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June 6, 2020

Best Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris

Keep those buggers under control

Are you struggling with dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks? Theses bumps generally don't hurt or itch, and are known as Keratosis Pilaris (KP). While it is a harmless skin condition, it can certainly be bothering for some people like me. 

Sadly there is no known cure for this condition. You can best treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin.

Thankfully, I found the perfect treatment for my KP problem, and it is available in either a lotion or cream texture. Salycilic acid definitely keeps these tiny bumps under control. I've tried different products but I always fall back to Cerave's SA line. Why? Simply because their products are effective and all are formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and more. 

I also use other Cerave products in my skincare routine as mentioned in my previous blog entries. It's a highly reliable and recommended brand made with dermatologists.



- moisturizes, exfoliates, softens, and smoothes extremely dry, rough and bumpy skin while helping to restore the natural skin protective barrier. 
- lightweight, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, provides all day hydration after just one use.

Cerave SA Renewing Lotion


- effectively smooth and soothe very dry skin. Designed to improve skin texture with exfoliating salicylic acid and lactic acid, this cream for rough skin also hydrates with hyaluronic acid as it comforts the skin with niacinamide. 
- this potent cream for bumpy skin also features patented MVE Delivery Technology for continual release of exfoliating and hydrating ingredients, and the non-irritating salicylic acid cream formula is gentle on the skin.
- also contains lactic acid
Cerave SA Cream

Other uses aside from Keratosis Pilaris include exfoliating away psoriasis scales and the cream for softening tough calluses.

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May 28, 2020

Most Wanted Skincare Ingredients


Apart from the brand name, it is also important to know what products are made of. Here's a list of ingredients to look out for when buying skincare products. It includes ingredients that are highly recommended by dermatologists. You can surely get good results from having them in your skincare routine.

Do note that however that some ingredients cannot be used in the same routine. So what should you do if you want to reap the benefits of all ingredients? You can alternate usage of each product, by switching it up monthly, every 2 weeks, or  depending on your needs.

Tips: 
  • Always do a patch test especially if your skin is sensitive
  • Introduce new products to your current routine slowly. Never introduce several products at the same time. If you get a reaction, you will not be able to identify which product caused it.
  • Each product will contain different levels of the ingredient. For example, some vitamin C's have either 5%, 10%, or 20%. However, some products do not specify how much of the ingredient it contains. If this is the case, try to look at the hierarchy of the ingredients listed. Those ingredients that go first on the list means that the product contains more of them. If the ingredient you are looking for is on the last part, then you may not be getting much of that ingredient, and it was only used for marketing purposes.
Just to show you, below are two types of snail products that both indicate the percentage of snail concentrate. Both of which are very high, which personally I prefer for this ingredient. 

However, for some ingredients like Vitamin C and Tretinoin, the higher isn't necessarily better. Start low as these ingredients are very strong.

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - contains 96% snail concentrate
Mizon All in one Snail Repair Cream - contains 92% snail concentrate

         Cosrx snail mucin essenceMizon snail essence

Without further ado, below are the must have ingredients in your skincare routine.

1. Niacinamidehelps minimize enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface. It also  impact of environmental damage because of its ability to improve skin’s barrier (its first line of defense), plus it also plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage.

2. Vitamin C - helps even out skin tone and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has skin-brightening benefits, and research shows it can shield skin from the visible impacts of environmental stressors, including free radical damage. Note that there are different forms of Vitamin C used in skincare.

            >> More on Vitamin C here 

3. AHA/BHA - (2-3x a week) BHA exfoliants clean deep inside your pores while AHA exfoliants mainly work on the skin's surface making them particularly suitable for dry skin. This helps the skin to hold onto more moisture.

A. Salicylic Acid (BHA) is an exfoliating ingredient which penetrates deep inside the skin's pores, helping to unclog any excess oil and impurities to prevent breakouts and blackheads. Salicylic acid skincare products are also anti-inflammatory, helping to calm and minimize redness.
 
B. Glycolic Acid - (AHA) exfoliants gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells, helping to reveal the healthy layer of skin underneath. If you have normal to (very) dry skin, many exfoliants can be a no-go, leaving skin drier and more irritated than before. However, the ingredients in AHA glycolic acid products are much gentler than other products that exfoliate your skin, such as a scrub. AHA products are the fastest way to reveal soft, smooth, radiant looking skin. 

4. Hyaluronic Acid - As we age, our skin loses moisture, becoming less firm and elastic. What makes hyaluronic acid so special is that it is capable of holding in moisture, more than any other natural or synthetic polymer. This is important for ageing skin as healthy moisture content is one of the most important properties of youthful-looking skin.
 
5. Vitamin A

A. Tretinoin (Retin - A)Tretinoin is an Rx product. Unlike retinol, it can only be purchased from, or prescribed by, a physician; it is a prescription medication thereby prescription strength. It's typically used to treat both inflammatory acne and comedonal breakouts. Retin-A's active ingredient, tretinoin, is also used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the complexion, and fade hyperpigmentation from acne or sun damage. Tretinoin is retinoic acid. Because you don't have to wait for the skin to convert it (to retinoic acid), Retin-A works faster and is more powerful than retinol products. You may see improvement in six to eight weeks.
  
B. Retinol Retinol is the over-the-counter, cosmetic version of tretinoin.  It can be purchased from department stores, drug stores, spas, etc. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A. It's found in many skin care treatments and beauty products. It can help make your skin look brighter, and feel softer and smoother. It may also help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinol itself doesn't actually affect the skin directly. Enzymes within the skin first must convert retinol into retinoic acid. It's only when it is converted to retinoic acid that it becomes effective. It is a slow but effective worker. Always use an SPF with retinol.


Show me products with these ingredients:
3. AHA / BHA
5. Tretinoin (get a prescription from your doctor / Retinol




XOXO,
Val

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* All products are lovingly purchased with my own money for personal consumption, and in no way sponsored by any of the skincare brands. All reviews and information are based on personal experience with the products. For the most part, I research a LOT before buying. However, some items I happily purchase spontaneously even without prior research, such as those on markdown/sales if you get what I mean. 😁

* The blog has referral links that you can use when you decide to buy. Thanking you in advance! 
This benefits both of us, as it will give each one a form of reward. E.g. discounts/credits. Yasss!!! 
Lastly, I hope the information on this page is able to help in your skincare journey. 😊
Link to YesStyle discount code: https://ystyle.co/KDXU

Sources:
PC US website 

May 22, 2020

Best workout for slimmer arms (beginner)


Chloe Ting
Chloe Ting

Times are changing indeed. It is now safer to stay at home, where you are not exposed to the virus.

Instead of attending group exercise classes and paying for membership fees, you can now workout in the comfort of your own home. It is difficult at first especially for those used to attending private classes. Admittedly, there are a lot of distractions at home. However, we must adapt and our health must not suffer.

Here are the top workouts for slimmer arms. It is best to combine these targeted workouts with your 30 minute cardio session. Also, practice a minimum of three times a week for optimal results. Try each one and find what works for you. Having a variety of workouts to follow also helps target different muscles. 

Good luck to us all!

Best & quick workout videos for slim arms:

1. The famous and well loved Chloe Ting 
2. Susana Yabar. Love her & the beach background
3. Oh this definitely burns! April Han
4. A very quick 5-minute practice by Boho Beautiful
5. Intense with floor exercises by Gabriella Whited

TIP: Be mindful of your posture while working out. 
More importantly, contract your belly and suck it in at all times. BREATHE!


XOXO,
Val

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* All products are lovingly purchased with my own money for personal consumption, and in no way sponsored by any of the skincare brands. All reviews and information are based on personal experience with the products. For the most part, I research a LOT before buying. However, some items I happily purchase spontaneously even without prior research, such as those on markdown/sales if you get what I mean. 😁

* The blog has referral links that you can use when you decide to buy. Thanking you in advance! 
This benefits both of us, as it will give each one a form of reward. E.g. discounts/credits. Yasss!!! 
Lastly, I hope the information on this page is able to help in your skincare journey. 😊 
Link to YesStyle discount code:
https://www.yesstyle.com/en/home.html?rco=KBEAUTY20&utm_term=KBEAUTY20&utm_medium=Influencer&utm_source=dynamic



May 1, 2020

How to organize your skincare products

You've acquired an impressive number of skincare products over time. 
Your collection still keeps growing yet it doesn't spark joy. Or maybe you are just starting to invest in makeup and skincare products.
For whatever reason you may have, now's the best time to get organized.

Say goodbye to this!


Your skincare and beauty products don't have to be in just one location. 
One tip I can give you is to have at least 2 areas. One would be your main storage, a stockroom to store extra products or those that you are not currently using. Usually bigger in size or in the form of several drawers. Most likely you have this by now. The second storage will be used solely for your current routine. These are all the products you are using for the week or the month. Skincare and makeup items stored here are used regularly. E.g. daily, thrice a week, or weekly at the most. Everything that you do not touch for say beyond a week should go directly to the main storage.

A clean and organized space is a happy space. Looking at my collection tidy and neat, definitely brings a smile to my face and to my partner as well. It also sets a positive mood when getting ready for the day or preparing for bed.

Tip: If you are using face masks, you can keep them inside the refrigerator to free up more space. Some but not all masks are better used colder plus it can cool you down during summer.

Now, take a #Shelfie and show off your organization skills and awesome collection.

Recommended storage organizers:
1. 360 degree rotating organizer (talk about space saver!)

XOXO,
Val

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* All products are lovingly purchased with my own money for personal consumption, and in no way sponsored by any of the skincare brands. All reviews and information are based on personal experience with the products. For the most part, I research a LOT before buying. However, some items I happily purchase spontaneously even without prior research, such as those on markdown/sales if you get what I mean. 😁

* The blog has referral links that you can use when you decide to buy. Thanking you in advance! 
This benefits both of us, as it will give each one a form of reward. E.g. discounts/credits. Yasss!!! 
Lastly, I hope the information on this page is able to help in your skincare journey. 😊
Link to YesStyle discount code: https://ystyle.co/KDXU