EXPERT ADVICE
Discover expert skincare advice tailored to your skin’s needs. From tackling acne and oil control to fine lines and wrinkles, our science-led guides help you achieve a healthy, radiant complexion
EXPERT ADVICE
Rooney Mara’s Facialist Shares Tips to Getting Glowing Skin at Home
It's no secret that everyone's daily routine looks a little different these days, but did you know that every little change can affect your skin? According to celebrity facialist Ada Ooi of 001 London Skincare, whose A-list clientele includes Rooney Mara and Ellie Goulding, lifestyle changes like increased stress, tweaking your diet and prolonged screen time can all irritate your skin and lead to concerns like dullness, breakouts and dryness.
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What You Need To Know About Cupping Therapy
22 JULY, 2021 First, what is cupping therapy? “Cupping uses similar principles to popular skin therapy gua sha – where a tool is used to bring inflammation or illness to the skin’s surface so pain can be relieved. It involves placing cups on the skin on certain parts of the body to create a suction, creating broken blood vessels just beneath the skin, which break up adhesions which might be creating tension or blockages.” Tell us more… “Cupping also stimulates the lymphatic network to get rid of excess fluids and promote waste management. One unique property of cupping is that it uses negative pressure. This means that without heavy-handed massage, cupping is able to release tension by separating the fascia from the muscle and lengthening the muscle fibre and connective tissue. This then creates space for essential elements necessary for healing while removing the build-up of toxins. Combined, this can effectively relieve muscle pain.” So, who’s it for? “Cupping works well for anyone with water retention, muscle tension or someone who needs a 'kick' to move circulation along. It's a treatment that is able to get under your skin to unknot, unblock and reboot. Cupping is especially good for people who suffer from chronic tension, to a point that their 'knots' are too hard or too sore to touch. It works by increasing blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed, which can in turn relieve muscle tension, which then improves overall blood flow and promotes cell repair.” What are some of the main benefits? “From a Western medicine point of view, cupping is able to draw fresh blood to a painful area and heighten its healing response. The simulated blood flow arouses cell metabolism and repair, resulting in the formation of new connective tissue. The suction softens tensed soft tissue by dissolving adhesions and helps release unhealthy torsion, normalising muscle position. It also drains excessive fluids and toxins while new blood stimulates the joints, lifts and lengthens fascia and reactivates entrapped nerves within our body. “In Chinese medicine, heightened blood circulation means ‘qi’ (the vital life force said to flow through the body) is able to move through the body more effectively, and during the process imbalances are pacified and reset, allowing for effective transport and transformations of nutrients and essences. As the cups move around the meridian network across the body, they are also able to stimulate and nourish the reflexive organ systems.” Cupping works well for anyone with water retention, muscle tension or someone who needs a 'kick' to move circulation along. Ada Ooi Beauty & Wellness Guru How does it work? “The practitioner will place the cups on your skin. Then – depending on the area that’s being treated – they will create a suction either from a special pump to vacuum out the air or heat the cup before placing it on your body. How long the cups stay on your skin depends on what is being treated, so this could be a few minutes or up to half an hour. “The negative pressure from the cup forces capillaries in injured or tense areas to hold stale blood and cellular debris and attract them to the surface. The circulatory and lymphatic drainage system will then process them to give space for oxygen, nutrients and new cells. “One way of cupping is to cup along your meridian network to stimulate internal organ systems, such as the liver and spleen meridian for both physical and mental waste management. In this case, instead of leaving the cup static, the 'moving cup' technique will be used, which involves gliding across the meridian network to invigorate and produce internal reflexive response, stimulating internal movements for moving qi or getting rid of toxins. “The cupping marks on your body indicate the level of blood, toxin accumulation or dampness accumulation in your body. The colour and pattern of the marks reflect the level of stagnation in that area. Everybody is different by nature, and will react differently to cupping, but as a general rule, the darker the colour, the more stagnation could be present.” Is the process the same for facial cupping? “Almost. Although they follow the same principle, the type of cup used is different for your face. They are usually a lot smaller and softer too. Facial cupping also doesn’t leave bruises, because the suction isn’t as strong, and the cups are constantly moving.” What’s the difference between dry and wet cupping? “The cups used can come in different materials and shapes and sizes. With wet cupping, your practitioner will gently prick your skin with a needle before or after applying the suction cups to draw out a small, controlled amount of blood to loosen any stagnation you have. Please ensure you approach a certified Chinese medicine practitioner for this, as wet cupping can easily become infected if not done in a hygienic environment and controlled manner. Dry cupping doesn't require any pin pricks.” We’ve got to admit, it looks painful… “Cupping really shouldn’t hurt, despite what the bruises might suggest. Sometimes you can feel tired and have flu-like symptoms after cupping, as the body can be overwhelmed by all the actions coming together. If this happens, listen to your body, as it is telling you to rest, keep warm and take a nap. You’re sure to wake up feeling light and relaxed. It's important to remember these flu-like symptoms are only a temporary reaction by your immune system to the cellular waste that cupping helps to release.” Cupping really shouldn’t hurt, despite what the bruises might suggest. Ada Ooi Beauty & Wellness Guru How quickly can you see results? “You’ll feel a warming sensation and relaxing benefits almost instantly, and this will last from days to weeks depending on your treatment. But like any other therapy methods, I encourage regular and consistent treatments for the body to learn its way to recovery and balance.” Are there any risks associated with it? “Risks mainly surround who the practitioner you choose to perform cupping is. It’s hugely important you visit a qualified professional, otherwise you can suffer from pain or infection, and over-cupping can lead to blisters.” And what’s the aftercare process? “Like with gua sha, it’s best to avoid showering at least two hours after body cupping, and keep yourself very warm to avoid any dampness, as this can turn into cold when entering the body when your blood vessels are wide open and active. If possible, take a shower before your cupping sessions. For facial cupping, since there is very limited ‘trauma’, contact with water is fine.” How can you get started? “Always do your research and find a qualified practitioner who will be able to properly assess what you and your body needs.” Ada offers both cupping therapy and gua sha tension release services in her London clinic. To find out more about her or to book an appointment, visit 001london.co.uk. BOOK THE CUPPING BODY TREATMENT with our Clinic Therapist DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme. Article by Heather Steele - SHEERLUXE Read the full story here
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Everything you need to know about cupping therapy. This traditional body treatment is an A-list favourite - but what really are the benefits?
Cupping therapy might be having a modern resurgence, fuelled by a host of A-list and athlete devotees - from Jennifer Aniston, Kaley Cuoco and Gwyneth Paltrow to Michael Phelps and Justin Bieber - but the treatment can actually be traced back to ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern and Egyptian cultures. Here, celebrity facialist, Traditional Chinese Medicine authority and founder of 001 Skin , Ada Ooi, breaks down the origins and benefits of this history-steeped therapy.
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How Does Lily Allen Get Her Picture-Perfect Skin?
Lily is definitely a fan of bespoke treatments; she shared a photo of herself having an acupuncture facial with Ada Ooi of 001 Skincare, a treatment which combines variations of micro-sculpting modern gua sha, LED/micro-current therapy, aromacology and acupuncture on your face and body to address your internal and external wellbeing. "Lily personally loved the 360 approach to skincare and wellbeing," says Ada.
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Cupping and Gua Sha Treatments for the Body Wellness and Aesthetic
Over in our Clinics this month you can get 15% off our Cupping & Gua Sha Cellu-tox Treatment. Ada's unique Inside-Out treatment strategies combine Chinese Medicinal principles and Western Aesthetic & Wellbeing techniques. Designed based on Ada's unique Medi-Meridian treatment strategies combining Western therapy and Chinese Medical principles, using a variety of techniques to stimulate the Meridian networks. Gua sha is used to break down stagnated tension and fluids accumulated within the body, kick start increased blood circulation for nutrients and oxygen to enter and flushing waste through the lymphatic system. Flow cupping and static cupping intensifies blood flow to deliver collagen and elastin within the skin to firm and tighten over time. What is Cupping? Cupping is a form of treatment in Chinese Medicine which involves placing cups on the skin on certain parts of the body to create a suction. This works to increase blood flow to your fascia, muscles, stimulate lymphatic system and create reflexive reactions along the Chinese Meridian network. It increases oxygen and guides the immune cells to the desired area to enhance Qi flow to encourage healing in that chosen area. It works by increasing blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed, which can in turn relieve muscle tension, which then improves overall blood flow and promotes cell repair. A balanced Qi is essential for good health. Cupping works by “opening” the pathways in the body through which Qi flows and a free flow of Qi is essential in supporting the function of the body’s tissues and organs. Cupping essentially utilises similar principles to Gua Sha: creating broken blood vessels just beneath the skin, it breaks up adhesions that are blocking the flow of Qi and nutrients to different parts of the body. These red marks that form will then be transported through our waste system, arousing new activities for healing at the same time. This is a popular treatment as it produces very quick reliefs to the body. By relieving tension and promoting relaxation, which is great for people with busy and intense lifestyles. It has a positive effect on regulating the immune system and controlling inflammatory processes. Whilst treating muscle tension, cellulite and water retention. Cupping is associated with leaving red marks on the skin, this is caused by the intense suction that increases circulation by dilating capillaries, causing them to rupture causing bruises. However there are many different ways to cup that don't have to leave red marks. By combining methods of lymphatic drainage and the Chinese Meridian network, our clinic therapist can perform no mark cupping at our clinics. We offer a range of Cupping and Gua Sha treatments at our clinics, click here to find out more or book now! (Enter code "Cupping15" at checkout to enjoy 15% off the following treatments) Cupping & Gua Sha Tension Release | £150 (60 mins) / £225 (90 mins) Cupping & Gua Sha Cellu-tox Treatment | £150 (60 mins) / £225 (90mins) For further enquiry please email us at bookings@001london.co.uk
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Facial Acupuncture Changed My Mind about Getting Botox
Not ready for injectables? Try this instead. 1 JULY, 2021 Working in the beauty industry, I’ve been lucky enough to try out many different facial treatments over the years. From cryotherapy to seaweed wraps – if there’s a buzzy skincare technique out there, my face is fair game. But, having tried out many a whacky facial, I now approach treatments with a fair amount of scepticism. If someone had told me having just one facial would make me reconsider getting botox, I probably wouldn't believe them. But that’s exactly what happened after I had a recent facial with celebrity skin & wellness expert Ada Ooi. Hell yes I needed a fix. My skin has been playing up since I got my cats (yes I am such a worrying mom you don't want to have human children with me 😆). I can't tell you how important it is to get sufficient sleep and not only that you need good quality of sleep. Throughout this period (until now) I haven't been able to deep sleep, both of my cheeks have age spots peeping through (well age of course play a part I just turned 41 last week), and I have also been having on and off spots at random places plus a patch of dry bumpy stress acne across my forehead (last time I had that was 13 yrs old). I can't wait until lock down to finish, even when its lifted though, I need to get over my "commitment phobia" to finally book a treatment and set it in stone on my diary. So tonight I needle all over my face, skull and body to really stimulate key meridians, draw blood to the areas, release tension and most importantly I switched off the light, turned on some music, had a heavy duvet over me and focused on breathing into my core. Still feeling drowsy now but I am happy to already be seeing a much more happy, flushed and revitalised face 😊 Please guys, share with me, what are the things you do to wake up your skin or simply pamper yourself at home? #acupuncture #acupunctureworks #facialacupuncture #faceacupuncture #cosmeticacupuncture #tcm #guasha #guashafacial #microsculpt #acupressure #acupuncturist #cupping #celebrityfacialist #tcmwellness #wellness #wellbeing #meditation #breathingexercises #core #qigong #taichi #facialmassage #lymphaticdrainage #chinesemedicine #meridian #tcmlivingwell #tcmstudent #facesculpting #qi #yinyang What is acupuncture and how can it benefit skin? ”Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body's natural processes of cell reproduction and growth", says international facialist and TCM practitioner Ada Ooi. "It has been shown to increase blood circulation throughout the body, meaning more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients, it also increases lymphatic activities to flush out excessive toxins and water, which can help depuff and brighten the skin.” "For lines and wrinkles, acne/pigmentation or scars, I apply the ‘surround the dragon’ methodology. I surround the concerned area with multiples needles or micro intra-pins to help boost metabolism while stimulating new cells to grow or recover from the issue.” My acupuncture facial with Ada Ooi With a celebrity client roster which includes Rooney Mara, Lily Allen and Ellie Goulding (plus some royals thrown in there too), Ada is known in the beauty business for her unique take on skincare therapy, which often combines traditional Chinese Medicine with facial-massage techniques. Her treatments don’t come cheap, but oh boy do you notice a difference straight away. Ada started off by steaming and cleansing my face, before performing a thorough facial massage. This wasn't a soothing process FYI, we’re talking deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage and ‘ouch-that-hurts-but-ok-carry-on’ pummelling. Ada performed the massage on half of my face first, before showing me the difference in my skin. Sure enough, the left hand side of my face looked lifted, tightened and more sculpted. After the facial massage came the acupuncture – the real star of the show. Frown lines are caused by repeated action of underlying muscles associated with facial expression. Squinting and frowning consistently tend to leave deep wrinkles in the skin between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, across the forehead and at the corners of the eyes. Yes I can use different techniques to treat them including this "surround the dragon" method to stimulate regrowth activities, regulate liver qi and we have had great case studies. But individuals' daily habits are equally important. Now the sun is out here are a few things that can really help prevent any further formation of frown lines: . 🕶 Wear sunglasses, it prevents you from squinting from the sun . 🌞 Don't forget to SPF your forehead . 💧 Hydrate and moisturise the forehead 👐 Massage, tap / stretch the skin with serum/ moisturiser . 🚭 Don't smoke. Smoking breaks down collagen contributing factor of wrinkles, not to also mention the habitual lines across the entire face for the inhale gesture . 📨 To book facial acupuncture treatment: bookings@001london.co.uk . #cosmeticacupuncture #tcm #facial #intradermal #frownlines #wrinkles #acupuncturelife #collageninductiontherapy #acupunctureworks #acupuncture #liver #qi #kidney #yinyang view Ada positioned needles all over my face (as well as a few in my feet and ankles) and left me to relax for a few minutes. She then pinpointed my frown lines – which have become deeper and a permanent fixture on my forehead in the last year or so – with thicker, larger needles. The idea is that these larger needles would create trauma in the area (similar to microneedling) which results in blood rushing to the area, boosting collagen production and in turn, plumping the skin. When my facial was over and I was handed a mirror, I definitely thought my face looked tighter, more lifted and seriously glowy – but Ada assured me that my skin (and in particular, my frown lines) would appear even better as the days went on and she was absolutely right. In the next 2-3 days I noticed that my frown lines were 100% smoother than they were previously. Had they completely vanished? No, but that botox appointment I’d been considering for the last six months had gone straight to the bottom of my priorities. ©@chloeburcham It’s now been about 8-weeks since my facial with Ada and I’d say that my frown lines are beginning to slowly reappear. So while it may not be an ultra-long lasting alternative to botox, if you’re looking for something to give your skin a youthful boost, acupuncture might just be it. BOOK THE PINPOINT WELLNESS™ TREATMENT with Ada Ooi Article by Chloe Burcham - Grazia Read the full story here
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SUMMER SKINCARE
JULY 15, 2021 As we fully immerse ourselves into the Summer months, it's important to think about our skincare routines as the weather warms up. There are 3 key points to create the best summer glow: Clarifying congestion, deeply infusing hydration, protecting and helping skin recover from UV damage. And, never forget to care for the eyes. Scroll down to see our summer essentials collection that we have put together for each skin concern. Deeply Infusing Hydration. During the warmer months, skin hydration products are a must-have for your beauty regimen. Skin that is not hydrated enough will become dry, tight and flaky. The dry flaky cells on the surface also don't reflect light as well, making the skin look dull, rough and unhealthy. Hydrated skin looks healthier, smoother and softer. In relation to our “Treat from within” it's important to drink more water and Include fresh fruits, fruits with high water content, and green leafy veggies in your diet. This will not only keep skin hydrated but will also give you a bright looking skin. The products we would recommend to deeply infuse hydration into your skincare would be, the HF-DERMAL MICRONISER™. Designed with the latest advanced high frequency 0.3 micron atomisation technology, 001’s HF-Dermal Microniser™ nebulised exclusively the Alpha-Glow Flash Facial Serum into micrometre particles, facilitating the absorption of the serum and enhancing the efficacy of its precious active ingredients. By truly infusing hydration, expect to see a refined texture with a lasting translucent glow. The second product would be the Resurface & Radiance Hydro-Lipids Micro-Peel. An exotic, brightening, moisturising & nourishing fruit peeling, for intense radiance and refined pores without irritation. Helps retain skin‘s natural moisture to keep it looking fuller & plumped. Protecting and helping skin recover from UV damage. It's important to invest in products that have UV protection in them as it Protects Your skin from UV rays, the depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. It helps maintain an even skin tone, sunscreen helps prevent discoloration and dark spots from sun damage, helping you maintain a smoother and more even skin tone. We recommend our Active Marine Collagen Serum, rich in Multi-Algae actives, Co Q10, Vitamin C and Green Tea, this serum provides lasting hydration and an immediate collagen-plumping effect, to visibly even out lines and wrinkles. An innovative antioxidant-packed complex assists in repairing environmental damage and intensively brightens, reducing dullness and boosting radiance. The next product we recommend is our AOX B-Complex Collagen Cream. A balancing & detoxifying moisturiser with a soft & dewy finish. Enriched with essential B-vitamins including Niacinamide to aid cell turnover; Marine Collagens, to help bind water & firm and plump skin from within; a cocktail of antioxidants, to help fight and repair environmental damage. Don’t forget the eyes! It is so important to care for our eyes in the upcoming summer months. A time where hayfever allergies cause puffiness around the eyes and more time out with friends causes lack of sleep and dark circles. We recommend using two of our eye serums to help depuff and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. We recommend two eye serums, first up is the Aox Hydro-Correct Bright & Tight Eye Serum. A multi-action hydro-gel eye treatment serum that helps brighten and tighten the delicate eye area. Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera work in synergy to deeply and instantly hydrate, depuff, cool, add tonicity and smooth fine lines. The second serum is the Poly-Peptides Focus Contour HA Eye Serum. A performance-led, multi-action eye treatment formulated with neuropeptides, to help regenerate skin from the inside. A multi-tasker, it addresses all the issues affecting the delicate eye area (crows feet, under-eye bags, dark circles, puffiness and droopiness)
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The latest K-Beauty skincare trend? 'Juice skin'... here's how to get it in 7 simple steps Get the look.
DECEMBER 11, 2020 The Koreans have had such a major influence on our beauty regimes. You'd be hard-pressed to find a celebrity who doesn't swear by a sheet mask, a facialist who can live without an essence and pretty much anyone who doesn't strive for glass skin. That's why when the Koreans hail a new skincare trend, technique, hack or product, we're all ears. The latest skincare technique they're touting as a fast-track to plump, juicy skin? 'Choc-choc skin'. Sounds delicious, right? But what exactly is it and how can we achieve it?"Choc-Choc Skin means well-moisturised skin that has got a healthy, juicy and plumpy glow, explains Celebrity Facialist-Acupuncturist Skin & TCM Wellness Expert, Ada Ooi, who counts everyone from Lady Gaga to Rooney Mara as clients. "In order to achieve it, you want to make sure that your skin is drenched with hydrating ingredients, enveloped with the right amount of lipids regulating sebum, thus creating the right water-oil balance."Ada, who is the founder of 001 Skincare, says this technique is crucially important through the winter months when the combination of harsh outdoor temperatures and central heating can wreak havoc with our skin. The best part is that unlike most laborious Korean beauty regimes, this one only requires seven simple steps.Step 1: Gentle Peel The secret to making the most of your skincare regime is starting with a clean base, so in skincare terms, sloughing away all the dead cells and proteins accumulated on your skin surface and pore linings. "First and foremost, keep a good habit of weekly peeling to reveal your true skin and enhance product absorption," instructs Ada."Frequency will depend on each formulation but bear in mind that you'd rather exfoliate more frequently with a lower concentration of exfoliants to keep your skin clear and bright consistently, rather than a big peel occasionally, which might claim to have anti-ageing benefits but actually also create a lot of trauma to the skin and leave it with prolonged dryness. Try Resurface & Radiance Hydro-Lipids Micro Peel up to three times a week to give yourself a clean slate.Step 2: First cleanseThe first cleanse is designed to take off makeup and hard-to-budge SPF - but Ada says you want to preserve the skin's natural barrier right from the beginning so avoid using wipes and micellar water. "As much as they promise to take off stubborn makeup with one wipe, this scares me as the cleansing agent can be too strong and strip off all the nice proteins that belong to the skin and should stay on." Instead, opt for a non-foaming oil-based cleanserthat requires massaging to loosen impurities using the simple 'oil melts oil' mechanism with the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.Step 3: Second cleanse We are huge advocates of double cleansing and this second scrub gives the skin a deeper cleanse whilst removing any oil residue from the first cleanser. If you're looking for the perfect cleanser, look for a foaming cleanser with gentle foaming agents (i.e. not one that foams like your dishwashing detergent) to avoid drying the skin. Try AHC Aqualuronic Facial Cleanser, which has a creamy foam that doesn't dry skin out.Step 4: ToneTo tone or not to tone, that is the question. "The concept of toning to shrink pores or give the skin a final cleanse is outdated," says Ada. "In fact, this is the first skincare step where we inject hydration and balance the skin's pH right after cleansing - especially in England where we have hard water." Ada insists that modern toner formulations pump your skin with hydrating molecules and create water pathways with skin balancing actives to prep your skin ready to absorb all the goodness from the rest of your skincare regime. 'To tone', it is then. "Try Evidens De Beaute Moisturising Lotion, which contains Spring water from the South of France, Hyaluronic Acid and three types of collagen to hydrate, soften and regenerate skin," she suggests.Step 5: Serum TreatmentThis is one of the most important steps in creating that choc-choc look. "Choose a serum that addresses your concerns. Be it dry, oily, combo or sensitive," advises Ada. "On the other hand, you may start with 'no-brainer serums' that target an array of concerns like the 001 Skincare London Alpha-Glow Flash Facial 3-in-1 Serum, which contains 9 actives targeting the four main natural ageing concerns: dehydration, wrinkles, pigmentation and sensitivity. To enhance brightening action, which will help create that 'choc-choc' inner translucence, you can also try adding Cellcosmet Ultra Brightening Elasto-Collagen-XT, which will intensify brightening and plumping, to your regime.Step 6: Water-Cream In K-beauty or J-beauty, multi-layers of moisturisation are key to keeping the skin radiating and looking full from within; it also creates the perfect canvas for minimal makeup on the complexion allowing the true skin to shine. "In this step, I suggest water-rich formulas - something that contains anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory complexes to deeply hydrate and create a 'hydro-bounce' from within.Step 7: MoisturiserFollowing on from the latter step, which replenishes the skin with water, step 7 is all about sealing all the goodness with oils. "Choose a moisturiser with oils that are non-comedogenic i.e. do not clog pores and have a similar structure to our natural skin," says Ada.Choc-choc skin, sorted. Article by Bianca London - GLAMOUR UK Read the full story here (GLAMOUR UK)
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My wellness week: International facialist-acupuncturist, Ada Ooi
19 September, 2019 Credit: Ada Ooi my wellness week International facialist-acupuncturist, Ada Ooi, loves channelling her inner zen... Ada Ooi, 39, is founder of skincare brand 001 Skincare London (available online and in Wolf and Badger) and is also an international facialist-acupuncturist to royalties and celebrities. Classically trained in aesthetic therapy and aromatherapy, Ada is also an accredited member of The Acupuncture Society and The College of Chinese Medicine. Ada combines over 15 years of skincare experience and skin science knowledge gained across continents, from the East to the West. A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner, Ada’s modern approach is to treat skin from the inside-out, including; skin ageing, hormonal, stress and sleep. My wellness journey so far… My grandfather used to own a pharmacy in Macau and I picked up pieces that he left to me. In his pharmacy, my grandfather used to incorporate traditional Chinese medicine and blended Chinese herbal remedies with western medicine prescriptions while I picked, mixed and packaged these herbs in blended pastes or paper bags for his patients. This process sparked an interest in bio-chemistry, cosmetic ingredients and TCM in me so I trained to be a TCM practitioner focusing on cosmetic, mental and hormonal management acupuncture. As I started to combine different methodologies, I learned from the East and West in my practice. I also blended after-care products and herbal teas for my clients. One day I woke up and realised I had sufficient recipes to create a line of skincare products for my high profile clients. Each morning I… It’s critical for me to have some sort of movement in the morning so I normally have a quick stretch with music. My recent morning playlist is Czardas, a composition by Italian composer Vittorio Monti in the early 1900s, and my playlist consists of over 30 variations of it interpreted by different musicians in many different ways. This makes me feel more energised and my thinking is clearer for the day. I then use 001 Skincare’s Eyecicle which is great for puffy eyes in the morning. “My wellness week is a monthly instalment of wellness advice from real women, weaving the best of health and wellbeing into their busy daily lives and sharing their insights with you.” Every evening I… Gently massage 3-5 drops of 001 Skincare Alpha-Paradise Cleansing Dew into my face and neck as part of a night-time ritual. It is great for enjoying a relaxing mini facial that will stimulate the circulation in your skin whilst pushing the oil deep into the pores. I take a few deep breaths and inhale the aromatherapy oils. Once a week I try to… Visit a museum or a gallery to see art exhibitions or admire pieces with historical significance, they stimulate and inspire my thinking and also remind me of what makes us human. If I’m on the run I eat/drink… In between appointments, I tend to eat very little as it doesn’t feel right to be rushing food down the stomach and not taking the time to appreciate it. But I do keep myself hydrated with herbal teas with a few drops of honey. When I have time to cook I eat/drink… Nowadays we often eat on the go, rush our meals and don’t take time out to appreciate our food. My wellness approach is all about balancing your ‘qi’ otherwise known as your life force or energy. I take time to enjoy my meals and take time to appreciate the flavours and texture of each mouthful. I tend to avoid hard-grains (as much as I know the benefit of them I don’t get much pleasure out of eating them) and instead I opt for warm wholesome meals which are normally noodle-based. I do not consume alcohol and try to avoid cold food/drinks, they can shock the organs and can overwork our digestive system. I like to cook warming foods such as noodles in soup – such as the noodle soup and tomato, eggs, prawns pictured above – they are very simple, tasty and it’s easy to create a number of different variations. One thing I would really recommend is… Create a little ritual of anything that can help you pause, take your mind and your eyesight away from your daily work for a short moment. For me that is lighting a Japanese incense. This year, I even went to Kyoto to learn Japanese Kodo which is the Japanese art of incense appreciation. I use Japanese incense everyday so I wanted to understand more about the concept behind it. The one thing I do to achieve a better work-life balance is… Set some rules for turning my phone off and taking days off. I used to work over the weekends too but I don’t now. In the future I hope to… I would very much hope that I can commit myself to exercising regularly. I put my hands up for having all sorts of excuses for missing my much-needed boxing classes. I would have liked to be able to meditate with a completely empty mind, but this is still quite challenging for me. I am working on it. Meanwhile, I like to create a sense of stillness by switching lights off, putting on some music and lying on the floor for a moment to relax and leave my mind to wander where it will. My pearl of wellness wisdom … My motto would be: do it, don’t stress it. Stress only lives in our mind, not our being. Will you try out any of Ada’s wellness tips? Article by Miriam Habtesellasie - Woman & Home Read the full story here
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7 best pregnancy skincare heroes
28 February, 2019 Glowing, gorgeous skin calls for extra care, especially when you’re pregnant. The myth of "the pregnancy glow", supposedly caused by an influx of feel-good hormones combined with that infamous rise in body temperature, is just that: a myth for many of us. Instead, you may be experiencing extra-sensitive skin that flares up at the slightest provocation, breakouts, a change in texture (some mums-to-be find their skin is super oily during pregnancy, while others have problems with dryness and flakiness), increased redness and even noticeable broken veins or dark circles under the eyes. Again, blame your hormones. Whether you’re rocking perfect pregnancy skin – or you need a little extra help, look for gentle, hardworking skincare that will soothe, nourish and protect. A daily SPF is key too – even in the winter, as pregnancy hormones can trigger pigmentation, as well as making your skin more sensitive to the sun than it is usually. So be vigilant about this, even if you don’t normally wear any. With all due respect to Jane Austen, it really is a truth universally acknowledged in the beauty industry that wearing a high factor, broad spectrum SPF daily, all year round, is the most important step in your skincare routine. Here’s our round up of the best hero skincare for pregnancy – and postpartum – skin. You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. 001 Skincare London Active Marine Collagen Serum This extremely concentrated serum is omega-rich and contains multi algae actives to plump up your skin. We've tried a lot of serums in our time and this is absolutely our favourite. The anti-oxidant complex assists in repairing environmental damage, while at the same time brightening your skin. Expect a renewed, glowy and visibly brighter complexion within a couple of weeks of use. Founder Ada Ooi is an internationally renowned facialist (book in with her if you can – this would also be a wonderful postpartum treat to look forward to), who incorporates Asian and Western techniques to boost skin health. Apply the Active Marine Collagen Serum after cleansing (and toning) and before any moisturisers or oils to reduce dullness and even out your skin tone. The verdict: Pregnancy skincare heroes La Roche-Posay toleraine sensitive is our fave when it comes to choosing a soothing, nourishing and affordable moisturiser for pregnant complexions. For a treatment that will give you a glow, long past your pregnancy, 001 Skincare London's active marine concentrate repairs damage and renews the skin. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through Article by Isabel Dexter - Independent UK Read the full story here
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