Anti-Ageing, Health and Wellbeing

As an anti-ageing scientist who studied at The Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy (ITHMA), London; I am very fond of essential oils. For more than 15 years, I have been developing and perfecting haircare formulas to slow down my own hereditary hair loss.

There are 3 major skin components known as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid which provide a structure and give our skin its strength, elasticity and resilience. Ageing causes the degradation of these components, however studies showed that these 10 skincare ingredients slow down and reverse the signs of ageing.

In hair follicles, testosterone gets converted to dihydrotestosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR). A study published in the International Journal of Trichology suggested that Caffeine may reduce the activity of 5-alpha-reductase. Hence, caffeine seems to help prevent the hair follicles from shrinking.

Essential oils have long been used to improve health and wellbeing including preventing and reducing cellulite, the dimpled, orange-peel skin commonly seen on the thighs, buttocks and hips of women. With the current knowledge in herbal medicine, aromatherapy has gained a tremendous respect from medical practitioners.

Saccharide Isomerate boosts the hyaluronic acid production in the skin by up to 66% and reduces the appearance of wrinkles by up to 79.3%. It delivers long-lasting hydrating and smoothing effects for up to 72 hours. It reduces flakiness, itchiness, dryness, tightness while improves skin smoothness and softness by 50%.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine is a nano peptide extracted from the outer shells of shellfish. Studies showed that it penetrates deeper into the skin to boost cell renewal, reduce age spot (hyperpigmentation) and other signs of ageing. N-Acetyl Glucosamine prevents the excess melanin production while increases the collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis by 107%.

Also known as ubiquinone, coenzyme Q10 plays a key role in generating energy and protecting our body from free radicals. Topical application of coenzyme Q10 protects skin cells from various ageing factors. It also provides energy for cellular repair, increases the skin's ability to regenerate and replace the damaged cells.

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is vitamin B3. Studies showed that niacinamide boosts the production of collagen, elastin and skin proteins by up to 100%. It reduces the signs of ageing on the skin and helps prevent the appearance of age spots by up to 68%. Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types including hyper-sensitive skin.

Studies showed that frankincense essential oil promotes healthy skin. It speeds up wound-healing process, prevents scar formation, reduces inflammation and signs of ageing. The main active component of frankincense essential oil, alpha-pinene, is thought to be behind its various health and anti-ageing benefits.

Androgenetic alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by androgen hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes hair follicles to shrink gradually in both men and women's body. Over the times, hair becomes weaker, shorter and thinner. Left untreated, this hair loss condition can cause permanent baldness.

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the maintenance of healthy nervous system and brain function. Our body also needs this water-soluble vitamin to produce DNA and blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause depression, poor memory and confusion. We can't get it from fruits, vegetables or other plant foods.

Heart diseases are the number 1 cause of death globally, including in the US, UK and Singapore. Every year, about 17.9 million people die from heart disease. A study in Australia based on the data collected from 9,206 adults age 20 to 69 showed that Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) can be used to predict the risk for death from heart disease.