Category Archives: #Skincare

Explaining the 4 Basics of a Skin Care Routine

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Most people want to have beautiful skin since it’s the part of the body that’s most visible to the rest of the world. Women buy products like Beauty by Earth in order to feel better about their skin. When we’re young, our skin is youthful and vibrant so we don’t need to take care of it every night. However, at a certain age, the skin starts to age or become dry and dull so it’s important to maintain a nightly routine.

If it’s your first time to learn about skin care and you want to know more about it, then the first thing you need to remember is that the most important part of skin care is removing makeup, oil, and dirt. Cosmetics, pollution and the oil that allows them to slip into your pores have to be removed before going to bed. Sleeping with dirt on your face would end up creating breakouts and acne, which is why basic skin care routines should be done before bedtime.

If you’re just beginning your own skincare routine, it’s advisable to just start with the four basic ones: cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sunscreen. At night, you only need the 3 unless you’re planning to replace the sunscreen or sunblock with night cream. Some people use a day cream with SPF protection instead of just sunscreen, and night cream before bedtime. It’s important to know the distinction between the day and night cream since the day creams are supposed to be washed off and the night creams are supposed to stay on until the next morning.

Another thing to remember is that your skin care routine should be dependent on what age you start. If you’re planning to start in your 20’s then the basic 4-step routine would do; if you’re in your 30’s then you need to start applying serums; and when you’re in your 40’s, you’d need to add wrinkle removers and target correctors to your routine.

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Here are the 4 basic skin care steps to start on your routine:

1. Cleansing

The first step in your skin care routine should be cleansing. There are a variety of makeup removers and cleansers at your disposal. Most people use more than one type of cleanser to make sure that all dirt, cosmetics, and oil are removed before you put anything else on your face. Once you make sure that everything is clean, you can move on to the next step of your routine.

2. Toning

The second step is toning your face. Some toners act as astringents or cleansers, removing the rest of the substances in preparation for your moisturizer. It acts as one final cleanup and hydration before you cover your pores with a moisturizing cream. The toner also prepares your skin for other products such as essences, serums, and masks, should you decide to add those to your routine in the long run.

3. Moisturizing

The third step is moisturizing and making sure your skin is hydrated. Having soft and supple skin is important before applying makeup or getting to bed. The moisturizer allows your skin to relax after being subjected to harsh acids from the cleansers and toners. When your skin is relaxed, it becomes easier to heal and upkeep.

4. Final Cream

The last step is the finishing touches on your skin care, either a day or night cream. If you’re doing skin care on the daytime then you should add SPF or sunblock, or choose a day cream with sunscreen. If you’re treating your skin at night then you can apply night cream and skip the sunblock.

If it’s your first time then it’s important to remember that skin care is a process. You’re not going to get a perfect skin on the first week or so, and sometimes the change in your skin won’t be evident until months of diligent daily and nightly application of toners and creams. However, you’ll quickly notice the difference between the skin you neglected and the current skin that you’re taking care of. Eventually, you’ll need to move past the basics and add a few more products into your routine until you accomplish the goals you have set for your skin. Also check out this Japanese Skincare Routine.

Critical Questions Before Exfoliating Your Skin

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Are you intending to exfoliate your skin? If you are, then this post has critical questions you should ask and answer yourself before doing it.

H1: Critical Questions to Ask and Answer Yourself Before Exfoliating Your Skin

Exfoliation is one of the most important beauty rituals you need to maintain healthy skin. With this process, you can remove all the dead skin cells and keep your skin healthy and looking younger. However, skincare advisors at thesis help services recommend you do it carefully because it can be counterproductive. As the post progresses, we shall explore critical questions you need to ask and answer yourself before exfoliating your skin. Keep reading to discover more and get the best of your exfoliating process.

H2: What is the Nature of My Exfoliant?

The first question to ask and answer should focus on the nature of the exfoliant you will use in the process. It is needful to think about its strength and concentration. You should also consider if it is a cleansing agent or an exfoliant you can leave on your skin for some time. Also, check if it can leave any abrasive particles on your skin. This way, you will know how often you can use the agent, for instance, daily or weekly. For instance, a scrub is less abrasive than a low pH chemical peel, meaning you cannot use it daily.

H2: How is My Skin Condition?

The second question you should ask yourself is the condition of your skin. For instance, if your pores are clogged or your skin has breakouts, using a cleansing exfoliant can help in removing congestion and blemishes. Moreover, the process can boost the texture of skin damaged by the sun. If you don’t have any of the skin conditions above, it is prudent and safe to avoid daily exfoliation since it could damage your skin’s protective layer.

H2: How Thick is My Skin?

Another critical question to ask and answer yourself should focus on your skin’s thickness. For instance, if you have a darker skin tone, your skin will be thicker compared to a person with a lighter one. This difference in thickness means that you will need to exfoliate more frequently if your skin is thicker because it is safer.

H2: Is My Skin Sensitive?

Your consideration equation should also include the sensitivity of your skin. If it is more sensitive and reactive, be cautious with the type of exfoliants you use. Your skin’s sensitivity level will determine the strength of the chemical you will use and its frequency.

H2: Do I Have Inflamed Acne?

Lastly, consider if inflamed acne affects your skin or not. The reason is that if your skin is affected by it, you will require a gentle chemical to exfoliate it and vice versa. Also, you would need to avoid mechanical exfoliation to prevent further damage to your skin.
Exfoliating your skin is a beneficial and potentially risky process if you don’t handle it carefully. That is why you need to ask and answer yourself critical questions before engaging in it. We hope the ones we have examined in this post will help you to do it more cautiously.

frei öl® the Oil Experts

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Juggling a day job, taking care of the children and handling household chores is no mean feat. Do you know what makes it even harder? Looking good and well-maintained despite all that! Many people have this idea that mothers are out-of-shape zombies because they head out of the house without any makeup and also do not have time for any form of exercise. Over the past couple of months, an increasing number of friends and readers have been asking me to share how I manage to stay in shape and look good, despite so much going on in my life. Of course, I’m no superwoman and I count myself very lucky to have assistance from the husband and also from our parents. That aside, I have recently been introduced to this skincare brand which I want to share with everyone! My secret is no secret! 😉

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Mothers deserve only the best when it comes to skincare and I’m really thrilled that frei öl® is finally here in Singapore! frei öl® is one of the highest quality skincare brands that develop and produce face and body care products in Germany. The products are derived from vegetable oil with the addition of nourishing vitamins. frei öl® products are not only beneficial for women, but they have become men’s favourite skincare too! frei öl® meets the highest standards of quality, effectiveness and skin-friendliness, supporting the skin at all stages of life. Do you know that frei öl® carries the No. 1 skincare oil for all skin types and massage oil for pregnant women in German pharmacies? And now, they are available in Singapore too! WHOOHOO! frei öl® features a wide range of products but ultimately, it is known as OIL EXPERTS, with products containing precious natural oils which help to nurture and support the skin with individually selected active ingredients tailored to different skin needs. Doesn’t that sound amazing!

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I don’t know about you but I’m always bumping or knocking into something due to my clumsiness. Most of the time, I’m not even aware until the hubs or my colleagues point out a bruise or scar! To reduce all these unsightly scars and uneven skin tone, I swear by frei öl®’s Skincare Oil which I make it a habit to apply after every shower! The Skincare Oil indulges and regenerates, while supporting cell renewal with vitamin A. After each application, my dry skin feels smooth, soft and supple! I also notice that scars and uneven skin tone are reduced after two weeks!

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I’m most excited about frei öl®’s Shaping Oil because it helps to shape and firm the my body, while I continue to indulge in my hawker food! The Shaping Oil contains red poppy seed extract which activates lypolysis 10 times more effectively than caffeine, which helps to reduce nasty and unsightly cellulite from common problem areas. I apply the Shaping Oil on my tummy and thighs, while making sure to spend a few minutes each time massaging the oil into my skin for best results! The natural shea and oat oils in the Shaping Oil also contain omega fatty acids which nourishes the skin. I personally like the light floral fragrance of the Shaping Oil too!

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Finally, frei öl® also has a Massage Oil for Pregnant Women! Having gone through two pregnancies, I do know that the tummy experiences substantial stretching, especially during the last trimester. While I’m blessed without a single stretch mark, my tummy often felt itchy and I find myself scratching ever so often! If only frei öl®’s Massage Oil was available back then! This special oil has a formula which has been tested over many years and has proven to be able to effectively prevent stretch marks while increasing skin elasticity with vitamin E. The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from natural oils nutures the skin intensively, and bisabolol from chamomile calms stressed skin. It is definitely a must-have skincare product for all pregnant mothers!

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For more info on frei öl® and the hero oils mentioned, visit www.frei-skincare.com! frei öl® products are sold exclusively at Guardian health and beauty stores, and also selected online retailers such as Maimee’s Corner, Red Mart and Lazada.

Crawfurd Medical Centre: Fractional C02 Resurfacing Laser Treatment Review

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– Advertorial –

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As much as I want to be comfortable in my own skin, I find it nearly impossible to step out of the house without applying at least some foundation on my face. I wasn’t blessed with the most fantastic genes and was plagued by acne during my teenage years. Yup, you might have guessed it. My old acne scars just wouldn’t go away despite me having tried various creams that claim to eliminate or smooth out these awful blemishes. I was left feeling dejected each time I did not see any visible results after weeks of diligently applying these creams. Recently, I came across Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser, a form of laser skin renewal, and it certainly piqued my interest as I found out that it’s an effective yet non-invasive procedure that can help to address my concerns.

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Crawfurd Medical Centre is one of the clinics in Singapore that offers Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatment and what’s really awesome is that Crawfurd Medical is a one stop facility that provides GP, Health Screening and Aesthetic services! How convenient is that? The clinic is located at Suntec City which is highly accessible by public transport. A few weeks back, I went for a consultation with Dr. Peter Chen to learn more about Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser and of course, to determine if this treatment is suitable for me!

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I was greeted by a very amiable Dr. Chen, who explained Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser to me in layman terms, which definitely made it easy for me to understand. In a nutshell, Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser works by using light energy to penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and remove areas of damage, while at the same time, stimulate collagen growth. It is a treatment used to combat acne scars, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and large pores. Apart from my old acne scars, I also raised another concern of mine, which is some pigmentation which has begun to form on my upper cheeks, probably the result of long sun exposure as I used to play a lot of tennis. Dr. Chen advised that he would rather under treat than to over treat this problem as there is a possibility of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which could worsen the problem. It was certainly a very insightful consultation session for me where I learned about what Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser could do for me! Noticeable results could be seen after the first session but it takes at least a couple of sessions to achieve optimal results, depending on individual skin condition.

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I was ushered into a treatment room and was asked to change into a robe. Elaine, the Head of Aesthetic from Alcove at Crawfurd, started the session by first cleansing my face.

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A good amount of topical numbing cream was applied thereafter.

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Elaine explained that the cellophane cling wrap will aid in better and faster absorption of numbing cream, which took all of 20 minutes to take effect.

Before

As you can see, these are the old acne scars and pock marks that had prevented me from heading out without any makeup!

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Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Chen first tested the moisture level of my face to determine the suitable level of laser intensity to be administered. Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser works in such a way that laser energy is delivered in tiny dots in a grid formation. I have a pretty low tolerance for pain but found the entire process to be quite tolerable. For the first round, it actually felt like having a rubber band hitting lightly on my face. I wasn’t used to the sensation initially and kept jolting, and Dr. Chen made sure that I was alright before proceeding with the laser treatment for the next targeted area of my face.

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For the second round, there was a very slight burning sensation, but it was still tolerable. The only thing that bothered me was the smell of my burnt skin that filled the room. Apart from that, it was all cool!

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Visible grid marks could be seen after the treatment but not to worry, they will go away in a few days!

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The immediate after-effects of the Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser treatment was a lobster red face and the feeling of getting a sun burn on the face.

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Elaine slathered on some Intensive Hydrating Marine Algae mask on my face, which felt very cooling and soothing to my red-hot skin. I drifted off to lala land for about 20 minutes and Elaine proceeded to peel off the mask for me. My face didn’t feel that hot and was really refreshed! I highly recommend it!

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As you can see in the photos that I have taken on a daily basis following the treatment procedure, my face was the reddest on Day 2. Scratching, scrubbing and sun exposure is not advisable as the skin is very sensitive during this recover period. When I needed to head out, I made sure I applied sunblock of at least SPF30 as advised by Elaine. My face felt itchy and by Day 3, my skin started to scab. I would say that there is very little downtime and I could apply light foundation whenever I wanted to head out of the house. During the recovery phase, it’s best to keep the face cool!

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I was also given some products by Nelly De Vuyst that helped my skin heal faster. Nelly De Vuyst is a premium skin care brand from the United States and its products are exclusively offered through spas and medical spas. It has a longstanding reputation as one of the most effective, anti-aging and corrective skincare line in the market.

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As my skin is slightly on the dry side, Nelly De Vuyst Cleansing Milk Hydrocell works really well for me as it contains ingredients that thoroughly and gently cleanse the skin while respecting the quality of the hydrolipidic film. The cleanser has a light and creamy texture, which helps to remove impurities from the face while leaving the skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. It is very gentle and perfect for dehydrated, sensitive and irritated skin conditions.

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My skin was red and felt raw after the Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Laser treatment, and Elaine told me to rub a few drops of Nelly De Vuyst Sensitive Skin Serum onto my palms before pressing the serum on my face. It is specially formulated for sensitive skin and visibly reduces any signs of redness. It also soothes inflammatory reactions, itching and irritation. Lastly, Elaine told me to apply the Nelly De Vuyst Sensitive Skin Cream whenever my face felt hot or itchy, as this cream helps comfort, hydration and softness to sensitive skin.

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Currently, there is a promotion code for my readers! Quote “CHARLENECMC15” for 15% off all Nelly De Vuyst and Douglas Laboratories products at Crawfurd Medical! And quote “CHARLENECMC” to try the Laser Skin Renewal @ $300 NETT!

CRAWFURD MEDICAL
3, Temasek Boulevard, #02-482, Suntec City Mall (North Wing between Tower 1 & 2), Singapore 038983
Mondays to Fridays: 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
Saturdays: 8.30 am to 1.00 pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: CLOSED
Call 6804 9579 to book an appointment today !

Kirei Kirei: Anti-bacterial protection that keeps your family safe and healthy!

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I might not be the tidiest person to all who know me, but I’m definitely very particular when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. I wash my hands so many times in a day that all my good friends call me “OCD queen”. Ever since I became a mum, grubby little hands got on my nerves but we all know that children are curious little creatures who just want to touch everything in sight and sometimes explore new objects by putting them into their mouths. There’s no stopping them!

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When Little misschewy was younger, I got very paranoid each time I caught her sucking her fingers and would drag her to the bathroom to wash her hands and rinse her mouth, for fear that she would catch some germs and fall ill. I soon learned about anti-bacterial soaps, which contain certain active ingredients to prevent bacterial infection. Our family’s trusted brand of anti-bacterial hand and body soap? It’s Kirei Kirei, the No. 1 Hand Soap in Japan! Kirei means “clean” in Japanese and with Lion Japan’s advanced and safe anti-bacterial formulation containing Isopropyl Methylphenol (IPMP), I can rest assured that my family stays healthy by keeping those nasty germs at bay! Kirei Kirei is also the trusted brand of Vivian Lai, Mediacorp artiste and proud mother of two. I have to say that mothers know best!

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Kirei Kirei Foaming Hand Soap dispenses soft, creamy foam which cleanses more effectively and thoroughly than ordinary liquid hand soap. The 100% cleansing ingredients from plants formulation is gentle on our skin and I have no qualms about Little misschewy using it as her regular hand wash.

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The soap dispenser is wide enough, making it easy for young kids to dispense an appropriate amount of soap.

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Hand washing made easy with Kirei Kirei Foaming Hand Soap as the soap is dispensed in a ready-to-lather form! Mummy approves!

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Protecting our hands is simply not enough. We need to protect our bodies too! It’s not easy to find an anti-bacterial body soap that effectively cleanses the body, and yet is gentle enough on our skin so that it does not make our skin feel overly dry. Kirei Kirei Body Foam contains 100% cleansing ingredients from plants so it’s really gentle on the skin and makes our skin feel pampered and soft after every shower! It also has deodorizing ingredients that help maintain freshness all day by preventing body odour and acne!

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Choose among FOUR refreshing fruity fragrances for the Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Foaming Hand Soap and Body Foam – Natural Citrus, Moisturizing Peach, Refreshing Grape and Caring Berries! Foaming Hand Wash is available in 250ml bottles, 450ml bottles and 200ml refill packs, while the Body Foam comes in 900ml bottles and 600ml refill packs. My favorite is the Refreshing Grape!

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Kirei Kirei Hand Sanitizer has found its way into our diaper bag and these days, we never leave home without it! It is especially useful in icky situations where hand soap is not available, thus the hand sanitizer is the perfect alternative to hand washing! Having tried various brands of hand sanitizer, I really like the Kirei Kirei Hand Sanitizer for its more watery-gel consistency and it dries instantly, leaving a non-sticky feel. A bonus is that it smells very pleasant and is moisturizing for the hands! It comes in a small 50ml tube which is easy to carry around and doesn’t take up much space in our diaper bag.

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Kirei Kirei is having a promotion of up to 35% off for selected products for a limited time only. Protect yourself and your family with Kirei Kirei’s safe anti-bacterial formulation today! Visit www.lioncorp.com.sg for more information.

QV Skincare Body, Face & Baby Range Giveaway!

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There are so many skincare products out there in the market and I’m happy to say that after much trial and error, I have finally found one particular brand that works well for me! I vividly remember that many years ago, before our year-end vacation to Harbin in China, my mum packed a tube of QV Cream along and it proved to be a lifesaver for our severely dry and itchy skin due to the cold, harsh weather! I didn’t think much about QV Skincare products until a few months back, when the condition of my skin took a turn for the worse and I believe those pregnancy hormones are responsible for it.

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And there I was, feeling seriously overwhelmed by the various types of skincare products at the drugstore when a familiar looking brand managed to catch my eye. I was amazed by the huge range of products offered by QV, a gentle soap-free cleansing and moisturising range for every part of the body, sealing in moisture to ensure your skin feels its best all day. Isn’t it wonderful that there is a QV product specially formulated to cleanse or moisturise different severities of dry or sensitive skin?

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Starting with QV Gentle Wash, it is a soap-free, non-drying body cleanser that maintains the skin’s hydration during cleansing to ensure the skin is left feeling soft and clean. The unique formulation of QV Gentle Wash is non-comedogenic so it will not block pores. It is pH balanced, and free from colour, lanolin, fragrance and propylene glycol. Not only is QV Gentle Wash suitable for all skin types, it can also be used by those who suffer from conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It is an ideal cleanser for those with dry skin and is also suitable for acne prone skin, infants and the elderly.

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This QV Cream is what I had mentioned earlier, that even in extremely cold and harsh weather conditions, our skins were effectively moisturised. QV Cream is a highly concentrated moisturising cream that helps prevent and relieve dry skin. Besides moisturising the skin, providing much needed re-hydration, QV Cream also helps seal in the skin’s own natural moisture by acting as a protective barrier. QV Cream is excellent for very dry areas of the skin such as the elbows, knees and hands. Rest assured that it will leave your skin feeling nourished and protected!

QV Face

Apart from the two QV body products mentioned, there is also a QV Face range! After removing my makeup, I cleanse my face with QV Face Gentle Cleanser. I like that it is fragrance-free and my skin does not feel tight after washing; a good sign that my skin has not been stripped of its natural oils! I follow up with QV Face Moisturising Day Cream in the morning and QV Face Nurturing Night Cream before I go to bed. I feel that both QV Face creams are quite thick, so a little does the trick! It is very important for me to lather on some moisturising cream on my face because of the air-conditioned environment that I’m exposed to on almost a daily basis. On days when my skin feels extra sensitive, I reach out for the QV Face Rescue Gel. I like its light and watery consistency, which refreshes, cools and tones the skin, while maintaining the skin’s hydration.

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I was pleasantly surprised to find out that QV has also launched a QV Baby range! Children’s skin, especially babies’ and toddlers’, are extra sensitive and are more prone to developing skin problems. QV Baby range is free from soap and fragrance, and is specially formulated for baby’s delicate skin. It has also been dermatologically tested and is recommended by paediatricians. As part of baby’s everyday skincare routine, the QV Baby range works to gently cleanse, moisturise, protect and help restore suppleness and a healthy glow to the skin. While suitable to use as part of baby’s everyday skincare, the QV Baby range is also appropriate to use on babies suffering from eczema, dermatitis and other common baby skin issues.

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Little misschewy’s skin was quite dry and flaky, probably due to the chlorine sensitivity when we take her out for her weekly swim. However, I find that the QV Baby Gentle Wash, QV Baby Bath Oil and QV Baby Moisturising Cream really help to relieve her skin’s dryness by hydrating and restoring its natural moisture. Now, her skin feels soft, smooth and supple again! I’m also quite generous with the QV Baby Barrier Cream as I find that it is highly effective in preventing nappy rash.

QV products are stocked at pharmacies. For more information on QV products, check out www.egopharm.com

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IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME! Would you like to win an entire QV Skincare Body, Face and Baby range of products? Oh yes you do! Simply head to my Instagram from 14th July onwards and comment on my QV photo! One lucky winner will be picked! Good luck! 🙂