Forehead acne
According to Chinese medicine, the forehead is closely linked to the digestive system, while the area between the eyebrows is linked to the liver. Over-indulgence of rich foods and alcohol may cause temporary spots in this area, while frequent breakouts could indicate poor nutritional habits. To help get rid of these spots, try to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. You may also wish to get tested for suspected food intolerances, which can affect both the liver and digestive system.
Congested cheeks, and spots on the chin and jaw line
While spots on the cheeks may have simple causes such as cosmetics or unclean pillowcases, this area is also thought to be linked to the lungs. Spots in this region can therefore be indicative of respiratory distress, with smokers, asthmatics and allergy sufferers being prone to breakouts or broken capillaries on the cheeks. Spots on the chin and jaw line are generally thought to be due to hormonal fluctuations and may appear on women at particular stages of their menstrual cycle. Persistent spots in this area, however, may be a symptom of a hormone imbalance or endocrine disorder such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, so it may be worthwhile getting your hormone levels checked if you are experiencing other symptoms such as missed periods or weight gain.
Dark circles and under-eye bags
Dark circles and under-eye bags are mostly hereditary, however if you find they make a sudden appearance or get significantly worse, this may point to certain health problems. The under-eye area is thought to be linked to the kidneys, so changes here may suggest dehydration or a build-up of toxins. To counteract this, drink more water and cut down on alcohol, caffeine and salt. Alternatively, circles could be caused by anaemia, due to vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies.
Unusual tongue
According to Chinese medicine your tongue is a map to your health, and orthodox medical professionals also use the tongue to identify various conditions. Anaemia (caused by a lack of iron, folate or vitamin B12) is one such condition - with symptoms of the illness including a burning, sore or red tongue. Alternatively, a blue discolouration of the tongue (cyanosis) could indicate a lack of oxygen in the blood stream, while white lesions on the tongue could be a sign of oral thrush.
Excessive facial or body hair
For females suffering from excessive body or facial hair (hirsutism), this can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem. However, it can also be a symptom of an underlying endocrine disorder, which may need to be checked out. One of the most common female endocrine disorders is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - a condition which frequently results in excessive body hair as well as acne, weight gain and irregular periods.
Moles
Ending on a high note, moles may often get bad press, however, providing you look after them properly (by applying sunscreen, staying out the sun and checking them regularly), moles may actually be a good sign for your health. A research team from King's College London found that those with over 100 moles have tougher bones and are less likely to develop osteoporosis, while research has also suggested that those with moles are likely to have healthier eyes and heart.
Source : Yahoo
June Quick Review
Friday, June 29, 2012
1) Ginvera Amethystory Mineral Aqua Gel
Product Description
Uniquely Removes Cornified Dead Skin with Amethyst for a New and Radiant Skin. No colouring, no fragrance, this gentle formula is specially blended with Amethyst, Hyaluronic Acid and Bio Energy Fluid to help enhance the removal of dead, dry and rough skin and promote skin rejuvenation. After removing the dead skin layers that form a barrier, your skin would be in a optimal condition to absorb skincare nutrients!
Instant results after use: skin feels fairer, more hydrated, and clearer.
Make up can glide on easier and more lasting with a natural look.
Key Ingredients :
Amethyst - Enhance skin rejuvenation, improve skin complexion and provide engergizing skin effect
Hyaluronic Acid - Provides intense hydration and supports formation and maintenance of collagen
A sample sachet lasted me for 2 times of usages. It has a weird scent though it hardly lingers on the skin. Using it on dry skin, it produces grey little bits which are supposed to be the dead skin cells from the face. Thereafter, I could feel that there is a layer of sticky and greasy film on the skin where no amount of water seemed to be able to get rid of it.
I followed up with a facial mask and then do a last rinse of the water, before the sticky and greasy film is totally gone. The skin did not feel exceptionally smooth, just slightly better than before.
Source : Ginvera
2) It's Skin Premium Power 10 Formula DUO - WW
Product Description
Whitening, anti-wrinkle care, anti-aging all-in-one serum. Helps to promote collagen, eliminate dull skin tone, leaving skin bright and silky
The 2 sachets which I owned lasted me for about 4times of usages. Absorbs well into the skin and does not leave any greasy after-feel. Too early and too limited usages to see any visible improvement.
Source : Sugar
3) It's Skin Premium Power 10 Formula PRO - AS
Product Description
Wrinkle + stretch PRO-AS (Pro-Astaxan) to improve the wrinkles of functional components. Penetrate to the dermis layer of skin to repair and activate the activity of collagen fibers and elastic fibers, to regain skin's elasticity and glossy. It enhances the skin's moisture level and helps to prevent the formation of fine lines.
The 2 sachets which I owned lasted me for more than 6times of usages. A little goes a long way. The texture is runny and serum-like. It sinks into the skin rapidly, leaving my skin soft and smooth.
Source : Raffles
Product Description
Uniquely Removes Cornified Dead Skin with Amethyst for a New and Radiant Skin. No colouring, no fragrance, this gentle formula is specially blended with Amethyst, Hyaluronic Acid and Bio Energy Fluid to help enhance the removal of dead, dry and rough skin and promote skin rejuvenation. After removing the dead skin layers that form a barrier, your skin would be in a optimal condition to absorb skincare nutrients!
Instant results after use: skin feels fairer, more hydrated, and clearer.
Make up can glide on easier and more lasting with a natural look.
Key Ingredients :
Amethyst - Enhance skin rejuvenation, improve skin complexion and provide engergizing skin effect
Hyaluronic Acid - Provides intense hydration and supports formation and maintenance of collagen
A sample sachet lasted me for 2 times of usages. It has a weird scent though it hardly lingers on the skin. Using it on dry skin, it produces grey little bits which are supposed to be the dead skin cells from the face. Thereafter, I could feel that there is a layer of sticky and greasy film on the skin where no amount of water seemed to be able to get rid of it.
I followed up with a facial mask and then do a last rinse of the water, before the sticky and greasy film is totally gone. The skin did not feel exceptionally smooth, just slightly better than before.
Source : Ginvera
2) It's Skin Premium Power 10 Formula DUO - WW
Whitening, anti-wrinkle care, anti-aging all-in-one serum. Helps to promote collagen, eliminate dull skin tone, leaving skin bright and silky
The 2 sachets which I owned lasted me for about 4times of usages. Absorbs well into the skin and does not leave any greasy after-feel. Too early and too limited usages to see any visible improvement.
Source : Sugar
3) It's Skin Premium Power 10 Formula PRO - AS
Wrinkle + stretch PRO-AS (Pro-Astaxan) to improve the wrinkles of functional components. Penetrate to the dermis layer of skin to repair and activate the activity of collagen fibers and elastic fibers, to regain skin's elasticity and glossy. It enhances the skin's moisture level and helps to prevent the formation of fine lines.
The 2 sachets which I owned lasted me for more than 6times of usages. A little goes a long way. The texture is runny and serum-like. It sinks into the skin rapidly, leaving my skin soft and smooth.
Source : Raffles
Understanding the Ingredients in Skin Care Products
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years. Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen also should be used every morning. To help avoid skin irritation with alpha-hydroxy acids, it is advisable to start with a product with concentrations of AHA of 10 to 15 percent. Also, make sure you ease into it. You want to get your skin used to alpha-hydroxy acids, so you should only initially apply the skin care product every other day, gradually working up to daily application.
Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
Salicylic acid also has been studied for its effect on skin that has aged prematurely due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It exfoliates skin and can improve the texture and color of the skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne. Studies have shown that salicylic acid is less irritating than skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, while providing similar improvement in skin texture and color.
Hydroquinone
Skin care products containing hydroquinone are popularly referred to as bleaching creams or lightening agents. These skin care products are used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma). If you are allergic to hydroquinones, you may benefit from use of products containing kojic acid instead.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. Discovered in 1989, kojic acid has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Kojic acid is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, inhibiting production of melanin (brown pigment).
Retinol
This is a derivative of vitamin A, and you will see that a lot of skin care products contain retinol. Retinol’s stronger counterpart is tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova. If your skin is too sensitive to use Retin-A, retinol is an excellent alternative. Here’s why skin responds to skin care products with retinol: vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin, where it finds collagen and elastin. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin’s hydration levels. You may also hear about retinyl palmitate. This falls into the same family as retinol, but if the skin care product you choose contains retinyl palmitate, you will need to use more of this product than one that contains retinol to get the same effect.
L-Ascorbic Acid
This is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skin care products. There are many skin care products on the market today that boast vitamin C derivatives as an ingredient (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate, for example), but L-ascorbic acid is the only useful form of vitamin C in skin care products. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen as well, which is essential since your body’s natural collagen production decreases as you age. Sun exposure will also accelerate the decrease in collagen. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid
Skin care products containing this substance are often used in conjunction with vitamin C products to assist in effective penetration. Hyaluronic acid is a component of the body’s connective tissues, and is known to cushion and lubricate. As you age, however, the forces of nature destroy hyaluronic acid. Diet and smoking can also affect your body’s level of hyaluronic acid over time. Skin care products with hyaluronic acid are most frequently used to treat wrinkled skin.
Copper Peptide
Copper peptide is often referred to as the most effective skin regeneration product, even though it’s only been on the market since 1997. Studies have shown that copper peptide promotes collagen and elastin production, and also acts as an antioxidant. It also promotes production of glycosaminoglycans (think hyaluronic acid, as an example). Studies have also shown that copper-dependent enzymes increase the benefits of the body’s natural tissue building processes.The substance helps to firm, smooth, and soften skin, doing it in less time than most other anti-aging skin care products. Clinical studies have found that copper peptides also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue because they activate the skin’s system responsible for those functions.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
You may have heard of alpha-lipoic acid as "the miracle in a jar" for its anti-aging effects. It’s a newer, ultra-potent antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and helps repair past damage. Alpha-lipoic acid has been referred to as a "universal antioxidant" because it’s soluble in both water and oil, which permits its entrance to all parts of the cell. Due to this quality, it is believed that alpha-lipoic acid can provide the greatest protection against damaging free radicals when compared with other antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)
If you’ve heard of fish referred to as brain food, you can thank DMAE. This substance is naturally produced in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon and sardines, boosting the production of acetylcholine, which is important for proper mental functions. DMAE in skin care products shows remarkable effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Source : Clevelandclinic
Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years. Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen also should be used every morning. To help avoid skin irritation with alpha-hydroxy acids, it is advisable to start with a product with concentrations of AHA of 10 to 15 percent. Also, make sure you ease into it. You want to get your skin used to alpha-hydroxy acids, so you should only initially apply the skin care product every other day, gradually working up to daily application.
Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
Salicylic acid also has been studied for its effect on skin that has aged prematurely due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It exfoliates skin and can improve the texture and color of the skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne. Studies have shown that salicylic acid is less irritating than skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, while providing similar improvement in skin texture and color.
Hydroquinone
Skin care products containing hydroquinone are popularly referred to as bleaching creams or lightening agents. These skin care products are used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma). If you are allergic to hydroquinones, you may benefit from use of products containing kojic acid instead.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. Discovered in 1989, kojic acid has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Kojic acid is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, inhibiting production of melanin (brown pigment).
Retinol
This is a derivative of vitamin A, and you will see that a lot of skin care products contain retinol. Retinol’s stronger counterpart is tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova. If your skin is too sensitive to use Retin-A, retinol is an excellent alternative. Here’s why skin responds to skin care products with retinol: vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin, where it finds collagen and elastin. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin’s hydration levels. You may also hear about retinyl palmitate. This falls into the same family as retinol, but if the skin care product you choose contains retinyl palmitate, you will need to use more of this product than one that contains retinol to get the same effect.
L-Ascorbic Acid
This is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skin care products. There are many skin care products on the market today that boast vitamin C derivatives as an ingredient (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate, for example), but L-ascorbic acid is the only useful form of vitamin C in skin care products. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen as well, which is essential since your body’s natural collagen production decreases as you age. Sun exposure will also accelerate the decrease in collagen. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid
Skin care products containing this substance are often used in conjunction with vitamin C products to assist in effective penetration. Hyaluronic acid is a component of the body’s connective tissues, and is known to cushion and lubricate. As you age, however, the forces of nature destroy hyaluronic acid. Diet and smoking can also affect your body’s level of hyaluronic acid over time. Skin care products with hyaluronic acid are most frequently used to treat wrinkled skin.
Copper Peptide
Copper peptide is often referred to as the most effective skin regeneration product, even though it’s only been on the market since 1997. Studies have shown that copper peptide promotes collagen and elastin production, and also acts as an antioxidant. It also promotes production of glycosaminoglycans (think hyaluronic acid, as an example). Studies have also shown that copper-dependent enzymes increase the benefits of the body’s natural tissue building processes.The substance helps to firm, smooth, and soften skin, doing it in less time than most other anti-aging skin care products. Clinical studies have found that copper peptides also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue because they activate the skin’s system responsible for those functions.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
You may have heard of alpha-lipoic acid as "the miracle in a jar" for its anti-aging effects. It’s a newer, ultra-potent antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and helps repair past damage. Alpha-lipoic acid has been referred to as a "universal antioxidant" because it’s soluble in both water and oil, which permits its entrance to all parts of the cell. Due to this quality, it is believed that alpha-lipoic acid can provide the greatest protection against damaging free radicals when compared with other antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)
If you’ve heard of fish referred to as brain food, you can thank DMAE. This substance is naturally produced in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon and sardines, boosting the production of acetylcholine, which is important for proper mental functions. DMAE in skin care products shows remarkable effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Source : Clevelandclinic
Drink yourself beautiful
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
1. Coconut water
Coconut water's benefits lie in the liquid’s high potassium content, which helps to hydrate the body fast and helps to combat fatigue.
“It’s beneficial to our bodies because it contains a lot of natural electrolytes. As a nutritionist, I like it because it’s a low-sugar, fast-hydrating drink. You can compare coconut water to a sports drink but without all the caffeine and sugar in it,” nutritional therapist Susie Perrie explained to British newspaper Metro. However, watch your intake as coconut water can act as a laxative.
2. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranates are branded a super food because of their high antioxidant and vitamin content and has been credited with decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Drinking pure pomegranate juice is said to help burn fat and lower cholesterol levels.
“There are early signs that drinking pomegranate juice can help redistribute fat so it isn’t stored around the stomach area, which can increase risk of diabetes and heart disease. Changing your glass of apple or orange to this may offer health benefits,” nutritionist Angela Dowden told British newspaper The Daily Mail.
3. Green tea
Green tea has become a beauty classic thanks to its multiple health benefits. Named the preferred drink of super models, the tea is packed with antioxidants and has been credited with weight loss and anti-ageing properties.
“Studies in mice show that drinking green tea can slow down weight gain even when accompanied by a fatty diet. The good news is that there is some evidence to suggest this effect on body weight can also be seen in humans,” nutritionist Kate Butler told the British publication Zest.
4. Coffee
While, strictly speaking, caffeine is a toxin, it has some beauty benefits when consumed in its purest form — and in moderation. Forget the cream and caramel concoctions of coffee house chains, instead opt for one or two cups of organic coffee with a dash of organic full-fat milk.
Caffeine can help the body burn fat and it also boosts your performance when exercising. Organic coffee is also packed with antioxidants and it’s great for your digestion
Source : Herworld
Coconut water's benefits lie in the liquid’s high potassium content, which helps to hydrate the body fast and helps to combat fatigue.
“It’s beneficial to our bodies because it contains a lot of natural electrolytes. As a nutritionist, I like it because it’s a low-sugar, fast-hydrating drink. You can compare coconut water to a sports drink but without all the caffeine and sugar in it,” nutritional therapist Susie Perrie explained to British newspaper Metro. However, watch your intake as coconut water can act as a laxative.
2. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranates are branded a super food because of their high antioxidant and vitamin content and has been credited with decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Drinking pure pomegranate juice is said to help burn fat and lower cholesterol levels.
“There are early signs that drinking pomegranate juice can help redistribute fat so it isn’t stored around the stomach area, which can increase risk of diabetes and heart disease. Changing your glass of apple or orange to this may offer health benefits,” nutritionist Angela Dowden told British newspaper The Daily Mail.
3. Green tea
Green tea has become a beauty classic thanks to its multiple health benefits. Named the preferred drink of super models, the tea is packed with antioxidants and has been credited with weight loss and anti-ageing properties.
“Studies in mice show that drinking green tea can slow down weight gain even when accompanied by a fatty diet. The good news is that there is some evidence to suggest this effect on body weight can also be seen in humans,” nutritionist Kate Butler told the British publication Zest.
4. Coffee
While, strictly speaking, caffeine is a toxin, it has some beauty benefits when consumed in its purest form — and in moderation. Forget the cream and caramel concoctions of coffee house chains, instead opt for one or two cups of organic coffee with a dash of organic full-fat milk.
Caffeine can help the body burn fat and it also boosts your performance when exercising. Organic coffee is also packed with antioxidants and it’s great for your digestion
Source : Herworld
Review : LoveMore Swiss Alps Spring and Phytoncide Moisturizing Mask
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Product Description
Using ingredients from Alps' spring with Hyaluronic Acid and Phytoncide, the mask will enhance the skin's moisturising abilility to promote absorption. Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate the skin, making it look smoother and radiant.
I have been using this box of 7 mask sheets recently, which I acquired in Taiwan last year. It is also available in our local Watsons. I always have a backup of hydrating and whitening masks, to be used as and when I need it.
Looking at the packaging, you can see they actually do make effort in their design, making it shaped like an envelope, stating the country of their key ingredient on the stamps!
Each individually sheet mask is heavily soaked with essence and dripping wet when I pulled it out. The material is pretty thin and tears easily. It adheres comfortably on the skin with the nose area slightly shorter.
Layered it any longer than the stipulated 20minutes made my skin tighter, even though the sheet mask is still wet, so I kept it to a strict 20minutes before removing it. Skin does feel sufficiently hydrated but not totally hydrated.
Source : Sunnanz
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