 Earlier this month, a 2,056-sq ft unit at the 99-year leasehold Marina Bay Suites was sold at a loss of $2.057 million; the second million-dollar loss for the condo this year. The seller sold the four-bedroom unit for $4.08 million ($1,985 psf), having purchased it in December 2012 for $6.137 million ($2,985 psf).
We used our analytics tool, Is it a Good Deal?, to determine whether the buyer secured a good deal. In the heart of Marina Bay Marina Bay Suites is located along Central Boulevard, within District 1 and the Downtown Core Planning Area. The 99-year leasehold condo obtained its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in 2013. It comprises 221 units, featuring a mix of three-bedroom and four-bedroom units that range from 1,572 sq ft to 2,691 sq ft. The development also includes two five-bedroom units that exceed 5,000 sq ft. Its location in the heart of the financial district makes Marina Bay Suites an ideal home for those working in the CBD. The condo is a short walk from numerous office towers, including Marina Bay Financial Centre, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Asia Square, One Raffles Place, OUE Bayfront, Ocean Financial Centre, CapitaSpring, Republic Plaza, Hong Leong Building, and One Raffles Quay. Other amenities within a 500m radius include Marina Bay Link Mall, Lau Pa Sat, Market Street Hawker Centre, The Fullerton Bay Hotel and The Westin Singapore. The condo is also within close proximity of Downtown, Raffles Place, Shenton Way, Marina Bay, and Telok Ayer MRT Stations. Together, the five MRT stations gives residents convenient access to the East–West, North–South, Downtown, Circle, and Thomson–East Coast Lines. The main drawback of the condo is the lack of schools within a 1km radius. Furthermore, Cantonment Primary School is the only primary school within a 2km radius. Our tool also indicated that, despite the seller incurring a million-dollar loss, the transacted price of $1,985 psf is slightly above the average prices for Marina Bay Suites and District 1. Five unprofitable transactions this year Since its launch in 2009, Marina Bay Suites has recorded 47 unprofitable transactions, with losses ranging from approximately $7,000 to $3.25 million. The condo has also chalked up 10 profitable transactions, with gains ranging from approximately $27,000 to $1.014 million. So far this year, only five resale transactions have taken place at Marina Bay Suites. Unfortunately for the sellers, all five proved to be unprofitable, with losses ranging from approximately $220,000 to $2.057 million. All nine resale transactions recorded last year also resulted in losses, ranging from approximately $40,000 to $2.05 million. Meanwhile, the most recent profitable transaction was in March 2023, when a three-bedroom unit was sold for $3.18 million ($1,970 psf), resulting in a profit of $129,000. The seller had purchased the 1,615-sq ft unit in December 2009 for $3.051 million ($1,890 psf). Subject flat is this year’s most unprofitable transaction The resultant loss of $2.057 million for the subject unit is the largest recorded at Marina Bay Suites so far this year. This could be because the seller paid $2,985 psf for the unit in 2012; significantly higher than the then-average price of $2,786 psf. Fortunately for the seller, they managed to sell the unit at $1,985 psf, which was marginally above the prevailing average price of $1,952 psf. If the seller had sold the unit at the average price of $1,952 psf, they would have incurred a larger loss of approximately $2.124 million. On the other hand, if the seller had purchased the unit at the then-average price of $2,786 psf, the loss would have been smaller at approximately $1.647 million. The subject unit is a four-bedder measuring 2,056 sq ft. It comprises an en-suite master bedroom, three additional bedrooms, and two common bathrooms. The unit also features a private lift and a long balcony that spans its entire width. The seller of this year’s second most unprofitable unit incurred a loss of $1.148 million. The seller had bought the 1,625-sq ft unit in May 2012 for $4.248 million ($2,614 psf) and sold it in January for $3.1 million ($1,907 psf). The seller was unable to turn a profit despite paying $2,614 psf; lower than the then-average price of $2,786 psf. Part of the reason could be because the unit was sold at $1,907 psf, which was below the prevailing average price of $1,952 psf. The unit measures 1,625 sq ft. It comprises an en-suite master bedroom, two additional bedrooms, and a common bathroom (see Floor Plan 2). Similar to the subject unit, this three-bedder also features a private lift and a balcony that spans the width of the unit. Unfortunately for these two sellers, they purchased their units in 2012; just before the average price of Marina Bay Suites peaked at $2,838 psf a year later. Since 2013, the average price for the condo has fallen by 31.2%. The silver lining is that the average resale price for Marina Bay Suites has inched up by 1.6% since 2020. In contrast, the average resale price for 99-year leasehold condos in District 1 has declined by 10.3% over the same period. Five leasehold neighbours There are six condos, representing approximately 3,500 units, within a 500m radius of Marina Bay Suites. With the exception of Robinson Suites, all neighbouring condos are 99-year leasehold developments. Of the five leasehold neighbours, Marina Bay Residences and The Sail @ Marina Bay are nearest to Marina Bay Suites. Among the trio, Marina Bay Suites is the smallest, with 221 units, and the youngest, having obtained its TOP in 2013. In comparison, The Sail @ Marina Bay is not only the largest, with 1,111 units, but also the oldest, having obtained its TOP in 2008. Marina Bay Residences features 428 units and obtained its TOP in 2010. All three condos are a short walk from Downtown MRT Station. Mixed results for nearest neighbours Similar to Marina Bay Suites, Marina Bay Residences has also recorded more unprofitable than profitable transactions so far this year. Marina Bay Residences recorded three unprofitable and one profitable transaction this year. However, none of the three unprofitable transactions resulted in a loss exceeding $400,000, while the sole profitable transaction generated a profit of $30,000. This year’s record-high loss of $386,000 for Marina Bay Residences occurred in January, when the seller sold the 1,130-sq ft unit for $2.1 million ($1,858 psf). The seller had bought the two-bedroom unit for $2.486 million ($2,200 psf) in November 2007. Interestingly, the same unit was previously involved in a transaction that resulted in a profit of $753,500. The first owner purchased the unit from the developer in December 2006 for $1.733 million ($1,533 psf) and sold it in November 2007 for $2.486 million ($2,200 psf). Sellers of units in The Sail @ Marina Bay fared better, with seven unprofitable and eight profitable transactions thus far this year. Profits range from approximately $40,000 to $1.205 million, while losses range from approximately $58,000 to $715,000. This year’s record-high profit for The Sail @ Marina Bay involved a two-bedroom unit sold in February for $2.1 million ($2,242 psf). The seller had bought the 936-sq ft unit for $894,960 ($956 psf) in December 2004, meaning they held the property for approximately 21 years. The transaction resulting in this year’s record-high loss of $715,000 also took place in February. However, the seller held the unit for a shorter period of 15 years, having bought it in May 2010 for $3.015 million ($2,918 psf) and sold it for $2.3 million ($2,226 psf). The long holding period probably benefited the owner of the profitable unit, as the average price of The Sail @ Marina Bay has surged by 117.8% since its launch in 2004. Unfortunately for the seller of the unprofitable unit, they bought the unit in 2010; just before the average price of the condo reached its peak in 2011. To add to their woes, the average price of The Sail @ Marina Bay has fallen by 7.3% since 2010. Average price for Marina Bay Suites fell below neighbours Since 2021, the average resale price for Marina Bay Suites ($1,952 psf) has trended below that of Marina Bay Residences ($2,023 psf) and The Sail @ Marina Bay ($2,089 psf), despite Marina Bay Suites being the youngest among the trio. The average resale price for Marina Bay Suites ($1,952 psf) is also trending below that of condos aged 11 to 20 years in District 1 ($1,993 psf) and the Central Region ($2,047 psf). However, the average resale price for Marina Bay Suites has inched up by 1.6% since 2020. In contrast, the average resale price for 99-year leasehold condos aged 11 to 20 years in District 1 fell by 12.7% over the same period. Similar condos in the Central Region outperformed their peers with price growth of 8.2%. Conclusion The recent million-dollar loss for Marina Bay Suites is mainly driven by the condo’s price decline after hitting its peak of $2,838 psf in 2013. The average price for Marina Bay Suites fell below $2,000 psf in 2019 and has since remained under that threshold. The average price for Marina Bay Suites is also below that of its nearest neighbours and similar condos in District 1 and the Central Region. Unsurprisingly, this year’s five resale transactions for Marina Bay Suites have all resulted in losses for their sellers, with the subject unit generating the highest loss of $2.057 million. The silver lining is that the condo’s average price has improved in recent years, growing by 1.6% since 2020. In contrast, similar condos in District 1 fell by 12.7% during the same the period.
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 RHB Bank is maintaining its full-year 2025 inflation forecasts for Singapore at 1.6% for headline inflation and 1.1% for core inflation, despite recent signs of easing price pressures across key categories such as food and transport.
According to the latest report from RHB’s Global Economics & Market Strategy team, Singapore’s headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) eased to 0.8% YoY in May, whilst core inflation slowed to 0.6%, its lowest reading since February 2021. This was attributed to falling private transport costs and lower inflation for electricity and food. Year-to-date, headline and core inflation have risen by just 0.92% and 0.63%, respectively. Despite this moderation, RHB sees inflation risks as broadly balanced, pointing to both external threats and domestic headwinds that could shift the trajectory in either direction. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the Iran-Israel conflict, have pushed oil prices higher, with Brent crude nearing US$81 per barrel. In a worst-case scenario involving a disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, prices could spike to US$90, triggering what RHB describes as an "oil price shock." At the same time, Singapore’s stronger Singapore dollar (S$NEER)—now trading 2.0% above its midpoint—has helped moderate imported inflation. The SGD has gained 5.44% year-to-date against a trade-weighted basket of currencies, outperforming regional peers like the Malaysian ringgit and Thai baht. Domestically, inflation is expected to stay manageable due to weak demand-pull pressures, subdued consumption, and a likely technical recession in the first half of the year. RHB projects a continued slowdown in GDP growth for Q2, with retail and tourism-related activity softening across ASEAN. Given these conditions, the bank expects the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to maintain its current monetary policy stance at the upcoming July 2025 policy meeting. However, MAS may opt to widen the policy band to ±3.0% from the current ±2.0%, whilst keeping the +0.5% appreciation slope. If global demand deteriorates further or trade tensions escalate, a flatter policy slope may be considered in subsequent reviews.  All of us are born with two to four million sweat glands spread across our bodies; adult females have more sweat glands than males, but males are actually more efficient at sweating. A study conducted by the National Strength and Conditioning Association has revealed that women sweat 0.6 litres per hour, while men sweat around 1.1 litres. This happens because female bodies evaporate sweat on their skin more effectively, which cools their bodies without much perspiration.
Does this mean that women have to work harder to lose weight? Most people believe that sweat helps them lose weight faster, but is this just a myth or a scientific fact? What is Sweat Exactly? Sweating is basically your body’s natural cooling system during exercise or exposure to high temperatures. During a workout, the temperature of your body steadily rises and if your temperature remains high for too long, it can have serious effects on your internal organs. Your body starts producing sweat in order to avoid any risks. Once the sweat comes out of your pores and evaporates from the skin, your body cools down. Do you Lose Weight When You Sweat? The short answer is yes. Whenever a substance is removed from your body, whether it’s sweat, fat or even hair, you will definitely lose some weight. In fact, some athletes lose quite a few pounds during a workout. According to Scientific American, an average football player loses around 2-3% of their overall weight during practice alone. Some lose more than others; an average running back might drop around four pounds during a game while a linebacker might lose almost ten pounds. More Sweat Equals Fewer Calories? Unfortunately, the weight loss is only temporary. While it may appear that you have lost a considerable amount of weight after a practice session, the water weight returns immediately after you rehydrate. Many people claim that sweating devices, for example, sauna belts, can increase the number of calories that you burn. However, these claims are mostly unproven and have not been verified by peer-reviewed analyses. If you go out for a 30-minute run and you don’t break into a sweat, don’t worry, you’ll still lose more than 400 calories according to the Harvard Medical School. Excessive Sweating Excessive sweating is especially popular in the boxing industry. If you know a boxer, you have probably heard that some of them wrap their bodies in garbage bags in order to encourage excessive sweating. This practice, however, is pretty dangerous. Your sweat is mostly made up of water, but it also includes electrolytes. An excessive loss of electrolytes may lead to cardiovascular problems, kidney damage and in some cases, even death. Excessive sweating is also a medical condition. According to the IHS, more than 200 million people around the world suffer from hyperhidrosis. If you sweat more than others do, it is recommendable that you go for a medical checkup; if you have a busy schedule, an online doctor consultation might be the best option for you. How and Why to Avoid Dehydration Sweating is generally good for your body, it opens up your pores, lowers kidney stone risk and according to a study published in Biology Letters, increases the levels of endorphins (the “feel-good” hormones) in your body. Nevertheless, you have to be careful, because excessive sweat can lead to dehydration if you do not drink enough fluids. The consequences of dehydration range from heat strokes to low blood volume shock; the latter is sometimes even life threatening. To function properly, your body requires around three litres (around 100 oz.) of water on a daily basis, and during your workout sessions you should drink even more. To avoid dehydration, you should drink 8-10 oz. before and after and at least 5 oz. every 20 minutes during exercise. Sometimes, even when you hydrate, you might be a few pounds lighter after a workout – remember it’s water weight, not fat loss. Just in case, hop on the scales before and after training. If your weight change is more than 3%, you may be experiencing severe dehydration.  Gradually we are all becoming more and more aware of the importance of leading an eco-friendly lifestyle and the preservation of nature. So, it’s not surprising that the cosmetic industry is following in these footsteps and producing organic products to keep up with customer demand.
If you still haven’t gone completely green, take a look at our list of useful tips on how to green up your beauty routine. Get Rid Of Old Products Once you’ve decided to switch to natural cosmetics, you should get rid of your old products. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to throw them away. Why not give away any of your unopened products to somebody as a present or as a raffle prize or charity donation. Another option, in case you’re not so keen on dumping them, is simply to combine these products with the new ones until you finish them off. However, remember that the faster you go green, the sooner the results will be visible. Some of the great brands that you can start with are include: Herbivore Botanicals, Ilia Beauty, Au Naturale along with many, many others. Start With The Basics Since you’re a novice, we advise you to start with the basics. Don’t buy more products than is necessary, because you really don’t need too many of them in order to achieve an effective skincare routine. So, keep it simple and go only for a cleanser, toner, and moisturiser that suits your skin type. As you can see, three carefully chosen organic products can do more than all the others combined. Why is that so? Well, the secret lies in the fact that healthy organic cosmetics don’t contain any harmful chemicals. And what’s even more important, is that not only will your skin significantly benefit from it, but our planet will as well. Read The Labels Another important step on your journey to healthier skin is learning to read the labels. Sometimes it’s obvious that the product is organic. However, in many cases, you need to look carefully at the label and check all the ingredients before buying it. Aside from the ingredients, also check whether there is a recycling symbol on the package, since this can additionally indicate whether the brand in question cares about the environment and your health. Another way you can get informed on eco-friendly products and organic non-cruelty brands is by following organic skincare product reviews, different blogs, and websites on this topic. In today’s world, it’s crucial that you’re well-informed, since the choices are countless and you can easily end up confused and fooled into buying products which actually contain toxic chemicals. Do It Yourself! Another way to green up your beauty routine is by trying to incorporate some DIY products that you’ve made yourself. For example, you can start with amazing homemade face masks that are made from organic products, such as fruit and vegetables. This way you’ll be 100% sure that they don’t contain even one single harmful substance that could endanger your health and as an added bonus you’ll also have fun preparing it. However, some won’t even require preparation at all. For example, olive oil can serve as an excellent moisturiser without adding anything else to it. Don’t just change the products you use – change your entire lifestyle. April 22nd, the so-called Earth Day, is almost here. And, if you’re thinking about going green, this date can mark that wise and significant decision in your life. So, apart from buying organic cosmetic products, you can start recycling, right? Keep in mind that not all kinds of plastic are the same and that they cannot be recycled together. For example, make sure to remove the caps from bottles, because they can spoil the rest of the recycling load. Additionally, you should try switching to organic food as well. One of the best ways to do this is by growing your own at home. Nevertheless, if this is impossible, don’t worry; there are many stores today that specifically sell organic food. As you can see, going green is both easy and fun. Aim to start with your beauty routine and then gradually incorporate new healthy habits into your entire life.  You may remember Wong Fu Fu’s 10-litre milk tea, which wowed the internet with its ludicrous size and giant pearls. The Taiwanese eatery is not done with this oversized gimmick, however, as it is set to launch the 5-litre MEGA Matcha Latte ($59.90+) on 19 June 2025. This drink will be around for two whole months, giving you plenty of time to try this absolute unit.  The image above compares a regular glass of matcha with this behemoth of a drink. We reckon that it’ll take 10 or more people to finish all that matcha. This works out to about $5.99+ per cup, slightly cheaper than what you would pay at most cafes!  For a trendier spin, opt for the MEGA Strawberry Matcha Latte ($69.90+) instead. We didn’t get to try this version, but this matcha beverage with a tangy-sweet twist has been all the rage lately, so you wouldn’t want to miss out on this!  FYI, Wong Fu Fu makes these matcha drinks with Niko Neko brand powders, so you’re guaranteed to get a well-balanced beverage with a smooth mouthfeel and umami aftertaste. We tried the XXL matcha latte, and found it to have just the right amount of sweetness, without being overly milky.  These 5-litre matcha latte drinks will be launched in conjunction with the Crayon Shin-chan pop-up cafe, happening within Wong Fu Fu’s premises.  This pop-up promises an array of food and drinks inspired by the popular anime and manga series of the same name. Some dishes available at the pop-up include the Seafood Curry Rice ($23.90+) and the Piak! Piak! Shinchan Butt Parfait ($12.90+). Exciting times are ahead for Wong Fu Fu!
Address: 776 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198744 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 10pm Website Wong Fu Fu is a halal-certified eatery.  CapitaLand Development (CLD), the development arm of CapitaLand Group, launched LyndenWoods, the first residential development within the Singapore Science Park (SSP).
The property comprises 343 units across two 24-storey towers, with units ranging from 635 square feet (sq ft) for a two-bedroom unit to 1,647 sq ft for a four-bedroom unit. All units have smart-home technology complemented by a co-working lounge, flexible third spaces, and wellness amenities. Located next to Geneo, it is a short walk to Kent Ridge MRT and close to key landmarks and nearby schools. The development is slated to be BCA Green Mark Platinum certified. It is designed with water-efficient fittings to optimise water usage, blocks oriented to minimise heat exposure, and energy-efficient air conditioning systems. The sales gallery is located next to 7 Science Park Drive and will open daily from 28 June 2025. Sales booking will start on 12 July 2025.  Maybank maintains a BUY rating on Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX), raising the 12-month target price to $16.09, up from $14.16, representing a 16% upside from the current price of $13.85.
According to Maybank, SGX’s average daily trading value (ADV) in 2025 year-to-date is up 20% compared to 2024. This performance is driven by structural tailwinds, including a surge in corporate restructuring activity, a 76% YoY increase in share buybacks, and a domestic construction boom that is buoying sentiment and equity flows. Falling domestic interest rates are further boosting the investment case for equities. Maybank highlighted that 6-month Singapore T-bill yields have dropped to 2.0%, which is making equity markets relatively more attractive for capital allocation. The Monetary Authority of Singapore’s $5b Equity Market Development Program (EQDP) is another key catalyst. Maybank noted the initiative is aimed at deepening market liquidity—particularly for small and mid-cap (SMID) stocks. In response, the firm has raised its market velocity forecast for SGX from 37–40% to 41–42% for the FY25–FY27 period. SGX’s derivatives business is also benefiting from heightened global uncertainty. Following the announcement of new tariffs by former U.S. President Trump—referred to as “Liberation Day”—SGX saw a 13% increase in derivatives trading volumes. Maybank sees this as a sign of SGX’s strength as a regional hub for risk management amid growing FX and trade volatility. Maybank applied a blended valuation approach to arrive at the $16.09 target price. This consists of a 70% weighting on discounted cash flow (DCF), using a 6.6% WACC and a 1% terminal growth rate, resulting in a valuation of $15.62. The remaining 30% comes from a peer-based valuation using a 27x P/E multiple, yielding $17.18. Importantly, SGX’s projected FY26 P/E of 20.7x is still below its historical average of 23.5x, suggesting further upside potential. On the upside, Maybank identified several catalysts: continued geopolitical and market volatility, regulatory reforms that support listings and liquidity, and potential mergers or acquisitions that align with SGX’s growth strategy. On the downside, risks include possible disruptions to SGX’s trading infrastructure, intensifying competition from regional exchanges offering similar derivative products, and the growing influence of fintech alternatives and off-exchange trading platforms.  Choosing the right kind of brain enhancing supplements is tricky, as you want to make sure that the supplements you are taking are worth the money. Before making a purchase, do keep in mind that not all brain enhancing supplements are created equal. Another thing you should keep in mind is that supplements are never a good replacement for food. Many studies have shown that the best source of all types of nutrients is from food. The same goes for supplements that are meant to improve your brain health. If you believe that your brain is not getting enough nutrients and that you need a bit of oomph in your diet, then taking brain supplements is just one way to go.
To help you choose good brain enhancing supplements, we’ve compiled 7 helpful tips that you should bear in mind before making a purchase. Transparent Labels All types of brain supplements require an ingredients label on their websites and on product packaging, but some companies avoid being completely transparent about all the ingredients in their supplements. Sometimes this is justifiable, like in the cases of proprietary formulas. It’s understandable that a company would want to keep their ingredients a secret to prevent competition however, sometimes companies hide behind such labels to avoid listing all the ingredients in their products. If the label is not clearly marked, you won’t know the number of active ingredients and if you are allergic to certain chemicals, you risk developing an allergic reaction. Therapeutic Dosage The best type of brain supplements will have the right amount of nutrients to offer any benefits. Look for supplements that contain just a couple of ingredients and that work synergically, for example Geniux, which contains just the right dosage of active brain-boosting ingredients. There are instances where companies will use a whole bunch of ingredients in their supplements with little to no active ingredients. You need to know the dosage you are getting. Sometimes you may need just one or two vitamins instead of a whole bunch of ingredients that may or may not work for you. Look At The Ingredients A supplement may claim to boost brain power, but you need to check if these claims are backed up by scientific research. See if the supplements’ website list any scientific research that proves the benefits of the supplement ingredients. Another way you can be sure about the benefits is to do your own research. The ingredients in the supplement of your choice need to be clinically proven to improve brain health. For instance, Huperzine A was found to improve memory in dementia in several studies in China. Other clinically proven ingredients that were shown to improve brain health are Bacopa Monnieri, Omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vinpocetine, etc. Look For Standardised Herbal Extracts There is a big difference between supplements for memory and brain health that contain standardised herbal extracts and those that contain whole herbs. Choose supplements made with herbal extracts. This way, you will know that the benefits you are getting come from isolated ingredients that were proven to be effective in clinical studies. Quality Of Assurance Look for companies who manufacture products in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility. This way, you will know that the product you are purchasing is made according to standards set out by the FDA. The GMP assurance also means that the product actually contains what is on the label and that the raw materials are of high quality. Look At The Cost Just like with any other products, supplements will either be high quality, mediocre or complete rubbish. In some instances you are able to work out the quality of a product by looking at the price. Budget products are cheap for a reason, but those in the high-price range may not necessarily indicate quality. Your best bet is to go for brain supplements in the medium price range. Also, make sure to check the amount of product you get for the money. Sometimes a purchase may look like a bargain, but you actually don’t even get a month’s worth of product in the bottle. Company Reputation If you still have doubts regarding a certain supplement, it is best to research the company’s reputation online. Read others’ experiences with that particular supplement and see if the company has a good reputation. Other things you should look out for is the companies physical address and contact info. A good company is transparent and makes sure to be available to their clients. Supplements for brain health are a good way to improve problems with memory, concentration, and mood. But to be sure that you will be getting these benefits from your supplements, you need to do your research before making a purchase. The golden rule when choosing a brain enhancing supplement is to check for label transparency, research background, dosage, cost for value, and company reputation. When it comes to your health, you need to choose your supplements wisely.  If you’re over 30, have had kids, have ever been on a diet and you’ve still managed to avoid getting stretch marks, then you’re either blessed with very good genes, have amazing elasticated skin, have a fantastic moisturising routine or you are very, very lucky!
Contrary to popular belief, stretch marks aren’t just reserved for pregnant women, no in fact anyone can get them, including men and even children. But what exactly are they and why do we get them? Check out our guide to stretchmarks! What Are They? Stretch marks, as the name would suggest, are marks left behind as a result of the skin being stretched so far that it literally tears. They appear as thin lines across the surface of the skin and rather like a bruise, will start off an angry reddy purple colour. Over time this will gradually fade to a less noticeable silvery-white colour, but the streak across the skin will still be visible. Although stretch marks can occur on any skin surface, they predominantly affect the areas where we store a bit more fat, for example on the:
To get a bit more of an idea about how and why we get stretch marks, let’s take a look at the make up of what is actually the body’s biggest organ: SKIN. Skin is made up of three main layers:
Because stretch marks are visible on the surface of the skin you’d imagine that this is where the root of the condition lies, but you’d be wrong; it goes deeper than this. Rapid stretching of the skin goes beyond the epidermis, down to the dermis, which then starts to break. As the dermis tears, it exposes the subcutis/hyperdermis below and it is this that shows through as a stretch mark. Prior to the mark showing up on the skin, you may experience an itching or prickling sensation and the skin may start to thin out and flatten. Who’s Most Likely To Get Them? It’s not so much who is most likely to get stretch marks, but rather how and why they occur. These are the most common reasons: Pregnancy Approximately 8 out of 10 women come out at the other end of pregnancy with at least a few lines, marks or scars as a reminder of their baby’s growth and journey into the world, but let’s face it having a few stretch marks is hardly the worst thing about childbirth now is it?! Usually stretch marks start to appear during the later stages of pregnancy, as this is the biggest growth period. The change in hormones also softens skin fibres, making them more vulnerable and therefore more likely to tear. The obvious area for pregnancy related stretch marks is on or around the tummy, but depending on how much weight a person puts on during their pregnancy, they may also notice them develop on their thighs and breasts. Puberty Puberty is a crazy enough stage as it is, with dramatic changes happening to the body both inside and out, and one of those changes can be the sudden appearance of stretch marks. With so much growth happening in such a short space of time, it’s no surprise that the body may take a few hits. For boys it is most common on their shoulders and backs and girls may see them on their hips, thighs and breasts. Oils can help keep the skin supple and a healthy, well balanced diet will prevent excess weight gain. Genetics A big factor in whether you’ll get stretch marks or not, boils down to your genes. If your mum’s got them, then chances are you’ll be more prone to them, because it may indicate that your genetic skin type is more susceptible. Ultimately, it depends on the elasticity of your skin; the stretchier it is, the less likely you are to get stretch marks. Dieting One of the biggest reasons for getting stretch marks is dieting, particularly extreme weight loss in a short space of time. I myself am guilty of this and it is the very reason that I have stretch marks. Yep, even though I’ve had two children, it was my days of dieting during my late twenties that has left me with the reminder that yo-yo dieting is never a good option. Yo-yo dieting, so called because dieters switch between losing weight whilst on a diet and then putting it back on again, causes the skin to stretch at a rate it can’t keep up with, resulting in stretch marks. Of course, I now know that if anyone wants to lose weight it needs to be done slowly and steadily both for long term results and so that it doesn’t put unnecessary strain on the body, including the skin. I have stretch marks on the tops of my thighs and around my hips, and because I have had them so long they have faded considerably. Most of the time no one can see them; it’s only if I go swimming that they are exposed to public scrutiny, but let’s face it most of us are so paranoid about our own appearance we’re not even looking at any one else! In the past I was definitely self-conscious of them, but now I am completely at ease with my body and in all honesty I have far greater things to worry about than a few lines on my legs! If you are already dieting, or considering starting a diet for weight loss, please just remember to only aim for a maximum of 1-2lbs weight loss each week. Anything more and you really do run the risk of creating stretch marks that will be with you forever. Health condition/syndrome Certain health conditions or syndromes can also cause stretch marks, although these are obviously rare cases. Examples include, Cushing’s syndrome in which the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol and Marfan syndrome, which is caused by a faulty gene that weakens skin and connective tissues. This reduces its stretching capability, hence being more susceptible to stretch marks. Muscle gains This really only applies to extreme body builders and athletes who are training a lot and see huge changes in their body shape and make up. In much the same way that you are more at risk of stretch marks if you put on too much weight, likewise the same can happen if you build up your muscle mass too much or too quickly. Can I Get Rid Of Them? I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the answer is no, you can’t completely cure or get rid of stretch marks. However, you can dramatically improve the appearance of them with a variety of different treatment options. Make Up Cosmetic cover up make-up is readily available at most high street pharmacists or you can of course order online. Similar to facial foundation, so-called camouflage make up does just that; it camouflages the stretch marks. This option is best for small areas of skin affected by stretch marks and because some types are waterproof, they can last up to two to three days. However, be warned that make up may rub off onto clothing and if you use regularly it’s going to get quite expensive. Lotions and Potions Be wary of any cream, oil, gel or lotions that claims to be a miracle cure for stretch marks; they won’t be. Do your research and look for the ones that help nourish the skin and will help with fading. Also consider what you want from a product:
There are numerous places to buy products that will help with the appearance of stretch marks, but because they can be expensive a good place to start is by looking out for online discounts. You can find discounted rates from Boots along with many other well known brands and you can also find specialist discount sites, such as VoucherShops UK, which will give you the best value for money. Laser therapy Laser therapy works by the energy from the laser being absorbed by the blood vessels that are underneath the stretch marks. Whilst this won’t make them magically disappear, the collapse of the blood vessels will certainly help the red/purple colour tone down to a less noticeable white/silver colour. We would recommend you discuss the different options with your GP first, because although laser therapy for stretch marks isn’t currently available on the NHS, there are quite a few different types of laser therapies available, so it’s really worth taking some time to think about which one will work best for you. You should also remember that you will need a few sessions of laser therapy before you will notice any real visible difference and this can vary depending on skin type and colour, so those bills are going to stack up. Make sure you have your finances in place before committing to anything. Cosmetic surgery At the most extreme end of treatment options for stretch marks is cosmetic surgery and there aren’t many doctors that will recommend this as an option. Cosmetic surgery for stretch marks is incredibly expensive and like all other treatment options, results can never be 100% guaranteed. As with any surgery it comes with a number of associated risks and can cause considerable scarring; perhaps even worse than the original stretch marks themselves! Most of us will get stretch marks at some point in our lives and whether we learn to live with them or take the route of disguising them, one thing is for sure…we should not be ashamed of them. As clichéd as it sounds, I like to view mine as the road map of my life. It shows I have lived, I have grown and I am ALL natural. But more than anything it reminds me that although I have lines running across my legs, I at least have legs – legs that work, that run and that carry me through my life.  Adding to the list of halal dim sum eateries is Ayah Dimsum, a Muslim-owned stall in Ang Mo Kio that opened earlier this year. The stall is also co-owned by the people behind Friends Kitchen HK, with whom it shares a coffeeshop.  Ayah Dimsum offers a solid range of dim sum classics, some of which you’ll see in the picture above.  The stall’s Shrimp Siew Mai ($4.50 for three pieces) is surprisingly chunky and features dumplings packed with chicken, shrimp, and other ingredients. You can also try the Salted Egg Siew Mai ($4.50 for three pieces) if you want an extra umami kick in each piece.  Another item that features shrimp is, of course, the Har Kao ($5.50 for three pieces). This was one of the more lacking items we tried, as the shrimp barely filled up the dumpling, which is the opposite of what you’d want with har gao.  We enjoyed the BBQ Chicken Buns ($3.80 for two pieces), which sported fluffy buns and a sweet-savoury chicken char siew filling. Other baos available here include the Salted Egg Lava Buns ($5.40 for three pieces), Red Bean Buns ($3.80 for three pieces), and Lotus Paste Buns ($3.80 for three pieces).  Fans of fried dim sum can opt for items such as the Beancurd Prawn Rolls ($4.80 for three pieces), Taro Rolls ($3.80 for three pieces), and even Brown Sugar Lava Balls ($3.50 for four pieces). Orh nee fans will enjoy the taro rolls, which were crispy with an earthy and creamy yam middle.
Ayah Dimsum offers an impressive variety for a humble coffeeshop stall, so if you’re looking for Muslim-friendly dim sum, we think this is worth a shot. Address: 260 Ang Mo Kio Street 21, Singapore 560260 Opening hours: Daily 7am to 9pm Website Ayah Dimsum is a Muslim-owned eatery. |