Review: The FACE Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil

After weeks of not doing any review due to my ridiculous supposedly light "freelancing" gig (which turned out to be a handful), I'm back with one, and with a happy note. As to why, we might as well get to it then - here's The FACE Shop's Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil.

By the way, since I'm too busy nowadays, expect concise reviews - like it or not, there will be less rambling from now on.

Scared of Paraben? Don't be.

Despite of what government agencies and reputable organizations assure us with regards to the safety of parabens in cosmetics, the proliferation of blogs advocating the naturalistic fallacy still breathes life into a paraben controversy which should not have been controversial anyway (if only the people sourcing the study read the whole report). In effect, consumers are often led to buying more expensive, paraben-free products or worse, led into having a false sense of security that anything natural is safe.

Parabens are a family of compounds used as a preservative in cosmetics, and even in food. These compounds prevent the growth of bacteria and are usually used in combination with other parabens in very low concentrations - less than 0.5% versus the 25% threshold set by industry experts. 

Not always safe.
Image from freevector.com

In 2004, a study found parabens in breast cancer cells and launched an internet-wide e-mail scare connecting parabens and cancer, although reading the study itself does not correlate these two directly. In fact, the researcher himself, said parabens cannot be simply be concluded as the cause of breast cancer, though the findings do warrant further investigation. Which FDA and SCCP (EU) did anyway, which concluded that paraben use is still safe.

Parabens are known to have weak-estrogen like properties, although when compared to the natural estrogen are hundred-folds weaker. Furthermore, the very low concentrations used by the industry make paraben an unlikely cause of breast cancer, at least. So why be afraid of something found in trace, and studied extensively by authorities? Instead of wasting energy on spreading unfounded fear, why not delve into chemical compositions of natural ingredients so we could collectively assess the safety of these as well? 

How to Prepare your Condominium Unit for a Typhoon

Metro Manila is no stranger to high-rise residential units, and as strong typhoons loom over the country, residents all over the metro are advised to "prepare" for the possible effect of a storm - with flooding and brownouts being the most common culprits for home owners. However, despite of the many condominiums scattered all over the Manila, media does not seem to tackle condominium preparedness and condominium unit owners are left clueless on how to ready themselves for storms, especially the effect of wind.

Today, in my own preparation for the typhoon Glenda, I would like to share some points on preparedness to fellow condominium-dwelling Pinoys.

1. Keep the windows, or any opening than may let the violent winds in, closed. It would be wise to not open your doors to the hallway, too. You wouldn't want air from outside entering your unit as this may induce suction pressure and add to the risk of breaking glass windows.

2. Stay away from windows. In case they break. It would be better if you have draperies that could at least dampen the shattered glass flying towards you.

3. Stock up on provisions and supplies. Yeah, sure, you can buy from the nearest convenience store, as long as you're capable of climbing up to your unit at the 30th floor using your stairwell, should your elevator be dead. 

4. Your patio/balcony items should be kept inside the unit. The storm is hazardous enough for passers-by below, and while they can survive the storm itself, falling debris from irresponsible unit owners may injure or kill them.

5. Observe seeping water. Especially if they may possibly reach your outlets (take openings for air conditioners with the outlet very close to the unit) and take measures to protect them. Leak from roof decks is also possible, so it might be wise to turn your circuit breaker off until you're sure your electrical conduits aren't invaded by water.

6. Know where the fire exit is. I mean, you should have known this from Day 1 of living in your unit. 

7. Store water. If you have a bathtub, then fill it. If you have pails, you may use them, too. You'll need to wash the dishes or clean your toilet and bath somehow, and storing water can prepare you in case the tanks are emptied or if the pump does not work and there is no water from the faucet during the storm.

8. Stay at an "inner" room or at the hallways during the wind's onslaught. It might also be safe to stay at lower floors if the wind is too strong, as the pressure if the wind increases with elevation.

With elevation comes protection from flooding, but it increases the risk from wind damage. As with any other impending disaster, preparedness is key - regardless of what your living unit is. 

Whitening and Blood Clots: What is Tranexamic Acid?

Hopefully, you've read the previous post, because the build-up was kind of there.

Because I have more free time, I am now tasked with the traditional "sa bahay lang" housewife role and am now in charge of everything housekeeping and cooking. I cannot carry very heavy loads according to my doctor, so every other day, I go to the nearest grocery to pick up household items and ingredients for our meals. I always make it a point to make fun of some products sold in the beauty aisle or read product labels.

Anyway, I've noticed that my go-to grocery, and I'm betting many other groceries, sell much more variety of whitening soaps compared to that of normal soap. Whitening soap with different ingredients saturate the shelves while ironically, the sunscreen area is tucked in an obscure corner. The "canon" whitening products are still there: papaya, calamansi, glutathione, kojic acid. Then something catches my eye: kojic acid with tranexamic acid. 

I've never heard of tranexamic acid before, so I took a mental note of the spelling, went on with my routine and proceeded to read about it after all the housework. Wikipedia, basically says it is given by doctor to patients with the risk of heavy bleeding. Huh? How was this related to skincare? How this ingredient was discovered as a whitening ingredient is beyond my Googling powers, but at least I now have an idea and how people use it, so I can share it with everyone.

Blood Clots and Freelancing

I have been unemployed more than two months now, but luckily, still earning - although it's nowhere half of what I used to make. It may seem like a stupid route to go, but to me who needs time to rest, get fit and pursue other alternative methods of earning in lieu of a 8 am - 6 pm job, it's a very good trade-off. 

However, not many are aware of what working from home really is, probably due to the obvious lie of an advertisement we see in the internet: work-at-home mom earns 200 USD an hour, or something like that. My mother and sister-in-law thought it was such a breeze - you know, no bosses, no chismosa office workers, no commutes, you get tons of free time, and of course, the great pay. Little do they know that freelancing is literally being your own boss, accountant, marketing personnel, driver, courier, errand boy - basically wearing several hats with the pay of just one person.

Freelancing, I thought prior to starting this, would give you more time. Now, this is true but there's a catch. You are expected to be ALWAYS available, especially if you have clients who are beating deadlines. Oh, you're trying to lull your baby to sleep,? Better let him/her sleep on his own then. You can't work too late in the evening? We still have daylight here, and so do our clients. There is immense flexibility of time, but it works for your and your client.

Anyway, I just had to put this here in case you guys were wondering about the post frequency. I've been too busy with a client and I was making sure I do not miss out on this opportunity. I mean, I use the money I earn for bills and my skincare addiction! 

I'll be back with a slightly related story on tranexamic acid in a few days. Stay beautiful!

Review: TONYMOLY UV Sunset Aqua Sun Gel SPF30 PA++

Ever since I started working from home, I have been using less powerful sunscreen on days when I do not go out. The curtains may be blocking out a lot of light, but when it comes to skincare and the sun, one cannot be so carefree - so sunscreen stays. But I do not like the heavy feeling of my usual high protection sunscreen (SPF 50 and PA+++ ones) especially since I'm at home, and I'd really like that bare, at-home, light feeling on the skin. And so I tried looking for a light sunscreen and it led me to TONYMOLY's UV Sunset Aqua Sun Gel.