Wearing sunscreen is ESSENTIAL - it is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer, extrinsic ageing and skin discolouration. There are often many debates to whether physical, chemical or hybrid sunscreen is better. As long as the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) protection with a minimum of SPF30, choose ones that you like and would use on a regular basis 🙌🏻

✨ A recent test that found Benzene in various brands and batches of sunscreen and after-sun care products has sparked fear amongst many people regarding the use of sunscreen 

✨ Valisure (a pharmacy who batch test products before they reach consumers) has detected that 78 different sunscreen and after-sun care products contained benzene out of the 294 batches that have been screened 

✨These results are NOT brand specific. Rather, they are BATCH specific that contain this contaminant

✨ Benzene is a carcinogen which has been associated with blood cancers such as leukemia

✨Benzene is NOT related to sunscreen ingredients. It is due to CONTAMINATION during production/manufacturing 

✨Check if the sunscreen you use is listed in the tables including the UPC, lot number and expiration date. If all the information matches, stop using that sunscreen & switch to a different one

‼️ Keep CALM! This is NOT a reason to stop using sunscreen.  Sunscreen ingredients are safe and should be used regularly to decrease your risk of skin cancers. Don't forget that unprotected sun exposure is a known and establish risk of skin cancer‼️

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.crystallee/

‼️ Sunscreen ‼️

Bromhidrosis, also commonly known as body odour (BO), is an unpleasant odour that can affect all age groups, races, and both sexes! It is more common in adults and could be associated with genetics/family history, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), infection, diet or medication 😱

✅ Body odour is normal and is primarily produced by the breakdown of sweat by bacteria on the skin surface 

✅ Commonly associated with family history and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

✅ Certain food such as garlic, onion and curry could also contribute to BO 

✅ Systemic disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and renal failure are also possible contributing factor

✅ Deodorants contain fragrance that can mask any undesirable whereas antiperspirants reduce underarm sweating 

✅ Antiperspirants and deodorants can be used to tackle BO by addressing two main issues: excessive sweating and bacteria 

✅ Practising good underarm hygiene could also help with BO

‼️BO can have significant impact on one's quality of life so please do not hesitate to speak to your local dermatologist if these simple tips are not helping 👩🏻‍⚕️ ‼️

✨ Do you use any underarm products? Any favourite deodorants or antiperspirants?✨

🌸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.crystallee

Smelly Pits 😣

There is just so much information about sunscreen that it can become confusing and overwhelming. So, here is Part 1 of the Sunscreen Cheat Sheet to help you learn more about sunscreen 🤗

☀️𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗩 𝗥𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲
There is no doubt that over-exposure to these UV rays can lead to skin cancer, photoaging and skin pigmentation issue. Excessive UV exposure can also harm the eyes and dampen the immune system. 

☀️𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
If you have sensitive skin, opt for physical sunscreen. Otherwise, choose one that works best with your budget, skin type (oily/dry) and skin concerns. 

☀️𝗨𝗩𝗔 & 𝗨𝗩𝗕
SPF mainly indicates the level of UVB protection whereas sunscreen star rating and PA indicate the level of UVA protection. Look for sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection with ≥SPF30 to ensure adequate protection!

𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲
UV index is a convenient way to gauge how aggressive one should protect themself from the sun at a particular time of the day.Another great tip is the shadow rule, if your shadow is shorter than your height, seek shade!

☀️𝗦𝗣𝗙 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻
In children younger than 6 months old, avoid using sunscreen! Instead, keep them in the shade and dress them in sun-protective clothing (eg: wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses). Physical sunscreens are preferred in children as they are less sensitizing!

☀️𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗗
There is currently no accepted ‘optimal’ level of vitamin D. The sun is indeed the main source of Vitamin D but sunbathing is definitely NOT required;  incidental sunlight exposure is often sufficient in light skinned people.Vitamin D can also be sourced from the food we eat. Guidelines on Vitamin D supplements differ per country and best to seek advice from your local doctor

✨ Did you find this helpful? Stay tune for Part 2 for more Sunscreen Tips & Hacks ✨


🌸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.crystallee/

Sunscreen Cheat Sheet Pt 1

Have you been told not shower when you're sweaty as you may develop these "white spots"? 🧐These white spots are actually Pityriasis versicolor, sometimes called tinea versicolor and, they are a common fungal infection that causes small patches of discoloured skin. This is a very common old wives' tale especially in Malaysia & Singapore because they are indeed more prevalent in hot humid tropical countries 🌴

Pityriasis versicolour are more commonly found on the trunk and may present as brown, pale or even pinkish skin discolouration. They are often asymptomatic but may be itchy at times! There are also many look-alikes such as Pityriasis Alba, Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation and Vitiligo. It is always best to consult your dermatologist 👩🏻‍⚕️ if you are ever in doubt 

Recurrence is very common so here are some simple tips: 
✨ Shower or change your clothes after exercising/sweating

✨Opt for a lightweight moisturiser & keep the area clean
 
✨Regular use of dandruff shampoo (as bodywash)

✨Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to boost your immune system

✨Oral anti-fungal may be indicated in some people 


🌸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.crystallee

Should you shower when you’re sweaty? 🧐

I know how everyone just loves sunscreen and can't get enough of it 🤩 So, here is Part 2 of the Sunscreen Cheat Sheet, highlighting the tips & tricks of (re)application 😎

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳
There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen but they can be water resistant! Generally, "sports" sunscreen just means (very) water resistant sunscreens. 

𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀
In general, "baby" or "sensitive" sunscreens are physical sunscreens with minimal allergens/irritants. Everyone can use "baby" sunscreens, they are definitely not exclusively for babies or kids! 

𝗜𝗳 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
Most people do not use enough sunscreen. If you are ever in doubt, apply more than you think you should. Rule of thumb, use a generous amount of 2 fingers lengths to cover your entire face and an entire palm for your body!

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀
The UV radiation from the sun can also damage our scalp, hair and eyes. So, don't forget to wear your wide brim hat and sunglasses.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆
Reapplication is crucial especially if you are out and about. Our skin is bumpy and requires reapplication to achieve an even coat! The sunscreen on our screen is also rubbed off throughout the day. So, don't forget to reapply every 2 hours.

𝗨𝗣𝗙 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱
It is the gold standard but may not be the most practical! 

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀
If the damage is done, try some of these tips: cool your skin with a cool shower or damp towel, keep it moisturised and avoid the sun!


☀️ Hope you found this useful and stay tune for Part 3 ☀️ 

✨ Tell me some of your favourite sunscreen for your skin type! Comment down below ✨

🌸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.crystallee

Sunscreen Cheat Sheet (Part 2)

Aesthetic Clinic Booking

Article: Difference between Blackhead & Whitehead

DRMTLY

Yestyle Influencers

Go Picky Invitation Code:0FCE902C

Stylevana: INF10DRCL for 10-15% off

Bubble Skincare: DRCL for 10% off

YesStyle 10% off

Wishtrend

Face Theory: BBDRLEE for 20% off

❌Very Pungent! 
Strong Bergamot scent (very off-putting)

❌Contains Bergamot essential oil
May not be suitable for those who are sensitive to EO

This is a very light Vitamin C that doesn&#39;t irritate my skin
Love how it has incorporated some very soothing ingredients
However, I&#39;m not a fan of Bergamot EO in my facial products

✨Potent Serum containing 2 types of Vitamin C
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (10%), Ascorbic Acid

✨ Does not irritate skin
Contains Niacinamide and Panthenol (soothes skin)

✨Great for Acne Prone Skin 
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has anti-acne properties

✨Easily absorbed
Light watery texture

✨Great packaging 
Dark glass bottle

This product has a very thick consistency and may not be suitable for daytime use 🙈

This is my all time holy grail especially on my sensitised skin or during the colder months! 
✅ Soothing (Panthenol)
✅ Great for dry skin (Thick emollient)
✅ Suitable for sensitive skin 
✅ No fragrance
✅ Affordable and accessible

This product has a very thick consistency and may not be suitable for daytime use! However, it is great to be slathered all over during the night 😉

Nothing of note - would highly recommend!

𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗡𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟰 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗔𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗲 
✨ Centella Asciatica 

Verdict: ★★★★★ 
It&#39;s a very simple no BS product that is packed with Centella Asciatica. Perfect for those who have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate multiple actives. Unlike most ampoule, this has a very lightweight watery texture. Great for layering skincare products!

This mask may be larger than the standard facial mask.
❌ May not fit your face

It was a moisturising mask that came soaked and packed with great ingredients 
✅ Soothing 
✅ Hydrating
✅ Gentle brightening mask 
✅ Soaked with generous amount of serum 
✅ Large mask that fitted my large face

❌ May be too hydrating for those with oily&#47;acne prone skin like myself
❌ Smells of “sunscreen”

This is a very popular sunscreen and a God-sent product if you have dry skin. It also glides on beautifully without leaving any whitecast. Packed with many soothing ingredients such as Centella, Niacinamide and Purslane Extract, this is a great broad-spectrum ( SPF50+ PA++++) sunscreen for those with sensitive skin. 
✅ Dewy finish
✅ Glides on smoothly, no piling, no whitecast
✅ Broad-spectrum
✅ Hydrating &amp; Soothing
✅ Fragrance free

drcrystallee