MANILA, Philippines — Summer has consistently registered high temperatures and heat indices in the past few days. This causes dizziness and inability to stay focused, affecting study and work. In times like this, it is important to stay hydrated.
“Among the things that water does for our body are regulate its temperature; moisten tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth; lubricate joints; transport nutrients and oxygen to our cells; and flush out waste products in the liver and kidneys," explained Dr. Mari Joanne Joson, General Medicine consultant at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).
The body is made up of 60% water and many of its major systems rely on water to function. Around 1600 ml of water per day is lost when one does everyday functions such as sweating, peeing, pooping, and yes, even breathing.
Dr. Joson said to remember the 8x8 rule, which recommends one to drink eight 8-ounce glasses, or about two liters or half a gallon a day.
The doctor said that feeling thirsty might be the easiest way to know if one is hydrated but to be safe, one is advised to observe the 8x8 rule.
“People can also get dehydrated when in front of their computers when working from home, especially if they work in places without natural ventilation," Dr. Joson said.
Five signs to look out for to spot dehydration:
Dark yellow pee
Dr. Joson said that the more hydrated one is, the darker the urine color will be.
“When you have not had much to drink, your kidneys retain as much fluid as possible, causing your urine to be more concentrated, and thus darker in color. But a dark or brownish shade of urine can also be a symptom of many things — from taking certain medications to having hepatitis, gallstones, or cirrhosis. If the dark color persists despite drinking fluids, let your doctor know," Dr. Joson explained.
Peeing less
She said that a person can pee for four to 10 times a day. This depends on age, medical condition, medicine intake and drink intake. Dr. Joson also said that a decreased urine output indicates dehydration. It could also mean a person has infection, diarrhea or is vomiting.
Tiredness
Dr. Joson emphasized the need for regular fluid intake because once the body has low fluids, it triggers fatigue.
Dizziness
This is not uncommon these days. Those days when one feels disoriented or lightheaded might be the body's way of saying that it is dehydrated.
“The lack of fluids decreases the volume of your blood, which in turn lowers your blood pressure and limits the amount of blood in your brain. This results in dizziness. Also, dehydration is linked to an increase in your blood pressure due to the action of your vasopressin hormone; the first hormone your brain releases when dehydrated," Dr. Joson explained.
Dry mouth, lips, eyes
Dr. Joson said that due to not having enough fluids, the salivary glands cannot produce enough saliva, leaving the mouth and lips dry. This is the same for the eyes as low fluids cannot make tears to lubricate the eyes.
Tips to combat dehydration:
Eat fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are made up mostly of water. As a bonus, these are healthy and tasty alternatives to plain water.
Sip some soup
Dr. Joson said that if your eating habits do not include sipping water in between chewing food, she advised to get fluid intake through a cup or bowl of soup.
Drink other fluids with precaution
Coffee, tea, juice, sports drinks and sodas are made of water, too. It is advised to take them with precaution because most are packed with sugar, caffeine and calories that can actually worsen dehydration.
Dr. Joson shared an important reminder about dehydration.
“Dehydration, while easy to fix in mild cases, can also lead to serious conditions like heatstroke, seizure due to electrolyte loss, kidney failure and even coma,” Dr. Joson said.
“Make sure you are hydrated even if you are not thirsty, and especially when you stay under the sun a lot, sweat due to physical activity and cannot keep your fluids in due to illness.”
Other hydration essentials
Sensitive skin affects over half the population, studies say
Approximately 70% of people worldwide identify as having sensitive skin, and sensitive skin continues to be a rising complaint that Dermatologists are registering from their patients.
Environmental factors, lifestyles, and genetics all play a part in developing sensitive skin, but patients generally present weakened skin barriers, dryness, roughness, irritations and tightness. The commonness of sensitive skin has prompted research into the skin condition, resulting in breakthroughs in skincare.
“As a leader in sensitive skin for over 75 years, we are even more committed to delivering cutting-edge products to advance dermatological care for every skin story,” says Jade Silva-netto Ponoc, Galderma Philippines Business Unit Head.
In the Philippines, Cetaphil is bringing to the country for the first time Skin Awareness Month — the culmination of Cetaphil’s research into the science of gentle skincare, offering a chance to discover the breakthroughs and acquire specifically formulated products to care for all types of sensitive skin. It is part of the brand’s unwaveringly passion for providing complete care for sensitive skin; the Skin Awareness Month offers first-hand access to experts and science-driven recommendations to educate consumers on how best to care for their sensitive skin with a unique routine tailored to them. The annual event started 2021, eventually expanding across the Japan-Asia Pacific region before reaching the Philippines this year.
The main highlight of this year’s Skin Awareness Month is the Skin Summit, where Dermatologists and skinthusiasts share knowledge and experience across three days of themed discussions:
- May 26 – a board-certified Dermatologist and member of the Philippine Dermatological Society, Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, discusses the healthy way to brighten skin, along with Bea Alonzo, Laura Lehmann, Anne Curtis and AC Bonifacio, who will discuss lifestyle-centric skincare.
- May 27 – a board-certified Dermatopathologist and a member of the Philippine Dermatological Society, Dr. Mara Evangelista-Huber, discusses the right foundation for baby’s skin health, along with hands-on parents Solenn Heussaff & Nico Bolzico. Relevant topics on healthy food, play and sleep will also be tackled as Nikki Gil, Mariel Padilla, Patrick and Nikka Garcia share their experiences as they learn and choose the healthy start their babies deserve.
Access to the Skin Summit is free — interested participants may register via https://www.booths.virnew.com/events/cetaphil-2022/register - to reserve slots and avail of exclusive perks on Cetaphil products and other promotions during "Skin Awareness Month." Cetaphil products are available in Mercury Drug, Watsons, and leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. You may also check out the official Cetaphil Philippines stores in Lazada and Shopee.
Invest in moisturizing skincare
Collagen makes up about 80% of the skin and is a crucial element for building proteins. But by the time one turns 25, the skin begins to lose this key element. As the skin loses more collagen over time, it becomes harder for the skin to stay smooth and plump.
For decades, global beauty brand Avon has innovated with technology that set the benchmark for skincare. This year, the company’s latest innovation is the breakthrough skincare product Anew Renewal Serum, which promises healthier and future-proof skin in just seven days. The Anew Renewal Serum harnesses the power of Protinol, a world-exclusive formula that works way quicker, gentler, and more effective than retinol, the previous benchmark in the category.
A clinical efficacy test conducted among women aged 40 to 65 years old reveal 100% proven results showing an improvement in at least one of these benefits after using the serum. Register at bit.ly/FutureproofARS to get a free sample and start your journey to become the next face of Avon Anew. To shop, contact your Avon rep or visit www.avonshop.ph.
Every mom has her own methods when it comes to parenting, but one thing they have in common is they all go an extra mile to ensure they could provide the best way to take care of their babies.
Some amassed a following online after gaining the trust of other moms who are looking for more references when it comes to providing the best. Here are some of the most useful ways to give your baby the best care growing up.
When it comes to keeping babies clean, it’s only natural for mommies to double-time — after all, babies have a very delicate and still-developing immune system. For foodie/beauty blogger and mom of two, Maite Cruz, a clean baby means less worry. “As an OC mom, I make sure that my daughter is kept clean thru proper hygiene, regular washing of the whole body, and the use of necessary baby essentials that help in keeping her clean throughout the day.”
Most moms trust products that are gentle to the skin, naturally formulated, dermatologically tested, and paraben-free so that the babies are not only clean but safe from skin damage.
“During the pandemic, with all the activities and games that my child engages in, keeping her clean seemed hard. But with the right baby essential products, keeping her clean the whole day made it easier,” shared Maite.
On average, babies need 14 to 18 hours of sleep every day, which means a sleepless baby often makes a sleepless mommy. Thankfully, a lot of gentle and calming tricks are available to help the little ones catch the uninterrupted and better Zzz’s. Dab cologne or rub a bit of lotion to keep them feeling cool, fresh, and comfortable.
“This has worked for me for years, a simple bedtime routine for Geof,” recounted Kaycee Enerva when it comes to sleepy time with her son. “I snuggle him in, I massage his legs and arms with baby lotion (which now he can’t live without!), and then I play ambient music with matching bedtime story.”
“Hindi ko pa tapos yung story I can hear him snoozing na. Then I get to do what I want like read books or binge my favorite series,” chimed Kaycee.
With a variety of products to choose from in the market, it might be overwhelming to pick out which are the best ones for your baby. That is why it’s helpful for a lot of parents to take advice from other parents when it comes to which products are actually effective and reliable. With entrepreneur Tanya Marie Aguila, she only trusts proven and tested quality products to provide the best care for her baby, especially as a first-time mom. “I made it a point to seek advice from “seasoned” moms when it comes to choosing products for my baby. I want the very best for my little one so not only do I do my research on ingredients and claims, I also make sure to listen to real mom feedback so I’m 100% sure it’s a brand I can trust.”
Trusted baby care brands such as Avon Care Baby are suitable even for newborns, and offer a wide array of Baby Skin essentials made with everything moms trust to provide gentle care for babies’ sensitive and growing ski n— Wash & Shampoo, Lotion, and Cologne — all available in Calming and Gentle variants. Clinically and dermatologically-tested, Avon Care Baby products are free from allergens, alcohol, dye, and parabens and contain natural active ingredients. Shop for the Avon Care Baby and more of your favorite Avon Care products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.
Make your skin glow with exclusive BT21 stuff
Time to make your skin glow and your summer a lot sweeter: Olay and BT21 recently joined forces and created a special edition pouch and tote bag featuring beloved characters. Exclusively for the month of May, you can get these special edition items with your purchase from the Olay Official Store in Shopee.
Take a sneak peek at these special edition items exclusively available in Shopee this May. It’s a cool summer vibe with the BT21 characters but in Olay’s signature red hot shade. The pouch is perfect for keeping your Olay skincare haul, while the tote can double as a shopping bag and a beach bag! We definitely heart these new new summer essentials.
What’s even better is that you can get these items at 5.5 when you purchase these bundles from the Olay Official Store on Shopee:
• Regenerist Power Duo Micro-sculpting cream + White Radiance Dropper
• Total Effects Set
• Regenerist Day & Night
• Regenerist + Retinol24
• Collagen Peptide 24 Cream + Serum
• Collagen Peptide 24 Cream + Vitamin C Serum
• Luminous AHA Set
Get the mochi skin of your dreams
In the past few years, Asia has been considered as a beauty innovator, offering beauty enthusiasts all over the world with fresh new ways to tackle their skin concerns. Whether you’re a beauty junkie or someone who wants to shake up their skincare routine, here are 3 Asian beauty trends that can help you achieve that healthy, glowing skin.
- Mochi skin. The Japanese refer to nice skin as mochi-hada, or rice-cake skin, a reference to the ultra-soft and plump Japanese dessert. Achieving mochi skin is tied up with the Japanese skincare philosophy of nourishing – thorough gentle cleansing, and multiple hydrating and moisturizing layers.
A go-to face lotion brand in Japan is Hada Labo, which sells out a bottle every five seconds. Its key ingredient is hyaluronic acid that’s known for retaining water in the skin. The Goku Jyun Hydrating Lotion, Japan’s #1 face lotion and Hada Labo’s star product, is infused with 4 types of hyaluronic acid to fully hydrate skin from the surface to inner skin layers, locking moisture in.
- KonMari-ing the vanity. World-renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo’s philosophy of only keeping things that spark joy has reached beauty shelves. More and more beauty enthusiasts are now subscribing to skinimalism, paring their skincare regimen down to the most basic products that their skin needs or opting for multifunctional ones.
- Gel textures. Here’s a friendly reminder: overloading the skin with thick products can clog pores and cause breakouts, especially to those with oily and acne-prone skin. That’s why skincare products in lightweight gel textures are gaining traction, as they moisturize the skin without all the unnecessary grease.
Avoid dry scalp
It may be a common and manageable skin issue, but dandruff or those dreaded noticeable white and sometimes itchy flakes can be bothersome, and yes, even embarrassing at worst. The thing is, not a lot of people know the root causes of dandruff and the best ways to control it when things get – well – flaky. Selsun Blue, an expert in scalp health, is clearing up some myths and other things people get usually wrong about dandruff and sharing some tips to healthy, beautiful, flake-free hair.
To effectively control flaking, here are some dandruff myths that should be debunked:
- Dandruff is just a sign of dry scalp. Contrary to common belief, those white flakes are not only caused by dry skin, sensitivity to haircare products, and product buildup or poor hygiene. And of course, it’s not something contagious that anyone can get from family or friends who have it.
- Chronic dandruff is usually linked to seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that may be driven by a certain fungus called malassezia globossa that’s found naturally on everyone’s skin. It feeds on the oils and fatty secretions in the skin and scalp and doesn’t always cause problems. But sometimes it grows out of control and can irritate the scalp and cause more skin cells to grow, which eventually die, fall off, and clump together with oil from the hair and scalp, making them appear white, flaky, and visible in the hair or on the clothes.
- Brush or scratch dandruff off the scalp to minimize appearance. Sloughing away flakes from the hair and scalp may be satisfying, but these steps can further inflame and irritate the skin, worsen dandruff, or even lead to infection. Treating hair with oil may also not work for everyone, especially if the problem is caused by an oily scalp, which can only make flakes greasy.
The best way to manage dandruff is to use a shampoo that aims to keep the scalp healthy. Selsun Blue, for example, is formulated with Selenium Sulfide 1% which attacks the root source of this skin issue. Selenium Sulfide is an anti-infective and anti-fungal agent, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
It does its job in two ways. First, as an anti-infective, it prevents fungus and bacteria from growing on the skin. And secondly, it also slows down the rate of skin cell death and turnover. At the 1% concentration of Selenium Sulfide found in Selsun Blue, it can stop the accumulation of scaly dandruff particles and reduce any redness and itching from seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It’s recommended for use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor. For alternate days, using regular shampoo is fine. When you think of your skin health, think about your scalp too. Say goodbye to dandruff and hello to healthy scalp and great hair days with Selsun Blue. Learn more about hair and scalp health, head over to selsunblue.com.ph.
May the force be with your lips
Keep your smooches hydrated by using lip care such as the new Star Wars Mentholatum Lip Care.
Available in limited Star Wars design on Shopee and Lazada, the new Star Wars Mentholatum Lip Care was formulated as part of the brand's Men's Cool Aqua range with a unique water formulation that leaves lips feeling smooth.
Quench your thirst and recharge
Summer has officially arrived down South! Go for a spin at SM Southmall’s first-ever ultimate outdoor playground – Outdoor Overdrive in SM Southmall’s West Parking. Until July 31, Southies can ride Go Karts, go roller skating, weave through the obstacle course, and more. There are tons of activities the whole crew can do at the outdoor playground to supercharge your summer experience. Here are a few of them:
- Need for speed mode? Race to your heart’s content at ATV Extreme, Bump n’ Race, Nitro Drift, Rainbow Land, and Ride n’ Dash.
- Don’t bounce till you’ve tried the Bounce Pads. Jump for joy and expel all your kid’s energies here, moms and dads!
- Weave through the ropes, balance on wires, and go through swings! Take on a roarin’ treetop course at the Jurassic Adventure.
- Are you up for an obstacle challenge? Crawl, jump and balance through the UltiMaze! Simply register by going to the designated registration booths at the Outdoor Overdrive and or at the Food Street Concourse. Validate your single or accumulated receipt/s worth P1,500 dated from April 30 to July 31, 2022.
- Quench your thirst and recharge at the West Parking’s Food Street! Pick from a variety of coolers and tasty delicacies from the stalls and food trucks at the Diner’s Row.
Entrance to the Outdoor Overdrive is free. However, each ride and activity may have its own fees; UltiMaze has a purchase requirement of P1,500 worth of single or accumulated receipts dated from April 30 to July 31, 2022.
New milk tea combinations to help cool you down
For many people, milk tea has been the go-to when it comes to getting that sweet and decadent fix. However, that didn’t stop avid milk tea lovers from discovering unexpectedly unique flavors to enhance and get more out of their favorite drink. Check out these three milk tea combinations featuring Frotea’s wide selection of flavors:
- Classic Milk Tea + Ice Cream - If you’re a fan of floats but not fond of the overwhelming bubbly taste of soda, the milk tea and ice cream combination might be the drink for you. Taste the familiar flavor of the classic milk tea accompanied by the sweet and cooling sensation that comes with every lick of your favorite ice cream flavor.
- Matcha Milk Tea + Honey - For our milk tea lovers out there who are still crazy about matcha, try and experience the relaxing and cooling flavor of the matcha and honey combination. Honey has been known to be rich in antioxidants, so there’s no better way to get the ultimate zen milk tea experience than with this healthy combination.
- Cheesecake Milk Tea + Cinnamon - Cheesecake-based milk teas have been a staple flavor for a lot of passionate milk tea drinkers due to their thick and creamy texture. If you want to step out of your comfort zone and spice your drink up a bit, add a dash of cinnamon powder on top to get that strong and extra sweet kick.
Give in to your curiosity and try out these must-try combinations with Frotea’s collection of flavors. The has 23 branches nationwide with available delivery options via FoodPanda or through the official website.
Check out this new stop for refreshments
Got a craving for coffee and delightfully-filling meals while on the road? There’s an easy fix to that as Seattle’s Best Coffee launched its first-ever drive thru store at Rosario, Batangas. The new branch which opened last May 2 offers the range of Seattle’s Best Coffee signature beverages paired perfectly with the delicious pastries and food.
Now you can conveniently get your favorite Seattle’s Best Coffee drink whether it’s hot, over ice and Javakula via drive thru.
Aside from the drive-thru service, it also features a cozy café with a relaxing ambience for customers who want to dine in instead, as well as display of Seattle’s Best Coffee pastries to bring home.
Enjoy your favorite signature Seattle’s Best Coffee hot and iced beverages, Italian Sodas, Javanilla, our crowd favorite Javakula, and more! Pair it with our delightful pastries and the classic Panini for a satisfyingly good meal.
Lorent Martin Adrias, Marketing Director at Seattle’s Best Coffee, said: We are beyond excited to open this Drive-Thru store, our first ever in the country. Our Rosario, Batangas drive-thru will offer the on-the-go coffee lovers the opportunity to order and enjoy their favorite coffee, without even having to step out of their car. This new branch is a great addition to the current roster of Seattle’s Best Coffee branches.
Suck in some candy to prevent dry mouth
As we transition to the new normal, the lockdown restrictions ease, allowing more people to slowly increase their activities outdoors. For an affordable price, the new Maxx Vitamin C can help with your body’s daily vitamin requirement. And with the occasional need to complete errands or work on-site, it’s good to have an added protection.
Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can get an added dose of vitamin C in a new, cool way with Maxx Vitamin C, which has 75mg of Vitamin C — the recommended daily intake for adults. So, you not only get to enjoy its feel good fruity taste from the perfect combination of Honey Lemon flavor and cooling menthol, but you also get the extra protection of Vitamin C. What makes it even better is that it bursts with a Vitamin C powder fill for a unique and refreshing experience. It is available in a seven pieces daily pack, or a 25-piece pack. Find it at your nearest sari-sari stores, supermarkets, convenience stores and drugstore. You can also order a pack or two at the official page of URC in both Lazada and Shopee.
Keep it cool with plastic-bottle-free solutions
Environmental issues continue to persist and reach historic highs as the cycle of plastic consumption in the Philippines carries on. Our country yields the bulk of the world’s marine plastic waste. A study published in the Science Advances journal shows that the Philippines has contributed to over one-third of the plastic waste that ended up in the Earth’s oceans, with the Pasig River as the top source of plastic pollution. This is also prompted by its “sachet economy,” which has led to the proliferation of economical yet unsustainable single-use plastics that end up polluting the land and ocean.
We all know that the oceans steer global systems that make the planet livable for everyone. They are critical in generating and regulating the oxygen we need to breathe, our drinking water, and the climate, among others. This is why it is crucial for us in our fight against plastic pollution to "Battle The Bottle" one step at a time.
As of April 2022, homegrown brand Human Nature claimed to have saved 22.8 tons of plastic waste from reaching landfills and oceans to date through continuously championing plastic-bottle-free, waterless solutions. Driven by its long-standing commitment to sustainability, the brand continues to provide plastic-bottle-free and budget-friendly solutions that are better for the planet and best for the skin. Today, Human Nature remains the country’s homegrown personal and home care brand with the widest range of plastic-bottle-free solutions. Expanding this range, it has recently launched its first-ever face bar — the Sunflower Face Bar.
The Sunflower face bar is infused with the holy grail of beauty oils – sunflower oil. It is jam-packed with Vitamins A, C, D and E, helping you achieve perfectly moisturized, bright, supple, and healthier skin. It’s also blended with Moringa seed extract to help boost skin collagen production. Among also its features are the following: 96.26% natural, free from harmful chemicals like SLS, silicones, and parabens; and cruelty-free and vegan. Unlike the regular bar soaps with high pH levels, the Sunflower Face Bar is optimized for the facial skin’s pH level with 4.5 to 5.5 pH value, keeping it soft and moisturized. It is a great choice for people who have normal to dry skin.
Hydration minus the sugar
At-home workouts have become more convenient during these times. To accompany you on your fitness journey, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. launches G No Sugar. It is the newest no sugar hydration drink from PepsiCo’s line of beverages. G No Sugar helps you stay properly hydrated throughout your activities for the day.
Apart from being sugar-free, G No Sugar has no calories, so you can drink it regularly without worry. It is naturally sweetened with Stevia and is available in the refreshing flavors of Citrus Quench and Blue Bolt. On top of that, it has Gatorade’s formula of the right amount of electrolytes to keep you properly hydrated throughout the day. The minimal calories in G No Sugar, roughly 2 calories per serving, complement your nutritional needs so you don’t have to strain your body from working out too much.
G No Sugar comes in 500ml bottles and is available in different supermarkets nationwide. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of Gatorade and other well-known beverage brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton, Aquafina, Premier and Milkis.