Audience: Shops

Why The Jetsetter Life Isn’t As Glamourous As It Seems

To put it bluntly, unless your last name is Kardashian or Trump, flying is not fun at all.

There’s nothing glamourous about being squished in between strangers in your seat, mediocre airplane food, or watching a movie an inch away from your face because the front passenger decided to recline their chair back into your lap.

But worse than all of that is what air travel does to your skin.

Travel is inherently stressful to your skin because of all the dry air. Whenever the environment is moisture-free (as with recirculated air in a plane cabin), the air actually draws moisture from wherever it can, including the skin. Dry skin will tend to get drier, and oily skin will get even oilier to compensate for dehydration.

Either way, you’re in for a breakout.

But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a peek into the less glamourous side of the overrated jetset life.

Woe #1: Dry Cabin Air

Your skin’s first beef with flying is the dry cabin air.

The cabin pressure and humidity levels on airplanes are pretty different than what we are used to. Typically, skin is comfortable when the humidity is between 40 to 70 percent. However, most airplane cabins are at about 20 percent – and that’s less than half of what we are used to.

So along with that lack of humidity, comes a dip in the hydration level of your skin on a plane. In other words, the pressurised environment of a plane is totally unnatural and completely sucks the moisture out of your skin, leaving you dehydrated with cracked lips and dry, flaky skin.

Woe #2: UV Damage

Beyond that, flying at high altitudes also puts you closer to the sun so the ultraviolet (UV) damage is at its greatest. Since airplane windows do not have the protective ability to filter out these harmful rays, it makes you all the more susceptible to cosmic radiation every time you fly.

Believe it or not, an hour of flight time is akin to spending about Image Credit: The Odyssey Online[/caption]

Sun exposure is actually one of the key reasons for the skin to lose its elasticity. The sun’s powerful rays damage skin cells, which over time, can accelerate the effects of ageing. Ultimately, it breaks down your collagen and elastin fibres; and without these supporting connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Skin then begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

So if UV rays = ageing skin and wrinkles, then that makes UV light an absolute enemy in the quest for younger-looking skin. This also debunks the common misconception that Woe #3: Cabin Altitude

The barometric pressure during a typical plane ride is equivalent to what we would feel while standing atop an 8,000-foot mountain. Apparently, the higher the altitude, the less blood flows to the skin, which causes the Also, as our blood absorbs less oxygen at such high altitudes, it contributes to feelings of fatigue such as dizziness, sleepiness, and a general lack of mental sharpness.

To help prevent your face from bloating, you can get up from your seat to walk down the aisle once an hour.

Or if you are trapped in a window seat, with sleeping passengers on either side, you can simply stretch and lift your legs up and down, rotating them in circles periodically. These can help to mobilise the excess fluid.

Woe #5: Jet Lag And Lack Of Sleep

Medically referred to as ‘desynchronosis’, jet lag is part and parcel of long haul flights. When you are constantly flying to and fro, you are often straddling between time zones and this can cause your circadian rhythm to get interrupted, triggering a severe lack of sleep. 

Whether you’re actually travelling through time zones or just skimping on sleep during your trip, it can have a huge impact on your skin.

Not only does it add to the dehydration, but lack of sleep can also cause Image Credit: Giphy[/caption]

SOS — Save Our Skin!

Although it’s clear that traveling takes a toll on our skin, we can’t possibly forego flying altogether. Dry and dull skin, facial puffiness, dark circles and eye bags — all these can easily be prevented as long as you spare the effort to prep your skin before and during flight.

But what about wrinkles? Fighting wrinkles is not as easy as zapping zits and there’s no over-the-counter medication for it, so what would be the best solution?

You can do no wrong seeking a trusted professional’s help. The treatment is quick, non-invasive and effective. This procedure can also double up as a preventative step — getting Botox done early enough can help prevent wrinkles from forming deep lines.

You will be in the good hands of Dr. Ivan Puah, who is the medical director of Amaris B. Clinic and the appointed doctor-trainer by Allergan Singapore. With more than 15 years of dermatological and beauty aesthetics experience, he is the go-to doctor if you need to plump up your skin, smoothen out telltale signs of ageing, or zap those annoying zits away.

So give yourself one less thing to frown about, and try to inject some youth back into your face (pun fully intended).

Featured Image Credit: Exyuaviation.com

10 Awesome Activities To Kick Start Your April [1-15 April]

Unfortunately, there won’t be anything to do this April…

…

…April Fools! Of course there is.

This month is one with something for everyone! There’s a run for the fitness junkies, a pet fair for the animal lovers, and a whole lot of yummy food events for the rest of us who just love to eat.

Here’s a calendar of fun and exciting activities to fill your 1-15 April! We’re not pulling your leg when we say you shouldn’t miss them.

Play & Discover

1. Teh Tarik Run

So you want to run, keep fit, and stay healthy. But you also can’t stay off good ol’ prata and teh tarik.

Well, Teh Tarik Run 2017 proves you can do both! At the same time, no less.

It’s no news that our tiny island is a hotspot for famous international artists.

This year is no different. April’s offering is five-time #1 DJ in the world, Armin van Buuren!

[caption id="attachment_24338" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Trance.Es[/caption]

For the less acquainted, Armin is a progressive trance DJ and producer of cinematic and synth sounds.

The Embrace World Tour is closely related to Armin’s latest album ‘Embrace’, which embraces different styles, genres, and sounds.

Internationally acclaimed artists Mr. Probz, Kensington, Eric Vloeimans, Cimo Fränkel, Betsie Larkin, Angel Taylor and BullySongs will be performing live too!

Armin Only Embrace World Tour
Where: The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
When: 1 April,  4.00pm-11.50pm
Probably the most luxurious event this month is the Singapore Yatch Show!

Here’s your opportunity to discover some of the world’s finest superyacht and international yacht brands.

[caption id="attachment_24339" align="aligncenter" width="2808"] Image Credit: ONE°15 Marina Club, 11 Cove Drive, #01-01, Sentosa Cove, 098497
When: 6-9 April
Contact no.: 6304 7950
Bonjour!

Celebrating 51 years of friendship between France and Singapore, the annual French festival Voilah! brings the ooh la la to Singapore yet again.

[caption id="attachment_24340" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: 101-103 Cluny Park Road Singapore 259595
When: 8 April-21 May
Website

5. Tsum Tsum Carnival

Everyone’s favourite cylindrical Disney characters have reached CapitaLand’s malls for an interactive Tsum Tsum Carnival!

You’d be lying if you said you don’t think these little creatures are cute as anything.

[caption id="attachment_24341" align="aligncenter" width="1372"] Image Credit: Time Out[/caption]

Take pictures with the cylindrical-shaped figures in recreated scenes from Disney Tsum Tsum’s animation shorts.

But that’s not all! Other activities include the Ninja Castle Challenge, making your own Disney Tsum Tsum characters from Play-Doh and racing Disney Tsum Tsum Tomica die-cast cars.

So grab your family and friends for the cutest event yet!

Tsum Tsum Carnival
Where: Participating CapitaLand malls: Sembawang Shopping Centre, Lot One, Bukit Panjang Plaza, JCube, IMM, Westgate, The Star Vista, Junction 8, Plaza Singapura, Bugis Junction, Bedok Mall, Raffles City, Tampines Mall
When: 1 April
Our favourite day of the year–it’s Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day!

You heard us right. Free. Ice-cream.

[caption id="attachment_24342" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: Scoop shops all over the country
When:  4 April, 12pm-8pm
This one’s for you junk food lovers out there who love to snack! (That’s all of us, really.)

World Snack Fair 2017 is here to satisfy all your sweet and salty cravings!

[caption id="attachment_24343" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Emaze[/caption]

This yummy exhibition will feature hundreds of different snack brands from all around the world.

Popular brands you will be familiar with include Japanese brands Meiji and Calbee. We can hear the crunch of potato chips already!

There will also be Ichiban kuji for Otakus who wish to try their luck, getting some rad anime merchandise. What’s more, a maid and butler cafe will also be set up on-site for those who enjoy themed cafes!

World Snack Fair 2017
Where: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3, Concourse 1-4, Singapore 039593
When: 7-8 April (9am – 10pm), 9 April (9am – 9pm)
Contact no.: 6560 5424

8. Michelin Guide Street Food Festival

Have you tried Michelin starred local food?

Now’s your chance to try food from Michelin starred eateries, all under one roof!

[caption id="attachment_24344" align="aligncenter" width="5742"] Image Credit: MICHELIN guide Singapore[/caption]

This is a celebration of multi-cultural and delicious local street food. They’re coming from the kitchens of more than 12 Michelin starred restaurants and celebrated Bib Gourmand eateries.

Expect star dishes including many local street food favourites and a selection of international street cuisine!

Join us at the ambient, breezy Coliseum at RWS for a meal you won’t forget!

Michelin Guide Street Food Festival
Where: The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa
When: 14-15 April
Price: $20 per pax
Website

Shop

9. Pet Expo

You won’t have to leave Fido at home for this one.

Welcome to Pet Expo 2017!

[caption id="attachment_24345" align="aligncenter" width="920"] Image Credit: Pet Expo SG[/caption]

Bring your furry friend to the biggest pet fair this year! There will be a whole lot of businesses present, as well as educational and engaging activities focused on pets and their well-being.

Look forward to a series of informative talks and intense competitions planned to bring the pet community together!

This year, fish lovers too can look forward to participating in competitions for aquatic animals, while families can bring children to learn more about aquatic animals and marine life.

Join in on a fun-filled learning journey towards pet ownership!

Pet Expo 2017
Where: Singapore Expo Hall 7
When: 14-16 April, 11am-8pm
Price: $5 per day / $12 for 3-Day Pass (Free entry for children below 12)
Website

10. Artbox

Hipsters and art market lovers rejoice!

Artbox—Bangkok’s famous hipster market—is coming to Singapore this month.

[caption id="attachment_24506" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image Credit: The Lawn @ Marina Bay, 8A Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018984
When: 14-16 April, 21 – 23 May, 3pm – 11pm
Price: Free entrance

Don’t be a fool this April!

Come join in on these cannot-miss events to kick off your April on a strong note. We kid you not, you’ll have a whale of a time!

Also, read Enjoy Movies By The Beach At Sunset Cinema, The First Silent Movie Experience In S’pore