Category: EXTRAS

Now You Can Have Your SPF, And Eat It

We grew up thinking that soaking up loads of sunshine was actually good for health. While it is still true that ultraviolet B (UVB) rays help with vitamin D synthesis, the “sunshine vitamin” that is essential from bones, risking sun damage (which translates to increased risk of skin cancer) is not the way to do it. Most people make enough Vitamin D from being out in the sun daily, without having to “fry” their skin, and for those concerned, just know that Vitamin D can also be sourced from food such as salmon, sardines, red meat and eggs.   We have also now learnt, women especially, that sun exposure is the cause of certain types of pigmentation. Melasma, a type of pigmentation driven by hormones, is also triggered and worsened by sun exposure. For people with UV- or heat-sensitive hyperpigmentation problems, or those who want to prevent these, sun avoidance is recommended. But no one can stay indoors all the time! Thankfully, sun protection is now a real thing and Continue Reading

This Is How Your Face Is Betraying You

We’ve been told to never judge a book by its cover, but the truth is, we can’t help but do it. The human brain is remarkably brilliant at sizing things up, at the first glance, or some studies say, within the first 7 seconds of meeting someone for the first time. What’s scary really is how the first impression really sticks. Now we have all learnt that we should never jump to conclusions about others, but we all do. Here are some things that people think.   YOU LOOK TIRED Hands up if people have actually shown you some concern by asking if you had enough sleep last night, even though you had plenty of rest. Most of the time, the eyes are to be blamed. Dark undereye circles in particular are caused by sunken eye hollows which give the malnourished, sleep-deprived look. For most people looking for a quick solution without surgery, lunchtime facial filler procedures such as Revitalift Eye places soft hyaluronic acid fillers under the skin of Continue Reading

Secrets Of Impeccably Groomed Men

If you are a man and you know what self-care is all about, you will also know that looking after your appearance isn’t just for women today. The thing about impeccably groomed people – they are proactive. They don’t wait for signs of wear and tear before they go for a fix. They know that grooming isn’t just about developing a daily routine, it’s about maintaining themselves so they don’t let their carefully assembled appearances down. Luckily, for men, overdoing makeup is a pitfall that’s virtually non-existent, so it’s easier to take care of themselves to maintain a reasonable level of self empowerment. Here are the top 3 secrets of impeccably groomed men. 1. ‘MAMPERING’ The most stylish and successful-looking men are almost brazen about ‘mampering’ (pampering). They embrace their daily cleansing and moisturizing routine, but they also have their faces professionally cleaned. This is quite different from monthly male mani- or pedicures. Keeping the complexion spot and clog-free is probably one of the most important things, be it for Continue Reading

How To Tone Pelvic Floor Without Learning How To Kegel

Childbirth weakens pelvic floor muscles in women. When pelvic floor muscles and ligaments are weakened, women can experience unpleasant symptoms such as pelvic pain, pressure, bladder and bowel problems, and pain during sex. Strangely, there are all kinds of treatments for “female issues”. For example, Gwyneth Paltrow may have made a career out of weird ideas such as vaginal steaming and vagina jade rocks, but for the record, there are much better (scientific) ways to strengthen the pelvic floor.   FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION CAN IMPROVE STRENGTH AND TONE OF KEGEL MUSCLES Using magnetic fields to stimulate muscles, FMS actually improves the symptoms of pelvic floor problems. Producing rapid changes of magnetic field intensity to induce an electrical current in neurons which leads to a complete muscular contraction, FMS has been widely used to assist in rehabilitation of medical conditions to prevent muscle atrophy. Aesthetically, FMS is now being used to exercise the abdominals, shape up the gluteals, and also tighten pelvic floor muscles.   WHY IT IS HARD TO PERFORM Continue Reading

5 Non-Laser Skin Whitening Options That Actually Work

Is there such a thing as being born with good skin? If you’ve always wanted fairer or brighter-looking skin without having to go through the hassle of a laser treatment, here are some options that you might want to try.   1. ILLUMINATE Injectable skin whitening products injected into the body often promise to lighten the skin, but there is an overall lack of evidence that they work, and they might not even be safe. If you want to brighten your skin, even out skin tone and eliminate unwanted pigmentation, try Illuminate, a clinical-grade spa therapy that uses pure tranexamic acid and concentrated vitamin C to prime your complexion for a fresher look.   2. LED RED LIGHT Not to be confused with the laser, this is light therapy that was originally intended for wound healing and post-surgery scars. Until they found coincidental skin rejuvenation. Cells in the dermis converts light energy into fuel for the cell to produce collagen and elastin like one would do normally in their twenties. Continue Reading