Posts Tagged anti aging

Ever since I hit my 30s, I’ve been kinda obsessed with my skin. Which is why I started Reviewantiaging.com so that I can review all the anti-aging treatments out there for other skin-obsessed people.

When it comes to determining your complexion’s age, your ID  tells only part of the story. Lifestyle habits — diet, sleep schedule and sun exposure — complicate the results. And if that’s not confusing enough, choosing the best way to turn back the clock on your skin’s appearance can be so baffling, that you’ll probably end up confused not glowing.

Many factors can affect your skin health. Factors such as:

1. Lifestyle habits – if you smoke and think sunscreen is only for triathletes, you’re in skin trouble!  

2.  Whether you do outdoor sports  or exercise in general – the heart-thumping, sweaty sort; walking around the office does not count as exercise

3. Diet – eating lots of leafy greens, citrus fruit, red tomatoes and salmon will put you in good stead

4. Family genes – if your mum constantly gets mistaken as your sister, you’re in good hands

5. Mental health – if stress is your best friend, you’ll probably look like your grandma in no time

6. Skincare – finding the right skincare is like finding your soulmate

Here’s how to look even younger and keep that glow going strong!

20s
Your skin is plump and regenerates regularly, bringing healthy cells to the surface,. Whether you’ve always avoided the sun (smart move) or past sun sins haven’t reared their wrinkly head yet, make “I heart SPF” your mantra. Gentle anti-agers like a good moisturiser at night, will keep skin so healthy that you will continue to be asked for your ID at clubs.

30s
OK, you don’t get carded anymore, but no one’s calling you “aunty” either. Smile lines are shallow, freckles may be getting darker or your skin simply isn’t as smooth or dewy as it once was. Coax your complexion into looking and behaving more like it did a decade ago with potent over-the-counter products. There’s still time to prevent deeper wrinkles and sun spots.  

40s
Here,  Mom and Dad genes play a crucial role in how skin ages.  Here’s the bad first: your skin has definitely aged. The good news: Woes such as dullness, fine lines and brown splotches are reversible. Tried-and-true topicals and glow-restoring peels can minimise wrinkles and discoloration in several weeks. If you smoke, extinguish your habit for faster results.

50s
Skin never forgets, and it’s reminding you of every freakin’ ray of sun that found your SPF-less cheeks over the years, but here’s the silver lining: Breakthrough treatments such as lasers refresh rough skin, erase sun spots and iron out wrinkles in a flash, shaving off years and making those sun-drenched memories even more distant.

Yoga has become my new boyfriend. I’m constantly thinking and talking about it, I buy nice outfits to wear for it and downward dog is my favourite position. If I had a choice, I’d do yoga everyday as it has so many facets that I’d never tire of it – there’s yin yoga if I want a relaxing stretch, pranamed for some solace and vinyasa if I want to get my heart racing. My favourite is hatha and I always get butterflies in my tummy when I go on my Saturday date with hatha 3.

Very few people retain their strength and vitality till the middle age. More people are looking much older than they actually are, thanks to the highly-stressed, sedentary and polluted lifestyles we lead.  However, you would be happy to know that our body has the unique ability to renew or regenerate at the cellular level. One way to do that is to practise yoga. Here’s how yoga can help you reclaim your vitality:

Yoga Keeps the Spine Young: According to Indian philosophy and Indian sages, age is measured not by the number of candles on your birthday cake, but by the flexibility of your spine.  Yoga works to improve the elasticity of the spine through its thousands of postures or asanas. These myriad postures, done in conjunction with deep and rhythmic breathing, work the spine and muscles of the body through a dual action of push and pull.

Yoga Makes Skin More Youthful: A German study of a group of women showed that yoga can reduce stress, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and smoothing over the lines in the forehead. Yoga may work its magic by reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to a host of aging conditions and illnesses from wrinkles to heart disease to Alzheimer’s. Apparently, by practicing inverted yoga postures, you can turn back gray hair to its natural color (upside down class here I come!).

Yoga Eases Aches and Pains: As we get older, our joints and muscles lose their elasticity. Yoga helps to restore the dryness and tightness that is associated with debilitating conditions like arthritis and back pain by its ability to stretch and improve the circulation and mobility of these restricted regions.  Any cardiovascular exercise promotes optimal levels of oxygen, but this dual action that yoga demands forces oxygen into tight areas of the body thereby improving oxygenation throughout the entire body.

Yoga Keeps You Happy: Chronic pain, constant stress or loneliness is strongly correlated with depression and decreased energy. As people with a chronic ailment adopt a consistent yoga practice, not only do their physical symptoms start to improve, but their mood does as well. The better we feel, the better we look as our outer appearance starts to reflect the vitality we feel inside.

Yoga Keeps Your Mind Agile: Research is revealing that keeping your mind active is just as important to reducing the effects of aging as eating a healthy diet.  Since many of the asanas in yoga require concentration as we not only focus on the movements themselves, but also how the breath corresponds to each movement, our minds are continually being challenged (try doing a standing mermaid and you’ll know what I’m talking about!). These subtle but powerful brain exercises are like feeding our minds heaping bowls of Superfoods, keeping them young, alert, healthy and alive.

Ommmmm…

Today, I’m going to talk about my pet topic – my puppy

More than just furry companions, your pet, whether it is a dog or a cat, can keep you youthful and healthy. I know for sure that I’m at my happiest when I’m with Mochi, just seeing her adorable face and funny antics makes me forget my work, and I’ve been guilty of choosing her company over friends on several occasions (sorry people!).

People and animals have a long history of living together and bonding. Perhaps the oldest evidence of this special relationship was discovered a few years ago in Israel—a 12,000-year-old human skeleton buried with its hand resting on the skeleton of a 6-month-old wolf pup. “The bond between animals and humans is part of our evolution, and it’s very powerful,” says Dr Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

On top of making you feel happy (which in turn keeps wrinkles at bay),  studies suggest that four-legged friends can help to improve our cardiovascular health. One NIH-funded study looked at 421 adults who’d suffered heart attacks. A year later, the scientists found, dog owners were significantly more likely to still be alive than were those who did not own dogs, regardless of the severity of the heart attack.

Another study looked at 240 married couples. Those who owned a pet were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests, than those without pets. Pet owners also seemed to have milder responses and quicker recovery from stress when they were with their pets than with a spouse or friend.

Several studies have shown that dog owners also get more exercise and other health benefits than the rest of us. One NIH-funded investigation looked at more than 2,000 adults and found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog. Mochi and I go for weekly runs at Botanic Gardens and I walk her several times a day (climbing up and down the stairs of my apartment).

Before you rush out to get a dog or cat, please bear in mind that pets, although cute and good for the health, is a huge commitment (at least 15 years of your life) and can be costly to maintain (if you are a doting mum like me).  If you can’t imagine that, best that you stick to fishes or hamsters.

Spent a luxurious Sunday pampering myself with Reviva Labs facial products. Here’s what I tried:

1. Collagen Fibre Eye-Pad Kit (US$38)

Instructions:

First I applied the Skin Energizing  Gel (which comes with the product) under my eyes then pasted the collagen eye pads on top of it. Using water, I dabbed at the eye pads till they were transparent and adhered to my eye area. The eye pads molded easily and felt comfortable. After 15 to 20 minutes, I peeled them off.

Results:

My fine lines look minimised and my undereye area looked tighter. Weekly usage will enhance the Botox-like effects and result in smoother, firmer undereye area, reduce wrinkles, puffiness as well as dark circles.

2. Light Skin Peel (US$20)

Instructions:

I applied this thick paste, which smelt like fruity clay, all over my face. There was a slight tingling sensation and I left it on for 5 minutes or until it dried completely, then gently rubbed it off. 

Results:

My favourite so far! My complexion was radiant and had a slight pinkish flush after the treatment. It would be great if the acid peel came with a brush or spatula to make application more hygenic.

3. Collagen Fibre Skin Brightener Pads (US$13)

Instructions:

An interesting product and treatment where you cut the collagen pads according to the area you want to treat, dab water to make it adhere and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. According to Reviva Labs, this product contains Alpha-Arbutin, and a study on Chinese women has shown that this ingredient has the most skin lightening effect after one month, compared to other products tested.

Results:

The area where I pasted the pads looked slightly clearer, however my pigmentation still looks the same. For progressive lightening, I have to use this two to three times a week.

For more information, check out: www.revivalabs.com

DNA-RNA Platinum NanoPLUS Treatment

Platinum and silver are used for jewellery but do you know that these precious metals contain anti-bacterial and antioxidants that can be used to achieve exceptional results in skin rejuvenation?

Platinum helps lock in skin moisture while enhancing skin self-defense function. Silver, an anti-bacteria agent used by NASA as a preservative of drinking water, can enhance skin immune system, boost blood circulation, skin metabolism and prevent skin degradation.   

I got a chance to experience this outstanding treatment at TOUCHE™ Elite, and now you can get a chance to try this amazing facial valued at $600 for only $210! Read my review here and then follow the instructions there:

http://www.reviewantiaging.com/dna-rna-platinum-nanoplus-anti-aging-treatment.html

Aesthetics & Beauty Guide

May was an especially stressful month for me as I had to complete both the Aesthetics magazine and my book concurrently, on top of my social media consultancy business. As a result, I was high-strung and bit off the heads of poor aunties who dared stray into my queue. Not something I want to repeat soon.

To ensure that history does not repeat itself, I have started thinking about the topics I’ll want to feature for the January issue of Aesthetics & Beauty Guide. Here are some I’m keen on:

1. Rise of Medical Spas

2. Breasts and buttocks fillers

3. Laser hair removal special

4. Wellness: Detox retreats/gyrotonic exercise

5. Cosmeceutical skincare

6. Reviews: whitening, eyebag treatments – suggestions from friends

What about you? Are there any aesthetic/beauty/wellness topics you want me to cover?

Look young, feel young!

Age management is the new buzzword for anti aging. These are treatments are designed to tackle chronic fatigue, stress and other aging signs which are the by-products of a hectic city life.

Treatments available include:

1. Nutraceutical Consultation and Testing

Pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements are prescribed according to individual requirements. These can help increase energy levels, control blood sugar, prevent bone loss, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and help the bodu cope with chronic stress.

2. Bio-idenical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Our bodies produce less of the essential hormones we need for optimal function as we age. Women and men undergo difficulties at menopause and these bio-identical hormones are customised and prescribed to slow the onward march of time.  It is suitable for both men and women and they are clinically indicated and supported by laboratory data.

3. Stress Hormones Evaluation

Stress increases the production of a stress hormone called the cortisol, a natural defence mechanism of the body. However, extended periods of elevated cortisol levels create many negative consequences such as inability to sleep well, heart problems and lowered immunity. An evaluation test, via a simple blood test, is suitable for individuals who are chronically fatigued. This helps to identify unhealthy levels of cortisol in your body and problems with your adrenal glands.

4. Oxidative Stress Test

Cells of the body are constantly under attack and damaged by free radicals which are produced naturally and environmentally. The reaction of free radicals with our lipids, proteins and DNA, known as oxidative stress on the body, can lead to cancer, heart disease, conditions related to the immune system, diseases and premature aging. You may also wish to consider an oxidative stress test if you have any pre-existing medical condition related to the above organs, have a poor diet, suffer from chronic stress, fatigue, allergies, sinus or smoke.

If you’re keen to explore these treatments, you can check out Prive Clinic which offers these age management procedures. Go to http://www.priveclinic.com for more information.

Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

Don’t know your Mosaic from your Fraxel? Or confused about what laser treatments are suitable for you? Get all your anti aging questions answered here… The Aesthetics Clinic’s , “Solutions for Skin Laxity versus Skin Quality – Any Difference?” Workshop is back by popular demand.

Details:
 
Dates: 29th May Sat 2-4pm, 17th July Sat 2-4pm

Where: The Aesthetics Clinic @ Bukit Batok Civil Service Club
91 Bukit Batok West Avenue 2, Singapore 659206
 
Date: 12th June Sat 2-4pm
Where:  The Aesthetic Clinic @Shaw Centre Penthouse 27th Floor
 
Free admission for all! Call 62358770 to reserve your seat now.

Aesthetics Beauty Guide

Say hello to the new contributing editor of Aesthetics Beauty Guide (ABG), a new aesthetics magazine coming out in July. It’s about time someone came out with a magazine like this seeing that the demand for aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery has surged to over $200 million in Singapore alone!

From skin rejuvenation treatments to aesthetic surgery, Singapore has become a veritable hub for these procedures and there is a critical mass of eager customers clamouring for the latest anti aging treatment to enhance their looks. However, the wide array of treatments available, numerous medical professionals and state of the art facilities can be mind-boggling and frankly, a little intimidating for the uninitiated – and this is where we come in.

ABG aims to bridge the information gap between these medical professionals and their treatments. When I first started ReviewAntiAging.com, my intention was to hunt for the best treatments available and review them so that my readers will know what it entails. I also sought to look for the best aesthetic doctors for my readers to go to. My partnership with ABG has enabled me to bring my vast knowledge off-line to educate even more people!

Just like many of you, I want to stop Father Time in its tracks and do this in the most natural and best way possible. In these 10 months doing “research” for ReviewAntiAging.com, I’ve tried almost 20 treatments and looking at my skin now, it is definitely at its peak – glowing, radiant and taut. That’s why I am a huge believer in how much aesthetic treatments can help you get better skin or maintain your complexion for many years to come!

Look out for ABG which will hit newstands in July in a sophisticated and trendy print guidebook format. It will be published every six months. In the meantime, check out my anti aging website, http://www.reviewantiaging.com for the latest in aesthetic treatments and technology.

Dr Karen Soh of Prive Clinic

In need of a youth boost? Hold back the sneaky hands of Father Time at Privé Clinic, a one-stop age management centre to help individuals attain true beauty inside and out. Helmed by medical director, Dr Karen Soh, Privé offers a holistic concept that helps create a younger you with a range of targeted aesthetic and therapeutic treatments, and preventive health care services backed by medical science including oxidative stress tests and stress hormones evaluation.

Experience it firsthand at Privé Clinic’s launch on 13 April. Attendees of the launch will have an up-close and personal session with Dr Karen Soh to find out all they need to know about age management as well as enjoy a mini hand massage combined with laser therapy. Privé Clinic is  located at 1 Raffles Place, #05-04A.

Look out for my review of their treatments soon! For more anti aging reviews, go to:

http://www.reviewantiaging.com/anti-aging-and-laser-treatment-reviews.html