What then is a galvanic spa and how does it benefit its users? The discovery of the galvanic spa started when a scientist by the name of Luigi Galvani found that when the sciatic nerve of a dead frog is exposed to static electricity it causes the frog’s leg to move. This interaction, which he recreated successfully, led him to believe that there was an important relationship between electricity and animation, or life. Over the next several years, Galvani continued to explore the use of electric currents for health benefits in the body, most notably the skin.

Galvanic treatments use the basic principles that like charges repel each other and opposites attract –similar to magnetic poles. Products are formulated to contain key ingredients which carry a positive and negative charge. The instrument is also set to contain the same charge as the product. The repelling of like charges “pushes” the product into the skin facilitating the delivery of key ingredients. With careful application of positive and negative galvanic currents to the skin, the user is able to perform a variety of beneficial skin treatments.

 Next came the products to use in tandem with the galvanic spa. Nu Skin has been working with Stanford University, Purdue University, and LifeGen Technologies and has discovered what they are calling, “youth gene clusters”. Simply put, it works on the principle that aging starts from the DNA, the building blocks of life, and by targeting the gene clusters that affect the aging process, one is able to bring back life to aging skin and restore it to its youthful state. The result? Beautiful, glowing skin at a fraction of the cost of a surgical procedure, and one that you can do at home.

Anyway, one day I got a call which I thought was a job interview but turned out to be a product demo for Nu Skin. I found out later on that two of my friends have been invited to these “spa parties”. Had I known beforehand what the appointment was about I would have declined since my brother and her gf has been asking me repeatedly to go to Trafalgar Plaza in Makati for a product seminar. This invite is in Ortigas of all places! Imagine my consternation when I found out. But then, you know there’s nothing wrong with earning a living as these Nu Skin people are doing, but I just wished they would just say it’s a product demo rather than beating around the bush and making it look like a job interview when it sure isn’t.

I did try their tinted moisturizer which I liked because I think I may have found the right shade for me. It comes in 2 colors and the darker tone was perfect for my skin. It feels as if I had nothing on. After 30 minutes, my skin looked glowing and photo-ready.

The galvanic spa II system is also one of their banner products since it can be used on the face, scalp and body depending on the cream or gel you are using it with. Together with the lifting cream it can smoothen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenate complexion and lift sagging areas of the face and neck. Used twice weekly, it can deliver results in 2-3 months. For the body, glide the unit on the waist and belly or anywhere there’s cellulite to firm up those “spire tires” and “bat wings.”

If you don’t have the galvanic spa system which costs Php 21,000 at retail price (you can buy it at 20% off if you become a downline), try the firming mask. It comes in two separate containers that you mix to form a paste. You apply a thin film on the face and neck and leave it to harden. Rinse it off after 30 minutes and you get brighter, glowing skin. Do this once a week.

If you’re looking for non-invasive procedures to keep skin young and ageless, Nu Skin may just be the right one for you. So far, I’ve heard good reviews from people who have used some of the products. Not the sellers, but some I know who just buy Nu Skin despite the hard sell their affiliate sellers do, which can sometimes turn people off from trying the products or leave a negative impression. As they say, the product speaks for itself.

Nu Skin, founded by Blake Roney, began in 1984 and has built an impressive line of skin care and personal care products, but it also owns and sells products under a couple other brand names. Under their Pharmanex brand they sell dietary supplements. Their Big Planet brand of products consists of Maxvault, an online storage system, and Maxcast, an online video program. As a distributor for the company, you can make a part-time income or a full-time income, depending on your goals and your dedication. You can choose to simply sell the various products for commissions, or you can recruit others to the program and build a downline. When you build a downline of distributors, you earn a percentage of what they sell as well.

To be an independent distributor at Nu Skin, you must commit to purchasing at least a minimum monthly package from the company. This is called your PSV or “personal sales volume”. You can keep the products for personal use or sell them.

Corallina is an algae that grows in the sea, some on freshwater rivers and lakes. They are valued not only for their aesthetic qualities (they are used as ornaments in aquatic tank systems) but more so for their valuable contribution for sea reef formation. In the world of cosmetics, the red algae variety has a valuable use as ingredient for moisturizers, since this unusually mineral rich algae produces a gel-like substance that becomes a moisture-barrier. Some Corallina varities are also known to thrive under extreme conditions such as extreme heat and cold. This condition is prevalent in hydrothermal ocean vents where there is volcanic activity under the sea.

Abyssine is a naturally derived survival molecule in the red Corallina algae. When synthesized, it becomes a potent anti-oxidant ingredient. Along with other ingredients like Apricot kernel oil, which has a very high vitamin E content, Abyssine Cream moisturizes and softens skin while helping retain clarity and suppleness.

I recently tried the Abyssine cream at the Mall of Asia store and was very surprised by how supple my skin had become the moment the cream had started to penetrate my skin. We all know that skin that is dry becomes leathery to the touch and prone to itchiness. It glides on smooth and vanishes into the skin due to its light formulation. With continued use, it helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, as well as protect and soothe skin. The skin aging defense system consists of a cream that has SPF 23, a lotion with SPF 15 for day use, a night serum and an eye cream.

The secret of its moisturizing effect is in the main ingredient of course. The Resurrection Flower, otherwise known as Haberlea Rhodenpensis (part of the familiar African Violet species of flowers) is a highly resilient flower that is able to survive up to 31 months without water.

Since its discovery in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains,  botanists discovered the unique flower is able to survive under extreme dehydration, yet come to life within hours as soon as water is introduced.

Used twice daily, Rosa Antarctica makes skin visibly firmer, denser and smoother. It glides on easily and with its ultra-hydrating properties, it  significantly improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles and restores firmness. Future aging of skin is prevented.

Kiehl’s is celebrating its 160th year and the launch os Rosa Antarctica is a fitting tribute to its heritage of beautifying women all over the world.

Ahava Deadsea Algae Rich Foundation

One of the leading attractions of the Dead Sea is the  warm, soothing, super salty water, ten times saltier than sea water. This highly unusual characteristic has made the waters of the Dead Sea rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine, among other minerals. In ancient times, the beautiful Egyptian queen Cleopatra  luxuriated in its rich, black, stimulating mud to soak up the water’s healthy minerals.

Ahava, best known for its skincare line, has devoted years of research into the effects of natural Dead Sea minerals and algae on the skin. Their mud exfoliator and salt srubs is one of the best products around, having been featured in magazines (Us, Shape, Fitness) in the fall/winter of 2010.

Ahava Mineral Makeup Loose Powder

The brand’s most recent activity is the introduction of its own mineral makeup line, an especially skin-friendly makeup that has healthy benefits on the skin as it is paraben-free and all-natural. Formulated with a blend of hydrating Dead Sea minerals, natural pigments and age-defying, anti-oxidant rich Dunaliella algae, this new makeup line was designed for different skin types and tones and includes two types of foundation (rich and light) and two types of powders (loose and compact).

The Ahava Dead Sea Algae Rich Foundation, suitable for normal to dry skin, is a pump bottle foundation that has a creamy fluid texture. Its an ideal makeup for mature skin as it has antiaging benefits Shea butter and macadamia oil (that leaves  skin soft and supple), Avocado oil  and Jojoba oil (to moisturize skin) and  Omega 6 and Omega 3 acids (to prevent premature aging).

The light foundation, on the other hand, is designed for combination to oily skin. Its oil-free formulation provides light to medium coverage. It shrinks the pores and gives a matte shiny appearance to the skin with its natural pigments and minerals, leaving skin looking radiant.

The Ahava Dead Sea Algae Powder Compact provides a natural, matte complexion. Contains macadamia oil that provides a silky-soft texture for all skin types and evens out fine lines and imperfections.

The Ahava Makeup Loose Powder, featured in Oprah Winfrey’s “O” magazine, is not only a loose powder, it can also be used as a bronzer. This loose mineral powder, suitable for all skin types, is enriched with avocado oil to protect and nourish skin, allowing for a soft-focus effect when worn over your foundation.

The Ahava Mineral makeup line will soon be available in Ahava SM Megamall, Glorietta 4 and Shangri-La Plaza. Watch out for it!

Skin whitening of course is of prime concern in this part of the world, so with the introduction of Olay’s Natural White whitening range in the Philippines, Olay fans are very happy that fair, glowing skin — not pasty, unnatural white skin — is possible and achievable in just 2 weeks.

The Olay Natural White range is a basic skin whitening regimen to cleanse, moisturize and protect skin from day to night.

How to use?  Cleanse and refresh skin with the foaming facial cleanser to remove sebum, dust, pollution and makeup residue. Next, moisturize skin with the Day Lotion to reduce the appearance of dark spots and dullness. For sun protection, apply Day Cream with SPF 24 or the more potent, yet lightly formulated UV Blocker with SPF 30 to retain fairness. All these are lightly formulated to disappear into the skin when applied.

What’s in it?  Olay’s triple nutrient system of Vitamin B3, pro-B5 and vit E help nourish skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and dullness.

Vitamin B3 (also called niacin and nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble ingredient has been shown to prevent skin from losing water content, as well as stimulate circulation in the skin. Recent studies have shown that it also improves the appearance of wrinkles, skin discolorations, reduces redness and improves skin elasticity.

Pro-Vitamin B5 (or vitamin B5) is  helpful in the treatment of acne as well as an effective moisturizer while Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It is also thought to diminish the effects of environmental pollutants.

Kikaygurl's Olay stash

Our verdict?  Kikaygurl is a fan of Olay so anything that comes out from this brand is worth a try. I especially like the  Natural White foaming facial cleanser. The UV Blocker’s formulation  is similar to that of Olay Complete SPF 30, lightweight and perfect for tropical weather.  I’ve been using this for months now. On days when I need added moisture, I use the Day Cream with SPF 24 or the All Day UV Moisture cream with SPF 15. The product tends to cake when powder foundation is applied over it so make sure it has been completely absorbed into the skin. Total Effects is still the best when it comes to anti-aging as it fights the seven signs of skin aging and does not feel heavy when applied but if you’re after real coverage and reduced fine lines and wrinkles, the Regenerist Micro Sculpting cream is tops on the list. Hours after application, it amino-peptide complex does its work of filling in every line and wrinkle. Skin looks illuminated, glowing and camera-ready.

Gold dust on your skin: A beauty regimen fit for a queen

Apart from being one of the world’s precious metals, gold is also a beauty ingredient used to preserve beauty.  The wives of Chinese emperors used gold massage rollers on their faces to smooth out wrinkles and maintain that porcelain look. Cleopatra was said to sleep in a mask of pure gold to keep her skin radiant and looking youthful.

But the most famous symbol of youth and beauty is that of King Tut, who was buried in a gold mask. Now the luxury of gold is no longer a monopoly of kings and emperors.

The Amina Aranaz bag as modeled by Pond's endorser Tweetie de Leon

Pond’s introduces its own line of skin brightening/anti-aging  range called the Pond’s Gold Radiance. It contains real gold microparticles that reduces age spots, discoloration and minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, making it an effective anti-aging beauty skin regimen. Hypoallergenic, it’s a light, non-greasy formulation that includes SPF 15 to protect skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.

It is one of the luxury lines from Pond’s and their latest promo is an Amina Aranaz bag if you purchase 1,000 worth of products from the Pond’s Gold Radiance line, which includes a facial foam wash, a day cream you apply over a brightening serum, an eye cream and a night repair cream.

Pond's twist-cap sachets is a handy, no-mess,economical way to apply Pond's

A skin analysis is done on the spot when you purchase from their promo at leading malls. Wonderfully packaged, the Gold Radiance line is lightly scented and  just disappears into the skin when applied. Another good product from Pond’s which has recently launched an whitening line and an advanced anti-aging line.

A question that begs to be asked is, what does gold do in an anti-wrinkle cream? We all know gold, when exposed to sun and water, does not corrode. This corrosion is called oxidation, a chemical reaction that releases free radicals. In the skin, it leads to the killing of normal and healthy cells. Flakes of gold, when combined with other antioxidants, can boost the effectiveness of ingredients at a moleculer level. Gold allows these ingredient to  penetrate deep into the  skin to protect new cells and encourage collagen production.

Pond’s is enriched  soy, grape seed extract and natural light-reflecting minerals. With the inclusion of gold, the anti-aging benefits becomes more potent. Try it and feel like a queen.

Estee Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15

An advanced moisturizer to defend against signs of premature aging, this cream is your best UVA defense against photoageing. Its all-day Super Anti-Oxidant Complex provides continuous anti-oxidant protection. Skin-essential anti-oxidants-including Vitamins C and E, Eukarion and EGT  help neutralize every key type of skin-damaging free radical-before the damage is done to your appearance. The fresh cucumber scent is an instant pick me upper. Also available in tinted formula for a healthy, even-toned glow.

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream
Its Algae extracts and caffeine combo moisturize, soothe and condition skin, allowing makeup to glide on smooth and last all day long. Massage unto skin morning and night. With or without makeup, get smooth, plumped skin anytime.

Clinique Moisture Surge Exended Thirst Relief
A cool cream/gel that feels light, comfortable and offers 24-hour hydration. It’s new botanical blend holds moisture in balance while plumping fine lines. If you have very dry skin, use it before applying another moisturizer. Can also double as a face mask.

Tips on how to prevent skin dryness:

(1)  Hold off on carbonated drinks and sweetened juices. Choose water instead. Not only is it calorie-free, it also keeps skin supple and well hydrated.  (2) Daily exercise opens up the skin pores when you perspire and allows the release of toxins from the body. Keep well-hydrated while you exercise.  (3) Get enough sleep (at least eight hours). Nothing makes skin age more than lack of sleep, making it dull and dry.

Resorts World Manila (RWM) is the first integrated complex in the country, featuring the nation’s largest casino to date, an iconic mall and three hotels: a 342-room Marriott Hotel; Maxims Hotel, the country’s first all-suites hotel with 172 rooms; and the upcoming Remington Hotel, its budget hotel offering.

RWM, a joint venture between AGI and the Genting Group of Hong Kong, also houses a 1,500-seat performing arts theater, fine dining restaurants and an upscale shopping mall.

Local and foreign artists perform regularly at the Resortsworld performing arts theater. If you’re from the young set, the Republiq Bar, the newest hit bar to hit the club scene, is the place to see and be seen. People behind the Encore, formerly Embassy, at the Fort Taguig are also the brains behind Republiq.I was there one Saturday night with a couple of friends. The spacious interiors was just right for a crowd that wants clean and good fun. Food is also good and parking is secure and problem-free.

Some might want to hit the casinos or take a luxurious facial or massage at the newly opened  Quan Spa at Marriott Hotel Manila. Quan is the Chinese word for “source of pure water”  and water is one of nature’s greatest gifts and one of the greatest sources of pure energy or Qi (or Chi).

The whole concept behind the Quan Spa is to draw on the restorative and healing powers of water so water elements are all around. The spa treatment rooms are spacious and the facilities world-class, from the common whirlpool bath and steam room to the well-appointed spa treatment rooms.

A complete array of spa services is available from facials, massages, hand and foot treatments to  bodywraps and bodyscrub using Pevonia Botanics, which are all based on natural organic ingredients.

For the ultimate luxury treatment, try their facial and hand treatments using caviar. The anti-aging Luxury Caviar Facial uses a blend of caviar, pearl and ES-COTOX, a natural plant derivative to Botox, to help improve elasticity, hydrate skin and counteract sun damage leaving skin smooth and  radiant.  The hand treatment also combines anti-aging ingredients of caviar, marine collagen, Retinol and repairing vitamins  leaving your hands soft, smooth and rejuvenated.

The wraps include seaweed detoxifier, water lily hydrator and fresh banana or papaya wrap. Exfoliating body scrubs include fresh coconut polish, fresh coffee scrub and tropical renewal, which includes salt mousse with mango and passion fruit extracts.  The spa also offers the Filipino hilot massage and Dagayday, a foot and leg massage of tribal origins.

Resortsworld is just a 30-minute drive from Makati going through the SLEX. An access road to the Newport is located at the rightmost side of SLEX so it is an easy trip if you plan on spending a relaxing afternoon at the spa.

By using Eskinol Ageless, visible results are immediately noticeable in one week, fine lines and age spots are visibly reduced and, after four weeks of continuous use, wrinkles are dramatically diminished.

It’s a full skincare regimen that includes day and night care. In the morning, apply Eskinol Day Cream SPF 18 plus moisturizers and and get all day sunprotection. At night,
start off with the Eskinol Ageless toner, followed by Eskinol Ageless Night Cream,  which contains Amino Acids and Moisturizing Complex that work deep into the dermis and get all- night skin repair and renewal even as you sleep.

My mom and I are big fans of Eskinol.  The product has always been synonymous to beautiful, blemish-free skin and like the eponymous Camay soap, I believe countless women have also been loyal users for decades. It’s a tried and tested product and the best thing about it is it’s affordability.  This great anti-ageing formula is available in 30 grams jars and even sachets for only P20.