Plus Women's Jan - Feb Issue

E SU IS `S EN M W O

PLUS+

Jan–Feb 2016

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Must Have Running App of 2016!

BEAUTY TIP:

Cleaning from the inside out The Best Antioxidant

8

Appreciation Night A RIVER CRUISE TOUR!

WHAT'S NEW IN THE SLEEPING WORLD?

AS WE UNVEIL THE NEW SLEEP RULES!

PLUS+ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

tips in choosing the winning skin product that fits you

USD $3.99 GBP £3.49 BND $5.00

EDITION

WITH NADIAH AND HANNAH

A NEW YEAR, NEW HER

BRUNEI

Flying on the surface of the rough seaS

Coming Soon

www.signyture.com

Jan–Feb 2016

+Content +Health 6 The new sleep rules

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+Fitness 12 Running Apps To rock your world in 2016 16 Beware of this weight– gain trap

+Event 18 Plus+ Magazine Appreciation Night 12.12.15 A river cruise tour

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+Life Inspired 29 Maria Grace Koh, a.k.a. Eia: A New Year, A New Her 35 2 sisters and their love for jet skiing

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46 New Year — Five Point Plan for a Whole New You Give yourself a boost in 2016 by creating a whole new you

+Beauty 50 Natural Skin Care Products 52 Clean from the inside: The Best Antioxidants for Your Skin

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w e a r e e x pa n d i n g !

We are in search for talented, dynamic and highly motivated individuals to join OUR team.

If you like working in a friendly environment, love to learn and eager to build your career, then be one of US. Feel Free to drop us an email with your personal details to plusBrunei@gmail.com!

+Publisher Info

T

Dear readers,

he new year brings about the typical admirable motivation and gusto in the majority of people to better themselves and their lives in a myriad of ways. It is for this very reason, that this issue is filled with information and advice to follow for a brand new you and to help you to actually keep your resolutions this year.

In our beauty section, we reveal the best antioxidants to look for in your skincare and also provide a useful guide to buying natural skincare products that actually work and live up to their claims to ensure you are doing everything you can to keep your skin healthy and looking it’s best.

We also bring you the best running apps for your smartphone this year so that you can pick the one that suits your personality the best and help you stick to your exercise regime.

Additionally, we address and identify an extremely common problem that many people encounter when trying to drop the kilos, and educate you on how to avoid it.

The health section turns everything you think you know about sleep on its

head and explains how sleep varies for each individual and advice on how to work with the internal routine that you have to attain the best sleep habits for you.

Our cover features the lovely Maria Grace Koh, also known as Eia. The interview with this vibrant, charismatic and uber-talented lady reveals her strength and character in how she dealt with setbacks and blossomed into the mature and accomplished young lady she is today. Her inspiring story is not one to be missed. Plus also chats with two young sisters, Nadiah and Hannah Baharuddin about their unlikely love of jet skiing, how they got into it and their relationship with each other. They really reinforce the fact that it really is never too early to start getting involved in something you love!

Don’t forget you can follow us for the latest updates @PlusBrunei on Facebook and Instagram, where we post behind the scenes pics and sneak peeks of upcoming features.

Many thanks and happy reading, Simon Keller & the Plus Team

+Publisher Nexploit Services

Oleh Melnyk John M. Rey

+Editor-At-Large Simon Keller

+Photographer Jerome Wong Azwan Manudin

+Talent Editor Elizabeth Sim +Senior Copy Editor Mohd Aslan Abdullah +Marketing and Digital Content Nursadiqin Misir +Graphic Designer Anna Thien

Ministry of Health (Brunei Darussalam) Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (Brunei Darussalam) Health Promotion Centre (Brunei Darussalam) Fitness Zone Royal Brunei Airlines Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd

+Publisher information Nexploit Services Lot 4169, Kg Serambangun, Tutong TA 2541 Brunei Darussalam

+Have a story to share?

Email it to  plusbrunei@gmail.com

+For business inquiries and distribution Email it to  plusbrunei@gmail.com

+Get interactive with Plus Magazine

+Featuring Maria Grace Koh Nadiah Baharuddin Hannah Baharuddin +Contributors Abdul Hakim bin Murni Joanna Kwan Elizabeth Sim Muaz Al-Rashid

All rights reserved.

Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form of by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of Nexploit Services. Where option is expressed it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial views of the publisher or Plus.

All information in Plus is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.

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+Health

The new sleep rules GET YOUR BEST SLEEP EVER BY TAILORING YOUR SNOOZE HABITS TO YOUR NEEDS

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Health+

I

t’s time to rethink our ideas of a healthy night’s sleep.

It’s not about when, where, or even how much mattress time you get. In fact, obsessing over these factors can backfire, turning what’s supposed to be the most restful thing you do into one of the most stressful.

Instead, recent research reveals that the most important thing to know is what healthy sleep strategies work best for your body to renew energy and reset your mood.

Learn the latest science-backed techniques to ensure you get your deepest and healthiest rest yet, every night.

EIGHT HOURS IS GOOD — BUT SIX MAY BE BETTER Despite conventional wisdom, women who sleep between five and seven and a half hours a night live longer than those who get eight, according to a study in the journal Sleep Medicine.

In fact, too much sleep can make you feel as groggy as getting too

little, notes US-based sleep expert Dr. Daniel Kriple, emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego in the U.S. How do you determine if you’re sleeping enough? Check 30 minutes to an hour post-rising to see if you feel awake and alert. Yes, it takes that long to get your brain and body going, says Michael Grandner, member of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology in the U.S. Once you find your sweet spot, stick with it as much as you can. But Michael points out that snoozing any less than five hours, even for just one night, can impair decision making, slow reaction time, and (worse yet) leave you so addled that you don’t even recognize how exhausted you are. After such a restless night, he recommends avoiding long drives, complex projects, and big decisions until you can get some restorative rest.

YOU MUST RESPECT YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE Many so-called insomniacs may actually be night owls trying in vain to adopt early-bird habits. “Everyone has a relatively unique biological fingerprint of sleep,” explains Dr.

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+Health Robert Thomas, associated professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School in the U.S. “Your body is wired to shut down during a specific period of time.

If your built-in bedtime is 11:30 pm, then you won’t be able to drift off at 10pm, no matter how tired you are.”

Rather than overriding your innate inclinations, embrace them.

If you’re a night owl, try to find ways to sleep in by showering at night instead of the morning, and not scheduling events first thing.

If you’re an early bird, take advantage of less crowded gyms in the morning.

Even consider asking your boss about tweaking your work schedule. Adjusting your start and leave times by just 30 minutes can be a game changer for productivity, says David Brown, a sleep psychologist at the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas in the U.S.

NAPPING MAY BE A GODSEND — OR IT COULD DO YOU IN The afternoon power nap has achieved widespread approval, with

companies like Google even offering on-site nap pods (quiet spots where employees can recharge). But for some, midday dozing leaves them feeling groggy and screws with their nighttime routine.

Since the cult of nap is so forceful, you might even fear you’re missing something — or doing it wrong. But your ability to nap is pre-programmed, David says. Instead of a siesta, up your energy by taking a quick walk or talking with a friend.

KNOW THAT THERE WILL BE AN AFTERNOON SLUMP That daily mid-afternoon energy drop does not — I repeat, does not — mean you haven’t slept well enough.

It simply means you’re human, given that the circadian alerting signal responsible for wakefulness naturally dips in the late afternoon and takes your pep along with it, says David.

Rather than seeking a caffeine fix when your energy flags, take a break from mentally challenging to-dos and focus on creative tasks.

You should be better at innovative thinking when you’re feeling a

bit fatigued, according to a study published in the journal thinking and reasoning. Then, just ride it out. It will end.

MIDNIGHT WAKING IS NORMAL (ANNOYING, BUT NORMAL) Everybody’s been there: You wake up at 3am, can’t go back to sleep, and start downward spiraling with insomnia self-diagnosis. But this wee hour waking is just as natural as the afternoon slump. In one classic study by the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S., people who spent 14 hours a night in a dark room for four weeks in an effort to reset their sleep pattern, began waking once a night, though they slept more overall.

Back in the pre-industrial days, David says people passed this time in bed or out, reading, writing, doing light housework, or having sex. All these activities are still fair game — as is TV, but stick to more formulaic, sleep-inducing fare (that is, not Game of Thrones). Your alertness shouldn’t last more than 30 minutes (or occur more than once or twice each night). If you don’t panic, you’ll fall back to sleep easily.

ARE YOU HEADED FOR A SLEEP DIVORCE? Living with someone doesn’t automatically mean your snooze styles mesh. Save your sleep — and relationship — with these simple strategies.

IF HE’S A NIGHT OWL AND YOU ARE AN EARLY BIRD Consider investing in wireless headphones. While he’s up, he can watch TV or listen to music without disturbing you. Relegate noisier morning activities — like doing your hair and makeup or getting dressed — to another room.

IF HIS TOSSING AND TURNING WAKES YOU An upgrade in bed size might help — say, from queen to king — but if space is tight, consider a memory foam mattress or pad, which absorbs motions so they won’t affect you. If he hogs the covers, using separate blankets can also limit disruptions.

IF HIS SNORING WAKES YOU Earplugs can offer relief. Throw them out after each use (to limit bacterial growth), and opt for ones labeled NRR 33, which block snoring sounds — but not clock or smoke alarms. Or try a white-noise machine. And get him tested for sleep apnoea.

20% — that’s how much the sleep quality of adults snoozing in lavender-scented room improved.

Before turning in, try spritzing your sheets with a fragrant linen spray.

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+Fitness

TO ROCK YOUR WORLD IN 2016 LOOKING FOR A DIGITAL SOLUTION TO MAKE YOUR RUNNING MORE INTERESTING? WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST APPS FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE TO TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND SHARE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS.

I

f you’ve decided that you’re going to start jogging or running in 2016 as a way of keeping yourself fit, then congratulations.

Gone are the days when you just

donned a pair of shorts and trainers and went out for a jog — running is now a 21st Century exercise with all the smart technology available in the Digital Age. Today we’re

MapMyRun

also allows you to record your food and drink intake so that you can check what you’ve eaten on any particular day in a bid to improve your overall health. The app will also provide you with valuable advice on how much you should eat and how much water you should be drinking for added health benefits.

MapMyRun is a fitness tracking app that you can use with your smartphone to track all of your running activities.

You can keep a record of your workout, including distance, duration, pace, speed, elevation and the number of calories burned. The cool thing about this app is that you can record your

route on an interactive map and then save and upload your workout data to the MapMyRun website wherever you are. You’ll be able to access a historical record of your running data and a comprehensive workout log. MapMyRun

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going to take a look at some of the best apps available that will help you keep your running routine going and make it an effective method of keeping fit.

IFE L G ESS N I NG FITN A CH UGH O R H T

+Fitness Zombies, Run This app is available on both Android and iOS and it’s a pretty cool app for making your running activities fun. You get to run away from zombies as fast as you possibly can — a brilliant incentive as your running activities turn into a game of survival.

You’re running away from the zombies trying to reach one of the last outposts of survival for humans who need your help.

This means that while you track your run with stats and numbers, you gather supplies along the way to help rescue the human survivors and defend their home. If running doesn’t particularly appeal to you and you’d rather sit and watch a film on TV, then this is the running app for you.

RunKeeper This is one of the most popular running apps as it’s free and feature-rich. You can track runs, jogs and cycle rides and share your achievements via Facebook to show all your friends and family just how well you’re doing (a great incentive to keep at it as somebody is sure to point out if you’re not doing as well as you could be). RunKeeper provides a great set of stats so that you can track your progress, and if you don’t want to store all your data on your phone, your stats can be stored on the RunKeeper website.

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Fitness+ Endomondo This is one of the most feature-rich running apps available and is also highly social. You can track distance, duration and speed and create your own routes. You’ll also

Nike+ Running This app will provide you with all the stats you could possibly want and a log of your stats to track your progress accurately. You’ll also be able to share your exercise experiences by

be able to challenge friends and neighbors for a really competitive experience. The app features an audio coach if you need a little extra encouragement to keep yourself on track. You can also use the app to send encouragement or pep

talks to friends who are flagging! If you have a really competitive spirit, then you can see other people’s times on different routes and compare them with your own. If you like you’re running to be social, and then this is the app for you.

taking photos with your smartphone and then sharing them via social media channels like Facebook and Twitter. If you feel the need for some extra encouragement, you can choose to be cheered along the way by a real time crowd or play a

power song that will keep you at it until you finish your run. While there are plenty of Nike accessories available that can be used with this app, the app will work without them and leave you to run free with just your smartphone for company.

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+Fitness

BEWARE OF THIS WEIGHT–GAIN TRAP

H

idden carbohydrates lurking in your food could be your diet downfall, says nutrition scientist David Plourde.

He explains how to know what you’re really eating.

You’re trying to be smart about your diet. You’re exercising. But for some reason, the scale isn’t budging, or the weight refuses to come off as fast as you’d like. “A weight loss problem means there’s a problem in your fat cells,“explains nutrition scientist and exercise physiologist David Plourde, founder of the Plourde Institute in the U.S. In his interdisciplinary, science-based weight-loss program, he helps people increase the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat.

Once their cells can release fat, the extra kilos starts to disappear.

One way he does this is by putting his patients on high-fiber

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diets free of added sugars and simple starches, such as white flour, since the body burns sugar for fuel before burning fat.

However, if you try to restrict your total carb intake on your own, it can be tricky. So many foods you’d never have imagined to have carbs are secretly loaded with these diet wreckers. You don’t know you’re consuming them, so the scale remains stuck.

A study David conducted reveals that when people know where carbohydrates lurk, they can avoid them and lose body fat. In the study, he divided 308 overweight people, all on a high-protein, moderate-fat diet, into three groups. The first received no guidance on how to avoid secret carb sources, while the second had limited information. The third group was given detailed instructions on how to steer clear of hidden sugars and

starches. Armed with the most information, the third group lost 71 per cent of their body fat mass — almost 50 per cent more than the group left in the dark.

So how can you avoid sneaky carb sources? Firstly, scan ingredient lists for words like “modified starch” and “maltodextrin” (which means it’s made from starch). Also, take a closer look at what is in foods you wouldn’t normally think of as having carbs, like chicken; if you see the word “product”, it’s a clue that the chicken is fortified with starch, and regular as well as diet beverages, pre-separated egg whites, and even medication.

Or go by this smart rule: eat simple food with only a few, if any, added ingredients. “If the list of ingredients is a paragraph long, you don’t need a Ph.D. in chemistry to know that you’re probably getting some hidden carbohydrates,” says David.

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+Event

APPRECIATION NIGHT 12.12.15 A RIVER CRUISE TOUR

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Event+

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lus+ Magazine hold its very first appreciation night on a cruise ship for all Plus+ Business Partners, Advertisers, Supporters and Contributors towards the magazine. The grow of the magazine would not be a great success with out the individuals and companies that directly and indirectly contributed towards the magazine.

We are truly inspired and moved by all the support from everyone whose continued effort and participation have created a successful and significant appreciation event. It is with sincere thanks and gratitude that we acknowledge the following for their exceptional contributions.

Our outstanding venue provider for the evening, Brunei River Cruise who kept the trip smooth and steady throughout. Without them we will be drifting on a number of small boats to host such river cruise.

Bake Culture Brunei for their decadent pastries and delicious cakes.

The Energy Kitchen for their healthy yet satisfying food which everyone enjoyed.

D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd for designing and sponsoring the backdrop for this event.

Kingston Beverage & Creamery for sponsoring refreshing beverages.

Our local Media, for their wonderful coverage of Plus+ Magazines’ First Appreciation event.

To all the staff and volunteers who have facilitated the production and planning of this event and ensured a pleasant experience for everyone.

And last but not least, our heart-felt thanks to all our loyal friends and business partners for their attendance and endless support in making Plus+ Magazine a continuous success.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jerome Wong

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+Event

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PLUS+ APPRECIATION EVENT 12.12.15

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+Event

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PLUS+ APPRECIATION EVENT 12.12.15

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K N A H T U O Y AKINGE! M R FO SIBL S O P THIS

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+Event

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8. Anna Thien 9. Muiz Hasnani

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10. Stephanie Yi

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12. Monica Lim 13. King Seh Horng 14. Azhar Liew

Special thanks to our business partners:

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19. Devin Koh

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Special thanks to our contributors:

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2. Jerome Wong

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4. Elizabeth Sim

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5. Joanna Kwan

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6. Hasmin Masri

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7. Nursadiqin Misir

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1. Shanice Lim

15. Oleh M

21. Helen O’ Brien 22. Mohd Aslan Abdullah 23. Lily Chiam 24. Azhani Daniel 25. Grace Cheong 26. Toon 27. Izzi 28. Lily Bong

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+Life Inspired

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Life Inspired+

Maria Grace Koh, a.k.a. Eia: A NEW YEAR, A NEW HER

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+Life Inspired

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Life Inspired+

Y

ou know the kind of people who walk into a room and somehow light up the whole place with their smile and energy?

Well, Maria Grace Koh is one of those people.

The day we first met in July 2014, a then 21-year old Maria walked into the room all-smiles and beaming as she greeted everyone with a warm and casual ‘Hello!’ There was an unmistakable, magnetic energy about her that held my attention and gaze that bit longer than usual.

Maria, or Eia as she is better known as, and I were teammates for the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) heading to Los Angeles, USA to compete in a few days. I was working on a monologue while she worked on her pieces. I didn’t know much about her then, except that she had gone to compete at the same championship the year before. As we got talking about our pieces, Maria would offer suggestions to try out, and through our conversations, she struck me as a very smart and talented young woman, with maturity well beyond her years and who knew what she was talking about. More importantly, she was genuinely nice.

We became fast friends, and during the championship in LA, we hung out more and got to know each other a little better.

What I learnt about her made her even more impressive. This songbird used to be part of the Brunei National Swimming Team, and was selected to represent Brunei at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, a feat she calls her “most prized accomplishment”. “I was training twice a day, 11–14 times a week. It was pretty intense. I would be at the pool by 5:00 am and be at school by 7:30 am, and then had orchestra/ choir before going straight to the pool again at 4:00 pm for my second training session.”

However, due to an unfortunate turn of events, Maria did not get to go to the Olympics. After training intensively for months, her dream was shattered. Despite being heartbroken, the spirited young lady put on a brave front and tried to look forward. It was during this difficult time that she would uncover another talent. “I learnt to channel my emotions

into song writing, and that is how I wrote my first song, ‘Hello World’ (available on iTunes) when I was 15.”

What began as a cathartic process became a newfound passion that would take her in a completely different direction. After finishing high school, Maria headed to LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore to pursue music, something she had been interested in since she was a toddler. “It started when my parents bought a toy piano, and I started to play some nursery rhymes by ear and that’s when they realized that I might have some sort of potential! They put me in a music appreciation class when I was 3, and later I went on to playing the piano and violin.”

At LASALLE, with her enthusiasm and determination, it was not surprising that she became the only student in her year to secure a place in the college’s annual final recitals two years in a row and was one of only two students in the Music program to graduate with First Class Honours.

She earned it of course — for someone who single-handedly wrote and arranged all her own songs (which also meant writing the arrangements for several different musical instruments), rounded up a 12-strong band and performed in front of hundreds of people at the Esplanade for her graduation recital. “I did 6 original songs and 1 cover. It was so much fun because I had 3 back-up vocalists, 2 saxophones, 1 trumpet, 2 guitarists, 1 keyboardist, 1 bassist, 1 DJ and 1 drummer… plus myself, that makes 13! That’s a big band. I was extremely lucky because some of my band members are now some of Singapore’s top musicians and we are all good friends. That has by far, got to me one of the most magical times I have had on stage.”

That’s Eia for you. We all know how many celebrities and artists have everything done and planned out for them, but not her. Besides writing her own songs, she is very involved creatively in every aspect of her career and image, from her photo shoots to her music videos, and even doing her own hair and makeup for her shows. What you see is really what you get — from her music to her image, it is all her, all Eia. In 2013, Eia was again given the opportunity to represent Brunei on the world’s stage, this time at

WCOPA in Los Angeles. The experience and exposure to some of the world’s best vocalists and performers did her a lot of good and she came back with a better sense of who she was as a singer-songwriter.

She worked on developing her own sound and songs, and her perseverance paid off — Eia returned to compete at WCOPA the following year, armed with four of her own original songs. She blew the judges away, and fellow competitors and members of the organizing committee who heard her quickly became fans. She bagged 4 Gold medals, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze and 4 Division Champion of the World Awards, and later went on to become the official Hostess of the Championship in 2015 held in Long Beach, CA. And now, Brunei’s rising young star has blossomed into a multi-talented and multi-dimensional recording artist in her own right.

Joanna: Tell us about the new you — what has changed in the past year, how have you grown personally and professionally?

Eia: So many things have happened over the course of the past year — I wouldn’t really say that it’s a completely ‘new’ me, I think the best way to put it would be to say that I’ve grown more into myself — I’ve learnt so many new things and have learnt to be more confident in my own skin, and am sticking true to what I believe in (both artistically and personally).

Joanna: Your music has grown with you over the years and I know it has definitely taken on a different direction too. What can you tell us?

Eia: My new music is sort of a mixture of a few different genres. It is still Pop, but with a ton of Soul and R&B influence. A lot of people have been asking me why I have been so quiet since the release of my last single, “That’s The Way” — that’s because I have been working on locking down a sound and really growing into it.

I really have the best team to work with — my producers, Marc ‘M. Doc’ Williams and C-Ray from Indasoul Entertainment in the United States.

It was the World Championship of Performing Arts that led me to my amazing team back in 2013. I didn’t get into the finals then but meeting

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+Life Inspired these guys was more than winning the grand championship.

Last year I made two trips to the U.S. to work on my new album, first in July and then in November.

Although both trips were within a few months of each other, they were so different and challenging for me. I was really pushed beyond my comfort zone, in terms of writing and technically — my new songs required me to sing in ways which I would not normally sing in and boy, was it a challenge! It all paid off because what we have created and produced are some quality tracks and I really cannot wait for people to hear them. I also discovered a lot of things I didn’t know I was capable of doing, and that has only broadened my horizon.

Joanna: You broke into the Brunei music scene with your gorgeous single, That’s The Way. That sealed your status as Brunei’s singer-songwriter sweetheart and saw your fan base grow overnight. We were all looking forward to more from you and I know you have been very busy behind the scenes working on something exciting for your fans and supporters.

Eia: Yes, the reason why you haven’t heard from me is because I’ve been busy working on a whole new sound and I believe that this is really something different from what I’ve done, and what you’ve heard on local airwaves. I’m still me — I still channel my soulfulness but this time, with an edge.

Joanna: At 23, you are not only a singer-songwriter, but also your own stylist, manager and businesswoman, amongst other things. How do you manage all that?

Eia: I like the idea of knowing exactly what is going on and having control over my work, appearance and lifestyle. I think as an artist, it is very important to have all of these skills because at the end of the day, it is your product and face that is being sold and if you don’t know exactly what is going on then a lot of problems will arise. So yes — being aware is always a great thing. Even when it comes to performing — I am very selective with the brand of microphones that I use. One of the top ones I like to choose from is the SHURE SUPER 55, which is what I’m

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holding in my photos and I got that from Black Tech in Brunei. It’s also very stylish! Yes — I do have a true passion for fashion! For those who may follow me on my social media or know me, know that I do enjoy dolling up for a day out. I’m also big into accessorizing — one of my favourite local jewelers is Enya Bijoux, and I’m wearing her GORGEOUS statement necklace in this spread! This is my favourite from her collection.

Joanna: You’ve always been a go-getter, and I know you work very hard to achieve your goals. In the new year, our readers could use some motivation as they go about setting their resolutions. How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Eia: I’ve always believed that talent can only take you so far — it is the hard work behind it that gets you places. I wrote my first song ‘Hello World” when I was 15, and released that when I turned 20. I am now 23, and it’s easy to forget that it’s already been 7 to 8 years since I discovered my love for songwriting and started taking it seriously! Success doesn’t happen overnight!

I know how easy it is to set goals, and then sort of just ‘leave it to tomorrow’ to get done, and by the end of the year, we are only repeating our new year’s resolutions for the year after that.

One of my new songs is called “Yesterday” and the lyrical hook to it is, ‘There’s no more time for yesterday’ — I think this is a song that we can all relate to. What I’m trying to say is time doesn’t wait for anyone — if you can manage your time well, you can achieve anything and accomplish even the dreams you thought were beyond reach.

Staying motivated is key — it’s not only reaching your goal that makes you happy, it’s all of the new experiences that come along with it that make it all the more worthwhile.

It also helps that I have the best family anyone could ask for. My parents have been so supportive in everything I’ve ever wanted to do — dance, football, piano, swimming, singing… you name it. They have always been there to cheer me on.

And of course I cannot forget about my two younger brothers — they have never missed a swimming meet

or concert that I have competed or performed in. They really are my world and without them I would not be where I am today! Clichéd, but it is the truth.

Joanna: Speaking of swimming, you used to be a national swimmer, representing Brunei in many international meets. Now that music has taken centre stage, how do you stay fit?

Eia: I have always enjoyed exercising as sports and fitness have always played a big part in my life. I’d have to say that my favourite form of exercise is attending group classes like Spinning, Body Attack and Body Combat — all cardio classes, and there is no better place and environment to do that than Fitness Zone! The environment that is at the gym is really motivating and of course being surrounded by likeminded people always helps. Your diet is also equally, if not more important — so is taking care of your skin! For people that have known me for a while now, they will also know that my skin has gone through a rollercoaster ride the past 3 years or so.

I used to have very bad acne, but now after taking care of my health it has almost cleared up completely after about a year!

Joanna: Watching what you eat is not easy! Especially when you are also a big foodie…

Eia: Yesssssss, I love my food — but then again, who doesn’t? I’m sure if you follow me on my social media (IG/Twitter @eia25, Snapchat @eia_25) you will know that my favourite meal is brunch! Haha! I do appreciate good food and love trying all sorts of new places to dine at.

Café hopping is definitely one of my favourite pastimes!

Joanna: What do you hope to achieve in the new year?

Eia: This year I am going to come out strong with my music and I really hope to make a breakthrough with my new album (coming soon in 2016!!). I am also looking to start maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and continue to stay motivated with my work and hope to inspire people all around me!

We are excited for the new album and we wish you the very best!

Life Inspired+

FEATURING: Maria Grace Koh ARTICLE BY: Joanna Kwan PHOTOGRAPHER: Azwan Manudin (Zwanevesphotography) MAKE-UP: Muaz Al-Rashid (Dragons and Pixiedust)

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+Life Inspired

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Life Inspired+

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+Life Inspired

N Nadiah

adiah and Hannah Baharuddin love jet skiing. These two teens aged 13 and 12 respectively, have already competed on an international level, and they talk to us about their jet skiing experience, school life and the joys and challenges of having a sister who shares the same interest, but most importantly how they support each other.

Thanks for taking the time from your busy schedules to talk to us today.

Tell us a little bit about yourselves.

Hannah and Nadiah: We both go to Jerudong International School (JIS). We also share the same interests in school and we both love jet skiing. We have a lot of things in common.

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6, I’m not quite sure when exactly, but we were basically born into jet skiing.

Nadiah: Our grandfather was another person who got us into jet skiing and my dad started racing so he decided to bring us to his races. From there, we got inspired. We wanted to keep that going, even as grown ups.

Do you think jet skiing is your passion?

Nadiah: Yes, I even posted it on Instagram.

Do you plan on introducing jet skiing to your children in the future?

Hannah and Nadiah: Yes, most probably.

What made you two get into jet skiing?

If there were to be a time where you would have to quit jet skiing due to an injury or maybe, other priorities, would you?

Hannah: My father introduced me to jet skiing when I was about 5 or

Nadiah: If it were really serious, then yes I’d have to.

+Life Inspired

Hannah Do you guys do any other type of sports besides jet skiing?

Hannah: Yes I do. I do netball, football, swimming and athletics.

Nadiah: As for me, I do touch rugby, football, athletics and swimming as well.

Comparing jet skiing and the other sports that you currently do, do you think jet skiing is on the top of your list?

Hannah and Nadiah: Yes, most definitely.

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What type of training do you do in order to prepare yourselves whenever you’re at sea during races?

Nadiah: First of all, when you race internationally, you have to start your engines at the starting line so we practice starting and then we practice going around buoys by doing right and left turns so we can increase our accuracy and speed. This practice also trains and improves our agility. Other than that, we do straight runs to increase our stamina.

Hannah: It’s the same for me actually. I practice my turns so I can improve my speed and overtake people.

You mentioned something about stamina, why do you think it requires stamina?

Nadiah: When you hold the handle pole, you have to keep it up the whole time during the race because if you bring it down, you’ll lose points. Besides that, if you were to sit down, points may be deducted as well. So basically, it’s for style points.

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+Life Inspired

Nadiah Hannah: Sometimes when you sit down, you can get disqualified.

race because our mum tells us to recite the Al Fatihah to keep us safe.

How heavy is the handle pole?

What other routines do you have?

Say, if you were to have a race tomorrow, what would you do the day before?

It all depends, because you can actually change the handle pole into a lighter one. Different jet skis weigh differently. I’m actually interested in a jet ski called the Hydrospace, which enables the user to produce foam that can make other racers lose their balance. It could be considered cheating, though!

Do you have a set routine before a race?

Hannah and Nadiah: Yes, we actually recite our prayers before every

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Nadiah: Before and after our races, our father makes us drink these protein shakes and to be honest, we don’t quite like it.

Do you two get nervous a day before a race?

Nadiah: Well, the feeling is mostly excitement. Though I did get nervous when I had my first race in the Thai World Cup.

Hannah: During my first race, I felt excited but nervous at the same time as well.

What kind of obstacles would you potentially face in a race? For example, maybe the weather or the climate?

Nadiah: During the first day of the Thai World Cup, it was raining heavily and the waves were really rough and choppy. So much so, that I almost fell off my jet ski. It also made it very slippery so it was hard for me to balance.

What’s the toughest thing you had to go through during a race?

Life Inspired+

Nadiah: That would be riding behind the Hydros. As I’ve mentioned previously, the foam produced by the throttle makes it really hard to keep my balance Is it important to have a certain body weight when you jet ski?

Nadiah: No, I don’t think so because people of all sizes can ride exceptionally well. Anyone can do it. So it all depends on your experience and also the amount of practice you’ve done. Other than that, it’s also how often you train.

Do you think it’s a need to be physically fit in order to jet ski?

Nadiah: Yes, I think so and my father thinks so too. It’s also really important to have wrist strength because when you’re up against big waves, you tend to fall back from your jet ski. It’s not about having a certain body size but it’s about having strength in certain areas. You need to have leg strength too because you’re not supposed to be sitting down during races, you’re supposed to squat.

Have you ever been in a life-threatening situation?

Nadiah: No, we haven’t, actually, so I guess the prayers really work!

Do you ever get scared when you race?

Hannah: Sometimes yes, when you’re afraid of losing your balance and falling off while a jet ski is behind you.

Nadiah: As for me, it’s scary when you try to overtake someone with the possibility of them suddenly changing directions and resulting in a collision.

What kind of accidents have you seen in races?

Nadiah: I was actually involved in one very recently during the Jet Ski World Cup. My jet ski literally

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+Life Inspired capsized but of course, I was alright. During every race, it’s a must to be wearing a life jacket.

Other than training often and having the right set of skills, I assume it would also take courage to jet ski well?

Nadiah: Yes, because anything can happen in a race.

Have you ever seen anything interesting in the water during a race?

Nadiah: We’ve seen quite a number of jellyfish in the waters of Thailand. They were quite huge too!

Nadiah: As mentioned, I was involved in an accident during the Jet Ski World Cup where I capsized. I actually sustained a wound to my wrist due to a lanyard. It tightened and coiled around my wrist when I fell off my jet ski and there was lots of blood. Ever since then, I wear gloves.

Have you ever thought about quitting jet ski at some point?

Nadiah: No, definitely not.

What is your biggest achievement in jet skiing?

Nadiah: Well, I would say almost having placed top 5 in the world.

How was the Jet Ski World Cup for you?

Nadiah: Overall, it was a really fun experience until my jet ski capsized. It just blew my chance of being on the podium.

I could’ve been in the podium picture. My sister is in it though.

Hannah, you are on the ski stock. What does that mean?

Hannah: Ski stock means no modification to the jet ski at all. Some people have carried out modifications to their jet ski, which would be considered cheating.

Hannah, tell me how the Jet Ski World Cup was like for you.

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Hannah

Have you ever gotten injured during a race?

Life Inspired+

Hannah: It was very fun and life-changing. I didn’t expect to get fifth place.

Nadiah: When my father bought the super jet for her, my mum didn’t think she would get into jet skiing at all. She doubted that Hannah would like to jet ski but hey, there she is on the podium.

What other races have you done prior to the World Cup? Nadiah: This was actually my first big competition, in Thailand.

What competitions are you guys preparing for soon?

Nadiah: I’m not quite sure if I am going to be racing actually because I won’t be using the stand up jet ski. I’d be using the normal, different kind of jet ski.

I was just wondering, what is it like to have another sibling share the same interest and sport that you do? Is there any type of conflict or rivalry?

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+Life Inspired

Nadiah: It’s actually useful because we can help each other in a race whenever we need to.

Hannah: I actually think it’s nice to have my sister share the same sport interest as me.

What’s your relationship like on the water?

Nadiah: Sometimes we tend to fight over the gear that we want to use depending on what colour it is.

What’s your relationship like off the water?

Nadiah: She’s actually into the sports that I like and she has the same interests as me. So it is very enjoyable.

What are your ambitions?

What do you want to be in the future?

Nadiah: I actually want to be an architect Hannah: I’m not quite sure now, but I used to want to be a lawyer.

How have your parents been in your journey of jet skiing? Has your mum been supportive?

Nadiah: She reminds us to be safe during races and of course, to recite prayers before every race. She also tries to help us get sponsors.

As for my father, he inspired us to jet ski.

Do you think jet skiing gets in the way of school?

Nadiah: I don’t think so because we only do it on

weekends. I also make schedules of what I’m supposed to do on certain days.

I work out quite a lot, go running and also make time for sleep!

Hannah: I don’t really have a schedule so I just do what I want to do.

How different are you from other kids?

Nadiah: Sometimes, they say negative things about me and I have quite a few critics.

Do you look up to anyone in jet skiing?

Hannah and Nadiah: My dad, of course, and a British jet skier named Anya Colley.

Do you have any New Year resolutions?

Nadiah: I think it would be to train more to improve myself and my stamina.

FEATURING: Nadiah Baharuddin and Hannah Baharuddin ARTICLE BY: Abdul Hakim Bin Murni

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+Lifestyle

NEW YEAR – FIVE POINT PLAN FOR A WHOLE NEW YOU GIVE YOURSELF A BOOST IN 2016

BY CREATING A WHOLE NEW YOU

W

e’re at the beginning of a bright new year — the future is looking good for 2016 and you could be looking good too. If you’ve over-indulged over the Christmas period, then you’re sure to want to get yourself back on track on the road to fitness. However, if life has lost its lustre for you over the past few years, why not make a commitment to yourself and create a brand new you?

We very often start out in life full of good intentions on the way in which we want to live our lives.

However, we’re living in a busy, modern world and most of us are struggling to keep our lives on track as we juggle our jobs, our families and other commitments.

We very often end up using all our energy just to keep afloat and on top of things with little time and

energy left over for creating the type of life that we looked forward to when we were younger — life just seems to get in the way of our plans. If this sounds like you, then don’t stress — here, we provide all the information and incentive you’ll need to get your life back on track and reclaim your energy for facing a brighter future.

1

First of all, get rid of the stuff you don’t need. Use January to blitz your home, getting rid of unwanted junk and making your home an easy and pleasant place to live in. Banish any unnecessary clutter and you’ll find that you spend less time on housework and cleaning, freeing up more of your precious time for you. A cluttered home usually means a cluttered mind, so free yourself from the stress of thinking about all that junk you’ve been hoarding. You’ll also find it easier to set up and maintain routines if you have less junk and less cleaning to do.

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Win complimentary StarbuckS beverage voucherS Weekly!

15th January - 31st March 2016 To parTicipaTe: 1 Snap a photo of plus+ Magazine with any Starbucks beverage 2 Upload it on instagram/Facebook and hashtag #plusinStarbucks 3 Tag @plusBrunei and @StarbucksBrunei on the photo *account has to be public to participate

20 winners will be selected weekly.

+Lifestyle

2

Plan a healthy eating regime and try to stick to it. Before you do your weekly shop, plan your menu for the week, rather than arriving at the supermarket and just grabbing everything that you fancy to put in your trolley.

This will result in less eating between meals — the snacks and junk food just won’t be there on hand and, if you are feeling peckish, make sure you have plenty of fruit and nuts in stock to snack on. Making a list means that you don’t buy food that you don’t need, which means less food wastage and more money in your wallet at the end of the week. Planning meals will also save you the stress of worrying about what you’re going to cook each evening.

3

Try to incorporate some exercise into your daily routine. If you commute to work on public transport, why not get off the bus a stop before you need to and walk the rest of the way?

If that’s not possible, look for a park or open space near where you work that you can visit during your lunch break — the fresh air will energise and invigorate you and keep you on your toes during the afternoon session at work. Perhaps your workplace has a gym. If not, some employers offer membership to a local gym either free or at a reduced rate. Is there a room available at your workplace where you could practise some yoga or exercise during your breaks?

4

Try to get away on a regular basis, if possible, and do something you really enjoy. If you’re the outdoorsy type, then plan a weekend away camping or doing activities you enjoy.

There are plenty of “experience” days and weekends available if you look online and it’s often the case than you can book them at reduced rates.

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5

If you’re not the outdoorsy, active type, then why not give yourself a break by taking up a new hobby?

You could enroll in a cooking course, or learn a new craft that interests you. Again, these types of activities are now available as a one day or a weekend workshop — a great way to meet new friends and learn new skills at the same time, while giving yourself a welcome break from your day to day life.

+Beauty

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO

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Natural Skin Care Products

Beauty+

P

eople are gradually turning more to natural skin, haircare and food products and as a result the growth in the natural and organic beauty product sector is outpacing the growth in that category overall. Consumers are showing keen interest in the origins, cultivation-criteria, sustainability of the products and raw materials used. The awareness is building huge demand in the organic sector and booming natural cosmetics industry. Yet, very few of us really know what the labels mean and how authentic their claim of being organic is.

Various grades of oils and production methods can have a big effect on the quality of the ingredient, so it’s important to have proper knowledge about the source of the ingredients used in your favorite skincare products. Here’s what you should look for before spending big bucks on natural skin care products.

1

LEARN TO READ THE LABELS:

Start looking at the labels on the back of your products. Have a clear idea about what ingredients your potential skincare product should contain. Avoid products that contain a lot of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petroleum products and fragrances. Also remember, not all the ingredients are always mentioned on the label, so make sure you trust the company you are purchasing from.

2

“NATURAL” DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN “ALL NATURAL”:

There is a huge difference in products that contain organically certified ingredients but were not made by utilizing organic processes. These products are not 100% organic. Many brands pretend to be natural but are found not to be the real deal after

reading the fine print. On the other hand, when some manufacturers claim that their products are “natural”, what they are really implying is that they are “naturally inspired”, which means the product is loaded with phthalates and scents you might find in nature but contains nothing from nature.

So, don’t believe everything you read on the labels without doing some research or reading the fine print.

3

LEAN TOWARDS ORGANIC BEAUTY AND GROOMING PRODUCTS:

Organic ingredients are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, which makes them healthier for both the planet and your body. Seek products that contain organic ingredients, or better yet, botanicals grown using biodynamic farming methods. Do your research on the brands and products before purchasing to find out if they are biodynamic-certified.

4

KEEP IT SIMPLE:

Don’t get fooled by all the persuasive cosmetic advertising. A myriad of creams, lotions and potions found at the drugstores and cosmetic counters make promises they cannot deliver. For instance, the eye-creams rarely vary in formulation from your regular facial moisturizer. Always keep it simple. You only need a basic cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen to keep your skin healthy. The rest are just dressings.

5

PRICEY CAN MEAN BETTER:

Through fillers and chemicals, products can be made fast and hence they are economical. On the other hand, ingredients that are grown organically are

processed in an eco-friendly way and packaged in recyclable or biodegradable packaging, which leads to increased cost and time consumption. And even though that may reflect in the price, the product would very well be worth every cent.

6

CHOOSE FRAGRANCEFREE PRODUCTS:

A single product’s fragrance mixture could contain dozens of toxic chemicals. These artificial fragrances frequently contain phthalates that may trigger allergic reactions and other health problems. Always be mindful of the hidden dangers that the “fragrance” of your skincare may contain and wisely choose fragrance-free products.

7

THE FEWER INGREDIENTS, THE BETTER:

While buying skin care products, including natural products, look for the ones with the least ingredients. Although natural skin products still tend to have extra ingredients added to them, the more that’s in them, the higher the possibility they may cause irritation and allergic reactions in your skin.

8

SHOP AT NATURAL OR ONLINE SPECIALTY STORES:

Most healthy and safe products are found in natural specialty stores or online. Research the company well. Many new companies are launched to fulfill the lack of natural and nourishing products in the market. These brands tend to care more about their ingredients. Research and find out trustworthy companies like these that are worth your investment.

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+Beauty

Clean from the inside: THE BEST ANTIOXIDANTS FOR YOUR SKIN

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Beauty+

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Jan–Feb 2016

+Beauty

A

nti-oxidants happen to be the ultimate form of protection against anything and everything that may harm your skin. You name it: sunburn, wrinkles, discoloration, premature aging, etc. They increase the effectiveness of sunscreen to prevent sun damage and also help our cells repair and heal if applied at night.

1

GREEN TEA:

Research shows that tea (green, black or white) has some intriguing health benefits. Green tea, in particular, happens to contain a large amount of the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3 gallates or EGCG, which can prevent collagen breakdown and reduces UV damage to the skin. It also helps reduce inflammation. Look for moisturizers containing green tea. A product that contains a sufficient amount of green tea will be brown in color.

2

VITAMIN C:

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that effectively treats wrinkles, dullness, and brown spots. Some would even go so far as to say it is the hero of all anti-aging products. When applied in proper quantities, Vitamin C increases

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collagen production (which is vital for fighting wrinkles), reduces skin discoloration, strengthens the skin’s barrier response, heals quickly, reduces inflammation and helps skin better withstand exposure to sunlight. Vitamin C is found in a variety of products from lip balms to eye creams. However, avoid any Vitamin C product, which isn’t properly packaged. For example, buying vitamin C stored in a jar is a complete no-no, unless the vitamins are sealed inside single-use capsules.

3

VITAMIN E:

Although both the natural and the synthetic forms of this fat-soluble vitamin are good antioxidants, the natural form is more potent and has a higher rate of absorption by the skin. Vitamin E also protects the body against heart attack, stroke, some forms of cancer and relieves the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. For effective skin treatment, look for Vitamin E-enriched serums and moisturizers.

4

VITAMIN A OR RETINOL:

When used on a regular basis, this component keeps skin healthy

and young over the years. The use of Retinol decreases breakouts, brown spots and red marks from past breakouts. It helps skin create better, healthier cells and increase the production of skin-support substances such as ceramides, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan. Retinol is found in products ranging from moisturizers to body treatments.

5

RESVERATROL:

A polyphenolic compound found in grapes, berries, cocoa and nuts, this antioxidant prevents the skin from sun damage and helps retard the growth of skin cancer tumors. When you apply resveratrol before sun exposure, it reduces the production of damaging free radicals and other sun-related skin breakouts.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just a baby or someone who has seen a thousand moons come and go, what holds you together and makes a vital first impression is your skin. It’s important that you take good care of it and in return, it will serve you well.

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