Posts Tagged Skin care

I received a lovely package from Reviva Labs this week.  Hailing from the US, Reviva touts itself as the “health food store” brand used in over 1200 professional skin care salons. Started by Stephen Strassler, one of America’s pioneer aesthetic doctors, its focus on using natural ingredients led to Reviva being sold in health food stores, hence its tagline.

Here’s what I got:

From left to right:

Collagen Fibre Skin Brightener Pads – This product uses the vitalising properties of freeze-dried native collagen, which is more effective than collagen that has been processed via heat and solvents in other kinds of creams. Native collagen fibre is a hydrating, healing treatment, in addition, Alpha-Arbutin, licorice, grapeseed extract and citric acid have been added to brighten and lighten age spots and create a more uniform skin tone. Results are purported to be seen after each 15 to 20 minute treatment.

Makeup Primer – To be used over moisturiser or directly on clean skin under make-up, this fragrance-free and non-comedogenic product smoothens lines, conceals pores and controls excess oil. When I told Reviva Labs that I don’t use make-up, they told me that I can use it as a moisturiser alone.

Collagen-Fibre Eye Pad Kit – Infused with Myoxinal, which is an extract from the hibiscus flower known to relax facial muscles for a Botox-effect, this eye treatment helps to diminish wrinkles, reduce puffiness and decrease dark eye circles.

Skin Energizing Gel – To be used together with the Collagen-Fibre Eye Pad Kit or on its own, this product contains “electrically charged” trace minerals ions from Hawaii’s ocean which serve as skin activators to stimulate skin cell energy.  It is used primarily to break down skin resistance which is common when skin ages and loses minerals. Apply this before using your regular skin creams and see how your skin absorbs the creams more effectively!

Light Skin Peel – This is not a strong chemical peel used by aestheticians, instead it is more of a gentle exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells.  It also stimulates the new skin cells to move upward at a faster rate so that skin surface can look tighter, clearer and healthier.

While I can’t wait to test out all these new goodies, my skin is currently having a bad reaction to something so I am taking a breather and staving off piling anymore new products on my face.

However, I couldn’t resist testing out the Skin Energizing Gel which controlled my sebum control when I applied it at night under my moisturiser, as well as the Makeup Primer which made my skin feel really matte and velvety.  Very promising indeed.

More reviews will be coming up soon, so stay tuned!

1. Do I still need to use a moisturizer if I have oily skin?  
 
An oily skin can still be dehydrated for various reasons. For example, a person with oily skin may have washed his or her face excessively, resulting in dry and dehydrated skin. However, the person may feel more comfortable with a light moisturizer which also shouldn’t block up the oil glands. 
 
2. What kind of skin care & cosmetics can an acne sufferer use?  
 
An acne sufferer should use light and non-comedogenic skin care and cosmetics. 
 
3. I wash my face several times a day, why do I still get acne?  
 
The formation of acne is not due to dirty skin. It is due to a combination of factors: blockage of oil gland, accumulation of oil gland secretion, excessive bacterial growth within the oil gland and inflammation of the oil gland. Washing of face will help to remove dirt, dust and oil from the skin but does not alter other factors that are important in formation of acne.

4. Does stress cause acne?  
 
Yes, stress may aggravate and precipitate acne. 
 
5. Does diet play a part in causing acne?  
 
Scientifically it is not known that diet causes acne, However, if one repeatedly experiences a flare up of acne after consuming certain food, then it may be a good idea to avoid the food. 
 
6. I have an unsmooth forehead because of several tiny bumps and I am told that they are milia. These milia are also present under my eyes. Is there a way to remove them or can I apply a cream to remove them?  
 
Skin bumps on the forehead and around the eyes could be due to several possibilities, such as milia, sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrhoeic keratoses, syringomas and others. These skin growth usually do not respond to creams treatment and minor skin procedures, such as laser treatment may be more appropriate. You should consult a dermatologist for advice on such treatments.  
 
7. My face is always red and irritated and only the eye area feels alright. Do I suffer from eczema? How can I prevent and cure it?  
 
You probably have sensitive skin that is prone to redness and irritation. Mild skincare products, such as those that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic may be more appropriate as skin care for you. Please consult a dermatologist for assessment of the skin sensitivity. In addition to eczema, it is also possible that the blood vessels on the face are more reactive and tend to flush easily under warm and hot environment. If this is so, good sun protection and avoidance of factors that may induce flushing, such as avoiding hot and spicy food and warm environment may help.
 
8. How can I remove acne scars other than having a laser treatment done?  
 
For acne marks such as brownish pigmentation and redness, intense pulse light may be useful. For the more depressed scars, chemical peeling, surgical scars revision may also help. 
 
9. The red patches/ ‘wounds’ caused by picking on pimples/ bumps on the face do not heal and remain red and irritated. What can I do to reduce the redness and let it heal?  
 
It is important to make sure that the pimples are well treated so as not to create fresh wounds. There are some anti-redness creams which may help and in some instances, intense pulse light therapy will help to reduce the redness as well. 
 
10. I have blemishes caused by acne and pimple scarring,what are the ways to clear away the blemishes on my skin?  
 
The treatment options will depend on the types and nature of acne scars. They can range from injection of medication into the protruding scars, creams to lighten the marks, surgery to revise the scars and lasers to smoothen the scars. It will be better for you to consult a doctor for that.

Youthful skin

Most people think that they should only start using anti aging products when they are in their 40s or when they get  wrinkles and saggy skin. That is a myth.

In fact, anti aging is all about “freezing” your face when it is still in a good condition, not when it falls apart then do something about it. Maintanence is better than cure so we should start using anti aging products when we are in our early 20s.

Start with easy-to-use products like eye creams and a night moisturiser. The area around the eye is thin so extra care should be taken early to prevent wrinkles from appearing there. A good moisturiser is essential at night to rejuvenate and hydrate skin, especially when you sleep in an air-conditioned room. Sun block is also a must even if the weather outside is overcast.

Aging younger is a possibility if you start an anti aging regime early!

Cardio exercises

Just came back from a great run up Mt Faber with my puppy. Doing cardio not only keeps your body strong and young, it can also improve your complexion.  Blood starts pumping in your face, drawing oxygen to your skin, giving you an instant radiant complexion. And, it’s free!

Even though I am a big believer in laser treatments, I also believe in being holistic. Doing thousand-dollar caviar facials and laser treatments every month will not help you if you smoke, are stressed and eat rubbish. Your skin is your body’s largest organ. When your internal organs are working well,  your skin glows and is taut.

Yoga for relaxation

I started looking after myself better in my late 20s. I quit smoking and began an exercise regime –  pilates and yoga to relax and running for cardio, ate more fruits and vegetables – choosing food with high omega like salmon for its skin loving properties. I cut back on sugar as too much of it ages skin. I also tried to relax more – to be more aware of the present, less worrying and being content. Having a balanced nervous system not only does wonders for your skin, but also makes you a more fun person to be around!

I think that all my efforts have paid well (on top of the laser treatments I try for my work) as I often get mistaken for my younger sister

How about you? Do you have any skin care tips to share?