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Monday, January 18, 2021

Bye Bye Maskne

The COVID-19 pandemic has rendered the behavior of most of us unrecognizable. Handshakes have turned into elbow bumps. School and work are conducted remotely. Socializing happens virtually. And now even our faces are becoming nearly unrecognizable as we don a mask in order to go out. As more people are wearing masks and face coverings to protect themselves and others, some are discovering skin issues as a result.

It doesn't matter if you're someone who regularly get breakouts or if you have nearly perfect skin, mascne, or mask acne, is an unfortunate side effect of the daily mask-wearing we're all doing to slow the transmission of Covid-19. 

What's Causing Mascne?

Just like regular acne, there are multiple things that could cause mask acne: not washing your mask often enough, washing it with harsh detergent, your mask itself and its materials, or how frequently you have to wear it.

Masks help keep saliva and any other droplets—emitted from breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing—from getting into the air and potentially transmitting Covid-19 (or other illnesses). That's what we want them to do, but this means that they trap moisture and bacteria inside, touching your skin.

To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, here are a few tips: 

1. Cleanse and moisturize your face daily. 

Gentle skin care can prevent skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. The right cleanser needs to remove impurities, pollution particles, excess oil and dead skin cells without stripping the skin - but different skin needs different cleansers to achieve this! Just like how Cetaphil PRO Acne Oil Control Foam Wash. 

2. Skip the makeup when wearing a mask. 

Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won't clog pores.” Cetaphil PRO Acne Prone Oil-free Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 that is formulated with a unique Zinc technology will help reduce shine by 98%, irritation and blemishes. 

Best of all, it is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic ensuring that it will not cause you more breakout and is also suitable for sensitive skin.

You can now purchase them either at Caring or Watson e-store.

3. Wear the right mask. 

To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer the following:

• A snug, but comfortable fit
• At least two layers of fabric
• Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton, on the inside layer that rests against your skin 

Wearing a mask that offers a snug, but comfortable fit helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus. You want a snug fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin. A snug, comfortable fit also reduces skin problems. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask. When you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and your face. The fabric is also important. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon on the the layer that rests against your skin. These are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts.

4. Wash your cloth masks. 

Many health care organizations now recommend that you wash a cloth mask after each use. Washing it also removes oils and skin cells that collect inside the mask, which could lead to a skin problem. However, avoid using harsh detergents when washing. 

With the current covid figures, I believe the maskne issue gonna stay with us for a while now and hopefully the above tips will help you out in saving your skin.  

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Where & What To Eat - Sapporo & Niseko

I recently travelled to Sapporo for my first snowboarding trip. Meanwhile picking up a new sport in Niseko (which i will write more about it on my next post), I was so happy to try some of their local dishes. Hokkaido is best known for its fresh seafood and dairy products, but there are other special dishes in addition to those that are definitely worth trying. Here's a food guide to help you decide what you should try when in Sapporo & Niseko. 

SAPPORO

Ramen Shingen

Ramen Shingen serves three types of ramen broth: shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), and miso (soy paste). Their specialty is miso, of course. You can even choose your broth to either be rich or mild, and ramen to be full or half size. I ordered a shio rich ramen with extra bamboo shoots and it was the best ramen I ever had throughout this trip. There are only 12 seats in this ramen bar, so expect a long line or I would advise to come by during off-peak hours. 

 Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku 

Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku (aka Ramen Republic) is not a single shop but a complex of multiple ramen bars marketed as one. I ended up going to Yoshiyama Shoten, which the broth taste is generally lighter than Shingen. Of course, you can try out more in Kyowakoku if you have more time in Sapporo city. 

Sanchi-chokuso Hakkaido ([公式] 産地直送 北海道 札幌駅前店)

Located a min walk from Sapporo station, Sanchi-chuokuso is a popular izakaya restaurant that can is known for its authentic seafood delights. Famous for their hearty portions of ikura, it overflows from the bowl when serves so you will be able to enjoy every bit of it. 

Sushi Hanamaru 

Hanamaru is a popular sushi joint in Hakkaido. There are two different types - Kaiten sushi (conveyor belt restaurant) and normal sushi bar. I went to both and it didn't disappoint. The price is very affordable too. Don't be surprised to expect at least a 30-mins wait or longer if you are visiting the Kaiten one. I haven't been eating at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant for a long time, it was indeed a good experience. It's located conveniently on the 6th floor of Stellar Place shopping center, which connects with Sapporo station. 

As for the sushi bar, we went to the Sapporo Tokeidai Building outlet which is closer to us. 

Soup Curry Garaku

One of the hidden gem we stumbled upon meanwhile exploring around Tajuki Koji shopping street. Soup curry is a popular local dish in Sapporo, as the name mentions, is a bowl of spicy broth with a mix of vegetables and a selection of either chicken, pork or lamb. I personally enjoyed the dish, as my bf thinks Malaysia's curry is more flavourful. Garaku is quite a popular joint among locals, so do expect a line too. 

J.S. Pancake Cafe

How can you not eat pancake when you are in Japan. J.S Pancake is a cafe chain, located at the 3rd floor of Stella Place which can be easily found from Sapporo station too. 

Baristart Coffee

Baristart Coffee can be found at downtown Sapporo near Odori Park. Good coffee and probably because of the milk from Hakkaido.

The Bow Bar

To all the whiskey lovers out there, The Bow Bar is a bar that specializes in old scotch and some of the whisky was distilled back in 1950s. The bar is owned and run by Junya Honma, who is very friendly and knowledgable host. Because of its rare collection, each glass doesn't come cheap. 

NISEKO

Aji no Tokeidai 

Aji no Tokeidai is one of the best local Hakkaido ramen in Niseko and you can find it tucked in the corner of the carpark of MaxValu in Kutchan. I tried a clear miso this time but they are popular for the butter corn ramen that gives a richer taste and sweetness to the broth. 

A-Bu-Cha 2

A-Bu-Cha 2 situated at the upper Hirafu Village, is a perfect izakaya for dinner time. They serve variety of nabe (hot pots) and sukiyaki. 

Niseko Kushiya

Local's favourite casual izakaya with affordable price. We went for a free flow buffet option, which there were sets of yakitori dishes and all-you-can liquor beverages. 

Nabe Nabe

Nabe Nabe specializes in shabu-shabu with its fresh ingredients like wagyu beef and king crab. What's better than eat a hot soup during winter time. 

% Arabica Coffee

It was a joy to find % Arabica in this cutest kiosk on the main street of Hirafu. 

Milk Kobo 

Although I didn't manage to visit the famous dessert hub itself, my friend brought back its signature item on the menu - Choux Cream which is basically a cream puff filled with the creamy vanilla custard. It was so so good!!!

Bar Gyu

Bar Gyu is known as the fridge door bar, which you literally enter through a fridge door and once you're in, you'll be in heaven. They serve amazing cocktails and a good selection of Japanese whiskey. 

Once you have eaten your way around Sapporo city and Niseko, it's time for some snowboarding tips next. 

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Thursday, December 05, 2019

Travel to Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo is small fishing town located on Flores Island. It acts as a base to visit Komodo's famous dragons (world largest lizard), dive with mantas and sharks, hike up to a breathtaking views, and swim along the pink sandy beach. 

Here are a few things you can do if you are planning to visit Flores Island, keep reading to find out what you can do there. 

Things to do in Labuan Bajo

#1 Hike Padar Island

Padar Island is one of the islands within the Komodo National Park. It is only accessible by boat and is part of our activities from the hotel tour. The hike is about 30-45 mins, but the peak view is definitely worth the sweat with magical view of surrounding mountains and the three beaches, with the endless blue sea stretching across the horizon (basically the instagrammable spot). For those who do not wish to go up there, there are still several points where you can stop and enjoy the beauty of Padar. 

#2 Visit Komodo National Park

We went to Rinca Island to see the world largest lizards in their natural habitat. The tour can only be done alongside ranger as the creatures are extremely dangerous and toxic. The hike is pretty simple as compared to the Padar one as it's all flat ground so it's easier to walk. We managed to see multiples dragons along the hike, which can be quite scary. 

#3 Swim in the Pink Beach

When it comes to beaches, pink is my new obsession. Be ready to swim or just walk along the sand just to admire this beautiful nature. The beach is pink because of the red corals that crumble and change its colour. 

#4 Chill day at the hotel

On our last day, we decided to just stay in and chill by the pool and ended our day perfectly with sunset kayak. We stayed at Ayana Komodo Resort, which offers plenty of tour packages if you are up to explore more. 

How to get to Labuan Bajo

Getting to Labuan Bajo can be quite tedious as you can either choose to stopover at Jakarta or Bali to arrive at Labuan Bajo Airport. We took the later one, and the 2 hours transit time can be quite tight due to flight delay sometimes. Arriving at the airport, we got our hotel driver to pick us up, but there are also plenty of taxis out there too. 

To more finding hidden travel gems.

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