Lovage, available at Body Inc
#05-19/20 Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
6333-5656 / www.bodyinc.com.sg

HERE'S a quick pop quiz: What do you do when you're in the public eye and you've got problem skin? Do you a) throw a hissy fit and scream at fans to p*** off; b) insist that the photographers only capture your "good side"; or c) cover yourself from head to toe and make like you're MJ?

Most celebrities would have chosen one or the other, but in the case of Jacelyn Tay, the answer is: None of the above. Instead, what the savvy former TV actress turned beauty-book author and health club founder has done is turn a botheration into a business – over the years, she's sought out and compiled solutions to her skin issues, and with that knowledge, she's started a new bodycare range called Lovage.

I've got eczema, rosacea and a very sensitive scalp, on which so far I can only use two kinds of shampoos," says Ms Tay. "And I was always on the lookout for something to solve these problems. I would buy moisturisers and mix in my own essential oils, or experiment with different natural ingredients such as egg white and honey."

She continues: "Products with chemicals don't work for me – I once tested a whole shelf of bodycare products for a book that I planned to write (but was eventually shelved) and after that, my skin really broke out."

The findings from those personal experiences are what have gone into the making of the Lovage range, which Ms Tay developed with the help of a qualified clinical herbalist, Alina Uchida.

Launched three weeks ago at Ms Tay's health club, Lovage comprises moisturisers, shampoos, conditioners and body cleansers, all of which are derived from natural sources and are additive-free.

They're also customisable, so what happens is you buy a base product for about $20, then do a consultation with Ms Uchida to customise it with therapeutic essential oils of your choice – there are more than 30 top-grade varieties available, from lavender and lemongrass to the more unusual petitgrain and patchouli.

Prices go up to about $60 per 230ml bottle of shampoo, depending on the essential oils used.

Natural products such as these are what the world will need more of in future, as people become more aware of poisoning from metals and other toxic substances, believes Ms Tay. She explains: "I think the market is slowly growing and more people are looking for natural, non-over-the-counter products now as they become more aware of all the harsh chemicals that have been going into their bodycare and skincare. "

In future, I think a lot of people's skin conditions may become like mine because of all the chemicals that we use. And I want to prevent that by developing something that is fresh and good instead. I just want the real stuff to be out there."

Of course, these fragrant, freshly blended concoctions aren't solely meant for treating skin conditions – they can be a treat for the senses too. Says Ms Tay: "You don't have to have a skin condition to use this. We would like people to buy it because of the aroma and just to feel good."