Knowing The Ingredients!

Recently, I got kinda addicted to buying stuff online, especially beauty products from Skincolgy, DIY and Nature. I can sit in front of the computer for hours looking through the product descriptions while asking my dear for opinions. I don't think he's paying attention to what I said though, because he's glued to his online game *gloom*.

Those products selling online are very tempting with their persuasive description and colorful packaging. But of course, I'll always check online for product reviews before I actually go ahead and buy them. In this way, I can know which product is likely to cause skin problem and also I can shorten my shopping list by crossing out those which are not as miraculous as they seem. Since my skin is prone to breakout, I have to be careful in choosing the suitable products with non-comedogenic ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients that are commonly used in cosmetics:

Scale of Comedogenic & Irritant Potential of Cosmetic Ingredients (0 = Least; 5 = Most)

Ingredient Grade (0-5)	Comedogenic
LANOLINS
PEG 16 Lanolin Acetylated Lanolin Ethoxylated Anhydrous Lanolin Lanolin Alcohol Lanolin Oil	4 4 3 2 2 1
ACIDS, ESTERS, & ETHERS
Stearic acid Isopropyl Myristate Myristyl Myristate Myristyl Lactate Isopropyl Isostearate Isostearyl Neopentanoate Isopropyl Palmitate Butyl stearate Decyl Oleate Isodecyl Oleate 2- Ethyl Hexyl Plamitate PPG2 Myristyl Propionate Diocetyl Succinate Glycerin 3 disotearate Ascorbyl palmitate Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 400 PEG 75 lanolin PEG 5 Soya Sterol PEG 8 Stearate PEG 100 Stearate PEG 100 Distearate PEG 150 Distearate PEG 200 Distearate Disodium Monoleamido PEG 2-sulfosuccinate Laureth 4 Laureth 23 Steareth 2 Steareth 10 Steareth 20 Steareth 100	4 5 5 4 5 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 2 1 3 3 3 1 2 2 3 4 5 3 2 4 2 0
ALCOHOLS, GLYCOLS, SUGARS
SD Alcohol 40 Isopropyl Alcohol Cetyl Alcohol Oleyl Alcohol Hexadecyl Alcohol Cetearyl Alcohol + Cetearth 20 Propylene Glycol Hexylene Glycol PG Dipelargonate PG Monostearate Sorbitan sesquinoleate Glycerin Glyceryl Stearate NSE Glyceryl Stearate SE	0 0 3 4 5 4 0 2 2 3 3 0 1 3
WAXES
Candelilla Wax Carnauba Wax Beeswax Lanolin Wax Jojoba Oil Sulfated Jojoba Oil	1 1 2* 1 0 3
THICKENERS
Carboxymethylcellulose Carboxypropylcellulose Carbomer 940	1 1 0
NATURAL OILS*
Cocoa Butter Coconut Butter Crisco Sesame Oil Corn Oil Avocado Oil Mink Oil Soybean Oil Wheat Germ Glyceride Sulfated Castor Oil Cotton Seed Oil Peanut Oil Olive Oil Sandalwood Sees Oil Almond Oil Apricot Kernal Oil Castor Oil Saflower Oil Squalane Sunflower Oil Mineral Oil Petrolatum Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Evening Primrose Oil Shark Liver Oil Babassu Oil	4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 1
PIGMENTS
D & C Red #3 D & C Red #4 D & C Red #6 D & C Red #7 D & C Red #9 D & C Red #17 D & C Red #19 D & C Red #21 D & C Red #27 D & C Red #30 D & C Red #33 D & C Red #36 D & C Red #40	3 2 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 3 1 3 2
DETERGENTS & SURFACTANTS
Sodium Laurel Sulfate Polysorbate 20 Simethicone Dimethicone	4 0 1 1
VITAMINS & HERBS
Tocopherol* Tocopherol Acetate	3 0

DIY Facial Massage

Ever feel that old age is creeping up on you when you least expected it? No matter how much you try to ignore the fact, but “The Sign” on your face keeps on reminding you that you are not what you used to be. Sad but true.

Skin is our body’s largest organ and with its great surface area, it is very vulnerable to damages from UV rays, pollution, dehydration and not to mention skin diseases. Like rubber, our skin gradually loses its elasticity due to these damages and we will end up looking like Droopy (ever watch Tom & Jerry Kids?)

So any solution you asked? Of course there is, though it doesn’t perform instant miracle. What it does is slow down the aging process. It will result in noticeable improvements to skin tone, texture and appearance. In addition, it restores the skin’s normal balance of oil and pH. This simple solution is no other than facial massage combines with some suitable facial products. Oh, and you have to be hardworking. Not that difficult, right?

Facial massage is an easy and important self-exercise that keeps wrinkles at bay. This beauty regime heightens skin tissues that tend to go flabby, therefore improving skin softness and pliancy. A simple massage can be done by using your daily moisturiser or for more effective result, you can get yourself some facial oil. The only one that I’ve used is Eve Taylor Face Oil No.3. It is suitable for skin that is prone to breakout. If you have sensitive skin, you can use Eve Taylor Face Oil No.1. I give my dear a facial massage once in a while, using Face Oil No.1 and he loves it very much. These facial oils are also known as Aromatherapy Massage Oil. Anyway, don’t hurry to buy any facial oil that you see, ask the beauty consultant for the one that is most suitable for your skin and has the smell that you are comfortable with

Here’s one facial massage that I’ve gotten from some website. (Click for bigger view ^^) Try it out. There's nothing to lose except 4 minutes of your time~~

Tattoo as Makeup

My colleague came to the office looking a bit different. Her eyebrow. It was darker than usual. I thought she was trying out a new dark color for her eyebrows. They look great and after a few days, the color became more natural. It turned out she had them embroided. This kind of cosmetic procedure is known as eyebrow embroidery or otherwise, permanent makeup. This procedure involves deposition of specially formulated pigments into the dermal layer of the skin. This is not a new technique as it is believed to have started thousands of years ago in Egypt. There are other terms like micropigmentation, micropigment implantation, intradermal pigmentation, dermagraphics and cosmetic tattooing. The options that are available to create a more pronounced look include eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner or full lip color.

This whole thing got me thinking. What good is there getting a permanent makeup?
1. Save time – You no longer have to endure the hassle for daily application or touch up of regular makeup.
2. Save money – You no longer have to shop for unnecessary cosmetic products.
3. You can look beautiful at all times i.e. when you are swimming, jogging, sleeping etc.
4. No more smear or smudge of cosmetic products on your face.
5. You don’t have to worry about using cosmetic products that may irritate your skin.
6. Disabled people who have difficulty in applying makeup can enjoy the same benefits.

However, like any tattoo, fading can and often does occur and periodic maintenance is required. Otherwise, it may lead to uneven skin color or even obvious patches. The use of alpha-hydroxy, retin-A and glycolic acid products can also cause the pigment to fade as these are the ingredients that are mostly used in whitening products. Since this procedure is permanent, you won’t be able to tryout new look like changing shape of eyebrow, or changing lip color.

There’s another devastating side effect of permanent makeup, which is the possibility of having an allergic reaction to the pigmentation. This allergy will result in redness, swelling and even permanent bumps in the skin called granulomas. According to some FDA reports, there are approximately 50 cases where reactions occurred in the areas of the eyes and lips which caused serious disfigurement, resulting in difficulty in eating and talking. (Sounds scary!! But then it's all depend on the individual skin reaction to the chemicals...)

Like betting, there’re always risks in trying out new techniques and products. But then, as long as you are comfortable with the idea and that you've checked with your beauty consultant for any side effect, there's no stopping you.

Pattern of Weight Gain During Pregnancy

You must be wondering why suddenly there are postings relating to pregnancy. No, I am not the one who is expecting, one of my closest friends is. So I am just providing her with invaluable information so that she can deal with her pregnancy with ease.

I come across a site which provides some interesting information regarding weight gain. So now you'll know where the baby weight comes from...

Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

A woman who is not pregnant normally requires approximately 2100 calaries per day. For pregnant woman, she requires 300 more calories, which is around 2400~2500 calories. Additional 500 calories are needed for woman who is breastfeeding. So if you are pregnant, you are actually eating for two (or more) and it is inadvisable to cut down the calories or go on diet.

A well balanced diet contributes to a baby's growth and development, which includes:

1) Lean meats (Protein)
Eat 2 to 3 protein servings each day. One protein serving is:
- 2 ounces lean meat, poultry or fish
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dried or cooked beans 2 eggs

2) Fruits
Eat 2 to 4 fruit servings each day. One fruit serving is:
- 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit
- 1 medium whole fruit (orange, apple, banana)
- 3/4 cup fruit juice (avoid unpasteurized juices)

3)Vegetables
Eat 3 to 5 vegetable servings each day. One vegetable serving is:
- 1/2 cup raw or cooked vegetables
- 1 small baked potato
- 3/4 cup vegetable juice (avoid unpasteurized juices)

4) Grains
Eat 6 to 11 serving each day. One grain serving is:
- 1 slice whole wheat bread
- 1 cup dry cereal
- 1/2 cup cooked rice, pasta or cereal
- 1 small pancake
- 1 small tortilla

5) Low-fat dairy product.
Eat 2 to 3 milk servings each day. (Low-fat or skim is best.) One milk serving is:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 1-inch cubes cheese (Avoid soft cheeses such as feta, brie, Camembert, Roquefort, blue-veined, queso blanco, queso fresco or Panela, unless the cheese is labeled as made with pasteurized milk.)

Water is also essential because a woman's blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy, and drinking enough water each day can help prevent common problems such as dehydration and constipation.

Exercise during pregnancy period has shown to be extremely beneficial. Regular exercise can help:
- prevent excess weight gain
- reduce pregnancy related problems, like back pain, swelling, and constipation
- improve sleep
- increase energy
- improve outlook
- prepare for labor
- lessen recovery time
(Bear in mind that high-impact (strenous) sports should be limited)

It's important to get enough sleep during pregnancy period. A pregnant woman will feel more tired than usual as the body is working hard to accommodate a new life. Lying on the side with knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as pregnancy progresses. It also makes the heart's job easier because it keeps the baby's weight from applying pressure to the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart and the feet and legs. Lying on the side can also help prevent or reduce varicose veins, constipation, hemorrhoids, and swelling in your legs. Some doctors specifically recommend that pregnant women sleep on the left side. Because the liver is on the right side of the abdomen, lying on the left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. This also optimizes blood flow to the placenta and, therefore, the baby.

DIY Beauty Masks

Yummy treats for the skin. Why go to the salon for expensive facial while you can get the similar result from doing it at home with natural ingredients. There's a lot of DIY masks floating around the internet. I grabbed a few delicious-looking ones and posted it here for everyone to try out. But stop using them if irritation occurs.

1) Pore Tightening Mask
The main ingredient of this mask is tomato, which acts like an astringent to tighten pores and remove excess oil, while the honey is a natural moisterizer that softens the skin.

Ingredients:
1 small unripe tomato (the greener the better)
1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:
- Blend the tomato and honey into a thick pulp.
- Cleanse the face well with warm water and exfoliate with our favorite product to ensure pores are open.
- Using two fingers, gently massage the pulp onto your face.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.
- You can keep the leftovers in a small airtight container in the fridge. It should last up till 1 month. (Please do not use if there is a smell or serious discoloration)

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2) Sesame Age-Defying Mask
Ingredients:
Honey
Ground sesame seeds



Instructions:
- Mix both ingredients
- Gently rub into skin and leave until mixture turns watery and wash off




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3) Multi-purpose Mask
Ingredients:
Egg white

Instructions:
Separate the egg and the yolk as we need only the egg white.

Skin whitening, induce collagens, tighten pores
- Apply the egg white all over the face and neck using a brush, avoiding the area around the eyes and mouth as the areas are more delicate and will cause wrinkles to apply when the mask dries up.
- Gently wash off the mask after 15 minutes.

Deep cleansing and remove black heads
- Put a 2-ply thin tissue as mask pad on the face.
- Apply the egg white over the tissue using a brush, avoiding the area around the eyes and mouth.
- After the mask dries up, peel off the tissues in a upward direction from the face. This will remove the black heads like the Biore pore pack.

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4) Banana and Cream Anti-Ageing Mask
Ingredients:
1 small banana
2 tbsp of yogurt(natural)
1 tbsp of honey (preferably organic honey)
1 tbsp of oat flour
spring water

Instructions:
- Mash the banana and add the yogurt , honey and the oat flour.
- Add in the spring water and blend well. (add another one tablespoon of yogurt if the mixture is not creamy enough).
- Apply the mask to your face after cleansing and leave it on for 30 minutes and wash away with lukewarm water. (Refrigerate the left over; discard after 2 weeks to ensure freshness of the mask)
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5) Green Tea Toner
Green tea toner provides an anti-oxidating effect. As it is water without alcohol, it’s provides minimal level of hydration and is non drying for the face.

Ingredients:
Green tea bags

Instructions:
- Soak the green tea bag in hot water.
- After the water cools off, pour the green tea into a small spray bottle (can get from Guardian or Watson) and refrigerate it.
- Everytime after washing face, pat dry with towel and spray the green tea liquid for toning effect.
- Discard the toner after 3 days when the freshness runs off.
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6) Berry Bright Mask
Ingredients:
A handful of almonds ( Almonds is a rich emollient)
Half a cucumber
3 strawberries
1 tsp of honey
1 tsp of yogurt (plain)



Instructions:
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth and apply the mixture to cleansed, damp skin.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes or until dry and then wash off with warm water.


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7) Aspirin Mask
Aspirin contains the ingredient salicylic acid which is known for combating acne. This mask will dries up the skin, so make sure you use it once or twice a week and keep your face hydrated with creams or moisturiser.

Ingredients:
- 3 Bayern Aspirins (Non-coated - Can get from Watson)
- 2 tsp milk or aloe vera juice

Instructions:
- Mix the aspirin with the milk. As soon as the aspirins make contact with the milk, it will dissolve.
- Make sure that mask has a creamy or watery texture.
- Apply on the area which blemishes are lightly to pop up.
- Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and wash it off with warm water.
- You can also dab the mask on the acne spot and leave it overnight. You will see the effect as the acne becomes less swollen.

Acne Myths

Wasted a lot of times and money, and yet your acne problem still persists? Maybe you've have been exposed to the wrong information and followed the wrong procedures. So lets explore the myths of acne.

1) Sun (Tanning) will improve acne -
Sun is a good source of vitamin D and tanning can mask out acne and scars. But this is only a temporary solution as too much exposure to the sun can actually worsen the acne condition, cause premature aging and skin cancer. So to protect the skin, using a sunscreen is a must. (Always choose those cosmetic products labelled non-comedogenic, i.e. won't clog pore)

2) Diet (Sugary, high fat food) -
This myth is the most common of all. Extensive studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. However, a high iodine diet (such as shellfish) may aggravate existing acen, but not causing it. The reaction of certain food on an individual's condition is also a factor. E.g. some people notice breakouts after eating chocolate and some people will get it if they drink too much coffee. For better health, just stay away from fatty food to prevent obesity and cardiovascular disease.

3) Extensive washing will clear up acne -
Washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil from the pores but aggressive skin washing will in all likelihood aggravate pre-existing acne, as the skin becomes dry, prompting the oil glands to work harder. A washcloth or scrub is a no-no as it will irritate the skin. The standard method is to gently wash the face twice a day with a mild cleanser.

4) Too much stress results in acne -
Theoretically, stress may indirectly promote acne in terms that it has an effect on hormones. But sometimes, it may be due to the medical prescribes for severe stress condition which causes acne as a side effect.

5) Oily skin is the main cause of acne -
Acne is not caused by oily skin. The dead skin cells which fail to be washed away mixed with the bacteria and the oil and start the formation of the acne. Therefore, an oily complexion shows the symptom of acne, but not as the cause.

6) Squeezing or popping pimples makes acne go away faster -
Instead of clearing up the pimples, squeezing it will sometimes push the bacteria further into the skin layers, causing more swelling and redness. This tends to lead to scarring (red or brown marks). These marks may take months to heal and true scars (dents and pits) wll last forever.

7) Acne is contagious -
It is mentioned that this popular myth is spread by parents to keep their teen daughters away from acne-covered teen boys. There's is no way one can catch acne from another person or vice versa.

8) Leave acne as it is and it will eventually go away -
Acne may go away on its own and it can also leave ugly scars on the skin. You'll never know when will it leave you for good. The truth is, acne can be cleared up provided that you seek treatment from dermatologists. Why endure acne while cure is available? The earlier you seek treatment for acne, the lower your risk of permanent scarring and the sooner you will become the new, confident you.

9) Don't wear makeup if you have acne -
As long as you choose cosmetics that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, they shouldn't cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams that hide pimples while helping treat them. For moderate to severe acne, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use — he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you're acne isn't aggravated.
And even if a product is labeled non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, stop using it and talk to your doctor if it's irritating the skin or seems to cause breakouts.

10) The stronger the medicine, the better -
I believe every one of you think that it's true. On the contrary, it may lead to irritation and more blemishes. Acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. When the skin dries up, it tends to secrete more oil to lubricate or moisten the skin surface. This oil will then mixed with bacteria and the dead cells which then results in forming acne. If a lower dose is working well, then increasing the dose will have no effect on the acne. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist and be patience as some medications may take up tp 8weeks to make a significant difference.

11) Masturbation or sex causes acne -
This antiquated notion, originating as early as the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex, is just plain wrong. Don't believe the hype.