BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Skin suffering from stress and fatigue? 11 products to battle the blues
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 29 2021
If you weren’t already feeling the stress that daily life can bring, I bet your bottom dollar, many of us are now! With the ever-growing covid numbers (here we go again) and two weeks of lockdown for Sydneysiders in full swing, it’s a wee bit hard to maintain a zen-like attitude to life (Oh and I do but try!) Then throw in a few kids under your feet 24-7 while working a full-time job from home, and it’s enough to send anyone a little bit batty (pardon the covid pun!)Unfortunately, stress, anxiety and fatigue, can impact not only your mind and body but your skin too!The good news is, a little beauty TLC can make all the difference, you just need to make sure you’re armed with the right products! So if your skin is suffering the consequences of stress, your anxiety has reared it’s head, or you're simply feeling fatigued, here’s what your skin needs; Stressed skinWhen you are tense, your body releases stress hormones including cortisol, which can increase the skin's oil production, leading to clogged pores and making you more prone to pimples (great!) Thankfully, there’s skincare. And spot-specific skincare at that! So if you’re waging war on spots, opt for blemish-busting ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acid.Try; Pevonia Spot Treatment. It’s a fab anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, soothing spot cream formulated with Glycolic and Salicylic Acid, Betaglucan and Aloe, which combine to provide a beautifully clean, clear, and bacteria-free complexion.Try; Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser. Perfect for those with breakout-prone skin, this foamy cleanser formulated with a balanced blend of Lactic and Salicylic Acid, provides antiseptic and keratolytic benefits while effectively cleansing skin eliminating toxins, impurities and surface bacteria (as well as makeup of course!). Extra bonus – it combats any skin inflammation which can go hand in hand with those pesky pimples!Try; Medicalia Clarifying Cream. This is a wonderfully light-textured, oil free cream which really does control acne while magically preventing futures blemishes too! Containing a powerhouse blend of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sorbitol and other soothing and protecting ingredients, it promotes a healthier and beautifully hydrated complexion.And let’s not forget the body! Try; Pevonia’s Anti-Stress Bath and Shower Gel morning and/or night! Relaxing and soothing, it will enhance your bath and shower with its aromatic foaming gel. Hazel Nut Oil, Chamomile, and Lavender combine to cleanse and hydrate. Soothing and de-stressing, your entire being is transported to an aromatherapy oasis.Suffering from anxietyMore than ever due to these times of increased uncertainty and adjustment, our skin will be experiencing the results of anxiety – think skin sensitivities, facial redness, rosacea. It’s important to try and relax and hopefully dial down those unwanted feelings of unease. Much-loved calming scents include the likes of lavender, ylang ylang and chamomile. And if you are suddenly suffering from facial flare ups ensure you use (or introduce) nurturing and relieving ingredients into your daily skincare program.Ingredients such as Green Tea, Licorice and French Rose Essential Oil will effectively reduce flushing, skin irritation and rosacea while hydrating, calming and soothing the skin.Try; Pevonia RS2 Care Cream. One of our most loved skincare ranges (and a global favourite) is the Pevonia RS2 line. It has been specifically formulated for those with ultra-sensitive skin to desensitize and decongest, while effectively relieving Rosacea discomfort.Try; Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate. Bathe your skin in this soothing, magical serum combining calming lavender with a high concentration of healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France, and really enrich your skin! Antibacterial and decongesting, it alleviates microcirculation problems and strengthens fragile skin.Try; Phytomer Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath. Little instantly reduces anxiety quite like switching off our on button and relaxing in a remineralizing bath. Throw in some soothing sounds and calming candles and see how your entire being relaxes. Phytomer’s Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath will create the unparalleled soothing spa experience you need! It’s an amazing lightly foaming bath ‘sensation’ enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium-reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater –to strengthen and restore the skin and release all pent-up tension. Yassss.Feeling fatiguedIf you’re feeling fatigued your skin will visibly reflect it. You know that pale, dull and devitalized complexion, dark, puffy peepers and exacerbated fine lines we all love to hate. This is because when we are tired the blood in our body is not flowing efficiently which normally results in a lack of oxygen in the blood.Like with most skin conditions, there are ways to tackle this. Nourishing face oils, miracle masks and brightening serums will be your best friend! Packed full of skin loving ingredients, they’ll give your skin the glow it so desperately seeks.Try; Phytomer Souffle Marin Energizing Oxygenating Serum. This light serum literally coats the skin in pure oxygen, providing the cells with the vivid rejuvenation they need. Formulated with marine extracts, the invigorating, moisturising blend, ensures fresher, more youthful skin with an overall increase in visible radiance.Try; Phytomer Citadine Citylife Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. Formulated in a refreshing sorbet texture and suitable for face and eye contour, this cream is just what you need to reoxygenate your tired skin. A combination of three marine sugars create the active ingredient, CITYSAFE®, to depollute, cleanse and oxygenate the skin. CITYSAFE®, along with blue and red algaes and Phytomer’s patented seawater concentrate - Oligomer®, reset skin repairing damage caused by signs of fatigue, dark spots and a dull complexion. CITYLIFE not only sweeps away toxic micro particles but provides an ultra moisturising facial experience too!Try; Phytomer Citylife Radiance Reviving Mask. Combining 100% natural red and white clay with the best of marine ingredients, this mask instantly unclogs pores and counters the signs of fatigue, dark spots and dullness! After every application, the appearance of tired skin is diminished and replaced with a radiant and renewed complexion. LOVE.Try; Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate. The radical treatment oil for skin lacking lustre, combats dullness and dehydration with a burst of vitamins A and E and Mandarin Essential Oil, so your complexion will look beautifully brighter and rejuvenated by morning. What’s more it has the most amazing aroma which alone helps calm the senses, and even though it’s an oil, it’s fast absorbing so you know it’s doing great stuff to your skin!
5 products that will bring your dry skin back to life
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 03 2020
If you’re like me, or the ‘old’ me should I say! You’re one of many who suffer from dry skin. I’m talking dry, dehydrated and lacklustre, only made worse in the winter months thanks to the cooler, windy, weather, and constant need for indoor heating which let’s face it sucks the life out of our already devitalised complexions!So if you need to breathe some life back into your dry, lifeless skin, these products, I personally promise, will be a lifesaver, what’s more, they come highly recommended by our customers and the BC experts too! Pevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin CreamFormulated with some of the best natural ingredients to counteract dry skin including pear seed extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen and Shea Butter, this deeply nourishing and skin smoothing cream diminishes dry and flaky skin while combatting fine lines and wrinkles for a truly rejuvenated, hydrated appearance. “I have tried numerous products whose purpose is to hydrate and soften dry skin but this is the only product that I have found that actually accomplishes this goal. I have used this product for nearly five years and have no plans to use any other product than this in the future. Actually, I love the entire Pevonia Dry Skin line of products!” Sarah S Pevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateIf you don’t have a nightly skincare ritual, start now by introducing Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. You will thank me later. This soothing, silky oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma, is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin every morning. “This product has saved my dry skin especially during the colder months. You put it on after cleansing and it is absorbed right away. It is a dry oil and is just wonderful.” Amelia G Phytomer Nutritionelle Dry Skin Rescue CreamSalvation for even the most dry as a desert skin! This soft, silky rich cream incorporates a cocktail of marine and plant oils including organic glasswort, organic buckwheat, apricot kernel, shea butter and hydratfusion, to bring comfort and hydration all day long. Say goodbye to tight, uncomfortable and parched skin and hello to a suppler, soft and visibly plumped complexion. “This is glorious. My skin feels so soft and plump after I use it.” Lisa DHyaluronic Acid Hydra SerumLiquid gold! The powerhouse serum packs a punch as it delivers a burst of hydration to seriously thirsty skin. Formulated with one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%) combined with marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract, it eliminates dryness almost instantly while maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. It leaves the skin’s texture softer, plumper, and firmer while looking healthier, luminous, and supple. “I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Marie C Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin MaskTaking its inspiration from mesotherapy – a technique which uses injections of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts to deeply rejuvenate and nourish your skin – this mask, rich in vitamins and hyaluronic acid, visibly revitalizes for a more radiant, smoothed and plumped complexion. “My skin was feeling patchy with the changing seasons, but after one application of this mask it felt better moisturised and fresher. Dry, flaky patches were soothed and smoothed. I’ve used it once or twice a week since and my skin tends to feel plump and fresh for a good 4 days after using the mask. Very gentle and soothing.” A McBride
Why this miracle serum is worth the splurge
by Jo Boyden
on May 21 2020
It’s one of the most talked about skincare ingredients around the globe, it’s the most recognised for intense hydration and when it comes to achieving supple, dewy skin it seriously delivers. I’m talking about every beauty professional’s anti-ageing hero; Hyaluronic Acid, and now it’s available in one of the highest concentrations on the beauty market thanks to the launch of Pevonia’s new Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum!We understand the cost of having great skin, believe me! But no matter how much you covet a product there is always that niggling feeling is it really worth the price tag? Well in this case yes siree, the Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum really is!Firstly, serums are worth investing in as they tend to perform above and beyond many regular skincare products, this is because they are developed with a higher concentration of targeted active ingredients, and you get better penetration of those ingredients too.Secondly the purpose of a serum is to target a specific concern. Created to address the most common skincare concerns – both ageing and dehydration, Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum delivers multiple benefits to the skin, so read on to discover what they are, why this serum is worth the spurge and what exactly Hyaluronic Acid is!What is Hyaluronic Acid?When it comes to getting dewy, hydrated skin, few ingredients deliver the way hyaluronic acid does. Naturally occurring in our body, it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water which means it attracts and holds on to moisture in skin cells, enabling skin to both feel and look hydrated and plump. However, our skin’s level of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, so if you want to ramp up hydration levels to maintain youthful skin, incorporating it into your skincare regime is a must! Why Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum?This powerhouse product combats a multitude of skin concerns in one fell swoop including; It hydrates skin like no other The ultimate for seriously thirsty skin, this serum eliminates dryness almost instantly as it quite literally blasts even the most dehydrated of complexions with a surge of moisture, maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. It plumps & firms By adding moisture back into our skin, this serum immediately boosts skin’s suppleness. It also combats ageing in multiple ways thanks to its skin-plumping properties. Collagen and Hibiscus Esculentus help to plump and smooth wrinkles, while preventing the formation of future fine lines. It’s multi-tasking Aside from deeply hydrating and plumping skin, this serum delivers short-term perks too! Thanks to its combination of skin loving ingredients as well as its ability to penetrate deep within the skin’s layers, it also counteracts dullness delivering a serious dewy glow. In short after using this serum you should see smoother, less lined, more moisturised skin almost instantly! Your skin will feel plumper and softer too. With everyday use, fine lines and wrinkles will become less apparent, skin will maintain a soft, supple feel, as well as be much less prone to dryness and dehydration. Used as part of your daily skincare routine in combination with daily sun protection, this serum will naturally restore your skin’s ability to look younger!Now who doesn’t want a bit of that in their lives right?[embed]https://youtu.be/75DF4VUtcjo[/embed]
These reviews will convince you that you need these products now!
by Jo Boyden
on May 01 2020
We were talking about all the reasons we are obsessed with serums in our team zoom meeting last week, after all no routine is really complete without one right? It’s what takes a skincare routine from basic to professional after all. And available in so many options from anti-ageing to anti-acne, pigmentation to skin soothing serums, there really is an alternative for every skin type and concern.We understand however, with so many options comes confusion - is the product worth the price tag? Will I really achieve the results I’m after if I invest? Which option is really the best for my skin? - So I asked a few of my team, as well as some of our loyal customers, for a review on their most loved serums. Read on to find out the reasons why these serums are their forever favourites and why you need them in your life too…
Good for fine lines and dehydrated skinPEVONIA AGE CORRECTION INTENSIFIER COLLAGEN AND MYOXY CAVIAR
“This is hands down a firm favourite of mine. I have a few serums in my beauty repertoire but if my skin is ever lacking lustre or is simply in desperate need of is surge of moisture, this is my go-to. It is formulated with a combination of THE best skincare ingredients including marine collagen, hyaluronic acid and caviar to deeply rehydrate my skin. I use it in conjunction with the Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream and the results are instantly noticeable! Smoother, more supple and radiant skin.”- Taryn Gray, Brand Coordinator, Beauty Collective
Good for sensitive or breakout prone skinPEVONIA SOOTHING PROPOLIS CONCENTRATE
“I love this product, I bought it while i was pregnant and had severe hormonal acne and it seemed to calm, soothe and reduce the "angriness" of my skin! Since having baby I have continued to use this product and it has since reduced my pore size and also made my skin more evenly toned. It glides on smoothly when applying to skin and a little goes a very long way. So the price is only minuscule when you think about how long this product will last! I recommend to anyone who has skin problems as it also contains anti-microbial properties and antibacterial to keep those yukky breakouts to a minimum!” - Melinda I, Beauty Collective customer
Good for uneven and sun damaged skinPEVONIA MICRO-RETINOL SERUM
“I’m completely in love with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol line. I noticed the most dramatic change to my skin and it just keeps getting better. My favourite product in the line is the Micro-Retinol Serum; it gives my skin a glow and seems to make the pores disappear. I’ve noticed a great improvement to firmness, moisture levels, skin texture and a reduction in hyper-pigmentation. What more could I want? I¹ve used many Retinol based products before but this is the line I find really works, and it feels and smells great too!” – Liane Scior, Director of Marketing & Education, Beauty Collective
Good for lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticityPHYTOMER PIONNIERE XMF RADIANCE RETEXTURISING SERUM
“For many years my absolute can’t live without product was the Pevonia Marine Collagen Concentrate (I am still totally in LOVE with this product and use it all the time) but more recently I discovered Phytomer’s Pionniere XMF Radiance Retexturing Serum and have been blown away with the results.It’s a luxurious, lightweight textured serum which feels amazing on application and leaves my skin smooth, soft, supple and visibly radiant (no jokes!) Also, I swear it has diminished some of my more noticeable fine lines in a matter of weeks. All hail this serum!” – Jo Boyden, PR & Marketing Manager, Beauty Collective
Good for photo damaged and lack-lustre skinPEVONIA “C” COMPLEXE WITH OXYZOMES
“This is a beautiful serum. You only requires two pumps and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment.” - Deborah W, Beauty Collective customer
Good for inflamed, sensitive and rosacea prone skinPEVONIA RS2 CONCENTRATE
“I have rosacea and recently had a severe break out with burning and irritation. I had been using the RS2 Gentle Cleanser and decided to take the leap and purchase the RS2 Gentle Concentrate. It was the best decision I've made. I applied the gel like lotion to my extremely irritated face and immediately the cooling began. Within just a few hours the irritation was gone and my face was clear with very little redness. This stuff is a miracle!!” - Kathy R, Beauty Collective customer
Good for dry, dehydrated and environmentally damaged skinPEVONIA VITAMINIC CONCENTRATE
“This serum is amazing on my dry skin. It is so nourishing and feels like you are getting a bucketful of vitamins directly on your skin and it soaks it right up. It has a delicious citrus smell which adds to the rich feeling. I use this at night after cleansing so my skin can recover overnight with all this goodness.” – Leonia S, Beauty Collective customer
Good for large pores and oily skinPEVONIA AGE CORRECTION MICRO-PORES BIO-ACTIVE SERUM
“This is a wonderful product, it does exactly what it says. It minimises large pores and reduces oily skin around my nose and cheeks. Highly recommend!” - Rhiannon K, Beauty Collective customer
7 reasons your skin is dehydrated and how to fix it
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 22 2019
Winter, darn winter! Yes it’s the time of year that your skin can look and feel seriously parched, think lack-lustre, inflamed, or just plain devitalized. Chances are your skin is simply dehydrated and in need of some serious moisture boosting love! And let’s not forget, even those with oily skin can be suffering from dehydration too! After all just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean you are immune to external factors and lifestyle choices that deplete your skin’s water content. Dehydration is in fact characterised by a lack of water not oil.Luckily dehydrated skin can be relieved with a combination of lifestyle changes and topical treatments. Below are 7 reasons you could be battling dehydrated skin and our recommendations for how to fix it. Water intake Yes we all know that the number one way to counteract dehydration is to drink plenty of water! But there is the when and the how! This water intake actually needs to commence as soon as you awaken from blissful slumber! It is suggested that drinking approximately 2 glasses of water first thing is hands down the most ideal way to bring back your hydration levels, after all you’ve not replenished fluid levels for a number of hours over night. Not enough ‘quality’ sleep Remember this as you will! Poor sleep leads to dehydration, dehydration causes poor sleep. Eek we have ourselves a vicious cycle here. Firstly before bed, prise that mobile phone out of your fingers (sooo guilty here!) and put it down! I don’t need to tell you the impact screen time has on you, secondly drink a glass of water prior to sleep, yes you may think bad idea as surely you’ll be up in the night stumbling to the bathroom but believe me your skin (and all other vital organs) will lap up that glass of water and you’ll be able to notice the difference in the morning! Finally turn off the light and get that precious shut eye as apparently those that sleep for an average of six hours a night are up to 59% more likely to be dehydrated that someone who sleeps for say 8 hours. That’ll be me then. Pass me a glass of water someone! Too much caffeine & alcohol I’m not saying go cold turkey or anything as like me I love a good cuppa and won’t say no to a glass of vino in an evening, but if dehydration could be something you are suffering from, significantly reducing your intake of both caffeine and alcohol will dramatically benefit your skin. And for every coffee or alcoholic beverage to do indulge in, drink a glass of water! Your skincare regime or lack of While it is necessary to hydrate your skin from the inside out it’s also very important to hydrate your skin at the surface level too. One of the best ways to achieve this is with a topical treatment to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.a) Use A Hyaluronic Acid SerumHyaluronic acid is the number one go to ingredient for effectively replenishing dehydrated skin, it helps bind and retain moisture, keeping skin soft and subtle and plump! We are in love with the Vie Collection Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid Concentrateb) Apply a rich moisturiser at nightWe all naturally lose moisture while we sleep so using a rich nourishing moisturiser prior to bed will stand your skin in good stead. We highly recommend both the Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream which is rich in both Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen the perfect combination to replenish devitalised skin. As well as the Phytomer Hydrasea Night Plumping Rich Cream, which provides optimum skin hydration during the night. From the very first use, the skin appears drenched in moisture!c) Don’t use harsh face Scrub but do exfoliate!As dead skin builds up, it can diminish the absorption of important skincare essentials like your serum and moisturiser, exfoliation is therefore an important skincare step in aiding the recovery of dehydrated skin, however be sure to use a gentle exfoliating cleanser and once or twice a week only. Hot water Hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils and those natural oils are what protect your skin against water loss by forming a barrier.Believe me I know how indulgent a simple hot bath or shower feels especially on a cold morning or evening but you will thank me by telling you to turn down that heat and opt for a more lukewarm temp. Your daily diet We already know that what you eat can impact your skin but did you know that our skin is reliant on essential fatty acids, think oily fish, nuts, and fresh green veggies to battle dehydration? So next time you decide to ‘diet’ consider how it might affect your complexion especially if you are depriving yourself of good fats. Heating/Air conditioning As much as many of us have become reliant on heating or revised cycle air con in the cold months, both can dramatically disrupt the natural moisture balance in your skin. Now while it’s highly unlikely we’d be prepared to suffer the consequence of not turning the heating on, brrrrr, just make sure you balance your day with fresh air and if your skin is feeling particularly dry, keep on hand a spritz to add a burst of rehydration when needed.Most of us understand the negative impact of dehydration on our overall health but who knew it could wreak havoc with our skin!
The one product that’ll give you compliment-worthy skin
by Jo Boyden
on May 27 2019
A really, really good face serum (or concentrate, solution or fluid as you may know it) is, hands down, the most important step in your skincare routine (after SPF, of course!). However many of us have no idea what a serum does and why we should shell out the extra dollars to get one!The thing is serums often contain a high percentage of active ingredients that are designed to address specific skin issues or concerns. They are potent, effective, and fast acting! And because they have a thin consistency, they’re able to easily penetrate the skin, giving you noticeable results pretty quickly. There is also a serum literally for every single skin type or skin concern which means you can get one for your individual needs and reap in the benefits.Convinced yet? Below I’ve outlined our favourite six serums for six different concerns. Now go and get layering!ANTI-ACNEVie Collection Acnipur Blemish Solution FluidThis is the best if you are suffering from a blemish breakout! It literally flights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. With regular use not only does it miraculously improve unwanted blemishes, it will actually prevent future breakouts! ANTI-AGEINGMedicalia Retinol ConcentrateHailed the anti-ageing wonder serum, this retinol concentrate is designed to normalize and boost cellular performance with Micro-Retinol technology. Ideal for all mature skin types or as preventative care, the serum helps improve elasticity, plump the skin and diminish the look of wrinkles, resulting in a brighter, more evenly toned complexion. PIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTSPhytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining SerumThis serum does it all! It actually diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots with a formulation infused with alpha hydroxyl acids and glycolic acid. Skin really does immerge younger and healthier.DEHYDRATIONPhytomer Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturising Polarized Water SerumThe ultimate serum to combat dehydration! It has an ultra-moisturising (although lightweight) texture which immediately melts into the skin to quench its thirst! Softer and suppler, the skin reveals a radiant complexion and looks visibly more beautiful. DULLNESSPhytomer Souffle Marin Energising Oxygenising SerumIf your skin is looking a little dull and lifeless this should be your go-to! It literally coats the skin in pure oxygen, providing the cells with vivid rejuvenation. Formulated with marine extracts, this serum also protects against environmental pollution and free radical damage. An invigorating, moisturizing blend, it leads to fresher, more youthful skin and an overall increase in radiance. SENSITIVITY Phytomer Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with OligomerSensitive skin? Suffering from facial redness? We swear by this product! It helps calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin instantly. It contains anti-inflammatory Phycosaccharide to reduce stinging sensations Infused with OLIGOMER® to deliver an optimum dose of trace elements & minerals fortifies the epidermis & prevents cellular fatigue Restores calm & soft skin.
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 16 2019
It’s a reality. And if you thought that hormones were a nightmare to contend with now the air we breathe every day is causing our skin to prematurely age, erupt in breakouts and might even be the cause of annoying skin conditions such as eczema. Pollution is a real problem, so real that the World Health Organisation now considers it a major skin health issue.Sadly, even if you are a beacon of good living: eat a healthy diet, drink your bucket of water each day and exercise like a boss, yet your skin isn’t glowing like an Instagram selfie, you are most likely suffering the effects of toxicity from urban living.Know your enemyOur skin is our largest and most exposed organ and it struggles to cope with the constant onslaught of chemicals in the atmosphere. The end result is skin that becomes sensitive, hyper-pigmented, acne-prone and unbalanced and of course, prematurely aged.So why is pollution your enemy? You’ve no doubt heard of free radicals, these are atoms or molecules that contain unpaired electrons making them unstable and are considered to be associated with a wide range of illness and disease. They can evolve from natural reactions in the body (in food and drink). You can also find them in the air we breathe, the exhaust we inhale, in smoke, industrial waste, pesticides and many other processes in every day life.And sadly free radicals don’t like to be alone, these “Billy no mates” are always on the lookout for friends, they break through cell barriers and steal an electron from our healthy cells. This oxidization process creates another free radical and does untold damage to your skin at a cellular level.Ultimately the result of all this destruction is unhealthy skin cells and unhealthy cells lead to loss of elasticity due to collagen breakdown, unbalanced oil levels and overall dullness that no amount of exfoliating and massage will overcome.Thankfully, as we learn more about free radical damage we are also learning ways to prevent it! One the easiest way is to pack your diet and skin care routine with anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants neutralise free radicals by generously donating a spare electron (friend) before it can steal one from your skin.But there’s more you can do…Firstly, cleansing your skin properly (not aggressively) each night. While pollutants can be like cell munching monsters that stick to the skin like Velcro a great cleanser, used gently will help remove them and still maintain your skin’s natural barriers.While all anti-oxidant ingredients have benefits, research has shown that there are some other ingredient discoveries that used in combination with anti-oxidants yield even better results! Cue PHYTOMERMore than 15 years ago, PHYTOMER discovered the powerful anti-pollution action of Armeria maritima, the only seaside plant that survived the Erika oil tanker disaster, capable of filtering and depolluting the contaminated water. PHYTOMER then launched its first anti-pollution product, Souffle Marin.Since then PHYTOMER researchers have created an advanced solution that comes in the form of an amazing sorbet cream, CITYLIFE Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. CITYLIFE sweeps away toxic micro-particles and repairs skin damage caused by pollution. Its prowess comes not only from its sorbet texture, in perfect affinity with the skin, but also from its high-tech formulation composed of: CITYSAFE complex, a trio of anti-pollution biotech marine sugars. OLIGOMER®, an emblematic ingredient of the brand, providing true mineral replenishment for the skin. And what is great about it, is it’s also, suitable for the eye contour, CITYLIFE re-oxygenates tired eyes while it diffuses mineral water into dehydrated skin.Fast forward to 2018 when they launched another award winning product: CITYLIFE Ultra Cleansing Flash Peel. This is the first of its kind, a pollution defense deep cleanser. Power packed with a high concentration of exfoliating enzymes, it leaves the skin healthy, purified and with an incredible glow.So, the long and the short of it is: pollution bad, antioxidants good. Until we find a way to remove these nasties from our environment, it’s essential to maintain a good skincare regime that protects your skin from chemicals in the air and prevents them harming your health. Urban living will always be full of things to stress you out, but, thankfully, damaged skin doesn’t have to be one of them.Now, where did I put that glass of red?
What is your complexion telling you? Learn to read your skin
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 03 2019
Dealing with a sudden breakout? You’ve awoken to a chin full of pesky pimples? Or your skin of yesteryear is suddenly looking dull, dry and lacking in life?Whatever your “skin” nemesis, it’s your bodies way of trying to tell you something is wrong and we are here to tell you what!Like reflexology, areas of the face can help give us information about what's going on in our body, making our skin one of the greatest mirrors to inner imbalances! We call this Face Mapping.It’s not new, we know, in fact it’s been around for centuries, but it’s the best method of understanding which areas of your face connect to an organ or body part and what you can treat internally for the best external results! Clever stuff.Here’s an easy-to-follow face map we at Beauty Collective use, which will help you determine why your skin might be “acting up”.FOREHEAD – DIGESTIONRemedy; Avoid processed foods and opt for fresher natural alternatives including raw veggies Try to cut down on sugar Increase fibre intake Chew food well to improve digestion Eliminate alcohol or drink less Drink plenty of water Take probiotics Practice some form of exercise every day, fresh air is particularly beneficial and Yin Yoga is GREAT BETWEEN THE BROWS – LIVERRemedy; Eliminate alcohol or drink less Avoid greasy food and reduce dairy intake which all put a strain on the liver. Drink plenty of water to cleanse the system Get plenty of fresh air Avoid eating late at night and keep food lean and clean Rest up, like you, your liver needs plenty of time to rest and recuperate TEMPLES – KIDNEYSRemedy; Anything around the eyes (including dark circles) point to dehydration. Flush the system and rehydrate with plenty of fluids (think water and hydrolytes!) Cut down on soft drinks, coffee and alcohol as these will cause dehydration! Cooling food like cucumbers and melon are ideal for your diet Cut down on salt intake UNDER THE EYES/CHEEKS – RESPIRATORY Do you smoke? Have allergies? Or are you suffering from a bronchial cold or asthma? This area is affected by the lungs.Remedy; Keep your body cool and don’t let it overheat Eat more cooling food and get more fresh air. Keep the body more alkaline by avoiding foods that make the body acidic (think meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar – all the good things for you-not!) Add a lot more alkaline foods to your diet like green leafy veggies. JAW LINE – HORMONESRemedy; This is the zone for stress and hormonal changes. And while both are sometimes unavoidable, you can decrease their effect by getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, eating leafy veggies and keeping skin scrupulously clean. Breakouts in this area also indicate when you are ovulating (and on which side). NOSE – HEARTRemedy; This area can indicate high blood pressure so get your blood pressure checked You also might have a Vitamin B deficiency so consider a vitamin supplement. Try to avoid too much spicy food and cut down on meat intake. Look into ways to lower cholesterol, like replacing “bad fats” with “good fats” such as Omegas 3 and 6 found in nuts, avocados, fish and flax seed Indulge in green tea! Massage the area around your nose to improve circulation Make sure you get plenty of fresh air where possible. CHIN - STOMACHRemedy; Step up the fibre intake Reduce the toxin overload and drink herbal teas to help with digestion. Don’t eat before bed, try to eat dinner earlier. Avoid hydrogenated fats and processed sugar Reduce stress as much as possible – we recommend practising yoga or meditation While this is a very useful guide and will definitely provide you with some answers to your complexion woes, do remember not to take it as gospel. Just because you break out between the brows doesn’t necessarily mean you have a bad liver!
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 26 2019
Whether you are mourning the end of bright, balmy days or doing side-kicks now that cooler weather is on the way, we all need to give our skin love much-needed love after a season of summer indulgences. Think salty or chlorinated water, a little too much “Yes way, Rose” or even a beautiful bronze glow that’s starting to look more like a pigment patchwork quilt. Time for repair!So what are we dealing with now that autumn has arrived? More often than not, clogged pores, dehydration, hyper-pigmented patches, and of course chapped lips. Luckily, all it takes to reboot skin is a few tweaks to our current skincare routine.ExfoliateThose dry dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your skin are not only dulling it, they are blocking the hydrating ingredients from getting in. We shed approx. 30,000 skin cells a day naturally but this slows down dramatically with age. It can also slow down in summer as oil, sweat, and makeup join together and act like mortar for the skin cells, binding them tightly together and creating an impenetrable wall.There are so many ways to exfoliate but the gentlest method is with fruit acids and enzymes, instead of forcing the cells off and causing possible damage to the skin these ingredients gently loosen and digest cells to leave skin softer, smoother and more refined. Try Phytomer - Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes.Deep Pore CleansingNo matter how well you cleansed your skin in the last couple of months, deep down, where none of us can see, makeup, impurities, old sweat, and toxins are having a party in your pores. The result? Skin texture that looks coarse and spongy and never feels clean. To help clean them out detox your skin with a clay-based mask, or several if you are not afraid to be a multi-masker! Our go-to for deep cleansing is Phytomer Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask with Kaolin Clay.RehydrateSeriously pack it on! Summer leaves your skin depleted of moisture and not only is this uncomfortable it’s also ageing. So up your moisturiser game by adding some concentrates beneath and get out the hydrating masks. Don’t forget your body too! After your shower, smother your damp skin from neck to toes with rich balms and body oils. Did you know the skin’s outer layer swells open when it’s damp allowing products to penetrate better?We love Phytomer - Hydra Original Thirst-Relief Melting Cream and Hydrasea Thirst-Relief Rehydrating Mask for the face and the heavenly texture and aroma of Phytomer - Trésor Des Mers Beautifying Oil for the body.Check the damage!Unfortunately, you can’t undo the damage that UV rays cause, which is why a Broad Spectrum sunscreen is your most important skin care product. And, it’s important to keep your eyes open for any changes to your skin. A visit to a dermatologist for a skin cancer check should be a priority for every Australian and while it may seem a nuisance could be lifesaving.You can however help minimize the visible appearance of sun damage on the skin’s surface with little effort. To help fade the look of dark spots and even skin tone, use a hyperpigmentation formula such as Vie Collection - Laser Light Concentrate.Keep up protectionEven though it’s not summer anymore it doesn’t mean you should stop using your SPF. Reach for it every day and ensure your skin care is always loading with anti-oxidants. The combination of both will decrease skin ageing by a whopping 90%. Our go-to is Vie Collection - Vita C Concentrated Solution. You can put a few drops in your regular moisturiser or apply it beneath for a brighter complexion. It also has the added benefit of fading hyperpigmentation and stopping ageing free radicals in their tracks.Eyes and LipsOur lips lack melanin so they are especially susceptible to sun damage and after several months of hot weather are also prone to deep dryness. Squinting, sweating and the sun can also cause damage to the fragile eye area. So give these areas some TLC. Reach for nourishing lip colour instead of drying mattes, apply SPF over your lips and at night offer some much needed repair. Phytomer - Youth Contour Reviving Wrinkle Correction Cream - Eye and Lip is our favourite because it is formulated to calm, soothe and replenish delicate skin.
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