A Clinically Proven Solution for Melasma is Finally HERE!

 

Let's talk about Melasma.  What is it and what does it do to your skin?

A photo of my mom who suffers from melasma for years.

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots you can find on your face or body.  Some are said to be in-born but you have to know there are some triggers that would cause it to darken further.  Triggers like sunlight, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, the intake of birth control pills and using harsh chemicals on cosmetics.  These are just some of the many causes for Melasma to be more obvious.  

One example is my mom-in-law, she has a huge dark spot on her face and the dark spot was lightened all throughout pandemic as she was very religious in her skincare application and constant uses sunscreen.  But now that she is back to going out, her dark spot darkened once again even with the use of sunscreen, why?  Well, sunscreen sometimes disappears midday from sweat and constant wiping.  Even with the right skincare and usage of sunblock, preventing dark spots on skin may not be enough.  We also need to treat melasma from "within".  Just like how we take good care of our skin by applying various skincare products, we also need to eat healthily, drink lots of fluids and supplements.  Same concept!

I recently tested Pynocare and also shared a box to my mom-in-law.  I did a lot of research before taking such product.  And here are some facts that I want to share to you too.

PYNOCARE -

• Clinically-proven solution to melasma and as a partner to sunscreen in protecting the skin.  It has 3 clinical studies to supports its effectiveness. You may read the studies HERE.
• Pynocare reduces melasma or dark spots formation in just 8 weeks. 
• Pynocare has MSCC or Melasma Skin Clear Complexion Complex Formulation that deeply penetrates the inner layers of the skin to help normalize melanin levels.
• Pynocare is AN ALL-NATURAL treatment that presents NO SIDE EFFECTS.

The last statement gave me to courage to test this product out. Each Pynocare 40 Actisome contains Procyanidin + Vitamin C + Vitamin A and Vitamin E.  To those who wants to know what Procyanidin does for the body, they are abundant in dietary fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains.  It is a good source of antioxidant which can help clear out skin.

Sheet masking 101

 

Some of you ask me via DM if sheet masking are important.  There have been rounds of Tiktok videos saying sheet masking are useless.  

"To each their own."

I firmly believe sheet masks work!  I remembered having ultimate dry skin moment and I consistently used Hyaluronic sheet masks from Dr. Morita and it worked wonders!  I personally felt the difference so I highly recommend them.

To some who probably have normal skin, and are in very consistent with their skincare routine, maybe, you do not need this extra expense.

Sheet masking are my boost of skincare in less the time!  If you want super hydrated skin ready for an important event, they work!  That is why most makeup artist use this to prep their clients' skin instead of applying a whole round of skincare products - which, by the way is more expensive!  

At the end of the day, you do you!  I felt using sheet masks does not only improve my skin, it also helps my well-being!  I mean seriously, what fun it felt after removing the mask sheet!  I get instant soft, bouncy, smooth skin!

See?  The hydrated skin may last for only a couple of minutes but the confidence it gave me is worth it!  I felt like I won in the anti-aging department!  

Weekend Food Trip at: Yanzi, the Pot Rice Hub

I was ecstatic to be invited at a restaurant near my "hood".  Not really my hood but close to where we usually "food trip".  Yanzi Pot Rice opened its' doors to the public and my family and I were invited for a gastronomic experience.

I haven't written about my "weekend food trip" in such a LONG time - no thanks to COVID Pandemic, but thankfully, it was after weeks that we dined here and our family is safe and sound.

Now back to the restaurant.  YANZI, the Pot Rice Hub, is a Chinese restaurant founded by the same team of Lido Cocina Tsina.  Their signature dishes includes (their restaurant name) YanZi Pot Rice, a variety of Baked Rice and Oat Congee to name a few.  And guess what?  I was able to taste them all!

Miced Beef Oat Congee

For someone who felt weird eating congee not in breakfast time, this is definitely a nice twist to the usual congee!  It really has the texture of oatmeal with the legit taste of real beef congee.  I honestly love this so much even after reheating (yes we have extra servings to go), it tastes even better even after a day or 2!!!

HK Wanton Noodle Soup

This is a regular HK Wantong Noodle soup you can order in various Chinese restaurants but the Hakaw made this soup top notch!  You get a big serving of shrimps inside each Hakaw.  

Yanzi Rice

For someone who loves the combination of creamy dishes and something with tomato base (I could be wrong but I do taste a bit of that flavor), this is the best rice meal to go for!  The strips of minced pork with a sweet and tangy taste complimented the creamy seafood dish on the other side.  I just can't help but mix them both together and get a nice dynamite of unique flavors. 

 In Tagalog: "Hindi nakakaumay both dishes when you eat them together!"

Sizzling Mongolian Beef

One thing you have to know about this dish is the spiciness.  I used to be a top tier spicy dish "mukbanger" LOL but gone were those days when I had stomach ulcer.  It was a surprise for me that this dish is "Ma-la" spicy.  Mala is a type of spicy dish known in Szechuan restaurants that is why this came in as a surprise. 

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of this dish because it was really tender and delicious but I wish they have a non-spicy option?  I could ask when I head back.

Chicken and Chorizo Pot Rice

Now here we are, the real reason why this restaurant is unique as compared to others.  The presence of Pot Rice!  Imagine a mini pressure cooker?  Yup, that's the one!  

 
Each pot was made fresh, you can even take a peak by the clear glass window on how they prepare this dish!  The sauce and other condiments are added right at your table.

For some reason, I am not really a fan of Chorizo BUT, the rice, the chicken and sauce just go so well.  The flavors were packed right in every single rice grain, you can taste the fragrance of chicken, chorizo but not separately.  Basta ang bango bango niya but NOT overwhelming.  None of the ingredient overpower each other.

Sweet and Sour Pork

MY FAVORITE SWEET AND SOUR DISH OF THE YEAR!

I am serious!  I have tried so many sweet and sour dishes in all the Chinese restaurants I've been to and this is by far the best!  The breading is not too think and the sauce is not too sour or sweet.  It was just perfect and mind you, the meat is extremely tender I almost thought it was fish!

Macau Baked Rice

Though I love YANZI Fried Rice, my personal choice is this Macau Baked Rice coming from someone who isn't a fan of cheese ON rice!  

What cheese did they use?   It wasn't too salty, it doesn't overpower the rice even though I've got cheese all over my mouth!  ANG SARAP NIYA I was gushing over about this rice to my friends and they ended up ordering this too!

OMG Right?

Heaven!  My experience was so good I am ready to head back taking my parents with me!

A quick video on how I felt while eating each dishes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Yanzi, the Pot Rice Hub is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM located at 87 Banawe St. corner Samat St., Q.C

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

 

How To Use Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Cream

 

A lot of us are probably in-the-know when it comes to makeup correctors.  Here is a quick test ---

"Which color to use to counteract skin redness?"

3...

2...

1....

Did you get the right answer?

It is green! 

If you didn't get it, it's find.  It took me a while to really understand the concept of color correcting.  I mean not everyone is an artist (like my son!)  So, if you want to correct pimple marks or acne marks that are quite red, you use green makeup to "correct" the area before you apply foundation.  Most of the time, we use correctors like that of a concealer.  But recently, let's say fast forward to many years after, skincare is coming up with color correctors as well.  I haven't found a lot in other brands but I found it from Dr. Jart+.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Cream

Approx. Php1,999.00

Available at Lazada

Dr. Jart+ says ---

Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correcting treatment is the all-in-one treatment that includes a colour-changing capsule within the formula to cover blemishes and restore the look of the skin's strength, healthy and vitality.  It provides SPF22 PA++ protection from UV light, and it forms a dust barrier to protect the skin from the environment while enhancing the skin's viability.

AMW says---

I find this product a bit tricky to use at first because a little goes a very long way.  Putting a lot would make my skin look unnatural with dry patches (as I have dry skin).  Putting not enough won't cover skin's redness.  After trying this product out several times.  I've found the best way.

This product is best to be used after skincare.  This can be used together with your favorite sunscreen but I prefer to apply my sunscreen first then this as last step BEFORE makeup application.

Applying small amounts on key areas is the best way to apply, while skin is still hydrated from skincare, it is very easy to blend this product and add another layer if additional coverage is needed.  I also like to use this as a "spot treatment" instead of applying this cream all over face.  Why?  Because my whole face isn't red to start with, focusing only on red areas will even out my complexion thus creating healthy-looking, glowing skin.

Fur babies, ‘fur-rents’ bond over Doggo Pawty

 

Putting their best paw forward, Doggo brought ‘pawrents’ and their doggos closer through a fun-filled

experience at their Doggo Pawty held free for everyone at Bonifacio Global City recently. The Filipino-

owned dog brand organized the carnival-themed event with the mission of bolstering the bond between

pet owners and their fur babies through engaging activities.

With all things pets, a good owner knows how imperative it is to spend quality time with furry friends and pamper them with the best care. As a mutual believer, the brand kicked off their inaugural event by being a resource for quality dog welfare.

As pawfectly made by Doggo, cost-free in-house booths of varying dog services were built to cater to the pet attendees. This includes the Clinic where dogs had free vet check-ups, the Insurance which provided free insurance to secure them in case of emergencies, and the Photobooth for free and unlimited snaps so that fur moms and dads could capture and immortalize their special date with the fur babies.

There’s also a fulfilling feeling that one gets when welcoming a new furry family member home, and through Doggo and PAWSsion Project, an adoption drive was also assembled at the party. Established almost at the same time as Doggo, PAWSsion Project is a non-profit organization for dog rescue and rehabilitation which Doggo regularly collaborates with to spread awareness about the reality of strays in the country and drive up their adoptions. At the event, Doggo played matchmaker between stray dogs and dog lovers to help 15 stray dogs find their new homes.

Sealing the fun, dancing dog mascots, as well as internet-famous fur pets and parents such as Jack and the Balbons, Pamilya Balbons, Kier Bear, Baby Ginger, and Bogart & Betchay, also made it to the barking bash.

Kurt Cheng, Doggo’s CEO, launched the brand in 2019 with the purpose of delivering premium dog supplies and services for fur families. As an active advocate for bringing man’s best friend and their needs closer and more available, Cheng beams on the real essence behind organizing the Doggo Pawty.

“We did not want to make an event just for the sake of throwing one. It was important for us to launch it as a way of communicating and promoting better treatment for dogs – to consider them as a part of the family and not just as house guards or displays.”

Seeing the successful turnaround, Cheng sees the possibility of hosting the Doggo Pawty annually with aspirations of bringing fur families closer together and paving the way for more accessibility to top-class dog care, services, and products.

Through Doggo, hopefully, more exciting events await these pawesome pets and parents where they can strengthen their relationships and encourage more owners to do the same.