Cosmoderm Perfect Balanced Mini Skin Lab Set Review

Looking at my own reflection in the mirror, I realised I have really aged! Wrinkles on the forehead, crowfeet, uneven and dull skin tone, as well as acne marks— the horror! Skincare in the 30s is becoming more and more important. To nourish my skin using natural ingredients that will not irritate the skin.

Cosmoderm has recently launched its Perfect Balanced Mini Skin Lab Set. The complete set consists of:

1. Perfect Balanced Foaming Cleanser
2. Perfect Balanced Toning Lotion
3. Perfect Balanced WOW Cream
4. Perfect Balanced Mineral Sun Milk

These are the basic skincare steps that everyone should follow.
Daytime: 1+2+4
Nightime: 1+2+3

The key ingredient in Cosmoderm Perfect Balanced Mini Skin Lab Set is prebiotics. Prebiotics are commonly found in garlic, onions, oats, barley, wheat bran, asparagus, bananas, raspberry and flaxseed as well as a plant fiber known as inulin, found in chicory root. Plant sugars derived include xylitol, rhamnose, and fructooligosaccharides. In addition, glucomannan when used in combination with a wide range of probiotics, help control acne. Therefore, prebiotics is added to supplements, hair and skin care products.

Prebiotics nourish probiotics which is vital in maintaining the balance of the skin's natural eco-system which strengthens the skin's natural defense against pathogens, pollutants and sun damage. Probiotics also offset factors that lead to redness, dryness, and wrinkles to ensure skin is radiant, younger-looking and supple which minimizes signs of ageing. A balanced microbiome is particularly effective for those with a compromised skin barrier, acne, dryness or sensitivity.

Therefore, prebiotics can improve everyone's skin. Cosmoderm Perfect Balanced Mini Skin Lab Set is packaged in opaque, air-restrictive bottles so the effectiveness is preserved due to low light and air exposure.

The second key ingredient in Cosmoderm Perfect Balanced Mini Skin Lab Set is calamine. Calamine is conventionally used as far back as 1500BC to soothe skin irritation, heat rash and calm itchiness from insect bites. This is made of zinc oxide and ferric oxide which gives calamine the signature pink hue. Besides that, calamine can also reduces skin oiliness and inflammation caused by acne. The glycerin in calamine also moisturizes skin well.



What is Cosmoderm?

Vanity Cosmeceutical Sdn Bhd pioneers Malaysia’s halal cosmetic industry under the brand Cosmoderm since 2001. Cosmoderm products are formulated and manufactured by Malaysians and trusted by healthcare professionals. Cosmoderm is also GMP certified and have met the standards of agencies such as National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) & the Health Ministry. Their products are available in over 2000 pharmacies, hospital health shops and clinics all over Malaysia including retail outlets in Singapore and Lebanon.

Cosmoderm Official Website

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Lazy Keto Brownies

Ingredients

2 large eggs
2 tbsp oil
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup Thompson seedless raisins
1 cup kitkat
1 cup banana
1 cup all purpose flour sifted
2 /3 cup cacao powder sifted

Preheat oven to 175°C

Lightly grease an 8x12-inch baking pan* with cooking oil spray. Line with parchment paper (or baking paper); set aside.

Coarsely blend KitKats.

Combine eggs, oil, yogurt, raisins, cacao powder, 3/4 cups KitKat and banana.

Fold in flour.

Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top out evenly, and top with remaining KitKat.

Bake at 180 degrees for 20mins.

Cool then slice into squares of desired size.

Serve immediately.

Replacing chocolate chips with raisins make the gooey brownies healthier and more nutritious!

Covid 19 Vaccine Scares Debunked

The headlines in 2021 is none other than the COVID-19 Vaccine, particularly the Pfizer vaccine which seems to be 95% effective. The original research paper is here on BMJ, a reputable journal.

Instead of me ranting about the vaccine, hear it from Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an Infectious Disease Consultant from Singapore.

Even though there is plenty of promising data regarding vaccine efficacy and safety, there seems to be even more articles mentioning the side effects. This makes us, even myself hesitant to get jabbed. So this is me attempting to debunk as many myths from a physician's point of view.

Headline 1: 
Hundreds of Israelis get infected with Covid-19 after receiving Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The article goes:

'Israel's health ministry tested 189,000 people after they received Pfizer's vaccine and 6.6 percent of the people, including 69 who had received two shots, still tested positive for COVID-19, according to media reports.' 

Most vaccines need a booster dose, including Pfizer COVID vaccine which needs 2 doses 3 weeks apart. Vaccine works by introducing our immune system to the virus which will in turn develop antibodies to protect against future 'real infection'. This takes 10-14 days which will total up to about 5 weeks since the first vaccination. Therefore, the Israelites tested COVID positive were still not protected against the infection yet-- this is why it is still important to maintain SOP after vaccination.

FROM THE CDC: 3,150 people vaccinated in ONE DAY are "unable to perform normal daily activities, unable to work" after vaccination. 

" This is a massive 2.7% of people after having the Pfizer vaccine. "

Like all vaccines, this vaccine can cause side effects As high as 25% in the study. Most side effects are mild or moderate, and usually get better within a few days. As massive vaccination programs are launched internationally, it is not surprising at all to have 2.7 % people who have self-limiting symptoms after vaccination which will are signs that the immune system is working hard to create antibodies against the virus.

Investigation launched as 2 people die in Norway nursing home days after receiving Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine.

Norwegian authorities have decided to launch the vaccination program among the population at the highest risk of suffering from COID infection-- the old and frail who may not survive even mild infection. Unfortunately they are also those with the poorest reserve against any minor insults to the body. Therefore, Elderly at the higher end of frailty scale is advised against vaccination as minor side effects can be fatal-- namely those who are dependent and bed ridden or terminally ill.

Wife of 'perfectly healthy' Miami doctor, 56, who died of a blood disorder 16 days after getting Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is certain it was triggered by the jab, as drug giant investigates first death with a suspected link to shot.

Dr Michael suffered from an unfortunate illness called Immune Thrombocytopenia which does not have obvious causes. This led to fatal bleeding in the brain. Around three in every 100,000 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with ITP each year and most resolves on its own without complications. As the CDC reports that nearly 20 million people in the U.S. have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, Poland suggested it's inevitable that a few ITP cases would develop after vaccination, simply by chance.

While it is important to investigate whether or not the vaccine may be associated with adverse events such as ITP, just because two things happen at the same time does not mean their relationship is causal. Currently the benefit of vaccination still outweighs the adverse effects.

Why is the BioNTech2019 accine only 29% efficacious
辉瑞疫苗只有29%保护率？为什么他是多少我都不信 - YouTube

The Clalit Research Institute in Israel has only demonstrated 33% reduction in COVID infection comparing to 52% in clinical trials. This study only included people older than 60 years old.

The study population in the original research was carefully selected and given either the real deal versus placebo under strict experimental settings. They may not be representative of the real world experience.

"As of 9 October, 37 706 participants had a median of at least two months’ safety data available after a second dose. Among these participants 49% were female, 83% were white, 9% were black or African-American, 28% were Hispanic or Latinx, 35% had a body mass index of at least 30, and 21% had at least one pre-existing condition. The median age was 52, and 42% of participants were aged over 55."

NHS told not to give Covid vaccine to those with history of allergic reactions. (This article was more than 1 month old)

"The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revised its position on 30 December after careful consideration based on enhanced surveillance of over one million doses of the vaccine in the UK and North America. It found no evidence of an increased risk of anaphylaxis to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine among people with serious but unrelated allergy histories and advised that only people who had an allergic reaction to the first dose of this vaccine, or who previously had reactions to any of its components, should not receive it."

Do you have anymore myths you want me to bust? Comment below and I will try my best to clarify your doubts.

Get your COVID vaccine early to protect yourself and everyone else from catching the virus!

Understanding the hype for Sheep Placenta -Nueliv Sheep Placenta Extract Review

 Placenta has a long history of being used in traditional medicine for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. And Sheep placenta is the commonest type of placenta used. But what is it really about?

What is Sheep Placenta Extract?

Placenta is an organ which links the unborn baby to the mother in the womb. It transfers oxygen and nutrients to the fetus from the mother and removes fetal waste products to the mother. 

Sheep placenta is rich in vitamins and bioactive components like RNA, DNA, peptides, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, proteins, antibody molecules called immunoglobulins, lipids, and enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is a potent anti-oxidant. 

What are the potential benefits of Sheep Placenta Supplementation?

Sheep placenta contains hyaluronic acid, Epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), senescent cell activating factors (SCAFs) and CD31+. These are chemicals which promote cell growth, healing and tissue repair which plays a role in slowing the ageing process by maintaining youthful skin appearance. The skin is hydrated with less pigmentation and wrinkles. Passive transfer of antibodies may boost immunity, improves metabolism as well as increases energy and vitality.

For Muslims, even the Mufti office has listed down the research done on placenta extracts. Read here to find out more.



Why Nueliv Sheep Placenta?

Sheep placenta is favored because it is easily harvested. Sheep placenta is extracted after an ewe delivers its young. Therefore, the sheep is not harmed in the process. Freeze dying technology is then used to preserve the active ingredients. Sheep placenta is also acceptable to all religions, particularly the Muslim community who avoid porcine based products.

There is no added hormones in this product-- important to know because hormonal replacement therapy carries risks such as blood clots formation in the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and needs to be prescribed and monitored.

The strength of registered sheep placenta extract products ranges from 150mg-600mg, equivalent to 3000mg-30000mg fresh placenta depending on the extraction ratio 1:20 to 1:50 . Each Nueliv capsule contains 30000mg fresh placenta the highest dose available at no adverse effect.

What are the ingredients in Nueliv Sheep Placenta extract?

Sheep placenta extract 50:1 (equivalent to fresh sheep placenta 30000mg)
Olive oil- contains polyunsaturated fat for healthy heart
Shark liver oil- boosts immunity
Marine collagen- to replenish collagen in skin, nail, hair and bone
Avocado oil- has unsaturated fat, contains vitamin E, helps the body absorb other fat-soluble vitamins
Aloe vera powder 200:1- enhances wound healing
Evening primrose oil (provide 15mg Gamma Linoleic Acid)- helps with premenopausal symptoms

How to consume Nueliv Sheep Placenta extract?

Each gel has an enteric coating using bovine gelatin which withstands damage from stomach acid and only dissolve at small bowel where nutrients absorption is maximised. For best result, consume with empty stomach or 30 mins before meal, 1 capsule daily in the morning.

Avoid consuming diuretic agents (for example alcohol, tea, coffee ) within two hours. Do not mix with detox supplement on the same day as it will also reduce the nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

What certification to look out for?

In Malaysia, health supplements require approval from the Drug Control Authority (DCA) under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 to ascertain safety and quality. Check for the registration number on the packaging which start with MAL and ends with an extension alphabet of ‘X’ or ‘N’. Do a product search using this number on the NPCB website.

Nueliv Sheep Placenta extract is manufactured under Alpha Laboratories in New Zealand which specilizes in quality nutritional supplements, abiding to New Zealand Code of Manufacturing Practice License (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points License (HACCP), as well as halal certification.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Many drugs and supplements are not tested in those who are expecting, breastfeeding or have chronic organ failures due to ethical concerns. Therefore, I will advise against consumption. 

If any untoward effect happens due to supplementation/medication, please request an urgent medical review. Reporting should be done to the Malaysian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee to include the label/packaging of the product. In some cases, a sample may be required for detailed chemical analysis.

Nueliv Sheep Placenta Extract
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Disclaimer: the opinion given is merely a personal experience and does not constitute formal medical advice. Please seek your medical professional's advice before any complementary therapy. Always ask for certified professionals before proceeding with treatment and stop if discomfort or side effect ensues.

Healthy Sweet Potato Cheese Cake Recipe

 I love creating recipes using the existing ingredients in my pantry--things that my family love. There you go, another version of healthy Sweet Potato Cheese Cake, made with love from the Lees.

Sweet Potato Mixture:

2 cup Sweet Potatoes
10 screwpine leaves
3 tbsp Butter 

Crust Mixture:
1 bag of KitKats
8 tbsp Butter Melted

Cheesecake Mixture:
8 Large Eggs
½ cup milk + 2 tbsp calamansi juice
⅓ cup plain homemade yogurt
¼ cup Pastry Flour
225g Emborg Cream Cheese


Remove cream cheese from the fridge.

Begin making the crust by blending the KitKats. Add cooled melted butter to bind.

Press crust mixture to the bottom of a round glass casserole and into colourful silicone cups. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Peel the sweet potatoes and chop into cubes. Add screw-pine leaves and just enough water to cover then boil for 10-20 minutes until reduced.

Preheat oven 180 degrees fan-forced.

Mash sweet potatoes. Add in butter while warm to melt.

Add all the cream cheese mixture into the food processor in the order above. Do not over blend.

Add mashed sweet potatoes and mix until smooth.

Pour mixture over the crust.

Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracking.

Bake the cupcakes for 15 minutes and whole cake for 1 hour.

Remove from oven and leave at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Place in refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Serve cool.

I love baking in glass as they keep heat well and can be used to serve--save my energy to wash multiple baking trays. Got my casseroles from My Cooking Story.

Skin rejuvenation using Picosure | Ee Clinic Aesthetic Treatment Review

 I’m always on the lookout for the latest cutting edge technology, including gadgets for skincare. Laser facial treatments are definitely not new but the device is being refined to achieve better results with minimal or no downtime— made possible by the Picosure technology.

Ee Clinic
12a, Jalan Radin Bagus 8, Sri Petaling, KL
Tel 0189801800
Website https://www.eeclinic.com/picosure/
FB https://www.facebook.com/eeclinic/
IG https://instagram.com/eeclinic

Dr Ee explains that lasers are traditionally used to remove unwanted skin pigmentation including tattoos but older models risk burning the delicate skin and damaging the surrounding tissue as the beam is not focused enough and creates too much unwanted heat.

PicoSure, on the other hand, fires short-pulse lasers in trillionths of a second. The wavelength of light is longer at 755nm, combined with Focus Lens array, this converts laser energy into gentle pressure. This pressure squeezes cells to activate the natural cell signaling processes in order to create new collagen and elastin without burning or damaging the skin ie skin rejuvenation.

Picosure can also remove tattoo, unwanted pigmentation (freckles, sunspots), faint wrinkles as well as acne scars.

So what was my Picosure experience?

Preparation:

Makeup removal and cleansing with cucumber scented facial foam, followed by photographing my bare face in order to better identify skin concerns. Numb cream was then applied and left on for 40mins. Some people may choose without.

During treatment:

Protective goggles were applied and Picosure treatment was started after the numb cream was washed off. I could still sense flashing laser beams quickly scanning through my face— under 3 different intensity settings to manage different skin concerns. This took about 15 minutes. I did feel my skin heating up with smells of singed facial hair.

After treatment:

comments!

A cooling and hydrating mask with LED light soothes the lasered skin. Skincare products can be applied straightaway as Picosure does not damage skin surface-- Dr Ee will also provide Repair Cream for twice daily use on top of the usual skincare to hasten recovery and boost result. I had some minor redness for a few hours and the next day my face looked so refreshed! Scarring can still happen as people react differently to laser treatment but it is almost unheard of for Picosure.

The optimal interval between treatment:

2-6 weeks for skin pigmentation removal
3-4 weeks for acne scar and wrinkle treatment
6-8 weeks for tattoo removal

Have you had any experience with aesthetic treatments? Share in the comments!

Photos of me after the Picosure treatment