The latest buzz-phrase in skincare seems to be “stem cells”. Here’s the nitty gritty on what they are and how they’re relevant to skin… What are stem cells? Your body is made up of lots of different cells with different functions – some types of cells include red blood cells, nerve cells and muscle cells. But as you might know, …
Plastic is unavoidable in modern society, and unfortunately the vast majority of the plastic products we use will long outlive us. While we can (and should) recycle a lot of our plastic waste, microplastics (including microbeads) are a form of plastic that is difficult to dispose of thoughtfully. (Photo credit: Kenny Louie) What is microplastic? Simply put, microplastic …
15/9/2015: I’ve updated this post with better drawings and a better explanation of how micellar water works. Micellar water is taking off in a big way, with a bottle of Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (formerly Crealine) sold every 6 seconds worldwide, and celebrity endorsements from Kylie Minogue and Gemma Ward. But what is micellar water and how does it …
The right hair conditioner can make your hair glossy and bouncy, but the wrong one can instantly make it lifeless and lank. What’s in them that make them so different? Monik Markus pH and hair The most important thing about hair conditioner is that it’s acidic (pH < 7). Hair is made up of three major layers – the innermost …
La Mav is an Australian, certified organic, natural-based skincare range. They’re also cruelty free and eco-friendly, and most importantly, use ingredients with proven results, which is a rarity in the “natural” market, and something I’m very excited about! Exhibit A: an ingredients list on their website, which specifically states the mechanism of action of each ingredient, in simple terms. Win! …
Even though I have an oily T-zone, I love using oils on my face. At the beginning I wasn’t quite so enthusiastic, but now they’re often my only moisturiser during the day. Here’s a review of some of the oils I’ve been testing out on my face lately: Rose-Hip Vital Rosehip Oil (RRP $19.95 for 30 mL and $29.99 for …
Ceramides – where have I heard that before? Ceramides are in lots of moisturisers and serums. Brands which feature ceramides in their skincare range include Elizabeth Arden, L’Oréal, Ultraceuticals and Innoxa. What are ceramides? Ceramides are a family of lipids (fatty molecules) which make up a significant proportion of cell membranes, the “skin” of cells. They are also the main …
A few of you already know that I have a veritable mop of hair. It’s thick, it’s coarse, and I’ve been growing it from shoulder-length since 2006 because three separate hairdressers have told me that if I cut it shorter than mid-back length it will explode into an afro. You have to love brutally honest Asian hairdressers! Artist’s impression: I …