Make Me Blush! the total nail experience

I'm a big fan of nail care salons, as I always find it a need to take care of this part of the body.

After all they say,cleanliness is next to Godliness, and what better way to show it by paying attention to the little details (the devil is after all in the details). 

So, when a friend invited me to join her in this new nail care salon, syempre Go na aketch!

The very colorful and welcoming interiors

The ever friendly staff, who redid my polish, and even gave me temp slippers, as my sandals had smudged my new nail coat.

Check out their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/makemeblush

Make me Blush is located at 

• Hemady Square Unit 303 86 Dona Hemady Street Corner E. Rodriguez Ave.
• Quezon City, Philippines
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An active campaign against aging

by Ana Valenzuela

(Published in the Manila Standard Today newspaper on 2011/october/27.)

When your hand touches your cheek, notice the change in consistency of your skin, then you look in to the mirror, fine lines, especially in the eye area, are visible. It is not the same as before—unlike the times when your face was smooth and rosy. These changes are clear signs of aging. Aging begins early on, and is already a given fact that everyday and every second we age.

According to Ellaine Eusebio-Galvez, MD, member of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Member of the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, “Everyday we age. There’s intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is something that happens inside our bodies, whether we like it or not. Our cells grow old, and they show signs afterwards. Extrinsic aging comes from the environmental factors, like exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet rays, stress, pollutants and chemicals that we apply to our skin.

“With these aging processes, we develop fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentations, open pores, sagging of the skin, deep lines. These are the things that anybody wouldn’t want to have, thus a need for an anti-aging regimen,” says Galvez.

Anti-aging would have to start early on, even in your 20s’ and when you get to your 30’s to 40’s that is the time it should be intensified. However there are many products out in the market, how would you know which is the best for you?

Neo Strata recently launched a new anti-aging line, Skin Active. It was launched February this year in the US and now has reached Philippine shores. Skin Active attends to women who have reached their 40’s and in need for a more comprehensive and strong anti-aging regimen. The brand launched the Skin Active Exfoliating Wash, Skin Active Matrix Support, Skin Active Cellular Restoration and Skin Active Eye Therapy.

The ingredients of the product are those of a promising anti-aging skin care regimen. “We combined not only our core technology, the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and the polyhydroxy acid (PHA),” says Leigh Ann Caitlin, vice president of International Business Development of NeoStrata Company, Inc., “but we combined them with other technology—peptides, apple stem cell extract, and antioxidants.”

The PHAs and AHAs enhance skin renewal or cellular turnover and exfoliation, resulting in noticeably smoother skin and a brighter, more even skin tone. They also plump skin resulting in fuller, younger looking skin with visibly fewer lines and wrinkles. While the new technology of peptides serves as a cellular messenger to stimulate new collagen, restoring a more youthful look and at the same time stimulates the natural process of extracellular matrix restoration, building the skin’s matrix or structure for a smoother, more lifted look. The new technology of apple stem cells has been derived from rare Swiss Uttwiler Spätlauber apples. It has been proven to protect and maintain the function of human skin stem cells, preserving the skin’s youthfulness and vitality.

“There is no single product that could address aging skin. This is why Neo Strata have combined all these active ingredients. Apart from the usual anti-aging ingredients that have already been proven to be effective and safe, the new super antioxidants are very good and have clinical basis,” says Galvez.

You need not worry of the results as Skin Active has been clinically proven. In a test done, Asian skin has shown improvement, with less wrinkles, uneven skin tones, fines lines, a big 36 percent from baseline. This was even better than the Caucasian’s which is 26 percent from baseline.

“People who don’t have the time or the budget to have a laser treatment or some other type of cosmetic procedure, they can get good effective results just by using these products at home,” Caitlin assures.

The Skin Active line could be used on a daily basis and should be infused to the daily skin care regimen. “We looked at many anti-aging ingredients and really picked these based on how they work together. You’ll get benefits from the individual products but it is designed to be used together. They have better benefits to the skin when they work together instead of separately,” says Caitlin.

Ask your doctor about it.

Double-Check Your Daily Regimen

Double-Check Your Daily Regimen
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD April 2011

Cleanse, tone, moisturize. Brush your teeth daily, three times a day. We all know these beauty and personal care daily drills. We all do them. But are you doing them right? Sometimes, you might be bothered by an irritating pimple growing, or a toothache. If you’re confident that you are taking care of yourself, check again. There might be something wrong with your daily regimen.
We asked two experts, Dr. Mia Nuqui of Dermaline Facial and Skin Care Center and Dr. Cherrie Anne Cruz of Metrodental, on the proper ways of taking care of yourself.

Skin Care Wash machine. According to Dr. Nuqui, your daily facial skin care regimen should depend on your skin type. There are four skin types—oily, normal, dry, and combination—which means you have an oily T-zone, while the other parts of your face are dry. She says, “For normal skin, washing with soap and water is usually enough. For oily skin, a toner or astringent might help minimize the oil. If you have dry skin, use a moisturizer.” Product adjustments. Says Dr. Nuqui, “It is just basic soap and water or facial cleanser adjusting to your skin type. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize is the usual regimen. Most Filipinos have combination skin.There are areas that you need to moisturize and tone down. You may adjust the product you use depending on your skin type. The usual is the cream-based moisturizer and gel-based and water-based moisturizers. If you are on the oily side, opt for the water-based moisturizer which is not as heavy.” Show off your back. A common skin problem is also the acne on the back and the chest. Doctor Nuqui says not to worry as it’s most commonly seen in teenagers and those in their early 20s. “Some say it’s because of the shampoo that has not been properly washed off, but it is all hormonal,” she adds. “You can’t really prevent it, but it can be managed through back cleaning and applications to dry up the pimples.” She said it is best to avoid stress and to get more sleep to beat acne. Real peel. Our skin has natural exfoliation every two weeks. There may be times, though, that dead skin cells would not peel off. On the use of exfoliating products, Doctor Nuqui says, “Basically, if you have normal skin, you may use exfoliation two to three times a week. If you have oily skin, you may have more than that. If you have dry skin, it would strip off more oil, which would make it more prone to skin problems.” Ban the sun. Doctor Nuqui stresses the importance of sunblock, not only when swimming or going to the beach, but in your daily skin care. She says, “You really need sunblock. When you have it, it prevents a lot of skin problems, and helps diminish skin aging and photo aging. Your skin will really age—it has natural aging. But when it is constantly exposed to the sun, mas bumibilis because of photo aging.” Hair care Wet look. For clean, smooth hair, cleansing and moisturization are of utmost importance. Doctor Nuqui advises the use of mild shampoo, and conditioner if you have dry hair. She adds, “It’s not advisable to repeat shampoo because after a while, there would be build-up. So from time to time, return to baby shampoo and scalp-cleansing shampoo.” Bye bye, dandruff. Dandruff has no known cause. Some say it’s because of growth of yeast or irritation on scalp, while some say it’s because of stress. To prevent dandruff, Doctor Nuqui says, “Avoid getting too sweaty and using the wrong shampoo. The wrong shampoo is breeding ground for yeast, as some say, although this is really not the main cause of dandruff.” Dental Care Smile like you mean it. How do you get those pearly whites? There’s neither a preferred toothbrush nor toothpaste, but there’s a proper way of brushing. Says Dr. Cruz, “It is not the number of times you brush. If you brush your teeth for fives times, but it’s not the proper way—quick brushing, and not up and down motion and not reaching the gums—then it is useless. You always brush up and down or in circular motion, sa labas, then you go sideways sa loob, normally for three to five minutes. Then you have to have your toothbrush changed every three to five months.” There will be blood. Dr. Cruz says there’s an adverse effect of overbrushing. If you brush sideways or too vigorously, your gums tend to shrink. There would be a recession, which leads to sensitivity. Don’t be scared at the sight of blood. Bleeding is an indication that you have healthy gums. But profuse bleeding because of improper brushing is a different story. Floss and rinse. Apart fom brushing, there are other ways to clean your teeth. Dr. Cruz says mouthwashes and rinses are okay, but they are more of mouth flavoring and they have an antibacterial effect, although it’s not that potent. “Flossing helps because it removes all the plaque and debris in between teeth or what we call interproximal spaces or those areas that cannot be reached by toothbrush,” she adds. “Floss at least once a day, even at night.” The dental chair. Go for dental checkups twice a year or every six months. Dr. Cruz recommends a visit to your dentist not just for cleaning but for checkup. “There are some patients who neglect to see the dentist every six months. You may not know it—especially when you don’t feel pain—but there could be a cyst growing inside your mouth. Have your dentist check whether you have cavities, gum diseases, and infections,” she says. Dermaline Facial and Skin Care Center is located at EDSA Greenfield Pavillon, Guadalupe, Magallanes, Tutuban, and Araneta Cubao. Metrodental is located at Robinsons Manila.

Rhian Ramos ‘Anything Is possible’

Rhian Ramos

‘Anything Is possible’

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

MOD OCtober 2010

WITH three regular shows on GMA-7—Illumina, Kaya ng Powers, and Party Pilipinas— it is amazing that Rhian Ramos manages to make time for herself and her friends.

She says she gets organized and manages her time with the help of her HTC Smart phone which acts as a social calendar and mini computer all in one device. “It really is different when they make the phone easy to use. Who cares about a phone if you can’t do anything with it? I’m not the most technologically savvy person, but I can do much with it,” Rhian says of her phone.

Carry-all. I’m a music lover, I like a phone that can carry music so hindi ako ‘yung type ng tao na maraming gadgets all at once. I don’t carry a bag, so I want everything in my phone. It is a camera, a music player, and a handy computer that I bring about just anywhere. My whole life is practically stored in here--my entire social life, work life, my schedule. I just pocket it with me and bring it anywhere. I cannot live home without my phone. One time umabot na ako ng Quezon City, and I live in Alabang, pinabalik ko talaga ‘yung kotse kasi buhay ko nga ito.

Accidents happen. I was on my way to a taping in Subic. I got lost. Then a car bumped the rear of my car. Thankfully, I was not hurt. That was it. The insurance will take care of it.

Aljur to the rescue. Aljur Abrenica always comes to my rescue when I am hungry. I need not say anything -- somehow he knows I am craving for something and he sends his driver with the food I am craving for. One time I bought four pieces of yema candies for myself. Aljur found out I like such candies so one time, when we were taping in Pampanga, he bought me a bag of yemas.

Anything is possible. Is there a possibility of anything romantic happening between Aljur and me? Anything is possible. But as much as possible, I focus more on my work. Hindi naman kami pumupunta ng taping para magligawan. But anything is possible. We do not know what might happen in the future. I don’t know if there will be anything with us. I’m not saying that there is, but I’m not saying that it is impossible.

It can happen to anybody. I just heard about what happened to Sarah Geronimo's dad -- you know, when a guy attempted to con him. It can happen to anybody. It's scary. I don't have bodyguards. when I need to get something from my car, I go get it myself. My mom often worries about me. Like I thought nothing of my recent car accident. But my mom, she was worried sick.

No gap. There were rumors that Marian Rivera and I have some gap. I don't think so. I haven't seen her since I guested on her show (Show Me Da Manny). Even when Dong (Dingdong Dantes) and I worked together (for Stairway to Heaven), Marian and I didn't see each other. She once said she was not jealous about Dong and I working together. So there--we didn’t have any gap.

Skin Assets

Skin Assets

BY ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

PUBLISHED MOD AUGUST 2010

“MOST of us have insecurities. Sometimes an insecurity is not that even big a thing, like having a chicken pox mark. It may be small, but then it’s a kilometer scar on the heart because it affects your life. It affects how you feel about yourself, your self-confidence,” says Dra. Vicki Belo.

These insecurities hinder us from showing a side of the cheek when smiling in a picture, donning sleeveless blouses, or wearing pencil cut skirts. This is probably why one of the best investments today is having good skin as it also boosts one’s self confidence. “Having a good skin is important. It is routinary for people go to beauty institutions every month to make sure that they don’t have whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.” she says. “I think people should pay more attention to skin care especially because we put so many products on our face like makeup and lotion.”

“The universal features that I consider beautiful are beautiful hair and clear skin,” says Dra. Belo. “Other people have different taste and requirement. For example, the Americans like us for our flat nose. They find it beautiful. Some people like chinita eyes, some like deep-set eyes. But the one thing that everybody agrees on is beautiful hair and clear skin.”

Dr. Belo helps us achieve that clear, flawless skin with these treatments that her clinic offers. Be advised that these treatments are case-to-case basis, and that good skin can never be achieved without follow-up and maintenance.

Glycopeel Cleaning

A skin treatment which makes use of different concentrations of fruit acids and glyocolic acid, it extracts pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, and exfoliates dead skin cells. Best for oily and acne-prone skin.

Time Needed: Treatment takes 30-45 minutes, and regular cleaning can be done once a week.

Power Peel

Power peel or microdermabrasion makes use of corundum oxide crystals to gently remove dead skin and vacuum deeper layers. This is recommended for acne scars and fine lines. This can be used to improve marks and is best for teenagers and those in their early 20s.

Time Needed: Treatment takes around 20 minutes. Regular cleaning can be done once a week

Botox

Botox is used widely for the elimination of wrinkles which can be found between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and smile lines around the eyes. It relaxes the muscles around the area where the botox was injected. Fine lines are not guaranteed to be removed with this treatment. The patient can see the effect after a week’s time, and usually lasts for three to six months, depending on maintenance.

Time Needed: Treatment may be done two to four times a year

Thermage

This is a one-time treatment which makes use of radio frequency technology which has been clinically proven to tighten ad gently lift the skin to smooth out the wrinkles and renew facial contours. It has been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs for the non-invasive treatment of facial wrinkles. Full results may be seen after three to six months and can last up to two years depending on maintenance.

Time Needed: May be repeated after six months

Fraxel

Fraxel laser treatment is a new technology which exfoliates and improves scars. It is a nonsurgical procedure used for the treatment of the acne scars. An erbium glass laser is used for fractional resurfacing procedure to stimulate the scar. Patients have the option of procedure to be done with either a cream anesthesia or a sedative for those sensitive to pain,

Time Needed: 20 minutes each treatment, 5 to 6 sessions from two to four weeks

VBeam

A versatile pulsed dye laser that treats a wide range of vascular tension such as facial veins, facial, neck, and chest redness, blue spots on lips, leg veins, warts, scars, and stretch marks, the VBeam has a unique Dynamic Cooling Device which sprays cryogen into the epidermis for a quick and effective cooling and protective effect.

Time: Two to four treatments performed six weeks apart.

Body Scrub with Bleach

The body scrub exfoliates the skin, making it supple and smooth. Most of the patients who go for a body scrub also opt for body bleaching. Sea salt and honey almond scrub are used to gently remove dead dry, rough skin, while grapeseed extract, AHA, and licorice are used to whiten the skin. This procedure can be followed up with whitening creams and lotions that patients may apply at home.

Time: The procedure takes about 45 minutes and can be done one to three times a week for 10 to 12 sessions

Sally Hansen now available in the Philippines

Want bright colored nails in as fast as 60 seconds?
Wait no more as Sally Hansen manicure and pedicure was recenlt launched here in the Philippines.

Done in 60 seconds!

Sally Hansen is available in all leading department stores.

the cut

Don't know if i'm suddenly so afraid of getting my hair cut. but ever since i got my hair rebonded, i had this fear that if i have it cut, it won't be the same again. Emie of freshaire, did make it easier. she offered kind words of advice like what was the right length for me, and what type of treatments should i get since my hair was rebonded.



I also get my nails manicured, although I was irritated when the manicurist eho was doing the nail art said, "baka hindi mo ma-appreciate dahil hindi ka marunong mag-appreciate ng art."


Even though her comment was rather degrading, I didn't retort anything bad, because after all, I am still under her care, mind you ha, I left pa tip.


Well, I did get what i wanted, a subtle art on my nail, rather than the one that she was pushing, a beach ekek...