Glow & Clear | Skin + Body + Mind

In my last episode, part 1 of my 15 years experiences of intermittent fasting, I have shared my mistakes and story of being trapped in binge eating disorder as a result of doing intermittent fasting wrong during the first 5 years. If after considering all the pros & cons, and challenges you may face, you have decided that intermittent fasting is right for you, then you will find all the important information you need and the key to success in this episode. I will explore with you a variety of popular ways to intermittent fast, my past experiences following these methods, their pros & cons, and my top practical tips to do intermittent fasting for sustainable weight loss. Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

In recent years, intermittent fasting has gained significant popularity as an effective and flexible approach to weight loss and overall health improvement. I have already been doing it for more than 15 years starting in college initially to lose the 35 pounds I gained during my freshman year, a long time before “intermittent fasting” became a popular trend. With no doubt, there are numerous potential health benefits from intermittent fasting, and it can be very effective in losing weight and maintaining the result if you do it right. I would say it’s one of the main reasons why my weight has been very consistent for the past 10 years. But there are also quite a few risks and dangerous mistakes you need to be aware of. In particular, if your fasting is done wrong, it could drag you down into the rabit hole of binge eating disorder that will make your life absolutely miserable, and I am not exaggerating because I have been there, done that. This episode is Part 1 of my 15-year intermittent fasting experiences. I will go over with you the basics, the potential benefits and risks you need to be aware of, and huge mistakes to avoid that made my life miserable during the first 5 years. Whether you are a beginner or have already been doing it for some time, I hope to give you some in-depth perspectives that can help you decide whether intermittent fasting is truly right for you if you have been thinking to give a try or if you should continue doing it if you are already encountering some of its drawbacks. Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

During my extensive in-depth research on my recurring acne and hair loss problems, the term “PCOS”, which stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, always came up in medical articles and health journals as one of the potential root causes. It’s an underlying medical condition that contributes to a list of symptoms that can negatively affect a woman’s appearance: such as hormonal acne, weight gain, excess hair on the face and body but hair loss on the scalp. It's also one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Although PCOS is often related to obesity or overweight, it can affect women of all shapes, sizes and races, and it's becoming more prevalent worldwide in recent years. If you are a woman and have been struggling with some of the symptoms, such as irregular periods, hormonal acne, hair loss, weight gain or finding it very difficult to lose weight, OR, if you want to prevent these health problems related to PCOS, then you will learn all the important information you should know from this episode. Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns.  

Spring is finally here, and summer is not far away, so in this season, I would like to take a fresh start and a new direction for this podcast to include a variety of topics on beauty, skincare, weight loss, wellness, and lifestyle, instead of focusing on just one single subject for the entire season.  As I always emphasized in my previous episodes, our skin, body, mind, lifestyle, relationships, and the surrounding environment are all interconnected and affected by one another. To solve our beauty problems, or maintain good health, it’s crucial to take all the related factors into consideration, rather than just dealing with one single issue on the surface. That’s why in this podcast, I would like to take a holistic approach to help you see a bigger picture of all the important factors that can have huge impacts on how you look and how you feel, and give you tips and advice that can not only solve one single issue, but also help transform other aspects of your health and your life. If you would like to learn more, make sure to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes. 

I suffered from adult acne for 7 years, from my late 20s to early 30s, wasted a lot of money on skincare products, made many common acne mistakes, have seen 4 different dermatologists, got all kinds of different medical treatments including Isotretinoin (aka "Accutane"), and went through endless emotional ups and downs. During the past three years, because of the pandemic, I was able to slow down my busy work life and fully devoted my time and energy into learning everything about skincare, acne, diet, environmental and lifestyle impacts on my skin and my health. I finally managed to get rid of my hormonal acne and clear up my skin for good. So, today I would like to share with you my story and all the hard lessons I learned from those seven years, and hope it can help you avoid my mistakes, and give you some insights and inspiration to clear up your skin as well. Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Now is the perfect time to start fresh and if your goal this year is to have better health, clear up your skin and feel good about your body, I have a great tip for you to kick off 2023. That is, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, which has been helping me a lot in clearing up my acne, preventing digestion problems and recurrent canker sores I suffered a lot in the past. Unlike any other diet that gives you a specific diet regimen to follow, the anti-inflammatory diet is more of a general style of eating, and is based on what your body is telling you. Although there are some general guidelines, you can customize it to fit your own needs. In this episode, I will go over: 1. What is inflammation and the differences between acute and chronic inflammation 2. Signals of chronic inflammation and how it affects your skin and your health3. Why do people have chronic inflammation 4. The anti-inflammatory diet and general guidelines 5. Other important factors for achieving the best results Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Are you breaking out or noticing your acne is getting worse in the winter? Or worse, is your skin dehydrated and breaking out the same time in the winter? If so, this episode is for you. I will explain how winter affects your skin and acne and give you all the essential tips you need to prevent breakouts and dehydrated skin in the winter months. Products mentioned in this episode that I have been using and recommend:1. Hygrometer/humidity monitor: https://amzn.to/3UUGLaK 2. Ultrasonic humidifier that's easy to clean: https://amzn.to/3HzJ3sx 3. Evaporative humidifier that can be used with hard tap water: https://amzn.to/3UZrDJ9 4. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: https://amzn.to/3UTZjrt Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases to help support this podcast:)Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Holiday travel season is officially here and many of you are probably hitting the road or flying out of town starting this week. So I think it would be more relevant and beneficial to talk about travel skincare, because depending on where you go, traveling can actually be very hard on your skin. If you are like me who easily break out after a long-haul flight or while traveling, then this episode is for you. In this episode, I will explain why flying and traveling can make your skin dehydrated and break out, and also give you the top 6 tips you can use to prevent travel acne. Products mentioned in this episode that I have been using and recommend:Japanese Steam Warm Eye Mask: (good to use on planes, trains, and in hotel rooms for relaxation before sleep)Lavender: https://amzn.to/3GASbNhChamomile: https://amzn.to/3GIF6lbNo Fragrance: https://amzn.to/3VnATr7CeraVe Travel Size Skincare Set: https://amzn.to/3tSuaJSDisclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases to help support this podcast:)Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

As the weather is getting colder and we have more cloudy gloomy days, now it's probably a good time to get ready for winter skincare, so I would like to get off-track a bit to talk about a more seasonable relevant topic that's been debated for years: do you really need to use sunscreen in the winter, even indoors or in your car? The answer to this question is not a simple yes or not, and it all depends on your location, circumstances, and skincare goals. So in this episode, I will provide you with all the information you need to know to decide for yourself based on your own needs. Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Not all water is created equal. Many people are not aware that tap water they use to wash and cleanse has an impact on their skin and hair. You may have heard about hard water is linked to hair damage, but do you know that hard water is also bad for you skin, especially when you have sensitive skin, and suffer from acne, eczema, or rosacea? Hard water is one of the most significant environmental factors that can make your acne worse and harder to treat. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 85% of the United States has hard water. And in fact, not just the U.S., but many parts of Europe and major international cities like London, Paris and Toronto have the same hard water problem. So in this episode, we are going to discuss in details how hard water is affecting your skin and what you can do about it. Product mentioned in this episode that I have been using and recommend: Hard Water Test Kit: I have found this one more accurate than othershttps://amzn.to/3RySN8NDisclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases to help support this podcast:)Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

We are often bombarded with commercial ads and recommendations from influencers telling us all kinds of skincare products we must use. However, if your skin is sensitive or breaks out easily, you need to be very careful in choosing products and always fact-check the full ingredients list no matter what others say. So, after going over the skincare routine for acne-prone skin in our last episode, let's talk about the important basics and step-by-step guidelines you should follow to make sure you choose the right products for your skin. Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

When it comes to skincare routine for acne-prone skin, "less is more" is really the key and the best approach. In this episode, I will go over all the important basics in skincare for you guys whose skin breaks out or gets irritated easily, and the essential steps to incorporate into your daily routine.  Products mentioned in this episode that I have been using and recommend:CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for dry, sensitive skin and compromised skin barrier or when you are using prescription acne medication (even if you have oily skin):https://amzn.to/3roiZasShiseido Cotton Pads for patting dry face after washing: https://amzn.to/3BXABimNon-Comedogenic Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry: (although it's labeled for extra dry skin, the texture overall is great for other skin types as well) https://amzn.to/3BUvcZpSupergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40: https://amzn.to/3LXkiacDisclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases to help support this podcast:) Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

In our last episode about the best treatments for different types of acne, we have mentioned quite a few active ingredients that are commonly used in acne products. If you are new to the anti-acne community and don't know anything about them, or if you have heard of them but feel confused by all the acne products out there, then today's episode is for you. Also make sure to stay till the end because I will answer one of the most asked questions many people have after trying out a bunch of different over-the-counter acne products. Products mentioned in this episode that I have been using and recommend:Adapalene (Topical Retinoid), Acne Treatment Differin Gel:https://amzn.to/3xNp9F2Alternative Option: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment: https://amzn.to/3SdEaYDDisclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases to help support this podcast.Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

There are many names we use for acne, such as comedones, pimples, breakouts, and cysts. But do you know what are the exact types of acne and what kind do you have? Understanding the basics of acne is crucial for finding the right treatment for your acne. So, in this episode, we will go over the 6 different types of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, and the best ways to treat them. Products mentioned in this episode that I have been using and recommend: Acne Patches and Acne Dots: Best for absorption and healing effect: https://amzn.to/3d145Uj Best and more affordable for purpose to prevent touching your pimples: https://amzn.to/3eDIoKuDisclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases to help support this podcast.Disclaimer: The content provided in this Podcast is for informational purpose only. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Most of the time, the initial breakout for many people is actually not that bad. It's the multiple mistakes we make along the way trying to get rid of acne that lead to more worse breakouts and a damaged skin barrier. So, in this episode we are going to talk about 12 most common acne mistakes that you are probably making right now, and they can be the reasons why your acne is getting worse and always coming back after treatments. Products mentioned in this episode that I have been using and recommend:  Acne Patches and Acne Dots: Best for absorption and healing effect: https://amzn.to/3d145Uj Best and more affordable for purpose to prevent touching your pimples: https://amzn.to/3eDIoKuHard Water Test Kit: I have found this one more accurate than others https://amzn.to/3RySN8NDisclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases to help support this podcast.DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this Podcast is of a general nature and for informational purposes only. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed physician, or other health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

For many people, food and diets are usually one of the leading causes of skin problems, and play a significant role in the severity of acne. As I mentioned in my previous episodes about the foods and drinks that can potentially lead to breakouts, one on top of the list is high GI (Glycemic Index) foods. As a result, a popular recommendation in the skincare community is to follow a low GI diet to get rid of acne. Before you decide whether you should do so, you can first learn everything you need to know about the Glycemic Index and the low glycemic diet in today's episode. DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this Podcast is of a general nature and for informational purposes only. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed physician, or other health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Many foods marketed as "healthy" on the market can actually cause acne for some groups of people. If you think you are eating very healthy but still suffering from acne, and have no clue why, then this episode might have the answer for you. We will go over 10 very popular "healthy" foods that are in fact acne-causing and the reasons why they can make you break out. You may be quite surprised to learn that you have been eating the wrong foods for your skin for a long time.DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this Podcast is of a general nature and for informational/entertainment purposes only. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed physician, or other health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Foods and diets often play a significant role in acne for most people. Despite all the scientific studies that either prove or debunk the link between foods and acne, what matters most is how your skin is affected by what you eat, since individual factors are especially true and important when it comes to acne. If you are new to the anti-acne community, you will find the top 5 most common foods that you should know that can make you break out in this episode. DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this Podcast is of a general nature and for informational/entertainment purposes only. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed physician, or other health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

Have you ever wondered why you are doing everything right for your skin but you are still breaking out? When it comes to skincare, there are many little things in our daily life that are very easy to overlook but may cause you problems. In this episode, we will talk about the 10 surprising causes of acne in daily life that you may not be aware of but could be the reason(s) for your acne, and what you can do about them. DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this Podcast is of a general nature and for informational/entertainment purposes only. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed physician, or other health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns. 

If you are suffering from acne, trying to clear it up and want to maintain a long-lasting result of clear skin, a very important step is to identify the root causes behind your breakouts and learn how to tackle them.  In this episode, we will discuss the top 6 most common root causes of acne and what you can do about them. Among these 6 common root causes, we will have more detailed discussions on foods and acne in our future episodes since the case for acne-causing foods is quite complicated and requires several in-depth episodes to discuss separately. DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this Podcast is of a general nature and for informational/entertainment purposes only. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed physician, or other health care provider. The statements made about specific products or services are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns.