Health & Beauty Secrets

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions! What is Chuseok? This year of 2021, Chuseok will be celebrated from Sep 20th (Mon) to Sep 22nd (Wed). These days are public holiday dates in South Korea.  Thanksgiving is usually celebrated around the world; in Chinese culture, it will be the Mooncake festival.In Korea, Chuseok (추석) is one of the most significant public holidays in Korea, together with Seollal or the Korean New Year. It falls on the 15th of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, on the day of the harvest moon (the largest full moon of the year) and it lasts three days, including the day before and the day after the set date. Hence, Chuseok is meant to celebrate the autumn harvest.   Chuseok Tradition During this holiday, most Koreans return to their hometowns to visit and spend time with their families, many shops outside will be closed too.    On the morning of Chuseok, another important ritual is holding an ancestral ritual. Korean families pay respects to their ancestors by placing various foods (rice, meat, rice cakes, soup, fruits, vegetables) and drinks, like Korean rice wine on a table in front of pictures of the deceased, to thank them and ask them to continue to watch over the family, hoping for prosperity. Although nowadays this ritual is held at home, it can be held at the graveyard. Some families will even wear the traditional costume (Hanbok) to head for visiting. Going back to your hometown empty-handed for Chuseok is a big no-no, so Koreans always make sure to get some gifts. The younger family members usually bow or give simple sayings to the elders to show their gratitude and in response, the elders will give some pocket money.  Chuseok Food The tradition is not complete without some traditional games but also food! Half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with a variety of healthy ingredients such as sweet red beans, sugar and sesame seeds, pine nuts, honey, and a variety types of Pancake (Jeon) are enjoyed.

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions!Each hair has a lifetime of two to five years. Hair loss can be caused by both aging and genetics. Whether your hair loss is the consequence of a long-term or short-term health problem, there are steps you can take to safeguard the hair you have.   What is the function of Shampoo? The shampoo is used to remove debris and excess oil from your hair. Many commercial shampoos, on the other hand, include harsh chemicals. They can rob your hair of the natural oil and fatty acids that keep it strong and silky after only one application. Examine the components in your shampoo and try to choose one that is natural or herbal hair loss shampoo.   Cure for Hair Loss If you're losing a lot of hair, try mixing up your products. We suggest that you take a look at our amazing Korean hair loss shampoo Arum Anti Hair Loss Treatment Set. It will provide the strength and density that your hair requires to grow. It strengthens your hair from roots and prevents hair fall. Healthy habits to stop hair loss Here are some scalp care suggestions to assist you in stopping hair loss. Follow these guidelines to avoid hair damage that might lead to hair loss:  Don't bleach your hair too often and leave your hair color as it is. Give your hair time to heal between blowouts and hair treatments.  Tight braids should not be used to style your hair. Use a simple shampoo that is formulated for your hair type.  Brush your hair with a natural-bristle brush that is fairly firm to avoid tearing it. Hair brushing may improve the condition of your hair just as much as any herbal hair loss shampoo would do.  Apply thorough strokes from the scalp to the tips of your hair with a suitable brush to spread the hair's natural oil. Brushing your hair when it's damp, when it's most fragile, should be avoided.  Many hair styling products have been related to hair loss because the chemicals in these products adhere to the scalp and become lodged in the follicles, preventing hair from reaching the surface. Avoid overusing hair gels and instead, go for natural styling solutions that contain fewer chemicals. 

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Do you know what the real secret behind healthy hair is?  A healthy scalp. The scalp constantly sheds dead skin cells. If this build-up is not dealt with properly, it can result in dandruff, dry scalp and itchiness. Severe dandruff can lead us to over-brush our hair or scratch our scalps roughly, which can damage the hair follicles and worsen hair loss. A healthy scalp feels good, and promotes shiny, healthy hair.  Here are 6 ways on how you can give your scalp some TLC:      This is recommended to be done two to three times a week. Washing it too much can dry out your scalp, but washing it too infrequently can cause build-up and make your scalp and hair greasy.     A scalp massage once a week is proven to be beneficial as it promotes good blood circulation to the scalp, calms nerves, and relaxes muscles. You can massage the scalp for about 3-4 minutes with the tips of your fingers in a circular motion with a steady pressure. Your fingers should be under the hair to avoid pulling.     Your diet can also cause imbalances in the health of your scalp, as full-fat dairy products, high-sugar or spicy foods can all irritate the scalp. If you are sensitive to an itchy or flaky scalp, you might want to take a closer look as your diet may be intensifying the issue. Green leafy vegetables, lentils, legumes, beans, nuts, eggs, fish, and chicken are all great and diverse sources of protein that encourage hair growth.      Many people often neglect protecting their hair and scalp from the environment, like pollution and dust in the air. Protecting your hair with a scarf or hat, especially on a dusty or hot day can be helpful in keeping your scalp healthy, as pollutants in the air as well as the sun can strip your hair’s moisture away.     Our body does its most important work when we sleep, like recharge, restore and rebuild cells, as well as strengthen muscles, bones, skin and hair. Giving yourself 6-8 hours of rest every night is essential in keeping your hair and body healthy and refreshed.     Over time, the accumulation of styling gels, sprays and other products, as well as sweat and the sebum secreted from the scalp can cause follicles to be clogged, and give the appearance of limp and unhealthy hair. We recommend using a herbal scalp cleanser to clear out any product residue and stimulate hair growth for healthy roots and strong hair. Our favourite, the Arum Ginseng Cool Scalp Cleanser, gently deep-cleanses the scalp using ginseng and saponin, and effectively prevents dandruff formation, strengthens and stimulates the hair roots, and relieves itchiness. Scalp irritation can also be caused by products that may have ingredients that your scalp doesn’t agree with. This is a case-by-case situation, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. If you suspect it’s a product causing your issue, swap it out for something else. 

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions! For any K-beauty lover, our days start and end with cleansing our faces. And while this step seems like it would be the most simple part of a skincare routine, certain washing habits can undo the work that we’ve put towards keeping our skin healthy and nourished through top-notch products and expensive facials. Related: How to Build a Basic Skincare Routine  In this week’s blog, we break down the most common face washing mistakes that people make. Mistake #1: Not removing makeup completely It’s easy to grow complacent from going through the motions of washing our faces every day, and sometimes, we can miss little bits of foundation or sunscreen in the crevices of our skin. When makeup particles are left on our skin for too long, it clogs our pores and leads to more acne and troubled skin.  A thorough way to clean off the day’s residue from your skin is to double cleanse. We recommend a micellar water cleanser, followed by a foaming cleanser like Bayeco Green Tea Foaming Cleanser for the best results. Mistake #2: Using too hot or too cold water For face-washing, use lukewarm water. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and can be very drying, whereas cold water does not effectively remove the gunk off our face. Lukewarm water helps loosen dirt, but preserves the skin’s moisture barrier. Mistake #3: Washing too frequently We recommend washing your face no more than twice a day: once in the morning, and once at night. Washing your face too frequently erodes the surface layers of the skin barrier, which will affect how efficiently your skin retains moisture. This may lead to dehydrated skin and early signs of aging. Mistake #4: Using too harsh of a cleanser While physical exfoliation can improve radiance, overscrubbing can cause serious damage to the outer skin layer. This translates to red and inflamed skin, a dull complexion, and a compromised barrier that may be more at risk for flare-ups and breakouts. Very gentle physical exfoliation is OK periodically, but make sure that you’re using an extremely gentle, face-approved product. You may also want to consider switching to a chemical exfoliant, such as the COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid. Chemical exfoliators like glycolic and mandelic acid are gentle enough that they can be used every day. Unlike scrubs which physically remove cells from the surface of the skin, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help dissolve connections between skin cells so they can be naturally shed more rapidly by your skin.

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions! One of the most popular Korean beauty trends ever has to be none other than the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine. The trend gained popularity worldwide after Charlotte Cho (the founder of Soko Glam) coined it in an interview with Elle. The original steps are as follows: (1) makeup remover, (2) cleanser, (3) exfoliator, (4) toner, (5) essence, (6) treatments, (7) sheet masks, (8) eye cream, (9) moisturiser and (10) sun protection. These are a lot of steps, and to follow all of them regularly would be time-costly, unrealistic and definitely confusing for skincare rookies. In this blog, we'll teach you how to craft an alternative no-frills skincare routine based on our 4 essential skincare components.   1. Cleansing  Washing the face is the most basic step of any skincare routine. Whether we are out and about or asleep, our skin constantly comes into contact with dust and dirt that accumulates on our faces. This can clog up our pores, leading to inflammation and acne. Furthermore, we need clean skin if we want it to absorb all the good products we’ll be putting on it later on in our routine. In the morning, you can make do with just a water-based cleanser, but for night routines, you should use an oil-based cleanser or a makeup remover first, in order to remove oil-based products like makeup and sunscreen, before using a water-based one. Tip: If your skin feels tight after cleansing, you are likely using a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin. Consider switching to a gentler cleanser, or one formulated for sensitive skin.   SKIN 1004 Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam SKIN 1004 Centella Ampoule Foam SKIN 1004 Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam Soosul Cleansing Foam (for dry skin)   2. Toner Toners should be applied after cleansing, as it prepares the skin to absorb the other products in your routine that you will apply after. Tip: Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Pour a few drops into your palm, spread it on your fingers and tap it onto your skin lightly, in piano-style.   SKIN 1004 Centella Toning Toner SKIN 1004 Tone Brightening Boosting Toner SKIN 1004 Poremizing Clear Toner   Skylake Herb Relax Toner (250ml) 3. Moisturiser As cleansing removes the skin’s natural oils, you have to re-introduce moisture to the skin via a moisturiser. You cannot skip this step, especially not if you spend long hours in an air-conditioned space. Regardless of our skin type, skin left unmoisturised after cleansing can become red, irritated and more sensitive to external irritants. Moisturisers hydrate and soften the skin, and prevent water loss through our moisture barrier. Tip: Many skincare routines include an eye cream step, but if you don’t want to spend money on one yet, you can apply a moisturiser around the eyes instead.   SKIN 1004 Centella Soothing Cream SKIN 1004 Tone Brightening Capsule Cream Pretty Skin Aloe Vera Moisture Cream   Soosul Ginseng Cream (for dry skin)  4. Sunscreen  Whether we are wearing face masks or remaining indoors for the day, we always end off our day-time routines with sunscreen, as this step protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and prevents certain skin cancers. Daily sunscreen use also helps to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and textured skin.  Tip: Experts recommend using sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30. Apply sunscreen half an hour before exposure, and reapply every two hours.    SKIN 1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF 50+ PA++++ SKIN 1004 Tone Brightening Tone-Up Sunscreen SKIN 1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ Skylake Brightening Tone-up BB Cream In summary  Morning: Water-based cleansing -> Toner -> Moisturiser -> Sunscreen Night: Oil-based cleansing -> Water-based cleansing -> Toner -> Moisturiser With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For the purposes of today’s blog, this would be cleanser, toner, serum, then moisturiser. At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as an instant fix in skincare. Instead of pinning your hopes on a miracle product, you are likely to see better results through consistently following a skincare routine. Aim to use a product daily over six weeks to notice a difference.

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions! Importance of Applying Sunscreens Many of us have the misconception that we only have to wear sunscreens when it is sunny or when we head to the beach. However, sunscreens should be worn even on cloudy days to prevent exposure to UV rays. In fact, it should be a habit that we all pick up. As the ozone layer depletes, there is increased risk of us experiencing sun damage, such as sunburn and skin cancer, from the harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen of at least SPF30 greatly helps to block these rays from penetrating into our skin.  Furthermore, UV rays could cause photoaging of the skin, characterized by a thick, leathery look; discoloration; and a breakdown of collagen. This leads to wrinkles, sagging and an uneven skin tone. According to studies, those below age 55 who apply sunscreen regularly have 24 percent less chance of developing these signs of aging than those who don’t.   Here are Hebeloft's top 3 recommended k-beauty sunscreens for you:  1. Skylake Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ A multi-function base foundation that whitens and moisturized your skin while providing powerful UVA/UVB protection. It also covers, uneven skin-tone, creating a natura radiant and flawless finish all-day-long. Shop Now   2. SKIN 1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF 50+ PA++++ A non-nano physical sunscreen that blocks UV rays, while simultaneously brightening the skin. This sunscreen can be worn all year long without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast.  Shop Now   3. SKIN 1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ This unscented sunscreen is super lightweight & hydrating, quicky absorbing with a non-greasy and dewy finish. A non-nano chemical sunscreen that blocks UV rays, while simultaneously hydrating the skin.  Shop Now 4. SKIN 1004 Tone Brightening Tone-Up Sunscreen A tinted sunscreen that helps brighten and tone dull and wrinkled skin that has lost its vibrancy and elasticity. With high UVA & UVB grade protection, this is sun care that revitalizes. This product is also environmentally friendly as it does not contain ingredients like Oxybenzone/Octinosate that harm marine ecosystems. Shop Now

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions! Busan in South Korea “Train to Busan” is the movie that put the spotlight on Busan as another must-visit tourist attraction in South Korea. Besides the movie, The Busan International Film Festival – a start-studded event that film lovers look forward to annually, also helped to put Busan on the map and made it a popular destination. The Busan International Film Festival started off as the first international film festival in Korea and has made its way to become one of the key film festivals in Asia receiving a substantial worldwide audience every year. Image source: https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/busan-film-festival.jpg?w=1000 Tourists in Busan cannot leave without a trip to the Busan Gamcheon Cultural Village – a place with picturesque views and photo-worthy spots. Known for its colourful houses built in a staircase manner, this village is an artwork on its own from afar and close up as each alley is decorated with the residents’ artwork. You can also bring home souvenirs from various art shops and fill your belly with authentic Korean food from the restaurants nearby. Indeed, Busan is a place brimming with history and unique experiences, a place one should include in their South Korea travel itinerary. Photo by Jimmy Moon on Unsplash K Beauty and skincare from Busan On top of being the place where South Korea’s vibrant film scene was birthed, Busan is also the place where beauty brands were discovered. Soosul – a skincare brand surrounding the use of SangHwang Mushroom as the key component in their products, was founded in Busan. The SangHwang Mushroom is an ingredient raved about for its remarkable anti-aging properties and its rich source of antioxidants. This ingredient is also associated with other properties such as clearing free radicals from the body and cancer prevention. Surely, if you are looking for anti-ageing skincare to rewind signs of ageing, Soosul is the one for you. The most well-known product from this brand would be the Soosul Whitening Sleeping Pack. Awarded Women’s Weekly Best Beauty Buy in 2015, this product works its magic during your beauty sleep. It is an intensive whitening mask that supports melanin formation to prevent hyperpigmentation. The powerful ingredients also help to nourish and hydrate your skin for an effortless glow the next morning. Shop Now!

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions! Geochang in South Korea  When we talk about South Korea, Seoul is the first destination that comes to our mind. Those who are keen on travelling beyond the country’s capital might also mention Jeju Island as the perfect destination to take a break from city life. South Korea has many hidden gems and far more attractions than what can be completed within a short vacation. A classic example would be Geochang, one of the lesser-known places in South Korea with beautiful sceneries that cannot be found in urban cities such as Singapore. A visit to its oldest attraction – Suseungdae Park will open your eyes to captivating views that perfectly encompasses the beauty of nature. Image source: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/12/fa/d1/bb/suseungdae-park.jpg Another activity that tourists can participate in would be the Geochang Summer Festival of Theatre. This festival is a great opportunity for theatre lovers to indulge in local plays as well as international theatrical performances.  Image source: https://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/96/2553696_image2_1.jpg K beauty and skincare from Geochang Skylake - a skincare brand that specialises in natural skincare products, was first discovered in Geochang, inspired by Geochang’s natural treasures that have since become the key ingredients of Skylake products. Renowned for natural skincare, Skylake wanted to give the public a glimpse of how their products are made hence they launched their own Cosmetic Café located in Daegu. This Cosmetic Café features workshops that allow participants to have hands-on experience in making Skylake skincare and cosmetic products. The experience is educational and rewarding as besides learning about the ingredients in Skylake products, participants also get to bring home customised skincare products. If you’re interested in skincare or simple love taking care of your skin, this workshop is not to be missed! Skylake skincare recommendations One of the best-selling products is the Skylake Herb Relax Toner. Made with Skylake’s patented oriental herb extract which contains 18 types of domestically grown herbs, this facial toner provides a cooling sensation to instantly sooth irritated skin. Shop Now!

Join hebeloft’s Telegram channel @Hebeloft, to get the latest updates and promotions! What is ginseng? Ginseng - a carrot like log with many branches stemming from its side. That’s the appearance that comes to our minds whenever we hear the word ginseng! Contrary to its foreign appearance, ginseng is no stranger to many people today. In fact, it is a prized traditional herb used to treat a range of health issues. Ginseng is a prominent ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often recommended to those who suffer from exhaustion and fatigue as it is known to be effective in increasing energy. Ginseng also improves the immune system, helping to enhance resistance against infections and illnesses. The most common types of ginseng used today are the Asian and American ginseng. The Asian ginseng is largely referred to as the Panax Ginseng while the American ginseng is referred to as the Panax Quinquefolius. Both types possess therapeutic potentials hence their widespread use in medicine. Why is ginseng used in haircare products? With advancements in research and development, the personal care industry has ventured into the realm of ginseng as an ingredient for haircare products. Indeed, besides supplements and herbal medicine, ginseng is also an amazing component for haircare. Oftentimes, stress is found to be the root cause of hair loss. In this situation, ginseng steps in as an effective remedy given its stress-relieving abilities. Ginseng is also known to improve blood circulation, aiding in hair growth and promoting stronger hair. Amongst the different types of ginseng, the Panax Ginseng Root is exceptionally good for hair care as it contains a key ingredient, Saponin. Saponin encourages hair growth by inhibiting an enzyme that is related to hair loss. It also has great cleansing abilities, leaving the hair feeling thicker and smoother after wash. Furthermore, Panax Ginseng is said to stimulate the generation of dermal cells on the scalp which strengthens the hair roots to prevent hair breakage and thinning in the future. Ginseng haircare recommendation We always take a look at the ingredients list to make sure the products are what they promised but, in this case, all we need is peek into the bottle. The Arum Ginseng Cool Scalp Cleanser contains a full-sized piece of Panax Ginseng Root in the bottle itself! Together with a variety of herbs and the patented Skylake Oriental Herb Extract, this shampoo effectively helps strengthens the hair roots, improves blood circulation, and stimulates hair growth. It also addresses a variety of scalp problems such as scalp aging, dandruff and itchiness. This Scalp Cleanser is made with curated ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, artificial fragrances and additives. Therefore, it is safe for all to use including expecting women and children. Use this scalp cleanser 1 to 2 times a week or as your daily shampoo to nourish and refresh your scalp. Get the Arum Ginseng Cool Scalp Cleanser, available here at Hebeloft!