Pigmentation is an issue that I have grappled with since I was in my teens. Just when I thought I have tried every cream and aesthetic treatment in the market, I was given the opportunity to head down to The Clifford Clinic to seek treatment with Dr Gerard Ee.

During my first consultation, Dr Ee quickly pointed out that I suffer from Hori’s naevus, a type of pigmentation characterised by greyish brown oval spots usually caused by sun exposure and hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy) that is common among Asian women. He assured me that Q-Switched laser would work brilliantly on my type of pigmentation and that I would definitely see significant results after just 5 sessions.

I had my makeup removed in the clinic’s designated makeup room before applying numbing cream on my first session. No numbing cream was required on my subsequent sessions as Dr Ee is so swift and adept at administering this treatment, all I felt was a mild ant bite sensation. On a scale of 1-10, I would say the pain level is probably about 4-5 without numbing cream.

Dr Ee’s professionalism and affable demeanour helps to allay any fears. I know I am in safe hands, and I notice a huge improvement in my skin after every session. Aftercare is of paramount importance after laser treatments too. I make a conscious effort to avoid the sun and reapply my sunscreen whenever possible to prevent my spots from resurfacing. There is some downtime after the treatment as you would experience redness and a slight darkening of the pigmentation area, but there’s nothing that a dab of concealer can’t fix.

And as Dr Ee promised, I’m finally on my way to achieving perfect skin after almost 20 years of living with patchy skin! Here are my before and after photos to prove it:

If you too are plagued with pigmentation problems, I would highly recommend seeking treatment at The Clifford Clinic. Now, I am able to ditch the concealer and leave my house with just a layer of tinted sunscreen. You can’t believe how liberating that feels.

Plus, it saves you so much time especially when you have a baby in tow!

One of the best cleansers I’ve tried thus far has got to be Kanebo’s Suisai Beauty Clear Powder. It is the star product in Kanebo’s Suisai range and was ranked the number one facial wash in Japan for 3 consecutive years! A good facial wash is probably one of the most underrated skincare products in any skincare regime. But did you know that proper and thorough cleansing is the only way to ensure that your power packed serums and moisturizers can be readily absorbed into your skin?

Before I delve deeper into the benefits of this cleanser, did you know that the entire Suisai range is inspired by the “Gift of Fermentation”? The fermentation process is said to produce incredible beautifying ingredients. This particular range contains moisturising elements such as fermented soy milk extract, pear juice extract and Double Hyaluronic Acid. The results? Radiant, nourished and hydrated skin.

What’s special about Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder?

Aside from the fact that it is packaged in tiny individual capsules in powder form ($27 for a pack of 32 and $14 for a pack of 15) and are hence a breeze to travel with, these babies actually do pack a punch when it comes to cleansing. If your key concerns include rough skin, unwanted shine, clogged pores and excess sebum, Suisai Beauty Clear Powder is the perfect fit for you.

It contains unique enzymes and amino acid cleansing ingredients to decompose keratin plugs and exfoliate dead skin cells. Simply pour the powder onto your palm, add a few drops of water and rub your hands together to work up a foamy lather, then massage onto your skin.

How long have I been using it? Is it effective?

I have been using this for 2 weeks now. Not only does it prime my skin and enhance the absorption of my serum and moisturizer, it also makes my skin visibly brighter and more hydrated.  I love how the granule-structured powder formula enables me to achieve humidity-resistant, rich and voluminous lather that feels absolutely silky smooth yet effectively lifts impurities and deeply cleanses my skin to reduce visible pores, blackheads and acne. My skin feels much cleaner immediately, similar to when I have just enjoyed a deep cleansing facial at the beauty salon. I finally understand why this product is highly raved by beauty enthusiasts in Asia, including Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Go on, redeem your free sample here and try it for yourself! You can also purchase this from Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG and Lazada.

Blackmores – Australia’s leading natural health company

When you mention Blackmores, health supplements naturally come to mind. No wonder, since this leading natural health company has been around since 1932 and is very much a household name. Founded by naturopath Maurice Blackmore in 1932, the brand combines traditional naturopathic expertise and scientific research with the aim of achieving optimal health and wellbeing. To date, Blackmores is available in 17 markets!

As one of the most trusted brands in the industry, Blackmores’ vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements as well as nutritional foods use only premium ingredients sourced from around the world and are produced based on Australia’s strict manufacturing standards. Did you know that they use sustainable packaging and focus on waste reduction practices too?

Now, were you aware that Blackmores has a skincare range as well? Blackmores Vitamin E Cream was launched in 1978 and has become a mainstay in the brand’s suite of products.

What’s special about Blackmores Vitamin E cream?

Ever since I gave birth, I’ve been experiencing random bouts of dry spots and eczema on my body. It appears that the hormones have wrecked havoc on my skin. Besides relying solely on eczema creams that are usually high in steroid content, I’ve decided to take preventive measures by moisturising my skin regularly.  With skin loving ingredients such as natural vitamin E, avocado oil and apricot kernel oil, I can always trust Blackmores Vitamin E cream to come to the rescue!

I love that this moisturizer can be used on both my face and body. It’s soothing and moisturizing, perfect if you sleep in air-conditioned rooms like yours truly. Natural Vitamin E provides antioxidants to the skin’s cells and conditions your skin at the same time, while avocado oil nourishes your skin and protects it from dry climates. Apricot kernel oil, on the other hand, helps sustain and nourish your skin, keeping it hydrated at all times. Most importantly, it is 100% made in Australia without any artificial colouring or fragrance.

Lanolin is another skin-loving ingredient in this product that packs a punch. Did you know that Lanolin has similar functions to our skin’s natural sebum? Both Lanolin and sebum act as a protective barrier on the skin to prevent the skin from becoming dry and brittle due to dehydration. Lanolin is purified secretion from sheep’s sebaceous glands and is commonly found in sheep wool. Its fatty acids reduce the evaporation of water from the deepest layers of the skin. Now, that’s the secret to silky soft and smooth skin.

Simply massage a small amount into your skin after cleansing. I use it twice a day for optimal results. The cream absorbs readily into your skin and feels absolutely lightweight. My skin feels soft and supple immediately, and after using it for a week, I find my dry spots are more hydrated too. The handy packaging also made it a breeze to pack it in my luggage for our recent staycation with baby R!

And this is how I apply my skincare everyday – with baby R in tow. I wanted a photo by myself but she kept fussing until I held her up. As you can see from her pose, she wanted to be in the frame as well. Perhaps she knows she’s the cause of my dry skin? 😉

If you’ll like to try this skin cream for yourself, click here to register for Blackmores Singapore and Sample Store’s By-Invite Sampling today!

Baby R has been sleeping in her cot in her own bedroom since birth. However during the 4th month sleep regression, my little baby suddenly decided she couldn’t sleep in her cot by herself anymore. She also needed to be held more often and woke up multiple times at night just to latch. Sometimes, she had problems falling back asleep. As a first time mum, it was a worrying phase for me, making sure she was well fed and feeling comforted while she was making a huge developmental leap. Fortunately, with Huggies® Gold Pants, a wet diaper was one less thing that I had to worry about.

If Baby R was a princess, she would be the princess in The Princess & the Pea, simply because she was exceptionally sensitive to her environment. Just like how the princess could feel there was a pea lying beneath layers of mattresses, she knew she was in her cot the minute she touched the mattress.

Besides watching out for hunger and sleepy cues, I would constantly check her diaper to ensure it wasn’t causing her any discomfort. After I switched her to Huggies® Gold Pants, I never had to change her diaper during the night as it remains dry for 12 hours thanks to its high absorbency and advanced leakage barriers! I also love the cushiony soft fit as my active little baby can move around comfortably all day long. Besides giving me complete peace of mind, the convenient slip on pants also made diaper changing a breeze. Newly improved with better comfort and fit for my little princess, the airy top sheet and 100% breathable waistband keeps her waist and bottom well ventilated too. Plus, the yellow patterns turn blue when the diaper is soiled, so we always know when to give her a diaper change!

Baby R loves getting her diaper changed and would often flash her signature toothless grin to indicate how pleased she was to feel clean again. Psst…I think she adores the cute design of the Huggies® Gold Pants too.

If you’ve read my earlier post on Dr Oatcare here, you would know that my breastfeeding journey was not a breeze. I didn’t latch as often as I should have in the first month as baby R had jaundice and the paediatrician recommended formula milk till she recovered. After taking several supplements, including Dr Oatcare for two months, my milk supply finally caught up and I’m happy to report that baby R is almost 100% on breast milk, with an occasional top up of 1-2 formula feeds per day. I chose to do a mixed feed so it’ll be easier to transition in future but I’ll save that story for another day.

I may be a late bloomer but I take great care in ensuring that I only take nutritious food because when it comes to breastfeeding, your baby literally reaps what you sow. And, if you don’t already know, oats are not only nutritious on so many levels, they boost milk supply too. I take Dr Oatcare every morning for breakfast and as a snack whenever I feel hungry (yes that’s what breastfeeding does to you) instead of reaching out for tidbits or fast food because I only want the best for baby R. Dr Oatcare is probably the best oats drink you can find in the market since it’s made of 76% whole grains and Montana embryo oats, a type of oats that’s superior in terms of protein, calcium and fibre, as compared to its counterparts in the market.

From baby R’s wide gummy smile, I suppose she’s pretty pleased with what she’s getting every meal.I’m not sure how long my breastfeeding journey will last but Dr Oatcare will be my trusty companion. Even after it comes to an end, I’ll continue taking Dr Oatcare simply because it keeps me in the pink of health too!

*****

Dr OatCare is available at http://www.healthdomain.com.sg.

For more information about Dr OatCare, do visit their FB (@HealthDomainSG) & IG (@healthdomain_sg).

Huh, so little milk. That’s a comment I often get from some well-meaning but tactless people around me after I pump. I know many mums swear by oats for milk supply and if you are committed to increasing and maintaining your milk supply, Dr OatCare is an oats supplement you might want to include into your daily regime.

Oats are known as a lactogenic superfood as they contain beta-glucans, a soluble fibre that increases the breastfeeding hormone prolactin. The pressure to be able to breastfeed exclusively hits some mums really hard especially during the first 2 weeks postpartum when hormones are still haywire and mums are more susceptible to post natal blues. We all want the best for our child and honestly, any amount of breast milk is beneficial to baby.

I have been taking Dr OatCare at least once a day for a week now and while I still can’t meet Baby R’s demand at the moment, each pump yields me a respectable amount as compared to the first few weeks postpartum. Baby seems more satisfied after latching too. The best part is, my supply has been increasing steadily although I still receive the “huh, still so little” comments.  If you too are facing such issues, just hang in there, tune out the toxic comments, and drink Dr OatCare everyday.

Why Dr OatCare?

Given the multitude of oat drinks in the market, what exactly makes Dr OatCare stand out from the rest?Now, Dr Oatcare carries the Healthier Choice symbol as it is made from 76% whole grains. It contains Montana embryo oats sourced from the United States, 17 organic seeds, nine types of mixed nuts, and fortified with seaweed calcium. Montana embryo oats contain a higher protein, dietary fibre and calcium content than ordinary oats.

Did you know that breastfeeding mums need more iron, calcium and folate? Besides the ability to boost milk supply, Dr OatCare offers all these nutrients too. Trying to conceive or currently pregnant? Oats are equally beneficial for you as folate helps to reduce the possibility of major birth defects in babies.

What I love about the drink is that it’s 100% natural and free from additives and sugar, so expectant mums with gestational diabetes (like me before I popped!) can take this with complete peace of mind. Just add hot water, give it a good stir and enjoy. If you prefer something more flavourful, there’s nothing stopping you from adding it to your favourite beverage too. You can also share this drink with everyone in your family (including toddlers, students, seniors) as it promotes healthy growth, stronger bone and teeth, brain power, and lowers cholesterol too.

If you want oats that pack a punch, this is it.

Due to its high nutritional content, it can also be taken as a meal replacement. Need to travel or pack this with you when you head to the office? Dr OatCare comes in sachets too so you can always have it on the go.

I only recommend products that I have personally tried and tested, because credibility means the world to me. I’m very happy with the results thus far, and I’ll definitely continue to take Dr OatCare as a supplement even after I stop breastfeeding.

*****

Dr OatCare is available at http://www.healthdomain.com.sg. Have it delivered to you for free  when you purchase via their website! Perfect for us busy mus who need to juggle several roles and still take care of our babies at home!

You can also find Dr OatCare at FairPrice Xtra, selected FairPrice Finest, Sheng Siong supermarkets, Watsons, and Unity pharmacies.

For more information about Dr OatCare, do visit their FB (@HealthDomainSG) & IG (healthdomain_sg).