Lucas Papaw: The $7 China Version vs $23 Malaysian — Our Final Verdict

cream tubes comparison

If you read my earlier post about buying Lucas Papaw from a Chinese seller on Shopee, you already know I was skeptical from the start. The price was too good. SGD 7 with delivery, compared to the SGD 23 we usually pay at retail. And the ointment had a noticeably darker yellow tint that made us uneasy.

Well, we tested it. And here is our honest verdict.

What We Noticed

We gave the China version a fair run. Applied it … Read the rest

The Hidden Dangers of Seed Oils

Bottles with different kinds of vegetable oil

Have you noticed how health trends have become increasingly “complicated” over the years?

It used to be that avoiding fried chicken and sugary drinks was enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But now? Cutting out sugar alone isn’t enough—now even the oil we use is under scrutiny. And today’s main character is a staple in many households: seed oils.

Why Are Seed Oils Being Targeted?

There are many types of vegetable oils on the market. The ones you’re familiar with—sunflower … Read the rest

Milk Lovers’ Dilemma: Can Lactase Supplements Save the Day?

Young child looking unhappy with a glass of regular milk, symbolizing early signs of lactose intolerance

When it comes to lactose intolerance, it’s a love-hate relationship for many of us. On the bright side, there’s the richness of milk coffee, the satisfaction of cheesy pizza, and the allure of a slice of cheesecake. But the downside? The aftermath often feels like a social landmine. And let’s face it, this “superpower” is more common than you’d think. In Singapore alone, 90% of the population is part of this “club,” especially among Asians, thanks to our genetic makeup.… Read the rest

How Many Times Can You Reuse Cooking Oil? The Shocking Answer Will Change Your Frying Habits

Woman cooking tasty rice with vegetables on stove in kitchen, closeup

If you’ve ever stood in front of a sizzling fryer, watching your favorite deep-fried snacks turn golden, you might have wondered: How many times can that oil really be reused? You’re not alone. In busy food courts and home kitchens alike, the question of when to toss cooking oil or give it another go is a hot topic—no pun intended. While reusing oil might seem like a thrifty and harmless practice, the truth is, each round of frying chips away … Read the rest

Olive Oil Update: A Natural Solution for Our Child’s Eczema

olive oil with fresh olives and leaves

In our previous discussion on taming inflammation with omega-3, we explored the profound impact of dietary choices on skin health, particularly for individuals dealing with conditions like eczema. Today, we’re excited to share an update on our journey towards alleviating inflammation in our household, specifically through a simple yet transformative change: switching from seed oil to olive oil in our cooking practices.

After the decision was made to transition to olive oil, we embarked on a few weeks of experimentation … Read the rest

Lucas Papaw Papaya Cream from China

Since Yunhan was 1.5 years old, we’ve been relying on Lucas Papaw papaya cream. Recently, we decided to purchase a new batch online, this time from a source in China. Our main concern was whether this product was authentic or counterfeit.

To our surprise, the price was significantly lower compared to what we typically pay at retail stores. In Singapore, we usually spend around SGD 23, which is approximately USD 16.5. However, the cost from the Chinese store, including delivery, … Read the rest

Balancing Act: Taming Inflammation with Omega-3

Animal and vegetable sources of omega-3

Recently, I stumbled upon an enlightening piece discussing the inflammatory effects of Omega 6 on our bodies. It’s alarming to realize that this essential fatty acid, abundant in cooking oils like sunflower seed oil and canola oil, could be contributing to issues like flaky skin and other dermatological concerns.

Take Yunhan, for instance. She’s a fan of deep-fried and fast foods, often prepared using these Omega 6-rich oils. Sadly, she finds herself scratching her skin incessantly the day after indulging … Read the rest

My Bad Experience with a Second Purchase of Wan Fu Shuang Cream

Complaint. Dissatisfied young woman showing thumb down gesture on yellow background, Different illustrations near her hand

Recently, I decided to purchase Wan Fu Shuang Cream (万肤霜) from the online marketplace Shopee.sg. However, when the package arrived, I noticed that the design was different from the one we typically get in Malaysia. The package was printed with “江西海邦生物科技有限公司” and the ingredient content which led me to believe that it is the same medical formula, just manufactured in a different country.

My child’s skin condition, which usually improves with the Malaysian Wan Fu Chuang Cream, did not show … Read the rest

Traditional Remedy, Modern Relief: Conquering Eczema with Wan Fu Shuang 万肤霜

A month ago, as the school bells rang and the routine of daily life resumed after a blissful holiday, my daughter’s eczema took a turn for the worse. Her skin had always been sensitive, and the condition was often on and off. However, this time, her face started to deteriorate, causing concern and frustration for both of us.

Seeking Solutions:

Desperate for a solution, I reached out to family members for advice. It was during this time, as we prepared … Read the rest

Unlocking the Mystery of Itch: The Surprising Role of Skin Bacteria

Close-up laboratory microscope. Analysis of bacterial culture under a microscope. Study of bacteria under a microscope. Scientific research in the laboratory.

Have you ever wondered why eczema sufferers experience such relentless itching? While experts previously attributed it to inflammation, groundbreaking research from Harvard Medical School reveals a surprising culprit: a common skin bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating findings that may reshape our understanding of itchiness and its potential treatment.

The Unveiling of a Novel Mechanism: Traditionally, itching was thought to be a consequence of inflammation. However, Harvard researchers, led by immunology associate professor … Read the rest