Co-enzyme Q10

Co-enzyme Q10 is an energy molecule that usually acts as jet fuel for our cells. Our skin naturally has an anti-aging mechanism and when Q10 is added to the program, it boosts the skin’s energy metabolism, helping it fight wrinkles at a much faster pace. Q10 is also an anti-oxidant, meaning it protects against free radicals that damage our body’s cells. Eucerin’s Micro Q10 Collagen Wrinkle Treatment Day Cream (B,1150) not only contains this wrinkle fighting catalyst but also has SPF15 for added protection against UVA and UVB damage.
Try Watson’s, Siam Square Soi 1, 02-658-3955.

Kelp

Also known as seaweed, we’ve all eaten our fair share of the fishy smelling plant at sushi bars all around the city. Little did we know that this is the main ingredient in the extravagant and extremely costly Crème de La Mer (B9,900). Kelp contains anti-microbial particles that are so delicate each 30ml jar of this cream has to be individually packaged to protect form and balance. This member of the algae family has been proven to prevent stress-related aging.
Try La Mer Counter, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, BTS Phrom Phong, 02-664-7642.

Abyssine

The scientific term for this is Alteronomas Ferment Extract and thanks to some crazy scientists willing to dive 6,000 feet under the ocean’s surface, this wonder plant is now processed, bottled up and sold as Kiehl’s Abyssine Serum (B2,600). This magic ingredient aids in the reduction of irritated and inflamed skin and speeds up the keratinocyte cycle. Wuh???? In other words, it makes red puffy skin appear less obvious while stimulating our skin’s ability to lose and make new skin.
Try Kheil’s, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam, 02-610-7680.

Black Sugar & Tea

Japanese fermented black tea removes impurities from the skin and aids in elasticity keeping skin tight and firm. Just like the black tea we drink, it is also an anti-oxidant that kills cell-damaging free radicals. Collagen is a protein that keeps our skin firm, as it is a connective tissue. Black Sugar also boosts our natural collagen levels warding off sagging skin. Shu Umera’s Phtyo Black Life Radiance Boosting Lotion (B1,900) packs a powerful punch of both the dark tea and sugar combination. And, while we’re on the subject of collagen…..
Try Shu Uemera, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-100-9068.

Collagen

Men, we didn’t forget about you. While there are probably twice as many anti-aging serums for women than men, Lancome for Men has three products that contain this skin tightening protein. Age Fight Yeux Anti-Age and Perfecting Liquid (B1,850), Renergy 3D Lifting, Anti-Wrinkle and firming Cream (B,2900) and Age Fight Cream Anti-Age, Dark Circle and Puffiness (B2,450).
Try Lancome Counter, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam, 02-610-7753.

Soy Protein/Isoflavone

Soy protein has been proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin, improve discoloration and prevent the reduction of skin density due to hormonal changes that come with aging. The Body Shop’s Wise Woman product line’s main ingredient is Soy Protein. Stop by and grab a tube of the Wise Woman’s Vitality Serum for B1,990.
The Body Shop, Silom Complex, Silom Rd., BTS Sala Daeng, 02-231-3154.

What’s the story behind Heaven and Earth?
I like to think that there is not one story behind each piece but as many stories as there are viewers. My paintings speak with symbols and colors, not with words. I feel that each painting is a crystallized feeling or a moment in frozen time, a kind of picture seen through the heart, emotions captured and built up by layers of paint and color.

What’s the inspiration behind this exhibition?
I am inspired by women and by being a woman. My work is about my thoughts and feelings—both conscious and unconscious—whether from just observing people in everyday life or from dreams and my imagination, I cannot pinpoint any one source.

How should the viewers approach your work?
Anyway they wish. If it speaks to them, they will know how. I prefer that each viewer come with a fresh mind and interpret the work In a direct and personal way.

What inspired this project?
The project arose out of my curiosity and the fact that transsexuals have become more widespread than ever in the recent years. There are between 10,000-100,000 transsexuals in Thailand. While they live and work among us and their lifestyle is mostly accepted and welcomed in our culture, we hardly understand their complex psyche.

How did you choose your subjects?
I choose real people with real passion, who believe in their hearts and want to become a woman. I don’t care how old they are and how they look. I want to capture the reality of them in a provocative yet informative manner and provoke people to see the story behind each image and each person.

Are you nervous displaying these images?
No. I am excited. This is the first project that entirely focuses on Thai transsexuals and employs ethnography, sociological, and a psychological approach. So I hope that my audience will come see the exhibit with an open mind and try to understand these people for who they are without judging.

Is this your most provocative exhibition?
No. But I think it is perhaps the most educational project, the most valuable and that it deserves attention from people from all walks of life.

Any obstacles or challenges while shooting?
Trying to find subjects who love art for art’s sake is difficult and challenging. Most of them want compensation. Again, in Thailand and Asia, it’s very difficult to find people who really understand art and want to be a part of a great project. Many are worried about how to survive, which is understandable.

What’s next? Any future projects?
I am working on a calendar and a new book. But I’m still trying to expand this project so that I can start doing a traveling show internationally.