services at the start of the lockdown and since then, it has been increasingly popular in our practice.

What are the three things about you that people didn’t know about? 

One is that I am very family-oriented and I love children! I was, in my younger days, very sports-inclined and was involved in several competitive sports. I am also generally pretty low-profile!  I prefer small parties with close friends rather than big ‘high-profile’ functions with lots of big name!!

Can you share with our readers any tips on how to take care of the skin during the pandemic?

The mandatory use of the mask during these times leads to numerous skin problems and many people make the mistake of washing the face frequently with harsh anti-bacterial cleansers which may lead to excessive dryness or irritation. The simple tip is to wash the face with plain water in between the regular regime of cleansing. Acne and acne-like breakouts should be treated quickly. Do not forget using sunscreens even with the surgical mask on!