The physicians deem it a necessary ingredient in their best prescriptions, and regard it as the greatest remedy for fatigue and the infirmities of old age. People who have ginseng in their diets are said to live to a ripe old age.
But apart from its medicinal and health properties, did you know that ginseng is also a beauty agent? It is used as a mudpack due to its whitening, moisturizing and hydrating effect on the skin. It definitely has age-defying properties. A friend recently introduced me to this ginseng mudpack at the Chinese Herbal Ceauty Center in Shoppesville, Greenhills.
First, they clear your face with cleansing creams and scrubs before applying a mud-like, yellowish-brown paste on your face. The mixture is made of ginseng mixed with other herbs, roots and barks that come in powder form and are mixed with special liquids and medications, all of which are imported from Hong Kong and Beijing. They then cover your face with a tissue mask, which not only covers all that goo on your face but also dissipates the strong smell of the mixture.
After half an hour, the pack is carefully scraped off and you can’t help but notice the change in your skin. I swear mine became more supple despite some redness. My freckles and brown spots lightened. The dark rings around my eyes disappeared as well. No kidding! Believe it or not, the skin under my eyes also became firmer!.
The attendants guarantee that pimples do not come back after eight sessions. They ask you to have 10 treatments or more depending on the condition of your skin. You can either get your treatments at the center or do it in the comfort of your home. They will provide you with the masks, the yellowish day and night creams, which also contain ginseng. Instructions are printed in an easy-to-handle card.
The ginseng mixture was brought here by Christina Chan, a very lovely, slender lady who look years younger than her fortysomething age. She travels back and forth to avail herself of the herbs and medications. These days, it’s daughter Christina who takes care of the various family business ventures. It’s Tina who explains the procedure to you and makes sure you are enjoying every minute of the treatment.
The Chinese Herbal Beauty Center is at the basement of Shoppesville in Greenhills near Le Ching (that congee and noodle place) and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Look for the very accommodating mother-and-daughter team and they will introduce you to facial beauty experts Evelyn Bustamante, Annabelle Batac and Estela Dejaro. Call them at 705-1472.