Shen's Addiction: body

One of the many dilemmas of Pinays is having a fair-looking body that matches their fair face. No worries, all women have this problem since we protect our face more often than our body. So the quest for even skin tone is one that many are surely familiar with. It’s a good thing we’re surrounded with products that cater to this specific need. Body soaps here and there are within our grasp. And I’m here to introduce you to one brand that promises a healthy fairness and they caught my attention. So much so that I used it immediately the moment I got it!

When I see papaya extract and Vitamin C on the packaging, I can’t help but take a second look. So I did when the Olay Natural White Body Bars landed on my doorstep today. Olay’s Natural White Body Bars intrigued me because of the claim that it helps whiten skin naturally. They released two body bars, one with papaya extracts and the other with vitamin C. And along with some of Olay’s skin care ingredients, I was more than convinced to try these soaps out.

From experience, using Papaya Extracts and Vitamin C has always helped my skin lighten. And not just the pasty-white fairness but rather one with a healthy glow to the skin. That’s what I love about fruit extracts, it gives real results plus added glow. And though I have not been a frequent user of Olay, having some of its key skin care ingredients sort of assures me that I’m giving my skin added boost.

Olay Natural White with Papaya Extracts

Unlike some papaya soaps I’ve tried in the past, this certain body bar differs in a way that my skin feels a little more supple and soft. Most run-off-the-mill papaya soaps are notorious in drying out skin that I would need to abuse my lotion afterwards. Here, however, I find that there’s a bounce on my skin and it feels smoother definitely. I don’t feel the need to rush applying lotion after bathing. I guess it has something to do with having Olay skin care ingredients in the mix. We all know how effective their skincare are.

Given that Papaya extracts are natural exfoliants, I notice that my skin feels incredibly smooth to touch. I was more convinced because my husband also took notice! 1 point for Olay, zero to the other brands I was using. Although I am at my fairest now (pregnancy and taking care of a newborn kind of took away my chance to go to the beach to get a good sunkissed tan) I look way too pasty! Friends usually associate my glow to being a new mom and finding true happiness in creating life, but seriously I think Olay Natural White with Papaya Extracts was the reason why my I look younger and brighter!

Olay Natural White with Vitamin C

I just love Vitamin C and I’m sure your skin will love it, too! During pregnancy, Vitamin C-based skin care was my salvation! It reduced the dull look my skin had. And I was sure glad that Olay Natural White offers the same for this certain body bar. Even as a wash-away product, you’ll feel it working. I notice a glow on my skin after just a few uses. The zesty yet subtle sent of it makes bathing a lot more luxurious. I just love the zesty feel of it that I do look forward bathing morning and night. Why? Because you’ll really see a difference! Skin is a lot clearer and it looks like it’s helping to lighten up my caesarean scar. Wow, right?

What I love about Olay Natural White body bars

Contains natural ingredients that’s been proven to lighten skin – papain extracts and vitamin C
Gives skin natural-looking glow
Affordable
Available in different sizes (for trial and continued use)
Sold in almost all groceries and department store nationwide
It’s Olay – a brand trusted for it efficacy to boost skin’s natural beauty

Heed my advice, when looking for ways to brighten up your skin, make it look glowing and fair, look for products that have papain extracts and/or vitamin C. These two ingredients are sure fire way of reviving dull-looking skin. Sure glad I found it with Olay Natural White body bars.

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Once in awhile, I indulge in some body loving with a body scrub. I would partner it usually with a massage afterward. But today, I did something different. For someone who isn't into whitening, I am pretty much doing a lot of things that has to do with whitening. Fortunately though, I'm not the only one.

Women now can benefit with a little lightening treatment. I found that Flawless Body Scrub with Bleach as one of the most convenient, non-evasive treatments there is to achieve a body that is fairer and younger-looking.

The Body Scrub with Bleach

This two hour treatment was pretty intensive, in my opinion. The Body Scrub and Bleach started off with a dead sea salt scrub to removes lingering dead skin cells from my body. The scrub ensures that the bleach will be absorbed to make my skin lighter. After the scrub, I was asked to wash it off at the shower area. Second part of treatment was the application of Body Bleach. The back of my body went first. I felt like bread being buttered up with the cool bleach solution was being applied. My aesthethician told me that she would have to leave the solution to dry and then she would be back again for the last application on the rest of my body. After each side of body was coated and dry with bleach, I showered again for the last part of the treatment. The aesthetician applied the Body Bleach Lotion that would aid the whole treatment as well as keep my skin soft and supple.

To summarize, the steps are:
1. Body Scrub (to remove dead skin cells)
2. Bleach Solution Application (front and back)
3. Body Bleach Lotion (to keep skin from drying)

What are the results afterward?

After treatment, you will notice that your skin is glowing and feels a lot smoother compared to how it was before.

After a few days, you'll notice that there is a small significant change in skin tone. Dark spots are less noticeable.

I was told that the Body Scrub with Bleach is best partnered with other body whitening treatments such as intake of gluthatione medicine or gluta-injectibles.

How was the treatment for you?

As for me, I quite thoroughly enjoyed the treatment irregardless whether I am into whitening or not. I love that I have an alternative to whitening treatments or that I could partner this with any treatments I want. I'm sure my mom would want this treatment if she was here to treat it. I felt refreshed and invigorated after the body scrub while the body bleach process gave me time to just be by myself and rejuvenate my mind. Waiting for the bleach to dry up gave me a good amount of idle time to just relax my thought. It really was something.

How's the Flawless Clinic for Body Treatments?
I am also very impressed with the privacy that Flawless provides their clients. Not once was there a knock at the treatment room I was in.

I think it wouldn't take a long time for me to try this body treatment again. Php2000.00 per session, I think this will go on the Indulge Yourself pile.

When is the best time to get body bleaching?
I would recommend body bleaching after the summer season where in exposure to sun is lesser. From there on, once or twice amount for the next 4 months are my recommended time to get this done.

What are other things should we do to get the best out of this Body Scrub with Bleach Treatment?

Try to avoid any sun-exposing activities that would hinder for the body bleach to work as you would tan again. If you would want a significant change and truly see whitening results, I suggest taking whitening supplements, use of whitening soap and lotion even at home and applying liberal amounts of sunscreen as well avoid the sun as much as you could.

For what purposes should one try Body Scrub with Bleach?

Not only is this supplementary to other whitening treatments you are undergoing, this is also a nice way to relax your mind and body from the stress of the city. I personally would love the alone time again. Also, if you have an event like weddings, debuts or anything that would require your good skin to shine, this treatment is good way to bring out the best of your skin. This treatment won't exactly wow you, it would definitely just show how beautiful your skin really is.

much love,
Shen

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I don't live healthy. I don't eat healthy. In fact, I don't eat vegetables. I am a social and emotional smoker. But to normal people, I am a plain smoker. I learned how to drink alcohol from an early age. And I don't mean red wine, that can also be healthy for us. No, I like gin, vodka, rum and other sorts of liquor. I like oily foods and I'm in love with sugary-sweets. Not to mention that I don't exercise or do I sleep early. I don't take 8 glasses a day. Eight glasses of coke, maybe but hardly water. And Starbucks, oh boy oh boy can I down ventis like it was last supper.

There I said it... It's hard but I finally said it.

This is my confession. For not treating my body right and for abusing it like it could hold me up forever. The fact is, it can't. I'm twenty-six years old and waking up in the morning was awfully hard for me for the past few months. I feel tired most of the time. After a day's work, I find myself less productive. I realized that I want to feel better and yes, a good part of me want to look better as well.

Finally, after years of denial... I am ready to admit that I am unhealthy.

And I am here to take action...

Nadine's consulting area inside Organic Rituals Nail and Body Spa

Nadine Tengco

When I went to Organic Rituals for a SPArty with fellow bloggers, I got to meet Nadine Tengco, a US Certified Nutritionist. She is partnering with Organic Rituals on a treatment (and more to come in the coming months) called Before The Day Program. It is Detox Plan that will benefit anyone who wishes to lose minimal amount of weight to ensure that you will look your best on your important date. Be it graduation, evening out with your friends, presentation or better yet, your wedding. To better explain this to you, I've cut and paste the fact sheet of Before The Big Day from Nadine Tengco's IHealth site.

What is BEFORE THE BIG DAY™ DETOX PLAN?

BEFORE THE BIG DAY™ is a breakthrough “waist-loss” detox and skin glow program designed by Nadine Tengco, a US Certified Fitness Nutritionist and Weight Loss Specialist.

It features phyto-nutrient dense and antioxidant-rich “fresh” functional foods plus detoxifying spa treatments designed to minimize belly bloat, flush inflammation, and maximize skin glow.

BEFORE THE BIG DAY™ can also jumpstart a weight-loss program or break a weight-loss plateau. It helps people lose up to 3 inches in waist size or reduce body weight and fat in time for them to look their best, at a wedding or an important event; for a photo-shoot or a public performance; or simply to dazzle a special someone.

How does it work? “Miraculous Makeover”

AT least 4-6 days before your big event, you will benefit from a gentle system detox as a result of a diet plan consisting mostly of fresh, additive-free, nutrient-dense, functional foods that fight inflammation and reduce abdominal bloating. The nutritionally balanced hypoallergenic diet includes all 5 major food groups while substituting non-dairy milk enriched with Vitamins A, D, E, and Calcium for the milk, yogurt and cheese group. It eliminates top food allergens, which your body may have been “quietly fighting” for years through immune responses that clog up the liver’s detox pathways. It also temporarily eliminates “gassy foods” to ensure your stomach isn’t bloated or distended for your most important event.

One day BEFORE THE BIG DAY™, you then escape for a whole day at the Organic Rituals spa where you are lavished with detoxifying body treatments while being served phytonutrient-dense cleansing soups and antioxidant-rich detox juices.

The SPA-day experience is designed to assist the detoxification process, banish belly bloat and restore skin luster. Once you begin to detoxify with the hypoallergenic diet, stored toxins are released into the system for removal. The manual procedures and body treatments will facilitate a full system flush after a week-long detox diet. The phytonutrients in the vegetable cleansing soups aid in flushing, while the antioxidants in the detox juices aid in reducing inflammation and bloating.

Jumpstart Weight-Loss

Healthy leanness results from a well-functioning metabolism that can: eliminate toxins or unnecessary nutrients in the form of waste; convert food into useable energy; store glucose as glycogen and excess calories as fat for future use. Our ability to cope with “toxic load” is highly individual, but WEIGHT GAIN is always a sign that demands outweigh support. Thus, the health of your essential detox organs – liver and kidneys – should always be addressed as part of any good weight loss plan.

We already know that a high sugar and saturated fat diet causes inflammation and obesity. But what is not commonly known is that food sensitivities to common allergens like gluten, dairy, wheat, soy, etc… can also cause inflammation; fat and water retention. After a low allergen diet, a person tends to lose fat more efficiently as well as eliminate inflammation that causes weight gain.

Break Weight-Loss Plateau

Our body is naturally designed to vigorously defend a weight set-point that it considers safe and “normal.” When the thresholds are threatened by fat and weight loss, our metabolism slows down forcing our body to settle into a weight loss plateau. To sustain weight loss, our body needs to feel “safe enough” to let go – feeling safe means restoring a smooth flow of “chatter” within our systems through our hormones. Detoxification assists in restoring hormonal balance and fosters our body’s ability to handle its own hormones. Rebalancing our chemistry allows the brain to switch our metabolism from a fat-storing mode, to a fat-losing mode.

I don't have a big day coming up. But with the benefits that Before The Big Day Program have, I am more than ready to try it. So, I did.

On our first casual meeting, I admit that I got intimidated by Nadine. She look so put together... fabulous with an air of confidence. :) I thought that when I start telling her about my eating habits that she'll tell me I'm hopeless. I'm glad she told me I'm not. We had a long talk about a lot of things like what I like and don't like to eat. She already advised on things that I need to do if I mean to take on the Before The Big Day Program. Nadine made me a answer a series of questionnaire that will tell her of my eating habits. Then, she weighed me. Did you know that I'm now 115 pounds? I was less than 110 when I entered law school and less than 100 when I was in college. But I felt a bit relief because I got into a 125 pounds weight after Christmas.

On our second meeting, Nadine checked my waistline and there the problem lay. My tummy is big, very very big for my size (I'm 4'11). I didn't even bother asking her how many inches I am for fear I'd go into nervous breakdown. And believe me, I don't need the numbers to tell me how big my tummy and abdomen is. I am large, I admit.

Nadine then proceeded to explain to me the foods that I am to eat during the detox phase as well the food that I'm not suppose to eat. There are some negotiations that occurred but other things are totally non-negotiable.

All detox plan and weight loss varies between individuals. My plan may not be the same as yours so I caution everyone to consult a nutritionist prior to doing what I am about to share on this post and the upcoming ones. Make sure to consult your doctor as well.

Guess what? I'm not allowed to eat meat, dairy and oily food. I can't have yogurt for the duration of seven days and a few more after that. Nadine taught me a lot of things that I would otherwise know. It was really a rude awakening on how the food I use to eat aggravated on making my tummy this big. It was sad really. I was also scared that I won't be enjoying the food that I'm allowed to eat and drink. To the contrary I am enjoying it.

My meal today consisted of:

Paksiw na Bangus.
Half cup of white rice with Turmeric and Pandan Leaves
Coffee with Rice Milk and Coco Sugar
Lemongrass water
Papaya smoothie with Malunggay Powder (it's yummy!)
Pandan Water
Saba with Coco Sugar (cooked by banana-que in olive oil)
Stir fry veggies (carrots and potato) in small amount of olive oil.

Last night, I had Papaya-Melon-Mango Smoothie with Malunggay and Pan-grilled Salmon.

There's the occasional craving for sweets, especially now that my period is nearly due. But I feel optismitic. I know I need to be. Already, I feel a small change in me. When I was running a while ago, I didn't feel that much tired. I even danced at our court. Then when I came up, I even did a few sit-ups.

I'm doing all this to regain back what I lost and lose what I don't need. I know I have to fix myself. And Nadine said I was on the right track of taking action with my body first. Our body is like a car that needs to be in a fit condition to enable us to travel where we want without any part of it breaking down. Our body is our tool in achieving our dreams.

I would want to see my children married and settled. I don't want to die off on them just like what my mom did. I need my body to function as long as it could so I can see my grandchildren and so that Ron and I could have more time to love each other. I want to explore my country without having to worry if I can eat anything there or if my health can't take it. I want to be able to do many things like go to work, blog, attend events and still have time for my family and myself. I want to be everything that I wasn't when mom was here. I want to be healthy for her.

It's not easy. Nothing like this could be easy for a person like me. I know that. I know that when I'm at the middle of the Detox program, I'd probably sleep walk and finish off the meringue I put on top of my cabinet. Already, I try not to look at commercials with food on it lest I drive to the nearest resto and order me a bandihado, coke and some lechong kawali. Running may become a bore to me after a few days and I'd probably complain of body aches every morning. It's not going to be easy and I expect it not to be.

But I've already conquered the hardest hurdle of them all, to begin this and finally start to lose weight and be healthy. I already got a nutritionist to help me, went to the grocery to buy the necessary things I need for this Detox, to eat those food and to exercise. All I have to do is just hang on and do it all over again (eating and exercising part) for the next few days and it will be a breeze from there. :)

It's not so bad, I'm telling you. And I do look forward to my last day which is the Spa Day, eating those nutritious food while getting my nails done. We might sneak in massage afterwards.

I really can't wait to be healthy and sexy!! Okay, the sexy part may take a while... :)

much love,
Shen

P.S. Thanks to Sire Arevalo for introducing me to Organic Rituals.

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Acnotin/Acnetrex (Isotretinoin)

I've received numerous inquiries when I started taking Acnotin or commonly called Acnetrex.

As you all know, I have had troubles with acne and enlarged pores since my pubescent age. For years, I suffered number of treatments just so that it would lessen. But unfortunately, my acne would always come back. :(

Prior to taking Acnetrex, my skin was breaking out so bad. But only a few days of taking Acnotin (2x a day), I already saw changes. My skin felt drier and my acne were slowly healing. To a point that I had to use moisturizer because my skin was too parched. I love the effect on it that I was determined to finish the whole pack.

Unfortunately, the side effect deterred me from taking it further. I was zoning out so bad that I could not concentrate in driving. My eyesight was extremely unreliable even when I was wearing my prescription glasses. Having unhealthy eating and sleeping habits is not the best partner when driving and drinking Acnotin. Due to my zoning out, I got to a small car accident (no one got hurt). Yes, it was that worst for me. It wouldn't have been so bad but I didn't anticipate that I would need to drive when I decided to take Acnotin. It was actually provided in the form inside the box that drivers should take extra precaution and those with high grade prescription glasses should avoid taking this medicine. Truly, mine felt a bit neurological. I had a hard time concentrating and such. And my body would not function the same way at it use to.

Another is the fact i can't get pregnant. When the significant other and I decided to have babies in the next two years, I knew I had to stop taking Acnetrex since it takes a year of to safely say I can get pregnant without causing fetal problems and birth defects. I thought it wouldn't really bother me not to get pregnant yet but during the time I was taking the Acnetrex, it has always been a lingering thought in my head. :(

To answer all questions if the medication, Acnotin, works. It really does! Until recently, I have not experienced a bit of break out except one or two cystic hormonal acnes during the red flag days and it wasn't that severe. I think that even if I'm not taking it any longer, the high dosage of such drug is still working.

As much as I love the fabulous looking skin this medication has been giving me, I can't risk my safety as well as my future children for it.

Maybe if I'm younger, I wouldn't mind all the side effects since I wasn't driving nor wanting to have babies then. So, I'm back to expensive skin care, concealers and foundations... Good thing though that there are a lot of products available out there to keep even just a few of my pimples off of my face.

Another thing is that I'm taking a severe action now in balancing my eating habits. I am about to undergo a Detox Treatment that I will be sharing to you guys. Not only will I lose the unwanted extra weight but it promises to give me healthy looking skin. But this will take a lot more effort and no shortcuts. For healthier skin and body that will lead to better functioning of the mind, then I'm all over it.

I'm not saying that Acnetrex is not for everyone. It just isn't for me. I realized that I am too old for it nor it is healthy for me. I'm happy for those who found their way around Acnetrex's side effecst (I even envy them a bit). I also don't regret taking it. It has made me feel beautiful and made using makeup easier for me. In taking Acnetrex, I have experienced clear skin that requires no makeup at all.

Now that I can't take it any longer, I am determined to do the healthier way of maintaining such clear skin even if it takes triple the effort and the price.

So, there goes my bittersweet journey with Acnetrex. I will update you soon regarding my detailed experience in my detox treatment as soon as I have started on it. :)

much love,
Shen

P.S. Please only consult PDS accredited Dermatologist if you want to take Acnotin/Acnetrex. DON'T TAKE THIS THROUGH SELF-PRESCRIPTION. utang na loob.

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photo courtesy of J&J and photographer Jeanne Young

Is the question that has been bothering me for years especially now when I read the editorial of Zo Aguila in the August 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan Philippines.

So, am I? I have ultimately big belly from years of drinking sodas. I have arms that screams fat and hairy parts that is just to embarrassing to speak off. Although I find myself always wearing sexy clothes esp during parties, I would be aware of how I sit down and move so my big belly won't show. Though I wear tube and off-shoulder dresses, I cringe on seeing my picture because I only see my arms. And I pay a lot of money to have my legs and underarm hairswaxed off. When people compliment me on my style or my figure, I would put them off by saying that its not true and follow it up with "NO, I'm fat!"

I don't have the skinny figure that is seen on every magazine, billboards and of course even my friends. I can't wear a bikini unless i know I'm in the company of people whom I'm comfortable with and knows my figure (or lack thereof).

So the obvious answer to the question is a big whopping YES! I am body conscious.

I am too hard on myself, right? Apparently, I am not alone in this ordeal. There is even a medical term for the severe type of body consciousness, called body dysmorphic disorder or BDD. BDD represents the extreme of Bad body image that hinders a person to function well on a daily basis because of being fixated or obsessed with the flaws in their bodies. To know if one has this, you must be completely obsessed in your appearance and go through extreme lengths to change it like continuous cosmetic surgeries. Consult also a medical expert to know if you have BDD.

I am quite sure that I don't have BDD but I am nevertheless conscious of my body and silently wish that I look like some of the models that I meet. They seem to have no limitation with how they move and what to wear.

However, being the cheerful-always-looking-at-the-bright-side Shen that I am, I always find ways to see myself in the good light (literally and non-literally). I also make the effort of finding non-evasive ways to improve how I look. There is life after big tummy after all and I can't let the fats around my arms disrupt me from fulfilling my goals.

So how did I survive all these years with being body concsious?

1. Knowing how to pose. If you watch the Tyra Banks Show and America's Next Top Model, you know several ways to pose that will minimize your flaws and maximize your assets. Skim through magazines and practice the poses that the actresses make on the red carpet.

2. Stand up straight. Being aware of your spine and straightening it always provide a look of confidence that even at your worst day, you'd look 10 feet tall and fabulous. But don't make yourself look like a military soldier.

3. Eating right without starving yourself. Ok, I admit this one is hard especially when manang cook porkchops. But you don't have completely devoid yourself of many sumptuous meals. Simply eat in moderation. One porkchop is enough instead of your usual 2.

4. Have some fashion courage. Stop limiting yourself with with what you wear!! I admire Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Tyra Banks and Oprah in their fashion forward outfits especially on the red carpet. Not only Paris Hilton can pull off a Herve couture, you know. :) Be a little adventurous by buying outfits that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do. Usually, I can pull off a tube dress by simply wearing a stylish belt to side my tummy.

5. Use body enhancing products wisely. Do not by all means use anything that is not FDA approved. There many products in the market now that promises to reduce body fats in certain parts of the body, to eliminate cellulites or whiten skin. Always do some research before buying any of these or consult your doctor.

Personally, I use products that is easily found in groceries or reputable online shops. Veet is my friend in terms of waxing, Johnson's Body Care 24 hour Lasting Moisture to keep my skin soft, Silka Papaya for whitening and Indigo Baby Yummy Mummy Anti-stretchmark Oil. These are not miracle products but what I consider to be working for me despite the slow process.

6. Exercise. An adequate amount of physical activity will not only help you lose weight or tone your muscles but ultimately make you feel more good about yourself.

7. Learn to love what you have and don't have. I've resigned myself that I will never be too thin or tall enough. Bottom line is, physical appearance isn't worth that much if you don't know your true worth. Surround yourself with positiveness. :)

Hope I was able to help you, body conscious girls out there. We are all in a struggle in a world that rotates around physical beauty.

much love,
Shen

credits:
BDD reference from Shape Magazine, June 2002, by Michelle Stacey found on this site.
Red Carpet photos of Leighton Meester and America Ferrera from this site.

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