Category Archive: Beauty tips

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Are Face Serums Worth the Investment? Debunking the Myths and Benefits

In the quest for youthful and clear skin, countless beauty products flood the market, and face serums have gained significant popularity. Promising to prevent aging and combat acne, these skincare essentials have become a staple in many people’s routines. But do face serums truly live up to the hype? Are they necessary for preventing aging and acne, and are they worth the investment?

In this post, we’ll explore the facts, debunk the myths, and evaluate whether face serums are genuinely beneficial for your skin.

Understanding Face Serums:

Face serums are lightweight, highly concentrated formulations packed with active ingredients. Unlike moisturizers, serums have a smaller molecular structure, enabling deeper penetration into the skin. This characteristic allows them to deliver a potent dose of nutrients, antioxidants, and specialized ingredients to address specific skin concerns.

Free photo portrait of beautiful woman with clear skin using face serum

Preventing Aging:

One of the primary claims associated with face serums is their ability to prevent aging. While no product can turn back the clock entirely, serums can play a vital role in maintaining and improving the overall health of your skin. Here’s how they help:

  1. Antioxidant Power: Many serums are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect the skin against environmental damage. This can minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots over time.
  2. Hydration and Moisture: Serums often contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that retains moisture, promoting plumpness and reducing the visibility of fine lines. Properly hydrated skin tends to appear more youthful and supple.
  3. Collagen Production: Certain serums contain ingredients like peptides, retinol, or niacinamide that can stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, thus potentially reducing the signs of aging.

Free photo close up smiley woman using serum

Combating Acne:

Acne can be a frustrating skin condition that affects people of all ages. While face serums are not specifically formulated to target acne, they can provide valuable support in managing the condition:

  1. Exfoliation: Some serums contain gentle exfoliating agents like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne breakouts.
  2. Oil Control: Certain serums incorporate ingredients such as salicylic acid or tea tree oil, known for their oil-controlling and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help regulate sebum production and soothe acne-prone skin.
  3. Post-Acne Scarring: Serums with brightening agents like vitamin C can aid in fading post-acne scars and hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even complexion.

Evaluating the Investment:

Determining whether face serums are worth the investment largely depends on individual preferences, skin concerns, and budget. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Skin Type and Concerns: Identify your specific skin type and concerns before investing in a face serum. This will help you choose a serum tailored to your needs, maximizing its potential benefits.
  2. Quality and Ingredients: Not all serums are created equal. Investing in a high-quality serum with proven active ingredients can yield better results. Look for serums backed by scientific research and positive reviews.
  3. Budget: Face serums vary widely in price, and investing in expensive options doesn’t always guarantee superior results. Determine your budget and explore different options within that range.
  4. Skincare Routine: Face serums are just one component of a comprehensive skincare routine. If you already follow a diligent routine with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, adding a serum may provide additional benefits.
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What Is Maskne And How To Prevent It

“Maskne” or acne mechanica, is pimples located in areas where your face mask touches your face. Maskne occurs when sweat, oil and bacteria are trapped on your skin while wearing a tight face mask with very little air flow, creating the perfect breeding ground for skin bacteria to flourish and cultivate.

My two older teenage daughters tend to get a massive flare-up of Maskne on hot days when they return from school.  Donning a face mask from 6:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. for 9 long hours in hot and humid Malaysian weather spells disaster to the skin on their faces.  On days when my eldest stays home and attends online classes, the skin on her face will be under control. It takes just one day of all-day mask wearing to undo all the healing on her skin. With COVID-19 not slowing down anytime soon, it’s likely that face masks will remain a part of our daily routines for the foreseeable future.

Maskne is different from blemishes caused by hormones or hereditary issues like cystic acne.  Maskne is especially prevalent on the bridge of your nose, your cheeks and your chin, caused by an external factor – a mask obstructing the skin and causing excess pressure, heat and rubbing, which leads to irritation, inflammation and pimples.

How to prevent maskne

Strict hygiene must be practised when wearing masks and it is recommended to change the mask every 4 hours.  If you notice any dampness within the mask, it should be changed immediately and not wait 4 hours later.  Thus, it is advisable to carry an extra mask in your bag or pocket at all times during this pandemic.   Reusable masks must be washed everyday with soap and water and air dried thoroughly.

When you remove your mask to drink and eat, it is important to be wary of where you are putting it down to prevent catching virus / bacteria on the mask.  You can place your mask in a mask bag / mask keeper or your pocket or anywhere that is clean, away from contact with dirty surfaces.

To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, we have below the following handy tips:

1.  Cleanse and moisturize your face daily. Gentle skin care can prevent skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser .

You can prevent breakouts from your moisturizer by using a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. When selecting moisturizer, follow this guide:

Oily skin (or when weather is hot, humid): Gel moisturizer
Normal or combination skin: Lotion
Dry to very dry skin: Cream

If you have acne or tend to break out, you can still use a gel moisturizer.

2. Skip the makeup when wearing a mask. Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil free.”

3. Avoid trying new skin care products that can irritate your skin. Wearing a mask for even a short time can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce skin problems, avoid trying harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliant, or retinoid, for the first time.

4. Use less of certain skin care products if your face becomes irritated. When you cover your face with a mask, some skin care products that you’ve used in the past may irritate your skin. If this happens, cut back on products that can irritate your skin, such as leave-on salicylic acid, retinoid you apply to your face and aftershave.

5. Wear the right mask. To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer the following:

A snug, but comfortable fit.
Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton.
Fabric on the inside that feels soft if you have sensitive skin.
Cotton material inside if you have acne or oily skin.

Wearing a mask that offers a snug, but comfortable fit helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus. You want a snug fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin.

A snug, comfortable fit also reduces skin problems. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask. When you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and your face.

The fabric is also important. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon. These are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts.

6.  Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. But only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands with soap or sanitized them with hand sanitizer.

Safe places to remove your mask include:

Outdoors, when you can stay at least six feet away from people.
Inside your car when you’re alone.
At home.

Since we’re going to be wearing masks for a while until a vaccine for Covid-19 is found, managing maskne isn’t going to be a one-time deal. It will require developing both treatment and ongoing prevention habits to keep your skin clear.   Proper mask-wearing hygiene and practice applies to everyone and not just those who are more acne-prone as mask-related acne affects almost everyone.

 

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Arrowroot Powder To Treat Acne and Great As Cosmetics

My pre-teen 12-year old daughter has pimples on her back and face, especially on her T-Zone. I’ve tried almost a dozen of topical acne agents off the shelves from creams to gels, lotions, essential oils and washes with ingredients targeting acne but none worked. I’ve even tried fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant and ‘cooling powder’ made from fermented rice but none worked as well.  One night,  I applied organic arrowroot powder on my daughter’s acne and the next morning when she got up, the acne dried up. The arrowroot powder worked like a charm!   I’ve been using organic arrowroot powder as loose powder and blusher for several years now.  We’ve not looked back since.  My daughter now applies arrowroot powder on her face and body after each shower.  The powder not only prevents the acne from flaring up but also gives the skin a very smooth and silky feeling.

 

 

Apart from thickening food, arrowroot powder contains health properties and lots of uses in the area of vanity!  Arrowroot contains a good amount of potassium, iron and B vitamins, which is great for metabolism, circulation and heart health. Studies have even shown that arrowroot can stimulate immune cells and boost the immune system.

Arrowroot powder is an inexpensive agent in the cosmetics industry.  It is also used as a topical treatment to promote the healing of cuts/scars.  These are some of the best uses of arrowroot powder in your everyday beauty routines:

1. Clears Acne. Arrowroot absorbs oils/sebum excellently and promotes natural healing as it penetrates the skin. Rubbing some into skin before bed and in the morning can reduce oil production, soften skin and dry out/heal blemishes.

2. Lightening loose face powder. When mixed with loose face powder, it can lighten the tone by several shades. This is particularly useful for gradually adjusting the shade of holiday make-up as your tan naturally fades. It is so lightweight that it blends seamlessly into the powder and leaves skin soft and silky to touch. It also reduced the need to reapply make-up as it absorbs sweat/oils.

 

3. Dry Shampoo.  This will be ideal for women in confinement after giving birth or those bed-ridden. Massage the arrowroot into your scalp and along the first couple of inches of the length of your hair. It will absorb the oils and leave your hair bouncy and soft. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any remaining traces of the powder on your hair.

4. As a base for home-made make-up. Arrowroot makes an excellent base for DIY make-up projects. Foundations and face blushers using a blend of arrowroot, cinnamon, roselle, beet root and cocoa powder are a major trend now. It’s excellent as you can adjust the measurements to get the shade exactly right for your skin tone.

5. Replacement for baby powder.  Mix a few drops of essential oils to the arrowroot powder and store the homemade homemade baby powder/talcum powder in a salt shaker.

How to use arrowroot powder as talcum powder and acne powder
Pour some organic arrowroot powder into an extra large salt shaker and shake some onto your palm before applying generously on your body and acne. The feeling of your skin will be silky smooth. Try it to experience it!

Using arrowroot powder as blusher and loose face powder
Mix some organic roselle powder or beet root powder with arrowroot powder. Mix well and adjust the shade according to your liking.  Store the powder in an empty loose powder container and apply on your cheeks with a blusher brush or a powder pad.



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What the Acne on Each Part of Your Face Means

Do you always break out on your chin? Or maybe acne always seems to crop up on your cheeks or your T-zone.  There are reasons you might be breaking out in one particular area over another.

I hardly ever had acne or pimples in my teenage years right until now.  Every once in a while, a pimple will pop out on my chin.  When I kept having acne only on my chin some 18 years back when I was in my late 20s with my weight shooting up from 43kg to 48kg in just two months, I knew it was a red flag.  An ultrasound scan by my Ob & Gyn revealed that I had PCOS, a hormonal imbalance disorder.

Hormones, diet, poor hygiene, stress, or an underlying issue with an internal organ are all factors that could trigger breakouts in a particular spot. Great skin often starts from the inside-out. One of the places through which your body rids itself of toxins, illness, and stresses is its largest organ — the skin.

The method of using the location of acne to inform treatment and prevention is called face mapping.  Face mapping is a great place to start with finding the possible causes and solutions of those pesky breakouts on your forehead, cheeks, chin and T-Zone.

face2

 

Forehead
If you frequently wear hats, the friction from the fabric could be to blame.  The acne may also be a result of using heavy hair-care products like conditioners or leave-in treatments that can clog pores around the hairline

Quick Fixes to Get Rid of Your Forehead Acne

Another possible culprit here is stress. If you have exams coming up or rushing to complete for a project, for example, it might be a good idea to incorporate acne treatments like salicylic acid into your routine to help control potential breakouts.  I love using Melaleuca pure essential oil (Tea Tree oil) to control and treat breakout on my chin.

Also, to avoid making things worse, lay off the chips and candy.  Your forehead is linked to your digestive system. Reducing the amount of fat in your diet and stepping up your water intake could help.

Nose
Your nose is linked to your heart and cutting back on meat and spicy foods could reduce breakouts here.  You could swap spicy foods with foods with “good fats” like nuts, avocados, fish, or flaxseed.  Also, since this area is chock full of dilated pores, check that your makeup is not past its expiration date or does not contain pore-clogging ingredients.

In Between the Brows
This is the zone where food allergies show up first.  Lactose intolerance is a possible factor as is a diet rich in foods that are difficult to digest like fast food.

Cheeks
When did you last clean your phone or makeup brushes? If you’re experiencing breakouts in this area, it might be time to give them all a good cleanse.

Because this area also corresponds with your respiratory system, smoking cigarettes is a definite no-no (for many more reasons than just pimples, too).

T-Zone
If you’re getting breakouts in the T-zone area, think oil and stress. A large-scale study of 160 male high school students in Singapore found that high stress doesn’t have an effect on oil production, but it can make acne more serious.

Another study, published in the same nonprofit journal Acta Dermato, found that people who woke up tired were more likely to have acne as well.  So, it sounds like stress and sleep start a vicious cycle with acne. If you notice a pattern, try to practise good sleeping habits.  That is why you often hear women stress that they need their beauty sleep to get beautiful flawless skin and to feel good.

Chin and Jawline
This could be a sign that acne is due to a hormonal imbalance. Birth control or spironolactone (which decreases testosterone levels) are both effective treatment options.  While hormonal changes can be unavoidable, you can decrease the effect by getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, eating leafy veggies, and keeping skin squeaky clean.  Stay off stress too.

The Ears
Because this area is associated with the kidneys, breakouts here could be a direct result of dehydration.  Drink lots of water and avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages.

Here are some ways to keep pimples away:

  • To help prevent the oil buildup that can lead to acne, wash your face once or twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser.
  • Don’t scrub your face. Scrubbing can actually make acne worse by irritating the skin. Wash gently, using your hands instead of a washcloth.
  • If you wear makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen, make sure they are “oil-free,” “noncomedogenic,” or “nonacnegenic.”
  • When you wash your face, take the time to remove all of your makeup.

  • If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face because they can clog pores.
  • If you have long hair, keep it away from your face and wash it regularly to reduce oil.
  • Baseball caps and other hats can cause pimples along the hairline. Avoid them if you think they are making your acne worse.
  • Wash your face after you’ve been exercising and sweating a lot.
  • Try not to touch your face.
  • Don’t pick, squeeze, or pop pimples.
  • Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day
  • Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each day
  • Exercise and sweat it out to remove toxins from your body
  • Lastly, try to stave off stress from consuming you
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Getting Rid of Age Spots Naturally

The other day, I noticed a few brownish age spots on my upper cheeks. I freaked out. After all, I am only 43 this year and  I think this age is still too early to be getting age spots!

As a strong proponent of using all things natural (and cheap), I  did a search today to find out how I can get rid of the age spots naturally.

After reading a few articles, I settled with using lemon juice, extra virgin coconut oil and essential oils.

My method worked like a charm and those brown spots were removed almost completely on the first try!

My method (successful!):
1. First dab fresh lemon juice all over my skin with dark spots, which were on my cheeks and neck.
2. Let the juice soak through my skin for a few hours. I waited for 5 hours.
3. After my shower, I poured a mixture of extra virgin coconut oil, melaleuca oil, peppermint oil and lavender oil in a bowl.  Then dipped facial cotton squares into the mixed essential oils.
4. Using the facial cotton squares soaked with essential oils, I rubbed  the affected parts of my skin.  Brown stains were immediately seen on the cotton squares!  The more I rubbed my skin with the cotton, the more brown stains were seen on the cotton.  After rubbing my cheeks and neck with a handful of cotton squares, the affected areas are now sparkling clean and fair again!  I could not believe how effective this method is!!

 

What Are Age Spots?

Age spots, also known as liver spots and sun spots, typically appear on the face, hands, shoulders, forearms and other areas of skin regularly exposed to the sun.  According to the Mayo Clinic, age spots appear most frequently in adults over the age of 40, though they can also affect younger people. Despite their name, age spots are not caused by aging alone, but occur from long-term exposure to the sun or other sources of UV light. Considered harmless, age spots require no medical treatment. Bleaching with over-the-counter products or natural remedies may reduce their appearance.

But I am not keen on using over-the-counter products, which may contain harsh chemicals.

If you’re a pro of using all things natural just like myself, you’ll be delighted to know that age spots can be removed naturally and inexpensively!

1 .  Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been considered to be useful not just for your health but it is also a beauty oil too.  It is one of those oils which has tremendous benefits for your skin as well as hair. The world over it is regarded as one of the most popular oils for beauty care.

Coconut oil comes packed with various antioxidants which help in fighting against these age spots.

Use Coconut Oil to Get Rid of Age Spots Naturally

If you want to use coconut oil for getting rid of age spots, it’s best to use virgin coconut oil since it is rich in antioxidants.

How to use coconut oil?

Clean your face and then pat dry with a soft towel. Now take a few drops of coconut oil and apply it on the age spots. Gently massage the spots with this oil. It is supposedly more effective it you go for upward strokes on the face. Coconut oil should be applied for age spots not just on face but on other parts of your body as well.

In order to prevent age spots from occurring it is best if you apply coconut oil immediately after you have come back from outside and have been exposed to sun rays. Continue applying coconut till the age spots disappear completely from your skin

 

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and can go a long way in reducing age spots. Owing to its bleaching properties lemon juice is considered to be a dark spot corrector too.  Apply the juice from a fresh lemon to age spots at least twice a day to naturally reduce their appearance.  Allow the juice to remain for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Lemon juice contains mild acidic agents that may slough away dead cells from the skin’s outer layer and lighten dark spots on the skin.

3. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is known to whiten your skin naturally. Just apply some plain and unsweetened yoghurt on your brown spots and massage gently. This will not just fade away the spots but also make your skin brighter and even out the skin tone too.

Use Yoghurt for Age Spots removal naturally

 

4.  Pineapple

Rub a piece of fresh pineapple over age spots to gently lighten their appearance.    Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is a mild bleaching agent suitable for reducing age spots.  Do this at least once a day for best results.

pineapple facial mask

 

 

5. Papaya

In order to naturally get rid of age spots, you can apply papaya too. This is so because papaya contains an enzyme called  ‘Papain’ which helps in evening out the skin tone, removes freckles, age spots as well as dark spots caused by acne. Just rub the papaya peel on your spots regularly.

Get Rid of Age Spots with Papaya

 

6.  Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil)

Tea tree oil helps to get rid of dark spots from acne but also reduces age spots too. Apply tea tree oil with a cotton pad on the spots daily.

 

7. Onion Juice

If you do not mind the pungent odor of onion juice, you can squeeze the juice of onion and apply it on the affected spots. Do this at least 2-3 times a day.

 

8.  Aloe Vera

Apply aloe vera gel directly on age spots to help reduce their appearance. The Reader’s Digest book, “1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems,”  recommends using gel fresh from the living plant, if possible. Aloe vera contains chemicals that gently remove dead skin cells and encourage the growth of new, healthy cells. Apply once or twice per day until you achieve the desired results.

 

9.  Buttermilk

Apply plain buttermilk, an old folk remedy for age spots, directly to the spots several times in a day to get rid of age spots. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates pigmented and sun-damaged skin while mildly bleaching.

 

10.  Witch Hazel

Use witch hazel to reduce age spots naturally. This is also effective in treating skin discoloration. Apply it in the same way as you would with tea tree oil.

Tips

While getting rid of age spots naturally is possible, it takes commitment, patience and time to see results.  Many natural remedies work slowly, over time, so stick with it patiently and you should notice improvement over time, depending on the severity of the condition.

Avoid excess sunlight and always use sunscreen to prevent age spots from becoming dark again. Bleaching them with natural materials won’t last permanently if you expose your skin to the elements that caused the damage in the first place.

You may also try applying vitamin E oil to the skin after spending time in the sun to prevent the formation of age spots.

 

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Prone To Pimples

My once flawless face is pretty prone to pimples lately.  I guess this has got to do with not getting sufficient sleep and not getting sufficient ‘sweating it out’ moments.  I used to exercise vigorously everyday which made me sweat profusely.   Exercising and sweating can improve one’s skin and complexion.  Ever since the maid left,  I have lesser time and lesser energy to exercise vigorously.   So I guess these two factors are encouraging the zits to pop out.  And oh yes, the hot and humid weather has a role to play too.

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What Do You Do With Your Used Facial Mask?

I recently discovered that  my used face mask can be utilized to ‘mask’ my super dry feet and cracked heels too.  I don’t know if anyone else does that too. I find that such an expensive facial mask can be put to better use instead of throwing it into the bin after 15 minutes of application on my face. So I used the still wet facial mask moisturizer and applied it all over my body, feet inclusive and put on a pair of socks before going to bed. The next morning, my body and feet felt silky smooth and really moisturized 🙂


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