SINGAPORE — Sabrina Tan, founder and CEO of Skin Inc, has been helping to put Singapore on the beauty map, when she started the company because she wanted to find a solution to her eczema-prone skin. Since it was founded in 2007, the business has grown from one store in Singapore, to 17 outlets across 16 cities worldwide.

Skin Inc’s patented technology boasts a unique concept of customising serums to suit individual needs and keeps the active ingredients in each serum enclosed in moisture-rich seaweed capsules which are suspended in a paraben-free solution.

The mother of two has spearheaded the company’s aggressive global expansion. Skin Inc is planning to enter markets in the Middle East, the United States and Europe in the next 12 to 18 months. This, of course, means she knows a lot about looking good while traipsing the globe.

Q: Where have you travelled to for business?

A: Business travel has taken me to many different places including Vienna, Los Angeles, New York and Hong Kong. My team and I recently travelled to Manila, Bangkok and Barcelona as well. Each market has its own idiosyncrasies: For example, the Spanish media is extremely influential on an international scale and having our brand appear in titles like Vogue and InStyle there has been wonderful. There was also the time I had to negotiate in Hokkien in the Philippines!

Q: Do you have any tips to look presentable and stay fresh while travelling for business?

A: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. That means drinking more liquids, not alcohol; using a good moisturiser that binds moisture to your skin, like Skin Inc’s Hyaluronic Acid serum; and if you “dare to bare”, go with minimal make-up and wear a clear, gel mask like the Skin Inc Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask on the plane. (Laughs) I love multi-tasking products that can exfoliate and heal, for example, to remove dull skin after a long trip and reveal newborn skin immediately.

Q: What do you enjoy about travelling?

A: I like taking photos of people, sceneries and architectural designs. I also enjoy exploring new and unusual places and learning about different cultures and what makes people tick. I definitely consider myself a traveller and not a tourist!

Q: Where do you like to travel to?

A: I love both beaches and cities. I’ll be heading to the Maldives for the school holidays with the family. Chilling out by the beach and letting the kids run wild and just be kids makes me happy, and lets me escape from the stresses of city life. I do enjoy city holidays too but I always shop too much! Apart from that, I also love the snow and ski holidays.

Q: Which country or city has left the greatest impression on you?

A: The island of Mykonos in Greece. The picturesque black sand beach and beautiful sunsets still fill me with wonderful memories. It was just mind-blowingly beautiful.

Q: Which city have you felt most welcome at? And where have you felt your safety most threatened?

A: I felt extremely welcome in Madrid. I love Spain. The art, architecture, and warmth of the people made me feel like it was almost like a home-coming. I had my safety threatened in Milan, of all places. I was so caught up in the sights that I didn’t even realise my bag was being pick-pocketed. Although I only lost some material possessions, it made me realise how spoilt and protected we are in Singapore.

Q: What is the best way to experience the local culture?

A: Don’t stay in your hotel. Walk as much as you can (if it is safe) and get to know what the locals enjoy doing. I love people watching from cafes.

Q: What is one question you get asked most while travelling?

A: Business or pleasure: It’s not a choice for me usually. Business and pleasure get combined in my daily life.

Q: What was the last thing you saw that took your breath away?

A: Without doubt, it was a helicopter ride over the Big Island in Hawaii, where the aerial view of the surrounding greenery was simply awesome. Just around sunset, it stopped in front of a waterfall which was where they filmed Jurassic Park!