In addition to the main categories of discussion, such as skin types, skincare ingredients, skin issues, and so on, there are actually many less-discussed but very important and practical skincare, hair care, beauty diet, and weight loss tips.
As it's usually challenging to categorize them for in-depth discussion, we have decided to group them together and do a quick Q&A session!
｜ Are "medical brands", "cosmeceutical brands" and "doctor brands" more effective than regular skincare brands?
No！
Firstly, skincare products are formulated by cosmetic chemists (also known as cosmetic scientists or formulation chemists) rather than dermatologists or doctors. These cosmetic chemists are responsible for formula development, ingredient research and testing, product testing, regulatory compliance, quality control, existing formula improvements, and more. Dermatologists, on the other hand, are trained to treat various skin conditions. Just as doctors have different specialties, dermatologists are not experts in all areas related to the skin. In other words, the specialized knowledge and experience that cosmetic chemists have in skincare ingredients, formulations, and technologies are not possessed by dermatologists.
In essence, terms like "medical brand", "cosmeceutical brand" or "doctor brand" are often just marketing tactics that leverage the label of "doctor" to induce confidence in consumers (for example, Dr. Barbara Sturm, known for her pricey skincare line, is actually specialized in orthopedics, not dermatology). In fact, these products and formulations are not necessarily better, more effective, or safer than those of regular skincare brands, as all over-the-counter skincare products (non-prescription skincare products) are subject to the same regulations.
A simple example——say there are two vitamin C serums, one from a medical brand using low-quality vitamin C made in China, and another from a non-medical brand using microencapsulated vitamin C from a top German pharmaceutical company, which one do you think would offer better stability and effectiveness for the skin?
｜Do Japan's "Medicated" and "Quasi-Drug" products imply that they are better than products without these labels?
Skincare products in Japan are categorized under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law as "cosmetics" and "quasi-drugs" (also known as "medicated cosmetics"). Cosmetics aim for effects like moisture and cleansing, while quasi-drugs, in addition to these effects, contain "active ingredients" recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare at certain concentrations with effects such as prevent and improve skin inflammation and acne, brightening, sun protection, deodorization, etc., although they are not classified as drugs. Whilst, products labeled as "medicated" are essentially "quasi-drugs."
The problems lie in:
- "Cosmetics" are obligated to list each ingredient, while "quasi-drugs" are not required to list every ingredient. Ironic, isn't it?
- Even if a product contains only one approved "active ingredient" without other beneficial ingredients, it can still be recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as a "quasi-drug."
- To be recognized as a "quasi-drug", the "active ingredient" must fall within a certain range, and generally, the concentration is relatively low, resulting in effects that are milder (and therefore slower) compared to many other formulations.
- Even general "cosmetics" can contain multiple "active ingredients" with potentially higher concentrations and effects. They may simply lack the label of approval from the Japanese government.
In reality, even the Japanese themselves understand the issues and limitations of the "Medicated" and "Quasi-Drug" system, so there is no need to base your purchases on these labels, nor assume that products labeled as "Medicated" or "Quasi-Drug" are necessarily more effective.
｜ Is it possible for some women to experience a sudden, drastic aging of their appearance after the age of 35?
Yes!
This is all due to the perimenopausal period.
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with most women entering menopause between 49 and 52. However, before officially entering menopause, there is a premenopausal period, called the "perimenopausal period", that generally lasts for 7 years and sometimes can extend to 14 years until menopause is reached.
After the age of 35, sudden drastic signs of aging may begin to appear because of hormonal changes associated with entering the perimenopausal period. These signs include:
- Wrinkles & Sagging Skin
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity, moisture, and collagen production. During perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decrease, leading to a reduction in collagen and elastin production, resulting in wrinkles and skin sagging issues. - Changes in Sebum Secretion
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can affect the production of sebum in the skin, leading to skin becoming either oilier or drier, and may even causing acne breakouts. - Thinning of the Skin
The decrease in estrogen during perimenopause can also result in a reduction in skin thickness. Thinner skin is more prone to damage and dryness, and resulting in an appearance that may not look as youthful. - Dull Skin Tone and Rough Skin Texture
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can slow down the skin's natural renewal rate, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells, resulting in a dull skin tone and rougher texture. - Increased Sensitivity
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can make the skin more sensitive to external factors such as sunlight, pollutants, and skincare products, leading to more irritations or allergic reactions than before. - Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can lead to increased melanin production, resulting in hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
This process is experienced by almost all women, and the only differences are the degree of hormonal fluctuations, as well as the timing and duration of the appearance of such perimenopausal symptoms.
However, there's no need to overly worry! Taking supplements that help balance hormones and alleviate perimenopausal symptoms can be quite helpful! Additionally, it's essential to start using skincare products that contain ingredients like retinol, peptides and calcium ketogluconate early, to effectively promote collagen and elastin production and increase skin elasticity.
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｜ Is "natural" skincare that claims to be free of chemicals better?
No！
This is simply absurd because everything in this world is made up of chemicals.
Water (H₂O) is a chemical compound composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Oxygen (O₂) is a chemical compound formed by two oxygen atoms.
Even the human body is a complex chemical form made up of various chemical elements such as oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus, which combine to form proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and other molecules。
Then, are water, oxygen and humans not natural?
Any brand that claims to be free of chemicals can be said to be ignoring the most basic knowledge in this world, and it also means: 1) it is trying to induce unnecessary fear in consumers for the sake of sales, a typical fearmongering tactic; 2) if sold in Europe, this is already an illegal act; and/or 3) the store owner, brand owner, product manufacturer, or copywriters really don't know anything. These brands can be disregarded, and should not be trusted nor purchased.
｜ "Are skincare products that only contain 'natural' ingredients necessarily safer than those with 'synthetic' ingredients?
No！
Building upon the previous discussion, even "natural" ingredients are composed of chemical substances, and many have undergone through "artificial" processing; whilst, many ingredients considered "synthetic" are actually derived from plants. But let's set that aside for now.
Indeed, in recent years, "synthetic" skincare ingredients have often been demonized——of course, some artificial ingredients such as formaldehyde, triclosan, etc., should definitely be avoided, but "natural" doesn't always mean better.
For example, asbestos is a natural mineral fiber. In the past, talc powder used in a certain brand's baby powder contained this ingredient and was even used on babies worldwide for decades, but it was proven to be harmful to human health, and could even lead to cancer.
Another example is the previously reported case of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's "red yeast rice." Red yeast rice is a product made by fermenting grains like rice with red yeast. For years, this natural substance was praised for its cholesterol and blood pressure-lowering benefits. However, due to unknown reasons (believed to be contamination of the red yeast rice by other bacteria or mutations in the red yeast used during fermentation), several individuals suffered from kidney damage, required dialysis, and even died after consuming a certain batch of red yeast rice health supplements.
Furthermore, many natural ingredients, especially those touted as "rare" ingredients extracted from high-altitude deserts or deep seas in the Arctic and Antarctic, lack clinical research support beyond the brand's own data. Whilst, many "natural" skincare products simply mix together some natural ingredients, and the formulations are hardly noteworthy...
In contrast, the majority of "synthetic" ingredients are manufactured in sterile and safe laboratories, hence pure and free of impurities, with countless clinical studies confirming their safety and efficacy.
In fact, the EU has already banned or restricted over 1,300 potentially harmful or suspicious ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products to ensure their safety.
In conclusion, the theory that "natural equals peace of mind and safety" is not valid. Regardless of whether it is a natural or synthetic ingredient, each has its pros and cons. The important things are 1) which ingredients your skin prefers and reacts sensitively to; 2) the brand's origin and credibility; and 3) the overall quality of the product formulation.
P.S. Regarding parabens, the most common debate in the scientific and chemical communities is whether they are carcinogenic. In a study of 20 breast cancer patients in 2004, researchers found parabens in tumor tissues. The scientific community often criticizes this study for its very small sample size, lack of a control group, and failure to prove that tumors were caused by parabens. However, it has instilled fear in consumers about this ingredient. Indeed, at very high concentrations, it may mimic the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cell growth, but most studies to date have shown that this ingredient is actually safe in small doses, just like everything else in thie world (even over-consuming water can cause hyponatremia). However, when combined with various factors that regulate cell growth, its safety may change, so further research is needed to determine whether parabens are carcinogenic.
｜ Sometimes when eczema, rosacea, or acne seem to be improving, the skin can start to feel a bit itchy again. Is it a sensitivity issue or does it mean the condition is not improving actually?
No！
Don't assume that itching means sensitivity! Eczema, rosacea, and acne all involve wounds in the skin (some of which may not be visible to the naked eye), and the itching that occurs during the healing process of these wounds is a normal and temporary physiological response. There are five reasons for this:
- New Tissue Growth
During the wound healing process, new skin tissue forms around the wound. The emergence of this new tissue may stimulate the surrounding skin nerves, causing an itching sensation. - Transitional Repair
Wound healing is a very complex process of body and skin repair, often accompanied by local inflammatory reactions. Inflammation releases chemicals that stimulate nerves, leading to itching, which is perfectly normal. - Dry Skin
The location of the wound may become dry due to dehydration during the healing process, which can in turn cause itching - Nerve Regeneration
Nerves damaged around the wound may be regenerating and reconnecting. This process of nerve regeneration may also cause itching in the skin. - Increased Local Blood Circulation
During wound healing, local blood circulation increases to support skin repair and new tissue growth. This increased blood flow is also associated with the itching sensation in the skin.
｜ Sometimes when using certain skincare products, I may feel a "tingling" or "itching" sensation. Does this mean the product is not suitable for my skin?
Not necessarily!
If your skin is not accustomed to certain active ingredients, such as different types of acids, you may indeed feel "tingling" or "itching" when you first use them. However, as long as you give your skin time to gradually adjust, these sensations will no longer occur. In such cases, it is recommended to wait a few more days before using the product again, or opt for a product with a lower concentration. If it's a face mask, you can reduce the time it's applied. Once your skin gets used to the ingredient, you can start using it more frequently, or use it at a higher concentration.
If redness, swelling, or itching persist after a few days, it may indicate that the product is truly not suitable for your skin.
Another situation that may cause a "tingling" or "itching" sensation, or even a stinging feeling, is when the skin barrier is compromised with invisible wounds. Just like how a paper cut on your finger can sting when in contact with water while washing your hands or showering, the skin on your face can react similarly. When the skin barrier is damaged, wounds appear, and the nerves around the skin would become lack of their normal protection. As a result, any skincare product, or even water, can stimulate the nerves and cause a "tingling" or "stinging" sensation. Moreover, when the skin barrier is compromised, skincare products can penetrate more deeply than usual, potentially causing various irritations.
In such cases, focusing on repairing the skin barrier will prevent these "tingling" or "stinging" sensations from occurring again.
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｜ When using a skincare product with dropper, should you apply it directly to the face to minimize waste, or should you first drop it into your palm and then apply it to your face?/span>
>Many models in advertisements or skincare tutorial videos often directly drop skincare products onto their faces with droppers, but in reality, this is a completely no-go, unhygienic behavior!
There are different types of bacteria on the skin, so when the dropper comes into contact with the skin, it inevitably picks up bacteria from the skin surface. Putting the dropper back into the bottle at this point contaminates the skincare product inside. The same logic applies to using your fingers to scoop out cream over and over again.
Therefore, when using dropper-type skincare products, you should first drop the product into your palm, and then apply it to your face. Similarly, when using cream from a jar, you should use a spatula instead of your fingers to take product out, and remember to ensure it's cleaned after each use.
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｜ The puff of cushion foundations often claims to have antibacterial properties, does that mean it doesn't need to be cleaned daily?
No!
Foundation puff comes into contact with foundation, which consists of water and oil, as well as proteins and lipids on the skin, and skincare product residues after every use. Combined with the anaerobic environment when the compact is closed, the puff is basically a paradise for bacteria!
This essentially means, to keep your skin away from inflammation, acne, and blackheads, the puff should be cleaned after each use; if used daily, it should be replaced with a new one every one to two weeks!
And the best way to clean the puff? Apart from using a dedicated puff cleanser, for the most thorough cleaning, use a cleansinng oil——since the puff comes into contact with oils from the foundation, our skin and the skincare products we use, and oils melt off oils the best, cleansing oils can be more effective than dedicated puff cleansers to wash off foundation residue on the puff.
｜ Lip aging involves more than just lip wrinkles?
Yes！
In addition to lip lines, as we age, both the upper and lower lips tend to become thinner, flatter, and may also spread horizontally. As the upper lip thins, the philtrum (the groove above the upper lip) may appear longer. Overall, this aging process can make a person look older, which roughly looks like this
Credit：https://www.kao.com/jp/newsroom/news/release/2020/20200401-002/
Therefore, in addition to moisturizing lip balms, using anti-aging lip products that contain effective ingredients for boosting collagen and hyaluronic acid production, combating free radicals, and protecting the lips from environmental stress damage is essential to help enhance the fullness, volume, moisture, and softness of the lips.
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｜ Should you wash your hair with shampoo twice to keep your hair and scalp healthy？
Yes！
Just like washing your face, washing your hair more frequently does not mean it is the correct way. Instead, you shoud wash your hair with shampoo twice every single time. This is because using shampoo only once can easily leave dirt, styling products, oils, and other residues on your hair and scalp. Over time, this buildup can burden the scalp and hair, leading to issues like hair loss, deteriorating hair quality, and dullness.
The proper way to wash your hair is to first rinse your hair with plain water (not just wetting it) to quickly remove dust. Then, use shampoo to thoroughly wash away dirt and styling products from your hair. After rinsing, use shampoo again and this time, concentrate on the scalp. This allows the shampoo to penetrate deep into the roots to prevent oil and dirt from clogging the follicles.
｜ Hair conditioner and hair masks should not be used on the scalp?
Yes！
Hair conditioner and hair masks are primarily designed to nourish and moisturize the hair itself, so they typically contain more moisturizing ingredients. If applied directly to the scalp, they could make the scalp greasy, potentially leading to scalp sensitivity and follicle blockage. This not only makes cleaning the scalp more challenging but also increases the risk of dandruff, oily scalp, and hair loss.
Therefore, when using hair conditioner and hair masks, they should be kept away from the scalp and only applied from the ears down to the ends of the hair.
｜ Does not washing our hair daily make it more healthy and shed less?
No！
Let's say if you have just stayed indoors all day without sweating, don't have pets at home, and have not cooked, then you can get away with not washing your hair for a day or so. Otherwise, washing your hair daily is actually better for hair health, hair growth and reducing hair loss.
This is because when the scalp is dirty or follicles are blocked, hair cannot grow properly or enter the growth phase, and may increase the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to scalp inflammation or infection, ultimately causing hair thinning or hair loss.
Moreover, when follicles are blocked or the scalp is in poor condition, growth hormone activity may be hindered, directly impacting hair growth issues, growth rate, and hair quality.
Of course, factors like hair dyes and bleaching, using hair care products unsuitable for your scalp and hair, frequent use of heat styling tools, or long-term hat/cap wearing can also contribute to hair health issues.
In other words, to keep your hair healthy and shed less, washing your hair daily and choosing products that can effectively nourish and repair your scalp is key!
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｜ Can getting caught in the rain lead to hair loss?
Yes！
Depending on the pollutants present in the rainwater, frequent exposure to rain may indeed contribute to hair loss.
This is because rainwater can contain heavy metals, pollutants from industrial activities, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals can be absorbed by the scalp, leading to irritation, and disruption of the natural balance of the scalp. This can gradually affect the hair growth cycle and result in gradual hair loss.
Additionally, the chemical pollutants in contaminated rainwater can make hair brittle, more prone to breakage, and shedding.
While occasional exposure to contaminated rainwater may not immediately lead to noticeable hair loss issues, frequent exposure to harmful pollutants through rain can gradually impact hair health. It is important to thoroughly wash your hair after coming into contact with rainwater to maintain good scalp hygiene.
｜ After dyeing your hair, how can you make the color last longer?
In addition to avoiding washing your hair on the day of dyeing (or even the day after) to allow the color to set properly, to make the hair color last longer, hot water and heat should also be avoided.
Does the type of hair dye color matter? Well, some professional hairstylists have mentioned that warm-toned hair colors are more likely to fade from hot water, while cool-toned hair colors are more prone to fading from heat from flat or curling irons
Using hair care products rich in proteins can also help hair color lasts longer. This is because proteins can strengthen the hair shaft, repair damage to the hair cuticle caused during the dyeing process, and form a protective barrier on the hair strands, all these can help the hair maintain its color better and preventing various types of damage that may cause fading.
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｜ Is eating overnight rice bad for your health?
No！
On the contrary, it is actually better and can help with weight loss!
Normally, the starch in white rice is broken down into glucose during digestion. However, when white rice is cooked and then cooled in the refrigerator, the process increases the content of "resistant starch," which does not disappear during subsequent reheating. This resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine, so it does not raise blood glucose levels. Once it reaches the large intestine, resistant starch is fermented by the gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids similar to dietary fiber, which have no calories. This process also helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria.
In other words, consuming "refrigerated and reheated" white rice not only aids in weight loss and blood sugar control but also helps prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
｜ Cancer patients and individuals with higher risk of developing cancer should not take any supplements containing hyaluronic acid?
Yes!
Many beauty supplements, as well as bone supplements, contain hyaluronic acid due to its excellent properties of attracting and retaining hydration. However, it is not suitable for cancer patients and individuals with higher risk of developing cancer.
Hyaluronic acid is a polymer (or long-chain sugar) that is naturally present in the body and is needed in various body parts, so it is not "toxic" or "carcinogenic"; however, research has found that hyaluronic acid present in the extracellular matrix is associated with the growth, migration, and invasion of various cancers.
When hyaluronic acid binds to CD44 (a common biomarker of cancer stem cells), it activates various signaling pathways that affect the growth and function of tumor cells, including their migration, survival, invasion, adhesion, and angiogenesis at various stages of disease progression and tumor formation. Furthermore, high levels of hyaluronic acid may also be associated with multidrug resistance, increased metastatic tendency, or cancer progression. This represents a very unfavorable prognosis for cancer patients.
Research from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center has indicated that pancreatic cancer cells use hyaluronic acid as a nutrient source, and when hyaluronic acid is present in high amounts, pancreatic tumors become more dense, compressing veins and blood flow, making them difficult to treat.
Additionally, a meta-analysis of seven studies has shown that high levels of hyaluronic acid can worsen overall survival rates and increase the chances of recurrence in breast cancer patients.
Therefore, hyaluronic acid should be avoided by cancer patients and individuals with higher risk of developing cancer. However, due to its different nature, topical application is not restricted.
References：https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/pancreatic-cancer-cells-feed-hyaluronic-acid, https://elifesciences.org/articles/62645, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01171/full, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9953106/, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.785192/full, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/materials/articles/10.3389/fmats.2018.00039/full, https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/05290/hyaluronic_acid_predicts_poor_prognosis_in_breast.92.aspx
｜ Besides NMN, what are the supplements that are considered most effective in anti-aging in recent years?
Spermidine and Taurine are both considered as highly effective anti-aging supplements in recent years. They are also the supplements that Dr. David Sinclair, a longevity expert from Harvard University, has been taking continuously since 2022.
First, let's talk about spermidine.
As the body ages, cells gradually deteriorate, with certain protein structures becoming dysfunctional and turning into waste. If these waste cells are not cleared in time, not only would they hinder the generation of new cells, but they would also attack surrounding healthy cells, produce various pro-inflammatory factors, accelerating bodily and skin aging, and leading to a series of age-related diseases.
The body has a system to deal with these waste cells called "autophagy." Discovered by Nobel Prize-winning Belgian cell and biochemist Christian René de Duve in 1963, autophagy is a process where cells break down their own structures through the mechanism of lysosomes and then undergo self-regeneration. This process not only provides energy for organism cells but also supplies materials for cell renewal and regeneration. It is also helpful in destroying bacteria and viruses during infections. Additionally, cells utilize autophagy to remove damaged proteins and organelles, combating the negative effects of aging on the organism.
Later, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi proved that autophagy has a broader role in biology, including internal organ remodeling, protein and organelle quality control, prevention of genomic stress, tumor suppression, pathogen clearance, immune and inflammation regulation, maternal DNA inheritance, metabolism, and cell survival. Therefore, besides reducing the chances of infectious diseases, autophagy helps delay aging and extend lifespan.
However, the autophagy process slows down with age, leading to a buildup of waste cells in the body.
A series of clinical experiments have shown that Spermidine can enhance the slowing autophagy process with age, thereby helping to maintain gene stability, and regulate various cellular processes, including DNA stability, cell growth, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and more.
Moreover, studies indicate that Spermidine, through its autophagic mechanism and its ability to improve six aging pathways simultaneously, is more effective in anti-aging compared to NMN, which relies on the conversion process through enzymes to increase NAD levels (a single aging pathway). Especially in regards to skin, hair, and nails, by promoting a stable internal environment to enhance the skin's natural repair ability and reduce inflammation, Spermidine helps reduce signs of skin aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity, and scars, and can alleviate various skin inflammatory issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Additionally, clinical evidence confirms that Spermidine can transition hair follicles into the growth phase, protect them from oxidative stress, and enhance follicle integrity, thus promoting hair growth and increasing hair density. Furthermore, due to its autophagy-inducing properties that aid in the recovery and restoration of melanocytes producing pigment in the scalp, it has the potential to reverse graying hair!
Next, Taurine.
Taurine is an amino acid related to cardiovascular, neural, ocular, and skin health. It possesses high antioxidant properties and can enhance mitochondrial health, which is crucial for healthy aging.
Firstly, Taurine can help lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid levels, and support heart health. It also aids in combating oxidative stress, regulating neurotransmitters, supporting brain development and function, and has been found to have potential benefits for diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, Taurine is crucial for maintaining retinal health and is associated with protecting retinal cells from oxidative damage and preventing age-related macular degeneration.
In terms of skin health, clinical evidence confirms that Taurine can promote skin moisturization and collagen synthesis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, thus can aid in improving various skin inflammatory issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Moreover, Taurine can activate GABA(A) receptors in the brain to regulate sleep, alleviate anxiety, and reduce stress responses, while also being involved in the production of melatonin in the pineal gland——cell repair and regeneration occur during our sleep, so Taurine's calming and sedative effects also aid in cell repair and promote healthy cell regeneration.
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｜ To lose weight, is it best to only eat vegetables and fruits and avoid protein?
No！
In fact, it is especially important to consume protein when trying to lose weight! Protein not only provides a feeling of fullness and helps control your daily food intake, but is also crucial for body metabolism, muscle growth and repair, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing appetite, and avoiding blood sugar fluctuations.
In other words, a lack of protein in your diet can lead to improper diet control, a decrease in basal metabolic rate, increased fat accumulation, muscle loss, poor blood sugar control, and ultimately weight gain.
If you truly do not want to eat meat, fish, or eggs, or if you are a vegetarian, then you should consume more protein-rich legumes such as tofu, peas, and lentils. Spinach, kale, and broccoli also contain some amount of protein (although their protein content cannot be compared to meat and fish).
You may also consider taking collagen supplements, as they also help to increase protein intake, while at the same time, provide clinically proven beauty benefits!
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｜ For body and skin detoxification, or for slimming , is juice detox programs really effective?
Yes, but mostly no!
There are indeed many juice detox programs available. Now, yes, juices contain a lot of water, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and because your daily calorie intake is reduced during a juice detox program, there is indeed a chance of short-term weight loss. However, there are actually many disadvantages to this approach. These include the lack of essential nutrients such as protein and fatty acids in juices, the removal of fiber from fruits and vegetables during juicing, the high sugar content in juices leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, and the fact that juice detox is not a sustainable solution for long-term dietary plans. Moreover, scientific evidence supporting the idea that juice detox helps eliminate toxins from the body is limited.
In addition, many people cannot actually digest fructose (this does not mean they are allergic)! If you often experience bloating, gas, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, etc., after consuming a lot of fruits, there is a high chance that your body cannot digest fructose! Reasons for this could include hereditary fructose intolerance, a lack of the enzyme needed to digest fructose in the intestines, intestinal inflammation, symptomatic intestinal diseases, or abnormal gut microbiota, etc.
What about eating fruits instead of proper meals?
Firstly, fruits contain a significant amount of calories and natural sugars like glucose and fructose. In other words, consuming excessive amounts of fruits can increase total calorie intake, raise blood sugar levels, trigger insulin secretion, and lead to fat storage, ultimately causing weight gain and elevated levels of triglycerides.
Secondly, if you find that you cannot digest fructose, whether you are drinking fruit juice or eating whole fruits doesn't matter, you will stil experience the same abovementioned symptoms. In this case, you should consider reducing fruit intake or choosing fruits with lower fructose content, such as cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and cherries.
Thirdly, excessive sugar absorption can accelerate and exacerbate glycation, which then lead to the formation of more advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Over time, this can result in various skin and health problems. In terms of the skin, AGEs adhere to the skin, affecting the function of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, making existing collagen and elastin stiff, dry and brittle, while accelerating inflammation and oxidative stress, which then further damage existing collagen and elastin and reduce new collagen and elastin production, leading to sagging, dull, yellowish skin, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and increased inflammation and acne. In terms of overall health, recent science has found that high levels of AGEs are associated with many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer's disease, and premature aging, showing significant importance.
Actually, to help the body or skin detoxify, algae such as chlorella, spirulina, Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, and sea kelp are more effective because they have been shown to help eliminate heavy metals, plasticizers, pesticides, and other toxins from the body. Additionally, because algae contain a wide range of nutrients, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, tyrosine, zinc, copper, phosphorus, iodine, polysaccharides, beta-glucans, essential amino acids, fatty acids, carotenoids, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, vitamin A, vitamin C, and various B vitamins, not only do they aid in detoxification, but are also suitable for both adults and children to support and improve body pH balance, brain health, cognitive function, immune system, thyroid hormones, gut health, acid reflux, and bone health, with very significant skin-beautifying effects.
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｜ Eating more vegetables must be helpful for weight loss or improving skin, right?
Yes, and no, depending on your body.
We've been taught from a young age that eating more vegetables is beneficial, that difficulty in bowel movements is due to insufficient fiber, and that we should eat more vegetables, and so on. Generally speaking, eating more vegetables is indeed beneficial. However, each person's body condition and structure are different, and some people may not be able to digest excessive plant fiber!
Some symptoms of not being able to digest too much plant fiber include:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort, such as stomach pain, bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, or abdominal pain
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Contradry to popular belief, some people may actually have difficulty with bowel movements if they consume too much plant fiber
- The fermentation of plant fiber in the intestines can produce gas, leading to bloating and excessive gas
- Difficulty in digesting plant fiber may result in incomplete food digestion, and subsequently, indigestion
The main reasons for this issue include a lack of digestive enzymes to break down cellulose and other polysaccharides, an imbalance in gut microbiota or a lack of certain probiotics, allergies or intolerances to certain plant fibers, and the presence of digestive system issues or impaired digestive function in the body, such as intestinal diseases or from treatments like chemotherapy.
Therefore, even foods considered healthy may not be suitable for everyone. Try and listen to your body.
｜ Can excessive weight loss accelerate skin aging and result in facial fat loss and hollowness?
Yes！
Many people believe that collagen is the sole element responsible for tight and plump skin, but in reality, fat is also a crucial component.
Subcutaneous fat provides volume and support to the skin. Therefore, when there is a significant loss of weight resulting in fat loss, the face (especially around the eye sockets and cheeks) not only becomes hollow but the overall skin may also become loose and saggy. This is why many individuals look like they've aged a few years suddenly after losing a lot of weight; conversely, when gradually gaining weight, they might look younger and overall, healthier.
Therefore, it's important not to excessively lose weight (especially as you age). Even if you are aiming to lose weight, it should be done gradually and in a healthy manner to allow your body and skin to adapt accordingly.
｜ Why do people gain weight when they are like 35 even when their food intake remains the same as when they were 25?
Numerous studies have confirmed that the basal metabolic rate of adults decreases by 2% to 5% every 10 years. This means that even if your food intake and lifestyle habits remain the same as before, the energy expended will significantly decrease relative to before! That is why it becomes easier to gain weight as you get older and losing weight also becomes more challenging!
To effectively lose weight, temporarily eating weight-loss meals or consuming weight-loss supplements to control calories is not an effective method. This is because as soon as you return to normal eating or stop taking weight-loss supplements, you are likely to regain weight easily, or worse, even gain more.
The most effective way to sustain weight loss is actually to increase the basal metabolic rate through exercise, with a focus on weight training. Not only does this significantly increase the basal metabolic rate, it can also tone your muscles. Better yet, as you age, having more muscles can better protect your bones, which tend to become more fragile with age.
Additionally, sleep affects the regulation of appetite, metabolism, and hormones that control energy expenditure. Lack of sleep can disrupt these hormones, potentially leading to increased appetite, cravings for high-calorie foods, and subsequent weight gain. Inadequate sleep can also increase stress, which is another factor that can add a few pounds to your body! Therefore, getting 8 to 9 hours of sleep each night is crucial for weight loss.
Lastly, do not completely avoid carbohydrates when you are trying to lose weight, as this can affect your hormones.
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