Environmentally Friendly Sheet Mask | NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask Review

Want to have great skin but am worried about the carbon footprint we leave behind? There's now an option to use Bio-Cellulose sheet mask! I have been using NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask for a week now and I would like to share about the science behind the product.

What is Bio-Cellulose?

Bio-Cellulose is an exopolysaccharide produced by various bacterial species. These are made of sugar residues, essential components of what we called biofilm which is a cosy home for microorganisms. Normally, doctors hate biofilm formation because it stops wounds from healing. However, biocellulose can also be made into wound dressing to maintain moisture balance of the wound bed by both donating or removing moisture in dry or wet wounds respectively.

In NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask, the biocellulose is all natural and toxin-free from a unique bacteria strain. Biocellulose is able to hold fluids 100 times its dry weight and 10 times more than fabric or paper mask sheets. This helps to hydrate, nourish and soothe irritated skin. Funfact-do you know that the Water Absorption Capacity for Bio-Cellulose is as high as 1150% !

NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask is also extra soft & gentle for the skin. At the same time, biocellulose adheres to the skin very well-- it is able to lock in moisture and effectively deliver serum to the skin. It's so fast, in fact, NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask is capable of transporting 90% of active ingredients deep into the skin in a mere 10 minutes.

Why Quintuple Hyaluronic Acid?

Quintuple Hyaluronic Acid is the main ingredient in NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask. In other words, the mask is infused with 5 forms of topical collagen, namely Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate and Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum.

These collagen molecules differ in sizes to allow different layer of skin penetration and moisture retention. In fact, Collagen regeneration of the skin is seen as early as 7 days after using NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask

2 other important active ingredients are:

Palmaria Palmata aka Dulse, is a red algae found in the Atlantic Ocean. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which is able to nourish, soothe, heal, condition and brighthen the skin.

Avana Sativa Kernel is yummy colloidal oatmeal which has beta glucan, lipids and antioxidants like avenanthramide. This moisturizes, soothes and protects the skin from irritants and sensitivity.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask uses the power of medical science to design high quality sheet mask to push skincare to another level. Having used biocellulose for my patients, I have experience in witnessing how good this is. This is definitely a good skincare product minus a sky high price tag. Topical collagen is great choice as it directly boosts skin condition after application.

Good news! NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask is already available and selling on Egreenbeans.com since 4th of June 2020. Grab yours now!

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Dry Or Dehydrated Skin? | IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask Review

No, dry and dehydrated skin are not the same! It's important to differentiate them because the management differs. Dry skin means the skin type lacks sebum/oil gland and production. This may manifest as itchy and flaky skin. Dehydrated Skin, on the other hand, is the lack of water caused by weather, environment, diet, including excessive caffeine consumption. Symptoms include dull, tight skin with wrinkles and dark circles looking more apparent, as well as congestion.

More information on Allure.

My face is fairly dehydrated recently which is explaining the breakout! Partly because I have to wear surgical face mask for prolonged period at work. This makes me less likely to consume enough water. Since work is picking up its pace post covid, I am also more tired and rely on my daily caffeine boost.

Besides drinking more water, topical collagen can be helpful. Collagen aka hyaluronic acid is an important skin component that is lacking in dehydrated and ageing skin. Topical collagen binds water to keep the skin supple, lock down the moisture content as well as to faint wrinkles and scars.

IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask

IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask contains Nano Miracle Hyaluronic Acid and Micro Hyaluronic Acid. The Micro molecules are bigger and get retained in the epidermis to stop moisture from evaporating. On the other hand, the nano molecules are able to penetrate deeper into the dermis which keep it hydrated, double the effect of conventional hyaluronic acid.

There are 8 forms of hyaluronic acid used in the mask!

1. Conventional hyaluronic acid stimulates water channel insertion onto the skin to allow water molecules to enter the skin.
2. Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid maintains skin moisture.
3. Potassium hyaluronate supplies the skin surface with constant moisture.
4. Sodium acetylated hyaluronate is lightweight and stays on the skin surface better to retain moisture.
5. Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate forms a water film on skin surface.
6. Sodium Hyaluronate stops water from evaporating.
7. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer locks moisture in the skin and prevent wrinkle formation.
8. Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is small and can penetrate deep under the skin.

Other active ingredients include:
Saccharide isomerate has anti-ageing properties and keeps the skin hydrated.

Chondrus Chrispus is rich in fatty acids which are important components of healthy skin.

Hydrogenated lecithin repairs dry skin and restores the skin's natural ability as a protective barrier.

Arginine is a potent antioxidant and promotes collagen formation.

What is IMBZ?

IMBZ is Malaysia's first company to have a fully mechanized sheet mask production. This allows  a controlled and hygienic environment with precise quality monitoring to ensure consistency and efficiency in production. Only quality ingredients are used.

IMBZ strives to deliver VIP level skincare products to your doorstep in this fast-paced world when people have very little free time, let alone to focus on good skincare.

How to use IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask?

After cleansing and toning, apply a sheet mask onto the face. Leave on for 15-20mins. After removal, gentle pat the face to help absorption. The mask is suitable for daily use.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I absolutely love products with collagen. Topical collagen in the form of sheet mask is one of the safest ways to boost collagen content in the skin compare to consuming collagen by mouth, especially if one is pregnant or breastfeeding or has chronic illnesses and am worried about systemic side effects. IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask is a great way to wind down after a busy day at work. Very refreshing and is definitely a great way to boost skin hydration.

IMBZ also has another sheet mask range called Aquagenic ColdMed Mask. The mask is made of ultra thin and light texture natural silk which is anti-ageing, boosts collagen synthesis and hydration.

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Oysters Chive Pancake Recipe

When my mother in law sent over some home grown chives, it means Oysters Chive Pancake time! This is a crowd pleaser and a foolproof recipe. All you need is a tad more oil to pan fry and remember do not squish your pancakes or they will become too dense.

Ingredients

225g miniature oysters

75g Chinese chives

2 eggs

2 tbsp tapioca starch

Seasoning

1/2 tsp Salt

pinch of fish sauce

pinch of pepper

Yields 2 pancakes 

Method

Wash the oysters. Mix with a little salt and corn flour and rinse thoroughly.

Pan Fry oysters for 1-2 mins then set aside.

Chop chives; beat the eggs in.

Add oysters, salt, then tapioca starch to make a batter.

Fry pancake over medium heat until golden, flip the pancake over and fry the other side.

Before removing the pancake, turn the heat up, the strong heat helps to 'drive out' some of the oil that has been absorbed by the cake. 

Sprinkle with pepper and serve with fish sauce or sweet chilli sauce.

Lazy Keto Pumpkin Custard Tarts

Here's more recipe without adding refined sugar. Just the natural sweetness of pumpkin and dates. People with prediabetes and diabetes shouldn't add sugar to their food. But this doesn't mean we cannot enjoy dessert. Just improvise and use sweetener or natural fruits/vegetables! After a while you will realise food actually tastes much better without added sugar.

Ingredients

280g pumpkin, peeled and diced into 2cm cubes

250ml milk 

8 dried dates, chopped

¼ tsp. cinnamon

3 tbsps custard powder

400g frozen puff pastry

Method

If you have time, it's best to thaw puff pastry overnight in the fridge. 

If not, thaw it on the counter until it's pliable enough to unfold without cracking, but still cold to the touch. 

If the butter is starting to melt or if the dough feels very limp, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.

Steam Pumpkin until soft and mash. Set aside.

Add dates in milk and simmer for 5mins.

Add custard powder until the mixture thickens.

Add pumpkin and cinnamon powder.

Cut and shape the puff pastry into aluminum cupcake mould.

Pierce the pastry with a fork.

Bake in preheated oven at 180C for 15 minutes until just light gold.

Pour custard into the tart shells.

Bake in preheated oven at 180C for another 25 minutes.

Enjoy while warm!

Clean Future with Clean Water | Cleanwash Home Solutions

Malaysia is blessed with plenty of water supply compared to other countries like the neighboring Singapore and Australia. However, the water supply is disrupted frequently due to scheduled maintanence or unplanned piping problems. We often notice unpleasant smell and taste of water, especially in certain areas even though the water is disinfected as the transporting water pipes are often corroded and rusty, risking leakage of metal into our water. Therefore, almost half of the Malaysian households have installed water filters and most will boil the water before consumption. 

Poor water quality is also bad for our health including skin issues. It can lead to eczema, lead toxicity, acne, premature ageing and dark circles! Marie Claire has an interesting article based on some anecdotal experience on how consuming enough water boosts energy level, mood and makes skin more supple.

Pay attention to the color of the new filter before installing to the water heater.

A day after installation.

Home water treatment systems consist if water conditioners and water filters. They can also be divided into point of entry (treat all the water supplied to the house) and point of use systems (usually limited to one faucet). Generally speaking, it is not advisable to have water filtration systems that use reverse osmosis or distillation as it completely removes minerals including fluoride which is a very important source to protect against dental caries. 

Another practical point about water filters is to service or replace cartridges regularly every 1-3months so that the system filters effectively, provides quality filtration and to prolong the lifespan of the system.

To ensure clean water supply, we have installed a few point of use water filtration systems in the house. We have been using the good old fashioned Panasonic water filter in the kitchen until we come across Clean Wash.

Cleanwash Home Solutions - Multipurpose Water Filter

Cleanwash Multipurpose Water Filter consists of a PP filter with calcium sulfite balls. It effectively filters out particles bigger than 5microns size and also chlorine in the water. Each set comes with tubings and accessories and the installation is super easy. Only took an inexperienced person like me 5mins!

Washing machine installation video

Shower line installation video

Their replacement cartridge is also affordable and can be purchased online through ClearLiving website.

Look at how dirty the filter is after a week! 

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I have installed Cleanwash Multipurpose Water Filter on my washing machine and shower line for a few weeks now. Remember in my previous post I discussed about my skin issues due to prolonged face mask use? I have noticed significant improvement in acne and irritative rash. My laundry also smells so fresh now. I had some problems with installing the filter to my water heater with pump- but it's quickly resolved by the efficient and friendly customer service team. Good aftersale service is definitely a plus when considering a water filter.

Good news to my Malaysian readers! I am collaborating with Cleanwash for a giveaway. Just pay RM0.99 and, 5, yes 5 lucky readers get a set of Cleanwash Multipurpose Water Filter (NRP RM88, delivery excluded ) each if you follow these steps:

1. Like and Follow Clear Living FB.
2. Tag 3 friends in the comment section of this post.
3. Share, like and follow my FB OR Repost, like and follow my IG!

Deadline on 30 June 20!

Dr Yingzangel

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(postage not included)

* Peninsular Malaysia – Rm 8.00 delivery charge per trip in a single purchase.

* East Malaysia – Rm 15.00 delivery charge per trip in a single purchase

* Storewide purchase at Rm 100.00 or above entitles for FREE DELIVERY in peninsular Malaysia

Why breastfeed until 2 years? | Shapee® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Thermal Pads Review

After the first birthday, many mothers think it's the time to wean the baby off breastfeeding. Please don't! After the first sleepless month, breastmilk supply is already established and our body should have adjusted to baby's demand. There shouldn't be any more engorgement. Hopefully by then the little one is already an expert in breastfeeding.

My eldest took a month to do that and I had to express and feed. My second was a natural since he was born and could breastfeed lying down. I started to work when they were 3 months old so I had to start pumping x2-3/day from 8am to 5pm during workdays. Am absolutely in love with my faithful Spectra 9 plus breast pump which helps to maintain my milk supply.

As doctors, Mr husband and I are well aware of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months and preferably for 2 years. Besides its obvious nutritional benefits, breastfeeding is also the fastest way to soothe an irritated toddler from tantrums, discomfort and guiltily to sleep (we are still sleep training our second).

Do you know that:

Breastfeeding your toddler can provide:

29% of his daily energy needs
43% of protein requirements
75% of Vitamin A requirements
60% of Vitamin C requirements.

Read more about breastfeeding your toddler here at ASN.

We are so glad that we have Shapee® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Thermal Pads to ease the journey of breastfeeding. It's definitely no easy feat.

In the early days, breast engorgements can be really unbearable and painful. They felt so heavy like solid rocks and makes me feel feverish and shiver in the first week. I had to manually massage and unclog my breasts until I started to use Shapee® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Thermal Pads. Simply keep the pads in the freezer an hour before use. Instead of using cabbage leaves which can be inconvenient to bring around. Lol.

A month before my maternity leave ends, I have to start freezing breastmilk for the boy. In order to stimulate letdown and increase yield, I use Shapee® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Thermal Pads as heat therapy. There are 2 ways to heat the pads- heat them with the soft cover on for 10-15 seconds or immerse in hot water with cover off for 10 minutes. 

Then I simply wrap them around my breast pump flanges and then secure them with my nursing bras. My work can be incredibly hectic as a full-time doctor, so 10 minutes of pumping time is all I have each session. The thermal pads are very useful to have.

Good breastmilk bags are also important for freezing breastmilk in chest freezers which can be kept up to 12 months! Shapee has recently introduced Milkee Lab Bags which have the following features:

-Double zipper to avoid spillage
-Designated write-on area
-Measurement capacity
-Stable standing bottom
-Thermal sensor
-Baby-friendly material
-Reinforced seal
-Pre- Sterilized bags
-Available with 2 size ( 7oz / 5oz ) with 25 bags per box

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Shapee® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Thermal Pads are great accessories to have for breastfeeding moms.  They are washable, reusable, BPA and BPS free. The most important thing is they are safe and doesn't contain toxic materials like lead or irritative ingredients such as latex. The soft and flexible design fits snugly to the breasts and is compatible to any breast pump.

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How and When to use Sanitizer | Cellnique Sanitising Nano Mist Review

Sanitizing is no longer a foreign concept to us. Personal hygiene is of upmost importance nowadays. Whenever possible, hand washing using soap and water is the most effective way to get rid of germs, especially when the hands are greasy or contaminated by harmful chemicals. 

Hand washing reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%.
At work, healthcare workers like me practise 5 moments of hand hygiene. But it's not always feasible to reach for a tap at each moment. That's when, sanitizers become very useful.

Read CDC guideline about sanitizer use.

This is how we should wash our hands.

https://youtu.be/UTNi1oEQjZc

At work, we use alcohol based hand sanitizers as they are proven to work. However, frequent use can really wreak havoc on our skin. Alcohol dehydrates the skin. They strip away the skin’s natural acid layer. This makes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles more obvious. Besides that, alcohol also irritates the skin which can cause contact irritant dermatitis especially for those with sensitive skin. The natural lipid barrier of the skin is also removed which may make acne worse. Not surprisingly, skin cells also die when exposed to alcohol.

Cellnique Sanitising Nano Mist could be a promising solution other than alcohol based sanitizer.

Cellnique Sanitising Nano Mist features
-No alcohol
-No skin irritants
-No preservatives
-Nitrates-Free
-Tricosan-Free
-Chemical-Free

The main active ingredient is Nano-Colloidal Silver. This is basically silver in ionized form or nanoparticles. Nano-Colloidal Silver exhibits excellent antimicrobial, antifungal properties and is used for coating medical devices for preventing biofilm formation. It is also good in wound dressing in ionised form. Nano-Colloidal Silver use is definitely not foreign to my work as a doctor.

Infused with essential oils, this nano-colloidal silver sanitising mist is specially formulated to protect our skin including the face against germs and fungal infections. It is long lasting and suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Nigella Sativa Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants. This retards premature skin ageing and is also great to calm irritated skin due to eczema, psoriasis and other forms of dermatitis. Besides that, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil also has potent antibacterial properties even for bugs resistant to antibiotics such as the MRSA superbug.

Bitter Orange Seed Oil, on the other hand, helps to maintain the oil water balance of the skin to optimise the skin's function as a natural barrier against germs. This oil also contains citric acid (Vitamin C), which maintains fairer complexion and strengthens the barrier even more.

A little bit about the background of Cellnique Paramedical. Cellnique Paramedical strives to combine the latest pharmaceutical grade skin care with advanced medical formulation including ingredients such as collagen and CoQ10. Backed by science, Cellnique has even established Cellnique Institute of Advanced Derma Aesthetics. This is how serious the company views the importance of research in product development. Recently, Cellnique Paramedical has turned its focus to solve skin problems in Asians. This is a great news for us because Asian skin is definitely not the same as others!

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I really love these comparison charts to show how effective yet protective Cellnique Sanitising Nano Mist is. They even compare with chlorox which immediately remind me of Mr Trump :p

Traditionally highly concentrated alcohol is known to kill germs including Covid19, but many people especially healthcare workers like me, having to hand rub up to 100 times/day, will end up with irritant contact dermatitis. And we definitely cannot use those on our face. Cellnique Sanitising Nano Mist is suitable and safe for whole body use including the face. Kill virus but please spare our skin!

Get your own Cellnique Sanitising nano mist using this code SDY05 now!

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