Clean skincare, green skincare, natural skincare – are they the same thing?

‘Clean’, ‘green’ and ‘natural’ are more than buzzwords when it comes to beauty products. These terms are not interchangeable. Due to misinformation and ‘greenwashing’, it is now more important than ever to educate ourselves and wise up to what exactly these terms entail, as well as what they have to offer.

‘Clean’ products are free of toxic ingredients, both natural and man-made. These include parabens, phthalates, talc, and formaldehyde – to name a few. Their focus will be to formulate products using ingredients which are proven to be safe. The shift towards ‘clean beauty’ are driven by a few factors. An obsession with wellness and detoxification, both in terms of diet and products, is fueling a demand for stripped-back, ‘clean’ ingredients. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about possible irritations caused by synthetic ingredients in fragrances and preservatives and are reading labels more carefully. The second factor is the rise in sensitive skin. Dermatologists are reporting a growing phenomenon of sensitised skin caused by increased exposure to pollution, stress and digital aggressors. Skin sensitivity has become the new buzz topic, ahead of anti-ageing, driving a shift towards caring for skin with natural and honest ingredients.

‘Green’ products are made sustainably and will not harm the earth through their manufacturing or recycling, ensuring its business practices are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. The rise in green products comes as no surprise as we are all striving to reduce pollution and waste. Being environmentally responsible has never been higher on our agendas.

‘Natural’ products source their ingredients from nature; utilising botanical oils, extracts and butters, natural salts and everything in between. The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients. Truly natural brands will usually strive to be clean (not all natural ingredients are safe!).

Many brands will adopt two or more of the above principles, but it is imperative we understand the differences between the three so that we are able to make informed decisions.

Manuka Honey – Nature’s Best Food

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey is a complex honey that goes far beyond simple table honey, it is only produced in New Zealand and is considered by some as Nature’s Best Food. Manuka honey is used as a natural ointment for wounds of all kinds. It has been hailed as a go-to germ fighter in an age of resistance to conventional antibiotics. Proponents also claim that Manuka honey can treat other conditions from acne to sinus issues.

Manuka Bees get to work each year collecting the pollen from the Manuka plant and creating the honeycomb that gives us our Manuka Honey. It has been the focus of extensive scientific research evidencing remarkable natural properties that set it apart from other kinds of honey and make it so highly prized throughout the world. Genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey are officially graded by an UMF Rating system.

What is UMF?

Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a grading system for genuine Manuka Honey. This rating system is maintained by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). The UMF grading system uses the most comprehensive and transparent test currently available for Manuka Honey. It appraises natural markers found in Manuka Honey to assure its purity and quality. Every batch of UMF Manuka Honey undergoes the UMF grading system (testing laboratory). The key markers (Leptosperin, Dihydroxyacetone, Methyglyoxal and Hydroxymethylfurfural) must be presented and the UMF grading is based on the combined levels of these key markers. The higher the UMF rating, the higher is the therapeutic potency of the honey.

How to Identify Genuine UMF Manuka Honey?

Genuine Manuka Honey is packed and labelled made in New Zealand. It has the UMF licensee’s brand name and the license# stated on the label. This license guarantees consumers that they are buying genuine Manuka Honey. It is verified by the official UMF certificate which states the test results for the batch# shown on the jar label. The official UMF certificate presents all 4 laboratory test results (Leptosperin, Dihydroxyacetone, Methyglyoxal and Hydroxymethylfurfural). The UMF number refers to the level of anti-bacterial property in the honey at the time of packaging. The higher the UMF number, the more potent is the Manuka Honey. Therapeutic grade manuka Honey only starts from UMF10, all the way to UMF20+. The colour of higher UMF levels of Manuka Honey tends to be darker and has a more distinctive taste.

Key Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey is acidic and has a pH of between 3.2 and 4.5. The acidic properties inhibit the growth or destroys microorganisms such as bacteria, virus and fungus. Therefore, Manuka Honey is well-known with its wound healing effect.

Manuka Honey can also help to strengthen the immune system and is effective against all kinds of infections. Its antibacterial and anti-viral properties can reduce inflammation and clear infections that can cause sickness & discomfort. Manuka honey can also improve digestion and ease stomachache as it contains a pre-biotic. It has been found to be an effective therapy for digestive disorder such as acid reflux, gastric, diarrhea and ulcers. Finally, Manuka Honey is also commonly regarded as a good energy booster.

Unknown to many people, Manuka honey also has a bunch of skin benefits in addition to its health benefits. It is very effective for skin barrier protection to maintain a healthy and blemish-free skin.

Firstly, it helps to improve skin’s appearance especially acne prone skin that has breakouts. It can balance skin’s pH level and remove dead cells to keep the skin clean. Its anti-bacteria and anti-inflammatory effect can reduce inflammation and irritation and heal existing pimples and clear up blemishes on skin. It also calms and reduces redness on face by soothing the skin.

Secondly, It is also a powerful humectant due to its sugar component. This makes it a very effective ingredient in moisturizers, as it attracts moisture from the air and binds it to the skin to give skin cells intense hydration. Hydrated skin is the key to healthy skin!

Finally, Manuka Honey also contains loads of antioxidants thus making it an effective anti-aging ingredient. Antioxidants protect the skin against cell scavenging free radicals and help the skin repairs itself. It also keeps the skin moisturized to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Consume Manuka Honey?

For health benefits, it is advisable to consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey every day to get its utmost benefits. There are a few ways to consume manuka honey: you may eat it straight or add it to foods or drinks. For one who is suffering from sore throat, you may take Manuka honey with warm water and lemon juice to experience its soothing effect and ease the symptoms. It is not advisable to take manuka honey with boiling liquids as the heat will take away all its antimicrobial properties.

If you would like to include manuka honey into your daily meal plan, you may consider spreading it onto a slice of bread or adding it into yogurt. Tea drinkers can also add a spoonful of manuka honey into morning cup.

For skin benefits, look for New Zealand skincare products that use Manuka Honey as the main or major ingredient. Make sure that the product contains Manuka Honey of at least UMF12+ rating, and manuka honey appears near the top of the ingredients list and not in the bottom half.

Possible Side Effects of Manuka Honey

If one is allergic to bees, then he should not be using manuka honey as it might cause a risk of allergic reaction. There is also a risk of blood sugar increase as honey is high in natural sugar. Therefore diabetic patients should only consume with physician instruction only. People who are under medication treatment should consult a doctor before consuming it as manuka honey has effects on certain chemotherapy drugs and interactions with various other medicines. Mayo Clinic, U.S. does not recommend giving honey to infants under the age of one due to the risk of infant botulism, a type of foodborne illness.

Why Eye Cream is important in Your Daily Beauty Routine?

Eye creams, especially tend to be under scrutiny as products that may not be necessary for daily use. Truth is, eye creams are extremely necessary and a great product to use to keep the skin around your eyes healthy.

The skin around the eyes is more fragile, more sensitive, more prone to dryness, and quicker to show age and fatigue. Squinting and constant movement of the eyes also hasten the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and fluids collect under the eyes and cause puffiness and dark circles.

It isn’t rare to have someone ask if you are tired, due to puffiness around your eyes. When you are tired, dark circles might also be something that appears under your eyes. This area of our skin also reacts badly to any skin care products that are subpar. Using bad ingredients may cause irritation or inflammation that results in hyperpigmentation. While too much sun exposure is bad for all skin, it is especially bad for the under eye area.

The Rationale For Using Eye Cream

It may seem like eye cream is not much different from moisturizers that are used on the rest of the face. Using moisturizer may seem sufficient to keep the eye area from wrinkling or puffing; however, eye creams do have some differences that make them worthwhile.

Many moisturizers caution users to avoid the eye area when using. Moisturizers can contain chemicals that may be harmful to the eye area and many contain fragrances and preservatives that can irritate eyes as well. Eye creams are specifically formulated to be used in the eye area, making them safer and more beneficial.

Some eye creams have stronger ingredients and work better than a moisturizer can. Eye creams are also formulated to reduce puffiness and dark circles, while moisturizers need to handle the entire face and are less specialized.

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We all know that eye is the window of the soul, it is also the thinnest skin area that can easily exposed our age. Hence, I am concern on a good eye care since I stepped into my 30’s. I have tried a lot of eye care products and Trilogy Age-Proof CoQ10 Eye Concentrate is by far the best one I’ve tried.

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The Beauty Junkie – ranechin.com

Trilogy has reformulated their Age-Proof CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate to includes jojoba derived super-ingredient L22® which mimics the lipid profile of your skin at 22 to support a firmer, more youthful appearance. Potent botanical complex Glycablend™ is proven to reduce collagen breakdown, while caffeine from coffee extract helps brighten and increase microcirculation for dark circles. Also with hydrating hyaluronic acid and CoQ10 to strengthen the delicate skin around the eye.

We like that Trilogy Age-Proof CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate comes with a cooling metal applicator to reduce puffiness. It is also easy to use, just gently sweep applicator across under-eye area and tap excess with fingers. The eye concentrate in silky texture made it easy to absorb into the skin. I like the soothing sensation when apply it.
The best part? The puffiness and dark circles under my eyes are gone after using it for 2 weeks.

Credits: http://www.ranechin.com/2018/12/review-new-trilogy-skincare-range-tns.html

Essential Daily SkinCare Routine Tips

#Everthing about STRONG SKIN BARRIER FUNCTION.

To have healthy glowing skin, trouble free skin, it is important to maintain a strong skin barrier function. When skin barrier is healthy, it will keep moisture in and kick free radical out.

WHY IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SKIN CARE STEP TO TAKE CARE OF SKIN BARRIER FUNCTION?

Our skin barrier is the outermost layer of our epidermis. Its function is to protect our skin from external bad elements, and keep our internal skin pores properly hydrated and clear.

Without a strong skin barrier function, it is impossible to keep our skin clean, clear, hydrated and healthy, we will suffer from overly dry or oily skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, blocked pores, rough and damaged skin, problematic skin and all sorts of skin surface problems.

Our skin will also suffer from over sensitivity and poor absorption and unable to absorb the benefits of nutrients from more powerful anti-aging skincare products, and worse still experience negative reactions and effects from using such products!

Only people with healthy skin barrier function can enjoy the benefits of advanced skincare products and enjoy good youthful skin complexion!

To do this, our skin barrier needs to be properly moisturized, able to retain hydration, always clean and clear, and has the ability to defend itself against external attacks by free radicals, pollutants and UV rays.

Proper cleansing, toning, exfoliation, masking, hydration, moisturisation, and protection with antioxidants and sunscreen are all critical skincare steps to keep our skin barrier function strong and healthy!

Basic Skin Care Routine

Step 1: Cleansing

Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and makeup. This is an essential step as it lowers breakout and acne problems.

Step 2: Toning

A toner should be alcohol-free as it can make your skin excessively dry. It hydrates your skin and tightens the skin pores to give you perfect texture before you apply any layer makeup.

Step 3: Moisturizing

Choose a moisturizer according to your skin type to maintain or balance water and oil level. This also makes your skin fresh and young. Choose day and night cream for a youthful healthy skin.

Follow these simple steps in the day as well as nighttime. If you are heading out in sun, do not forget to apply sunscreen lotion to block UV rays. Sun blocking moisturizer should be of at least 30 SPF and is to be applied in rich quantity 30 minutes before stepping out in sun. In addition, the lotion should be re-applied after every three hours, as one layer protects you for three hours. Here is an additional tip, intake Vitamin C in a rich amount because that will fight against UV rays more effectively than any sunscreen.

At night, just add a few more things to your routine and avoid use of sunscreen at night. Use spot reduction lotions or if your skin is tanned, you can apply de-tan treatment. Nighttime is the best time to get rid-off any skin problem if you do it in a right way. More importantly, put an under eye cream and a lip balm for proper care.

These simple steps will ensure that your skin retains its youthful charm for a longer period.

@Aakriti Gandhi

Different Skin Type will need different products recommendations based on different ingredients benefits requirement. Contact us if you need any consultant! We do provide you FREE product sample to try on before purchasing.

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Worship and Blessing: your daily shot of youth

Worship and Blessing: Your Daily Shot of Youth

What’s the difference between a water-based and an oil-based serum? Can I use them together? Should I use them in a specific order? Which one is better for my skin condition? We get asked these questions all the time. Here is everything you need to know about getting your daily shot of youth with Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum and protect your skin using Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum.

Water based vs Oil based

Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum is a water-based serum. This means the formula is lighter on the skin, less moisturising and more quickly absorbed. The antioxidants from boysenberries, acai, coffee berry, kiwifruit and Vinanza Grape are soaked up by the skin fast, so there is no need to wait after applying, before moving on to your next product.

Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum is an oil-based formula. It is more viscous, moisturising and slightly slower to absorb than a water-based formula. Because it is oil-based, it helps to balance oil production on the skin and also combat dryness. This makes it great for both oily and dry skin types. The formula provides a light barrier against harmful pollution particles, even as it brightens and improves it.

Can I use these serums together?

Yes! Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum and Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum work beautifully together. By using both serums together, the antioxidant properties of both formulas are enhanced, leading to even better protection against oxidative stress on the skin, as well as helping to lighten and brighten your complexion like never before.

In what order should I use them?

Always use Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum first. The quickly absorbed, water-based formula absorbs swiftly into the skin, paving the way for Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum’s oil-based, light natural barrier to be applied on top. By using the oil-based formula second, skin is cocooned in protective moisture for all-day hydration, and can more easily absorb the nutrients from both formulas.

Anti-Pollution Skin Care: Save your Haze Polluted Skin

Photo credit: https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/malaysia-may-adopt-singapores-transboundary-law-smoke-pollution

Malaysia is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that is worst affected by pollutions such as haze which are commonly caused by slash and burn practice by farmers and peat fires from Indonesia. The other common factor is the car emission since Malaysia has the highest level of car ownership per person in the world and thus, led to the high levels of carbon monoxide pollution in most major cities.

There are many definitions of pollution and basically it is a mix of many different components and elements that are responsible for the changes to our health and skin. It is capable of penetrating through our skin, inducing collagen and elastin breakdown, and also releasing the free radicals. According to the recent study about the link between atmospheric pollution (eg. nitrogen and ozone oxides) and premature skin ageing, people living in populous cities have lower levels of vitamin E and squalene in sebum. The sizes of the particulate matters (PM) in the urban pollution are ranges from 2.5 to 10 microns, which seem to be one of the main threats to skin health which can cause cellular damage, dryness, inflammation and pigmentation.

Anti-pollution skin care has become the growing trend in the beauty industry in recent years. Some of the famous skin care brands, including natural and organic, have released products that can protect our skin from pollutions. One of the main ingredients in most anti-pollution skin care is antioxidant. Some examples of good antioxidants are vitamin C, retinol (vitamin A), vitamin E, resveratrol, coenzymeQ10, niacimide (vitamin B3) and polyphenols. Antioxidants have great many benefits to our skin since it helps to combat free radicals from further damaging our skin cells. Some of the benefits are they can help correct signs of ageing, prevent sunburn, help the skin to repair itself, brighten the skin tone and prevent skin cancer.

There are many great natural anti-pollution skin care products on the shelves, nowadays, that offer basically the protection you need from the pollutants around you such as antioxidant, anti-toxin, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and UV protection. Not only that, these anti-pollution ingredients will also offer the benefit of strengthening your protective skin barrier, increase hydration and repair damaged cells.

Discover some of our outstanding anti-pollution products which definitely live up to its name: