Green Tea for Great Skin

Your ticket to great skin: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and now -- green tea?

 The green tea brand I am having now - Pui Pui Heong

Maybe so. Cell studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea could help revive aging skin cells and even aid in wound healing.

Quick Tea Fix
For a green-tea face refresher, soak a cotton ball in green tea (cooled to room temperature), and swab it over your face. Apply antioxidant-rich moisturizer, place cucumber slices over your eyes, and lie down for 15 minutes. Voila -- you've got an instant skin pick-me-up.

Safety First
But hold on! Before applying green tea to your face, test your skin's sensitivity to it. Dab a small amount behind your ear and wait 24 hours to make sure your skin doesn't react.

Green tea can't take care of your skin all by itself, though. Get a skin care routine designed just for you. It's free, and easy to do, with this online program from RealAge. RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.



Health info retrived from http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/3211

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Just to share what Green Tea can do =)

If you wanna look younger than your real age.

Remember to visit this website - http://www.realage.com

Shout! Awards - Caprice, FlyFM's Hunny and Nadia

Read this if you havent ;p
"Shout! Awards RoadShow @ One Utama"

This would be a brief on and more photo ;p
Last weekend went to One Utama for Shout Awards Roadshow as wanna claim the tickets to Shout Awards. Which is on tomorrow (17th July 2009) Friday at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil.
If lucky we will see each other in there =)

FlyFM's Nadia and Hunny were the emcee

A very lucky guy that don't know who is the superstar [Sean Kingstons] that coming to Shout Awards but still able to get the HotLink Goodies bag

First I thought I miss the show by Caprice but luckily I didn't =)

Nadia was excited after watch the performance of Caprice and "falling in love" with him
I do believe Caprice has the charisma that attract the girls.

Does one of them is Joe Flizzow?

Going to upload Caprice's performance but bandwidth at home is slow right now. Next time ya.

Before the roadshow end I manage to take photo with the local celebrities

Thanks to Dayuh for being the photographer and gave me 3 Shout Awards Tickets =)
Later then I claimed 4 more tickets to share with friends
*Luckily got friends wanna go at last ;p*

I didn't waste the chance to take photo with Nadia and Hunny too.
They both are funny and talkative!

And pretty too!!

Nadia is still excited with Caprice's appearance
So if you are fans of caprice do vote for him Online or SMS
"SHOUTD2 and send to 33399 to vote for Caprice."

Later then went to Mid Valley and

Saw these cute decoration

Why do I go to Mid Valley?

To visit "Good Skin"

And redeem EYLIPLEX-2
*Thanks to men's uno*

It arrived at the right time as I want to see if it works on my panda-eyes

EYLIPLEX-2 contain Day Gel and Night Balm

Hope I can have my panda eyes circle cured soon!!

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Last but not least please help me and my friends win the Europe Trip and iTouch for those who voted for us everyday~!
Yes, you who start voting now is going to help both of us win~!

You can either read the "Which Hyundai Post R U?" post here
http://tianchad.blogspot.com/2009/07/which-hyundai-r-u-gotta-get-getz.html

Or directly vote for this photo
"Drive Confidently with Hyundai"

Please vote for this photo @ http://www.whichhyundairu.com.my/votenow-60
Appreciate and thanks for your continues support~!!

PS: Registration is needed for voter caiming prize purpose, so don't feel lazy to sign up~! ;p

Foods That Fight Belly Fat

This is a health article from RealAge® that I would like to share today~!

Did you know that besides doing wonders for your health, a certain nutrient group might also help keep your pants size down?

It's true. Flavonoids -- those antioxidant-like compounds found in fruits, veggies, chocolate, tea, and wine -- seemed to help ward off belly fat in a 14-year study.

Multitasking Flavonoids
Specifically, catechins, flavonols, and flavones -- types of flavonoids -- may help curb belly bulge by improving the body's metabolic profile, the researchers noted. So where can you get your fair share? The study participants got most of theirs from pears, apples, tea, chocolate, broad beans, onions, leeks, and sweet peppers. Pretty tasty choices. Try adding some to the menu tonight with these EatingWell recipes:

• Got some chicken in the freezer? Got an apple rolling around the crisper drawer? Great! Then grab some leeks on the way home and make this: Saute of Chicken with Apples & Leeks.
• Need a yummy side dish that's full of flavonoids but isn't salad? Try this: Pear & Red Onion Gratin.
• Got nothing for dessert? Make this: Green Tea-Poached Pears with Matcha Cream.

Low-Cal Delights
Interestingly, only the women in the study experienced a waistline benefit from flavonoids. But because flavonoid-rich foods like fruits and veggies are often low in calories, they're still a smart choice for anyone who is weight conscious. Is your waist size where it should be? Use this tool to find out.

To really help the pounds melt, you need a whole-body weight loss plan. Try one of these step-by-step RealAge programs.
RealAge Benefit: Maintaining your weight and body mass index at a desirable level can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.

References: Higher dietary flavone, flavonol, and catechin intakes are associated with less of an increase in BMI over time in women: a longitudinal analysis from the Netherlands Cohort Study. Hughes, L. A. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008 Nov;88(5):1341-1352.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

That's why I like dark chocolate and onions? ;p

Kinda tired these day, it is time to pamper myself!
Sleep more! So that I have energy to post for next post~ ^@^"

Gnightz...~

Have you sign-up Malaysia NightRun '09?

Since I like to try new thing, this is one of the new stuff I will try.
July 25th has been marked up for this Malaysia Men'sHealth NightRun '09
I feel that this is special because first time run at night ;p
Without the hot weather it will be a lot better!!

I prefer the Fun Run (5KM) as I am sure my stamina can't go for tougher run yet.
Below is the route that people will go through

For only RM30 you can have a goodie bag which worth over RM300 :)

Below are the sponsors :)
Is it for guys only? No!
Girls also welcome to have a run!

If you are interested please register @ Shape(Girl) or Men's Health(Guy)

To prevent any hassle, it is better to pay the fees online through www.hooha.asia
With only extra RM4 you will save your petrol fees and time to collect your shirts and goodies bag :)

Who will I able to meet? :) Could it be you?

My Sister's First Pair of CIBA Contact Lenses @ Mahkota Parade

At Mahkota Parade (Melaka)

It is the last day for Nokia's Workshop
I played with Nokia XpressMusic 5800 and I am a noob!
Will I able to get it from the Music Bash '09 Event?
*Waiting for Nuffgod's blessing*

This is the Nokia Handphone with QWERTY Keypads Need to train your fingers for accurate "word punching"

Your thumbs must be sharp and focus!

The crowds that hanging around the Nokia booth~

I heard one of the Nokia Babes saying outside is giving out free
Lancome Fragrance - MAGNIFIQUE
So I asked my sister if she want it ;p

This is one of the lady giving out freebies
You just need to write down your name and handphone number
Too bad I can't help her get one more free (Only for ladies)

These are the Lancome Fragrance MAGNIFIQUE on the Moving Truck

She is happy with it :)
Another free Make Up Voucher for her

This is the little tiny MAGNIFIQUE
Anne Hathaway is pretty, isn't it?

Okay, now we go hunt for contact lens
In the first shop, this guy checked her eyes and said the myopia(shortsight) is little but astigmatism is too high. No suitable contact lens for her.

So we moved on to another shop and asked if they can help my sis get a new pair of contact lens
The servant is so clever to ask what kind of contact lens she want and pick for us the Comprehensive Eye Exam Package
(Which include a full eye checkup, a pair of CIBA contact lens, a small bottle of saline water, and lesson to teach us how to wear contact lens)

Let see how professional and comprehensive the eye test is!
First, the person check the eye one by one
(Looks normal)

Then my sis need to wear this funny prescription glasses
Nowadays is popular wearing black framed glasses right?
Will you love this one? Haha!
It will be the next trend, trust me!
*Finger Crossed*
(Still look normal)

Next, a lot of optical device came out.
She was required to lean her face on that thing

He was checking her eye white to see if there is any visible blood vessels
My sister need to stare and follow the source of red light
(Not usually seen)

This one is a bit cool ;p
He is putting some kind of indicator to my sis's eye.
An indicator that help in your eye glands examination

If you see properly you can see a Green Colour Stripe under the eye.
That indicate her eye's tear glands is working well~
(This is something like Gram Stain in microbiology )
Looks cool?? :D

Basically, my sister passed the eye test and her eye is healthy besides the slighty myopia and astigmatism
The good thing is she can wear contact lens!!

Why is she washing her hand?
This is the first step to do before wear contact lens
Did you do it every time??

Second, cut your long finger nails so that you won't poke your eyes when putting/getting your lens out from your eye.

She still has long fingernails even thought she cut it to the deepest end she can.
Nothing can be done, blame the gene! ;p
The girl that served us feel weird because my sis's fingernails closely attached to the finger

I gotta say my family's finger/fingernails is long for everyone.
Even me and my brother also have hands that girls would like to have.

Third, a picture of myself besides being the witness of my sister getting her
"Wear Contact lens lesson" ;p

Fourth, have a smile and be prepared to wear those "glasses" on!!

This is the CIBA VISION Contact lens
CIBA....I won't forget it!

What you need to do is make sure the contact lens has the right side on your fingertips
(Curving in is the right side)
Then try to put it on your eye.

After the contact lens managed to stick on your eye.
Look down slowly and close your eyes.
Count from 1 until 5 and
Wala! The lens will attached to your cornea~
(I didn't know about this and that's why I took 20 minutes to put my lens on for the first time)
Now I know the easier and better way!

She had tried many times and still can't fit it in.
Is it because of her long eyelash? Or because she scare to poke her own eye?
Both true ;p

So the lady serving us "tak boleh tahan @ cannot tolerate" and help her put on one of the lenses.

"3,2,1 It is put on already!"

"Wow, how can she do it so fast?! I still have one more eye to poke..."

After more than half hour, she managed to put it on!!
*Blink blink*
Nice or not? ;p

To finish the lesson, she need to take it off and wash the lenses correctly.
Pour some saline water on hand and rub it for 10 seconds.
After that, rinse it will fresh saline water and keep it in the lenses box

Took her another 10 minutes to take off the contact lens this time :)

This is the teacher for me and my sis.
I gotta admit that she is very good at earning money.
She signed the RM40 package for us and want to "charge" us for using too much of her time which supposedly her lunch time ;p

Overall, she still giving a good service

Next next coming up~!! Stellar the Superstar ;p

*Mind Click Here?*

Health warning signs -By Gabrielle Fagan

Two top diet doctors share their head-to-toe guide to warning signs. Our body is constantly talking to us - yet many of us ignore its messages and suffer unnecessary illness as a result. Small symptoms like bloodshot eyes, dry skin, thinning hair or even weak, brittle nails can be early warnings that our system is under stress or we're experiencing a deficiency that could eventually damage our general health and wellbeing.

Dr Wendy Denning and nutritionist Vicki Edgson, authors of The Diet Doctors Inside And Out, both believe that learning to read the body's signs paves the way not just to better health but to a better life."In general, people are ignoring the early warning signs that their body sends out often because they don't understand what they mean," Denning says.

"Basically our body sends out subtle early signs when things are not quite right. If nothing is done these increase to stronger signals and if you neglect those you may be hit by a big warning such as a major symptom or illness that literally cannot be ignored."Heeding those minor symptoms, making simple lifestyle changes or seeking medical advice early could mean avoiding more serious health troubles such as thyroid or even heart problems, she adds. "Many minor problems can be cleared up in a couple of months by making even small improvements in diet, drinking more water or finding ways to ease stress. "Of course if you're concerned about any of your symptoms, check them out with a doctor. Getting early treatment can prevent them developing further."

Use this head-to-toe guide to help read your body's signals:

Skin

"The skin is directly or indirectly linked to almost every organ and a major organ of elimination in the body - the others are the colon, the kidney and the lungs," Denning says. So if those organs are struggling to get rid of waste and toxins, more toxins will show up on the skin in the form of oiliness, excess sweating and rashes.

• PALE: you could be anaemic, have low iron or an under active thyroid.
  
• DRY SKIN: can be caused by a deficient intake of water and essential fatty acids, omega-3, 6 and 9. It's also associated with deficiencies in vitamin A and B vitamins and aggravated by drinking too much coffee, tea and alcohol. In addition, dry skin is closely related to hormones, menopause and an under active thyroid.
  
• GREY: seen in smokers and those pushing the body too hard, or suffering a sluggish liver. Alternatively, it can indicate an underlying cardiovascular disease or other serious illness.Solutions: In general, increase water intake to eight glasses a day, stop smoking, and keep up your intake of essential fatty acids by eating more oily fish such as salmon and mackerel and taking pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Keep up your zinc intake with turkey, eggs, almonds and peas. Check with your doctor who may recommend further tests or appropriate treatment.

Eyes
" Not only are the eyes the window to the soul, but they're also the window to much of what is going on in different parts of the body, particularly the liver," Denning says.

• BLOODSHOT: small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become inflamed and congested with blood, and this can be caused by eyestrain, fatigue and excess alcohol. It can also be due to a deficiency of vitamins B2 and B6 or amino acids that come from protein in the diet.Solution: Get more sleep, reduce alcohol intake and spend less time at the computer. Taking a B-complex vitamin, milk thistle and more protein in the diet may help.
  
• DARK CIRCLES: often due to lack of sleep, but they can run in families, or may indicate a problem with your digestive system - particularly the colon or an overloaded liver.Solution: Check first that you are getting enough sleep. Then check for food intolerances, constipation, or a sluggish liver.
  
• BAGS UNDER EYES: Associated with excess salt intake, lack of sleep, smoking and food sensitivities. In older people it can be due to a sluggish thyroid or a kidney problem.Solution: Reduce salt intake, get more sleep, stop smoking and don't drink fluids before going to bed. Check for food sensitivities or check with a doctor to rule out more serious issues.

Hair
" Hair can be a surprisingly good indicator of overall good health. Hair is made of protein, keratin and minerals and depends for its condition on the amount of nutrients it receives. So a good diet and digestive system are essential," Denning says.

• THINNING HAIR: hair loss is determined by genes and hormones. Women rarely go bald in the same way as men, but hair thins with age. Thinning may be brought on sooner by childbirth or a shock such as divorce or bereavement. Stress, poor diet, lack of iron and sudden weight loss are other factors.
  
• DRY HAIR: it may be associated with inadequate protein intake, essential fatty acid deficiency, thyroid disease and menopause or chemicals used on your hair.
  
• GREY HAIR: commonly associated with ageing, but can sometimes be brought on by a major shock or by anaemia and thyroid problems. A doctor can help with the last two problems.Solutions: in general, eat enough protein and chew food well so you absorb all its nutrients. Ensure you are not mineral deficient and correct deficiencies of iron, zinc and selenium as they boost the thyroid. Take a multivitamin and mineral designed for the hair, and flaxseed oil to maintain levels of omega-3 and 6.
  

Nails
" Checking your nails can be a good way to determine if you have nutritional deficiencies or other health issues. A fingernail takes about four months to grow out, and a toenail at least six months. If your nails are growing slowly and are discoloured, suspect a fungal infection, and if they're not, suspect a nutritional deficiency," Denning says.

• WHITE SPOTS: associated with zinc and/or calcium deficiency.
  
• RED SKIN AROUND CUTICLES: could be due to insufficient essential fatty acids (omega-3 and 6).
  
• CRACKING PEELING NAILS: may be due to lack of Vitamin A, calcium, silica and other minerals, insufficient stomach acid and protein. Around 50% of the population is deficient in zinc. Solutions: In general, eat six to eight portions of fruit and vegetables daily to strengthen nails. Eat more seeds and nuts for essential fatty acids, zinc and protein. Take silica and hemp seed oil - highly effective supplements to strengthen nails.

[Acquired from http://www.roundtownnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9191&Itemid=31]

ACNE (PIMPLES)

Acne is a common problem faced by almost all teenagers and youth. What is acne and why do we get them. Acne is actually caused because of hormone imbalance. Your skin breaks out because of a hormone called testosterone. Both men and women have testosterone in their systems. In fact, did you know that in order to make testosterone, boys bodies have to make female hormones first? If you have acne, you haven't got abnormal levels of testosterone. You've got skin that reacts abnormally to this hormone. You start producing testosterone around the time you start sprouting body hair. Testosterone tells glands in your skin, called sebaceous glands, to produce oily stuff called sebum. To add to the problem the inside of the tubes that hold each hair become gummy and get partially blocked - giving you blackheads. Put together if sebum blocks the tubes --- you have big acne.
So go to your pharmacist or doctor to get your acne treated. Here are a few tips that will help you know how to treat acne at home.


1. If you have red angry looking acne, don't touch it.
If you squeeze now, all you'll do is force the contents deeper into the skin that will make matters worst. And all you'll end up with is redder, angrier acne than you had before. Don't do it.


2. If you have a yellow custard top? Go for it.
These beauties CAN be squeezed but there's an art to it. Here's how. Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid trouble and infection. Put a tissue over your finger. Why? Because you want the contents of the spot on the tissue, not splattered all over the mirror. Using the side of your thumb and the end of your finger, very gently start to squeeze. Don't whatever you do, use your nails as this will damage your skin. Stop when you're applying a lot of pressure and nothing is happening and you see clear fluid, rather than yellow grotty stuff and the spot begins to bleed. When you've finished dab it with antiseptic. Once the custard bit is out, the spot will heal more quickly than an unsqueezed yellow top would, providing that you now leave it well alone. Now wash your hands again.


3. Whiteheads and blackheads.
If acne is left untreated they may cause this problem. Here the rule is if they're black, squeeze but if they're small, white raised lumps leave them alone. All that stuff about clean hands, tissues and stopping if nothing is happening or you see blood, apply here too.



Tips for acne treatment
1. DON'T TRY TO WASH IT AWAY
Acne isn't caused by dirt. In fact people with oily skin have cleaner skin than average because they wash it more often. But it's a fact that washing too much can make acne worse because it makes the skin dry and sore. So, wash no more than twice a day, using mild soap and water. If you have patches of dry skin, don't worry about putting moisturizer on. It won't make your acne worse. If you're still concerned, use an oil free moisturizer.


2. DON'T NUKE 'EM
There are lots of over the counter creams, gels, lotions and potions. Most contain a powerful bleaching agent called benzoyl peroxide. You'll find the strength written on the label. You might be tempted to go straight for the highest sort, working on the 'let's nuke 'em principle. The likely result is that you'll irritate your skin like mad. It may also go all dry and scaly on you. But if you still are willing to bleach then use the mild one.


3. MAKE A DATE - THE TWO MONTH RULE
If you have been using over the counter remedies for two months and there is no real improvement in your spots, this is the moment to go and make an appointment with your doc.


4. YOUR DOCTOR - THE TWO MONTH RULE
The thing you are most likely to be given by the doctor is a prescription for antibiotics. These will either be topical (which means something you put on your skin) or tablets you have to take every day. Whatever treatment your doctor or pharmacist recommends, follow the instructions carefully and keep using for at least two months. There should be a noticeable improvement by this time. If not, go back to discuss other possible treatments Antibiotics are perfectly safe to take. You should take them for at least two months and then go back to your doc. If they seem to be working, he will probably tell you to keep taking them and give you some more. If they aren't doing their stuff, don't despair - he has loads of other spot busters in his black bag.


5. YOU ARE NOT AN ALIEN - BUT JUST BE PATIENT
Hundreds of thousands of teenagers seek help for acne. You are not alone. You are not an alien. And if people really care about you, they don't even notice your acne, however bad you think they are. But you will need to be patient. Most treatments take time to work. At least two months. And some treatments, like antibiotics will work well but may have to be taken for months, or even years.


6. THE MONTHLY CURSE... OR EXAMS
Acne does tend to get worse just before a period. It's because there is a surge in hormone levels at this time. But boys don't get away lightly either. Being hot and sweaty (particularly after sports like football) makes acne worse. And for everyone, stress - particularly at exam times - is a cue for a mega breakout. This is normal - and of course, even more reason for feeling stressed. Go chill. They'll get better - promise.


7. WATCH WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR
Some beauty products are big no-nos. These include pomades and defrizzing agents for hair that tend to cause an outcrop of blackheads along the hairline and some of the heavier cosmetics. And be wary of suntan oils. Not all will make you break out, but some may. Try a friend's first before you buy. By the way, the sun might dry up acne and a tan might hide them, but your skin is still vulnerable in the sun and needs protection.


8. CARRY ON KISSING
You can't catch acne during kissing - go for it!


9. CARRY ON EATING CHOCOLATE
It's a myth that eating chocolate and fried foods causes acne. However, eating a good diet improves your general well-being and this is reflected in your skin.


Common Questions asked about acne problem

• Does wearing make up cause acne?
  It is not necessary that wearing make up causes acne. Acne is caused because of hormonal imbalance mostly during puberty. But you have to take special care while you apply make up and thereafter if you have acne. Make sure you wash any make up tools, including sponges and brushes as often as possible as these become a breeding ground for bugs which can cause your spots to pop up. Stop wearing make up if you have too many spots and you can resume after you have treated them. Don't forget to clean the make up after you come home and and make sure you cleanse your face properly each night.
  
  
• Do skin toner and moisturizer cure acne?
  One thing that you need to know is acne is not caused by dirt, so no amount of cleaning and toning is going to get rid of them. So for treating acne you must consult your doctor and eat lots of healthy food and drink lots of water. That is the natural way to keep you face spot free.
  Is it ok to do facial?It can be a real treat to have the facial done, as they can be very relaxing and make you feel properly pampered. However, you should be aware that they should not be used to help 'treat' spots, as this can be quite dangerous if the beauty therapist is not trained. Sometimes a beauty therapist will also squeeze out any spots and blackheads that if it's not done properly, may cause a bigger problem than before.
  
• What is the best way to cover up spots?
  Foundation is okay to use and may give you more confidence if you've got a hot date, but remember to look for oil-free one. Whatever you use to put on your skin, wash your hands or sponge before applying foundation.
  
  
  
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  Retrived from: http://gleez.com/articles/health-beauty/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-pimples