Memoirs of a Polar Bear: Sunshine After the Rain

It’s the rainy month of August and I’m sure you’ll agree that sometimes the weather makes us feel gloomy. In fact, just a few days back, I was quite down and regretful of some mistakes I’ve made in the past – wrong decisions that left psychological and emotional scars in me. And maybe for some, these mistakes have even caused physical scars -- just like what happened to my mom who had to be operated on for gallstone due to wrong eating habits in the past; something that she’s not proud of. [Do read her full story in my blog, “Beautiful Scars.”]

But we don’t have to put up with “ugly” scars to always make us ashamed of the past. After we’ve stumbled (both figuratively and literally), let’s pick ourselves up, learn from the blunder and MOVE ON…

Now, speaking of scars, I am so blessed to have been invited to a bloggers’ event sponsored by the “Move On Club” by Contractubex Gel wherein we were introduced to the wonderful effects of the product especially in helping scarred and somewhat insecure people get on with their lives. J Contractubex® is an anti-scar gel that helps lighten, flatten and soften scars. It also helps make scars smoother and more pliable. It contains three complementary active ingredients namely:

1. Extractum cepae (special onion extract, YES ONIONS!) has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal properties and prevents the formation of excessive scar tissue

2. Heparin softens the tissue structure, has anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling and hydrating properties

3. Allantoin promotes wound healing, hydrates the skin and has a soothing effect which helps relieve the itching often associated with scar formation

During the event, the different types of scars were explained to us:

1. Raised or Hypertrophic scar – confined to the area of the original skin injury; forms after the healing of the wound and is caused by overproduction of connective tissue fibers; tends to bulge and protrude above the level of surrounding skin

2. Keloid – also results from overproduction of connective tissue fibers and tend to bulge above the level of the surrounding skin beyond the original wound edges

A hypertrophic scar on the arm
Photo Credit: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertrophic_scars

A keloid on the foot
Photo Credit: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keloid

So what makes Contractubex® different from other silicone-based scar treatments? Well, its ingredients help reduce inflammation and prevent excessive scar formation. Its water-soluble ointment base allows active ingredients to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. Just gently message Contractubex® on the scar 3-4 times daily or as prescribed by your doctor and results may be seen after at least 3 months of use. The product works best when applied to fresh scars, when the wound has closed or when the sutures have been removed.

Don’t lose hope, though, when you don’t see results immediately. The gel works slowly but surely! As long as you follow instructions carefully and apply it consistently, you’ll soon be FREE FROM the marks of the PAST. You need not have a visible scar to remind you of that gloomy period in your life – a scar to make you feel down and regretful especially during the rainy days. SMILE. There's HOPE for you. With Contractubex®, there can be sunshine after the rain! J

THE EVENT

The bloggers’ event which was held at Posh Nails (Hand and Foot Spa), Perea Street, Legaspi Village in Makati City started at 4:30PM with the pampering of our hands and feet. Now that’s a TREAT, dontcha think???! Hehe. J The staff who worked on my arms and legs actually did a good job at scrubbing, massaging, nail polishing, etc. Thanks heaps!!!

Welcome to Posh Nails, everyone!

Ready for a relaxing spa?

Pink and purple! I super love pink. And look at those fluffy star-shaped pillows! How cute! Hehehe.

Uh oh, I think I'm going to get drowned by these bubbles! Heeeellllpppp!!!

Here's Ate Sally, a staff of Posh Nails, making a miracle out of my ugly feet. I must say her massage was superb!

I forgot what this mentholated substance is called... But its cooling and relaxing effect is fantastic!

As the bloggers enjoyed the relaxing and wonderful indulgence, we had a very informative lecture on scars by Dr. Anisette Cristina Librojo. Our very pretty event host, Ms. Karen Golfo, led us through a Q&A portion afterwards. Then, the gorgeous guests and Contractubex® users shared their success stories with us. The radiant Ms. Maricar Reyes, Contractubex® product endorser and actress, explained how the product helps her deal with cuts she gets from shooting for shows in the most unglamorous locations like grass fields. Ms. Janice Lagman, a nurse and taekwondo national athlete, also relayed how the gel helped remove the surgery marks on her right knee. Lastly, Ms. Belle Gascon, owner of Skye High Fashion online store, told us that she once had a head injury that left a scar on her forehead. She felt self-conscious and insecure and had to cope by wearing bangs to cover the wound. But, thanks to Contractubex®, she was able to recover and gain her confidence back. What inspiring stories, indeed! J

Our gorgeous guests posing after the event...
(L-R) Dr. Librojo, Maricar Reyes, Belle Gascon and Janice Lagman

Smiling with their flawless and scar-free skin!
(L-R) Belle Gascon, Janice Lagman, Maricar Reyes

Next was the announcement of winners of the “My Scar Story Contest” by the charming Ms. Grace Mendoza, Category Manager of OTC from Contractubex®. For the best blogs, the company generously gave out one IPad Mini (Grand Winner) and three External Hard Drives (consolation prizes). What more, there were other goodies given away. Pretty cool, huh? And finally, the night was capped off by sumptuous refreshments. Yumm. J

It was my first bloggers’ event and, MAN, I had loads of FUN!!! Meeting new blogger friends, the hand and feet pampering, the education, the giveaways (and the consolation prize that I won! yay!) – oh my, that’s a lot for one night.

Thanks very much Contractubex® for giving all the bloggers a grand time. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME. God bless you all and more power to Contractubex® in the years to come!!! J