Tried And Tested....... Part 4 ........

Its been a quiet Ramadhan month. Personally, I have found the idea iftar at home is more inviting. Probably all the caloric restriction diets I've been on throughout the pass year has reduced my crave for food as much as I did before. The only thing driving me nuts now is the lack of caffeine.

Recently, I was visited by a new patient who turned out to be a follower of my blog. I felt really honoured that she enjoyed the contents and was really looking forward to my posts. So Killah, this one is for you.

I was quiet for a bit due to a very hectic schedule. However, in the huff buzz, I managed to try out a few products for this review.

1. Neostrata Skin Active Line Lift

     This is the newest product from Neostrata Skin Active range. As the name suggests, it helps to reduce appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. After 5 years of research, Neostrata labs discovered a technology they patented as Aminophil that acts by stimulating the skin's own hyaluronic acid and collagen creating volume to replace the loss areas. It is a regarded as a topical filler and results can be seen after a few minutes of application. However, you need to be religious in applying the product, since it relies on your own cells for the lasting effect. There are 2 products in this range - Step 1 Aminophil Activator is applied first. This compound has the ability to pump up skin 4 times more than inactive substance. It penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production thus improving the appearance of deep lines instantly. It is also a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce free radicals responsible for premature aging skin. The Step 1 is applied with a roller ball to allow light massage and precision thus making it convenient for areas like under the eyes. Step 2 is the Finishing Complex that complements the action of Step 1. It contains NeoCitritate and NeoGlucosamine ingredients which enhances the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. It also contains optic blurring agents that improves the appearance of deep lines. I find this product a tad too oily for me but Step 1 was nice.

         I tried out this product via the samples they gave me and managed to apply religiously for a week (and then I got busy so sort of gave up). There is an instant line reduction of at least 30% after 5 minutes of application. After a week, I notice that there was up to 75% improvement after application. However, later during the day, I did notice a return of the lines, and when compared to baseline, It looked almost similar. According to the research papers and recommendations, they ask you to use for at least 4-6 weeks for lasting effect. I guess this is a good solution for people scared of needles or not keen for filler injections. However, you need to apply constantly twice a day in order to keep the desired effect. Practically, for busy people like me, I think fillers would be a better solution so that I do not have to worry about it if I forget to apply. It would also be cool to use prior to functions, for that pumped up look since it does last for a couple of hours in a day. You will need to have both Step 1 and Step 2 in order to have the desired results. Each tube is sold at RM 135/= retail.

2. Strath tablets - Herbal Yeast Food Supplements

During the haze period, I developed very bad sinusitis until I lost my voice for 3 days and had sinus headaches up to 2 weeks with altered voice for a month. It was during this time, my medical colleagues suggested that I try out this particular supplement. He mailed it to me and insisted that I try it out to help reduce my sinus symptoms. 

     So what is Strath? This is a natural herbal and yeast preparation that is available in both liquid and tablet form. The one I was given was tablet form - 100 tablets per box. It naturally contains 11 vitamins, 19 minerals, 20 amino acids, 2 nucleic acids and other stuff such as s lecithin, choline, L-carnitine

and co-enzyme Q10, as well as glucan and mannan. There were not much research papers on this product and I have yet to find any literature that explains scientifically how it works. How they actually prepared this supplement is by introducing herbs and supplements to the yeast over a 2 month period and subsequently plasmolyising (getting rid of the yeast membrane) the yeast and the solution inside is used as the supplement. In a way, the nutrients are incubated inside the yeast and perhaps with some component of the yeast helps with the body's immune system and metabolism thus gives the beneficial outcome. There was a paper on mice that showed a significant increase in lifespan of mice that took the plasmolyzed yeast supplement after injected with Staph. Aureus bacteria in comparison to the placebo group.

I have to admit, I was pretty skeptic when I received the supplements but I decided to give it a go. I initially took 2 tablets 3 times a day as recommended by my friend. After a few days, I noticed an improvement in my sinus flu-like symptoms. However, I felt pretty lethargic the first week with some giddiness. I didn't think much of it as I was also on antibiotics short course, but looking in retrospec, I recovered much faster that I normally did. I continued taking the tablets twice daily due to hectic schedule, occasionally only once daily. After finishing the whole box in a month (Supposedly 17 days) - I did noticed relief of my allergy symptoms. I usually have a stuffed nose in the morning but for the past 2 months, my nose hasn't dripped as much. Despite my office manager having a really bad flu, I stayed fine although we were always in close contact. Generally, I felt healthier and less lethargic. The beauty of this product is that it is not that expensive to try. The retail price is RM 162 for 100 tablets or the liquid form. There is also a preparation with alcohol that costs RM 180. Another cool thing is that there is an animal preparation for your pets called Animastrath that helps improve your pets well-being and possibly help reduce harm from animal flu.

Bio-Strath is 100% natural and free from preservatives, colourings and any artificially produced substances.

• For fatigue (school fatigue, spring fatigue).
• For nervous tension, stress.
• To strengthen immune defence.
• To increase physical and mental efficiency.
• To promote vitality.
• To help during convalescence (recovery phase after illness).
• During pregnancy and lactation period.
• To help concentration, development and calmness in children
• To help recovery in sports

This is a pre-order item, so it is not readily available in the clinic.

3. Lash Booster - Eye Lash Conditioner

This is a cool product that I love especially since there are times I need to wear mascara and excessive eye make-up and sometimes I notice I am losing some of my lashes (especially after wearing fake ones). It is not really a new item in the market, however, due to certain FDA regulations, the formulation has been changed a couple of time. The latest formulation has FDA approval and works just as good as the previous one or perhaps a little better? I tried this product continuously for a week and the significant change was the volume of my lashes and brows (yes, I even applied on my brows) appeared more and even friends noticed that my brows and lashes look thicker. In terms of length, I didn't see much difference but perhaps, it would take 3 weeks to actually see length difference. It comes in a small mascara like tube, and you apply the solution at the roots of your lashes and your brows. This product comes from USA, and is a sister product of Revitalash. Perhaps the only downside is that you need to consistently apply the product in order to achieve the desired results although its once daily application at night. Another problem that may arise is sensitivity to the chemicals used in this formulation that may cause some eye irritation or redness despite the company claiming that it is even suitable for the most sensitive eyes. The key is to avoid as much as applying the solution into the eyes. Regardless, it is still a cool product for lash growth and conditioning. This is not really the first time I am trying out this product - I started prior when it first launched and I feel that the formulation has definitely improved. Time to start applying daily for beautiful lashes for Hari Raya. If you are concern about irritation, you can come over to the clinic and try out our sample. This Product is sold at RM 280 per tube and it can last approximately 1 1/2 - 2 months if applied daily. For a limited time only, we are selling this product at an intro price of RM 250 (Save RM 30 till 15th August). Get yours today.

For more information concerning the products kindly call us at 03-21440080 / 0142233268 or email to faceworksclinic@gmail.com .

Caviarlieri - Supplements for vitality.

A lot of people ask me about stem cells and placenta supplements and whether it is worth taking. I think that the word 'stem cells' has been overly used that it confuses a lot of people including doctors. According to wikipedia:

'Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide (through mitosis) and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells. In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells, which are found in various tissues. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues.'

Oral supplements which claim to be stem cells are not stem cells but are rather supplements. But depending on the bioavailability of the supplements to the body and the concentrations, thus will give varying effects despite the component being the same. Which is why I am very skeptical about the efficacy of supplements claiming to be stem cells.

I was approached by Caviarlierli's people 3 months ago during the start of the fasting month. Caviarlieri is a new type of supplement which contains DNA from marine source i.e. expensive caviar from sturgeon fish and collagen from salmon and the sturgeon. Produced from perhaps the only lab with the recognized technology for extraction of DNA and creation of high quality stem cells in Switzerland, it comes in an interesting box sealed neatly. The accreditations were printed on the box, with a Halal certification from Singapore. Still being skeptical, I asked for the internal clinical studies done on the product and the results from the studies were promising. Prior to this, most stem cells were derived from either human or animal source, mainly from the placenta or the yolk cells. Despite its benefit, a lot of questions arise on the products as whether they contain any hormones since there are some results suggesting it does although there were no statements from the producing companies. Another issue was for Muslims and people who do not take red meat, some feel that it is not okay to consume or take placenta supplements due to beliefs.

The only downside of this product is that because it is made out of fish collagen, people allergic to fish is an absolute contraindication. In US, 2.4% of the whole population is allergic to seafood in general. In Malaysia, there is no statistics on allergies published but I believe it would be somewhere around 1% at least.

I'm already at my 3rd box and I would say that it would be a really good supplement if you can afford it. (Yes, the price is pretty expensive approximately USD$400/box). Certain changes I noticed after starting on the supplements:

• Initial 1st week I was so sleepy and slept more but after the 5th day, the sleepiness disappeared and I found that I was pretty hyper.
• I had more energy in the morning and I was able to sleep late and wake up the next day fresh.
• I slept better at night with less waking up.
• My appetite improved, and I found that the 1st month I think I gained a few pounds, but subsequently the weight reduced.
• After the 1st box, people started to notice my skin appears to glow, and it feels softer. My girls were the first to tell me.
• I also noticed my hair growing more and faster. I use to have thinning hair on my head, but after 2 weeks my hair felt heavier. Even my eyebrows grew faster. Initially I thought I was just imagining things but after a visit to my hairdresser, he reconfirmed that I had better volume.
• I noticed after 1 month, my nasolabial lines have improved without using fillers, Radiofrequency or BTA.
• The appearance of my cellulite has also improved dramatically without any procedures done at the area.
• I have less sinus problems. I recover from illness pretty fast compared to when I wasn't on it.
• I have less PMS symptoms and although initially my menses was delayed for a week. Subsequently it remained the same.
• It elevates your mood so that you feel less stressed and happier.
• What it doesn't do is avoid you from getting illnesses, so you can still fall sick. If you have PIH or post-inflammatory pigmentation like me, it still remains but maybe lightens faster. You may have a lighter skin tone, but don't expect to be extremely fair.

The listed benefits of Caviarlieri are as follows:

• Reversing the degeneration of aging and age-related conditions like arthritis, chronic fatigue, asthma, degenerative brain disease and osteoporosis.
• Strengthening the body's immune system.
• Substantially increases energy and stamina.
• Increases sexual desire and performance.
• Increases sexual satisfaction and elevates mood.
• Delaying premenopausal symptoms and delays menopause.
• Improvement of mental concentration and alertness.
• Substantial reduction in joint pains.
• Lowers glycemic index and thus leading to weight loss.
• Visible increase in radiance and glow of skin.
• Reduces appearance of lines and wrinkles significantly.
• Prevents macular degeneration.

For more info about this product you can visit http://www.swisscaviarlieri.com

I would recommend this supplement to anyone who can afford it, ideally those with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension to help control the disease better. The ideal is to take continuously but for those who wants to try, at least 3 months for best results.

For more information please contact Faceworks Clinic  at 03-21440080 or email to info@faceworksclinic.com