Review : Bioderma Soothing Mask

Product Description
• A new step forward in the treatment of sensitive intolerant skin, the patented Toléridine® complex instantly and durably acts against inflammation. It raises the skin’s tolerance threshold. The skin is more resistant and thus better protected against external attack, so it becomes less reactive.

• Sensibio Mask instantly soothes feelings of overheating, redness and tightness, and restores the skin’s radiance.
• The moisturising agents of Sensibio Mask provide lasting comfort and rebuild the cutaneous barrier thus avoiding the penetration of irritant agents.
• Formulated with rigorously selected active ingredients known to be harmless, preservative-free and fragrance-free, Sensibio Mask guarantees optimum tolerance, including for the eyes.
• The application of Sensibio Mask is a real moment of relaxation and relief. Its soft, smooth texture procures a wonderful feeling of well-being.
• Sensibio Mask is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

I have good experiences with Bioderma products so far and this is the last product from the Bioderma trial set that I have bought several months ago. However, this mask was a disappointment.

It has a soft creamy white texture which goes on light and soothing on the skin. It is scentless and is quite comfortable to use on tight skin.
Touted to relieve redness and tightness, I have tried using this mask on several occasions. When my skin turned red and become patchy due to sensitivity with a cleansing product, this mask failed to relieve the redness though my skin did feel less warm. However the redness and patchiness were still there.
After an eyebrow trimming, I tried using the mask on the sore area but it also failed to soothe the redness.

My Avene thermal water is still the best solution to soothe redness. However I still harbour high hopes for this brand because I think its a really good brand for sensitive skin.

Ingredients
WATER (AQUA), GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ISONONANOATE, ISOHEXADECANE, GLYCOL PALMITATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, GLYCYRRHETINIC ACID, RHAMNOSE, LAMINARIA OCHROLEUCA EXTRACT, GLYCOL STEARATE, PEG-2 STEARATE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, DISODIUM EDTA, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ALUMINA, STEARIC ACID.

Source : Bioderma

Ingredients to stop the clock

When it comes to anti-aging, we're literally inundated with creams and serums that promise to fill lines, even spots and even bring you back the smooth skin you had when you were younger. Lofty claims aside, how do you know what really works? While certain products make certain promises, there are a few ingredients that are scientifically proven to work -- and we've enlisted the best of the best in the skincare field to help break it down. Herewith, our guidelines for the top seven anti-aging ingredients:


1. RETINOIDS: A derivative of vitamin-A. Retinoids are hands-down the most important (and effective) ingredient on the market. "That’s always my first choice when people ask me," says Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, founder of Specific Beauty. "We’re talking about years and years of clinical research that has been proven to improve fine lines and wrinkles." Retinoids work by rapidly turning over the cells, which then generates healthier, younger-looking skin -- once the dead skin cells are removed. You should know that it comes in different forms (and strengths): Retinol (which is great for beginners) can be found in various over-the-counter products, while its stronger counterparts retin-A, Tazorac and Differin and require precsriptions.

2. GREEN TEA: A botanical antioxidant. The nutrients in green tea neutralize free radicals that damage cells and tissue, which in turn slows down the aging process. While you can reap the benefits by drinking green tea, Woolery-Lloyd advises applying it topically: "It's more concentrated and will work better as an antioxidant."

3. VITAMIN-C: A naturally-occurring antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. "One of the things that can cause wrinkles, among skin cancer and other things, is damage towards DNA,"notes Woolery-Lloyd. "80 percent of the damage that can occur in the DNA of the skin comes from some environmental sources like the sun or smoking or living in a highly-polluted environment. Antioxidants block the free radicals in our skin that can increase skin damage, photo aging, wrinkles and fine lines." Vitamin-C works to prevent that.

4. RESVERATROL: A powerful antioxidant derived from grape skin, and found in red wine. By promoting cell turnover and increasing collagen and elastin production, it effectively firms skin's texture. Resveratrol is also effective at repairing damage.

5. HYALURONIC ACID: A sugar that binds a thousand times its weight in water. This is essentially your best line of defense against dryness. "If you have loss of volume and want to fill in those surface irregularities, this is a great moisturizer for highly wrinkled skin," says Dr. Cheryl Karcher, consulting dermatologist for Avon Skincare. While hyalauronic acid-based products can applied topically, Dr. Karcher notes that it is far more effective when injected (Restylane, Juvederm) into the dermis.

6. GLYCOLIC ACID: An alpha-hydroxy acid (or AHA) that's derived from food, like fruit. "They basically exfoliate the top layer of the skin by breaking the glue that holds the top layer of skin together, so that when you exfoliate you have smoother, luminous skin underneath," says Woolery-Lloyd. "They essentially buff the skin, and help with pigmentation and photoaging issues," Karcher adds.

7. BROAD COVERAGE SUNSCREEN: This type of sunscreen will protect the skin against harmful UVA (aging) and UVB (skin cancer) rays. Karcher notes, "UVA and UVB sunscreens help fight against anti-aging by boosting skin's own antioxidants to fight free radicals."

Source : Stylist

Hair Botox

"As hair ages, we produce less keratin — the protein that renders it strong and healthy — because our bodies can't absorb essential minerals and vitamins as effectively," explains Christyn Nawrot, a national educator for haircare brand Phyto. And without adequate or high-quality keratin, strands slowly become porous, hyper-prone to breakage, and scary-skinny. Thankfully, high-maintenance hair extensions aren't the only option.

Build strength: According to Nawrot, the biggest culprit of aging and keratin depletion is frequent heat styling — with professional-grade (read: hotter and more powerful) tools women now use at home — because it completely zaps moisture from the hair. "Moisture is key," she says. "It allows minerals to develop more readily and helps to keep free radicals away."

Scale back stress: Just as stress can cause a breakout to erupt on your chin, it can also encourage hair to revolt. "The second biggest offender for people with density loss and lifeless-looking hair is stress," adds Nawrot. "Each piece of hair has its own circulatory system, a sweat gland, a sebaceous gland — its own little world. With stress, each follicle becomes tight and rigid." Essentially, stress spikes adrenaline production, which can convert into androgens (male hormones including testosterone) and cause extra hair to fall out. The best Rx: Chill out. But if yoga and meditation aren't on the schedule, ask your doctor about prescription anti-androgen treatments. If you're taking the Pill, switch to a low-androgen one, such as Desogen or Ortho-Cyclen.

Feed your hair: Since hair is a nonessential tissue, that means it's the last one to have access to any of the nutrients you ingest. "The system will take care of what's a priority first, which is cardio and lung function, not the hair," says Liz Cunnane, a Philip Kingsley trichologist. "Hair is always at the bottom of the list, so that's why what and how much you eat are so important." Maintaining a well-balanced diet full of protein, iron, zinc, and antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries and leafy green vegetables, and eating regularly will have an effect on hair. And there are a host of helpful supplements: Vitamin K and cysteine aid in the production of keratin and melanin (to delay the appearance of grays), while iron, zinc, biotin, and silica supplements can combat thinning.

Scalp TLC : "Think of how you treat your face, and approach the scalp in the same way," says Cunnane, pointing out that scalp condition impacts hair health dramatically. Products formulated with powerful nourishers like argan and bur oil, grape-seed extract, and vitamins C and E, quite literally treat the scalp as an extension of the skin.

Losing Streak: If an alarming number of hairs are piling up on your pillow and in your shower drain, talk to your doctor. Roughly 30 million women in North America experience hair loss, and unlike male balding, which occurs in localized areas, women's thinning happens all over, so it's harder to detect. "As you age and estrogen and progesterone decline, something called miniaturization can happen," says dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco. This severe shrinking of the follicles — better known as female pattern thinning — can be treated in a variety of ways. There is minoxidyl, the drug found in Rogaine, which you would need to apply daily for the rest of your life, or a mild diuretic pill called spironolactone (by Rx only; it also works wonders on adult acne). "The FDA also recently approved the HairMax LaserComb [hairmax.com], which you comb through your hair to stimulate growth and follicle regeneration," Fusco adds.

Source : Marie Claire

Review : Natural Healing Balm

Product Description
A thick, concentrated, nourishing salve with healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Made with ingredients such as shea butter, calendula, carrot tissue, lavender and chamomile that are well known for their ability to heal and aid in skin cell regeneration. All that goodness in just one jar! This balm has a potent healing effect on injured and damaged skin. Apply often on areas affected by insect bites, rashes, eczema, scrapes and minor burns. Massage well into skin!

Once in a while, you get little gems that you cannot do without. I found mine in this little pot of Natural Healing Balm. I don't even have the correct category in my blog for this item because this is not exactly a beauty product yet I really wanted to share this rare discovery with my readers. ;)

When I first moved to stay with my in-laws, I got really bad mosquito bites. Within 5 mins, I can get 13 bites on both of my legs while the family members got none. Its THAT bad and I have gone thru different potions and lotions as well as insect repellents and mosquito coils. There was a period when I slept with the insect repellent turned on every night without fail. ( the kind that you just plug into the socket )

After reading online that such chemicals can be bad for the body, I started searching for some natural alternatives, and stumbled upon this Little Dreamers. I have to confess that I don't have a good initial impression with the people behind it because their emails were not replied promptly and they are not friendly and approachable. There is no personal touch too. However I have since gotten use to such mum-preneurs because they are just so busy with their children and I can understand that. I have the same issue with another online site manned by another mumpreneur.

I am not a fan of salve products, due to a bad experience with Burt's Bee Hand Salve but I was desperate for something that can heal those ugly love bites left by the lovely mosquitoes. And how well it works for me! The price have increased alittle, I bought the 25ml for $11.50 more than a year ago and its selling for $12.50 now. The hand salve contents are packed in this little 25ml pot and each time you have to dig your fingers into the greasy salve to scoop them out. I am not sure if there is a better way in using them but thats how I use them for now. I would be more particular on the hygiene factor if its for the face but I am more tolerant when its for the body. You only need alittle for each bite mark so the 25ml gem goes a long way.

It has an odd scent, probably because of the ingredients and the salve is thick and concentrated with a heavy greasy after feel. But trust me, it worked wonders, on itchiness and on mosquito bites. It soothe and heal the bites and I love it so much. Do note that I don't use it on my face because I always separate my body and face products. Its also effective on the surrounding area of wounds where it itches due to skin renewal.
I am not sure where the owner gets her products but she did tell me she bought it elsewhere and its not her own formulation. However, I am unable to get any information from the net on the tub's brand name " Rainbow Botanicals"

Ingredients :
Shea butter, wheatgerm oil, olive oil, beeswax, calendula infused oil, carrot tissue oil, vitamin E, organic lavender essential oil and roman chamomile essential oil.

Review : Organic Basic Pure Castile Liquid Soap - Organic Lemon Myrtle

Product Description
Use as liquid soap; hand, bath and shampoo. Gentle to use for children. Suitable for baby. Pure castile soap does not lather as much as synthetic soaps however it is a very effective cleansing agent.

I went to Chomp Chomp for dinner several months ago and stumbled upon a shop in My Village selling these body washes. 

At 125ml, its quite a convenient size for travelling however, its also enough to tell me that its not suitable for me.

The light yellow contents provide light suds for foaming and while its enjoyable during the bath, however once the suds are rinsed off, it left a drying feeling on the skin. Hence I like to follow up with a body moisturiser thereafter.

It was an overkill to say that its gentle for children and suitable for babies, since I cannot even use this product. Does that meant my skin is more sensitive than a baby? Gee.