BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Rosacea vs eczema: What’s the difference?
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 08 2022
Are you suffering from red, inflamed or itchy skin? Dry scaly patches perhaps? Or pustules even? If you answered yes to any of the above, you could be suffering from one of two inflammatory skin conditions – rosacea or eczema, but before being able to treat it, it’s important to understand which one you have!From intermittent flare-ups to skin redness and irritation, both rosacea and eczema can be easily confused, yet both disorders have a number of different triggers and therefore need to be treated in different ways. But how exactly are you supposed to diagnose which of you two you might have? We talked to Beauty Collectives’ Director of Education to find out everything there is to know about the two.What is rosacea? Rosacea is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions which unlike eczema mostly affects the face. Rosacea typically occurs in adults over 30, and while more common in women, men who suffer from the disorder tend to experience more obvious symptoms.What are rosacea symptoms?Signs and symptoms of rosacea include facial flushing which may resemble a blush or sunburn. This can be persistent. This redness mainly occurs on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and tends to come and go. It can also be accompanied by a sense of heat, warmth or burning.Occasionally rosacea causes papules and pustules to appear which can be confused for acne. And for many people with rosacea, prominent small blood vessels called telangiectasia become visible on the cheeks, nasal bridge and other areas of the central face.Finally, but a much less common symptom – your skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose (known as rhinophyma).What causes rosacea?While the cause of rosacea is unknown there are lifestyle and environmental factors which can affect its severity from sunlight to weather changes, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and more.How to get rid of rosacea permanentlySadly, eliminating rosacea altogether is an impossibility, but you can keep symptoms at bay, you just need to be religious about maintaining a good skincare routine using targeted rosacea treatments and by making adjustments to your lifestyle; Avoid sun exposure Unfortunately. sun exposure is the most common trigger for rosacea. While we may all love long days at the beach, if you suffer from rosacea your skin sadly will pay a price. Not only can sunburn make flare-ups even worse, the heat from the sun can also increase your body temperature which in turn dilates blood vessels and triggers inflammation. Relax more, stress less Stress and anxiety can cause rosacea symptoms to worsen, so some stress management techniques will be imperative. Make sure to get plenty of rest where you can as well as practice mindfulness, as this can really help combat the stress-inducing effects of negative thinking.There are several methods for increasing mindfulness a few of which include, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and yoga.And don’t forget to practice deep breathing when you feel anxiety creeping up. Eliminate any hot, spicy foods from your diet These are two big rosacea triggers for some, so it’s best to steer clear from things like horseradish dip and hot sauce when you’re drinking alcohol as heat dilates the blood vessels in the skin, and since hot foods generate heat, peppers are a big no-no! Reduce your alcohol consumption While you might well love that glass of wine of an evening, sadly it can trigger or potentially worsen any facial redness. Introduce skincare specifically designed to combat rosacea Look for products such as rosacea serum formulated with calming and soothing ingredients like green tea, licorice extract, chamomile extract, and French rose extract. Try Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 rosacea skincare line – a soothing, calming and irritant free collection that not only alleviates redness and discomfort but also helps create a healthy skin barrier. Never skimp on your sunscreen Despite avoiding sun exposure where feasible, it’s not possible to completely steer clear, so wearing SPF daily is a necessity. Just opt for sensitive skin formulations that won’t aggravate your rosacea.Or for the best colour correcting makeup for rosacea that’s also formulated with SPF try ELES Cosmetics Luminous CC Cream 20. Perfect for those with skin sensitivities like rosacea, it’s lightweight, oil-free, hypoallergenic and paraben free, and while it’s technically not a foundation, the full coverage pigments cover redness and other rosacea symptoms flawlessly. You can also try light and laser therapy To reduce rosacea symptoms and use both topical and oral medications from your doctor if symptoms are really aggressive.What is eczema?Otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a very common anti-inflammatory skin disorder, more evident in young children, but also apparent in adults too.What are eczema symptoms?Eczema typically presents with a dry, cracked, red, itchy skin that may be scaly and/or bumpy. Fluid-filled blisters can also form.Eczema most often occurs on the inside of the elbows, the knees, hands, feed, upper chest, neck and sometimes on the face.What causes eczema?Eczema is caused by a combination of genetics, stress and immune system activation. When you suffer from eczema your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin.Eczema can come and go but certain fabrics, soaps, and detergents as well as the environments and certain foods can really cause flare ups. Changes in weather can contribute to dry and eczema prone skin.How to get rid of eczema permanently As with rosacea, it’s not possible to totally cure eczema, but you can effectively manage symptoms by following a few essential steps; Avoid foods that can trigger eczema flare ups These include; refined carbs, processed meats, dairy, citrus fruits, peanuts and soy. Feast on vegetables and fruits that are high in inflammation-fighting flavonoid Such as spinach, kale, broccoli, apples, blueberries, bananas, oranges and cherries (when in season!) these have been found to help improve the overall health of skin and fight inflammatory skin conditions. Do not bathe in hot water Instead, just warm water only. Keep skin moisturised daily with products that will support your skin barrier function Products formulated with shea butter, lanolin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, fatty acids and Niacinamide are best. In some cases topical medication is paramount. See your doctor. If the condition is bad, oral and injectable options are also available Just remember maintaining a healthy skin barrier and avoiding triggers are key to managing symptoms when it comes to both rosacea and eczema.
Trend alert! #skinslugging – what is it and is it right for your skin?
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 23 2021
Cloudless skin, Glass skin, cloud skin, just but a few k-beauty trends we’ve talked about here at BC, but now the latest to take centre stage is……Skin Slugging!Yes, I know what you might be thinking and no, it has nothing to do with snails but everything to do with hydrating your skin, so it’s not just another beauty fad, in fact, it’s a skincare routine that has been around for ever, but only recently has it been given a name, and an apt one at that! Here’s why, and also how you yourself can do it. So what exactly is skin slugging?Skin slugging, simply put, is layering on your rich products at night (your normal night-time skincare routine) and then sealing them in (or the moisturise should I say) with an occlusive barrier. In the past, this ‘barrier’ would have been something like Vaseline or paw paw. And while Vaseline might have been mum’s go-to when we were kids, nowadays, it’s not something many of us would take likely to slathering on our faces every night. Why? Because Vaseline isn’t great for those with oily, blemish or acne-prone skin, or any skin type really for that fact as it doesn’t allow the skin to breath, and well because there is a healthier way to do ‘slugging’ and that’s by using natural oils and night masks instead! What are the benefits of skin slugging?Night-time is when skin does its heavy lifting. It’s then that it does the bulk of its repairing, restoring and regenerating, all while we sleep. Our skin needs moisture to facilitate this healing process this is because the skin’s repair cells work much quicker and more effectively in moist environments. Skin slugging seals the skin’s barrier locking in that moisture thus preventing water loss. This means healthier, brighter skin by morning! Are there any cons?If you don’t use a barrier that will allow your skin to breathe, there can be a number of negatives. The heavy-duty occlusive barrier can increase surface oil (not ideal for those of us with already oily skin!), it will definitely trap dead skin which in turn can cause acne, and to top it off it can be incredibly messy and who needs to be washing bedding daily right now!! What products should I use for skin slugging?Semi-occlusive is your best bet! This is because slugging with rich or heavy-duty occlusive products isn’t for everyone. A healthier option is to use a cream-based moisturiser, an overnight mask or repair oil to seal in your moisture. Look for products containing fats such as ceramides which holds your skin cells together and helps nourish the skin and lock in said moisture. No ceramides? Then there is nothing to keep all those hydrating ingredients from evaporating from the skin eek!If your skin is dry, you’ll really benefit from using facial oils as your barrier. Our current go-to is Pevonia’s new Destress Escape Aromatic Oil. This barrier warrior features a blend of premium and delicate natural oils including safflower, squalane, lavender, chamomile, grapefruit and rose to instantaneously deliver intense hydration while soothing, calming, relaxing, brightening and protecting the skin barrier for ongoing optimal skin health.Another favourite is Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. It’s a silky lightweight blend of ceramides and replenishing oils that smells heavenly and restores barrier function and hydration in one!If face oil isn’t your thing, another option which I love to use once a week when my skin is particularly parched and in need of some slugging love is Pevonia’s Ageless Skin Collagen Mask. It’s an amazing overnight mask which is formulated with ceramides and polypeptides that work together to restore respiration and hydration at a cellar level! Meaning it penetrates deeply repairing signs of ageing, diminishing visible lines and wrinkles while rejuvenating the overall complexion! With an aromatic citrus scent and a silky-smooth texture that eases application and removal, this mask also infuses the skin with green tea antioxidants that combat free radical damage and soothe and reduce irritation. This one is great for all skin types, smokers, and mature skin! Is it for me?If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, skin slugging is definitely for you, but it can benefit the majority of skin types you just need to use the right barrier product!Just remember if this is a trend you want to try (and we do highly recommend adding this extra layer at night), it is important to exfoliate regularly as the thick barrier acts like mortar for skin cells that should shed naturally.
The Truth about Stem Cells Skin Care: Does it really reverse skin ageing?
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 16 2021
We’ve all heard of “Stem Cells” right? Those “special” cells in our body which have the ability to self-renew and repair (so clever). So it may come as no surprise to hear (if you haven’t already!) that one of the newest and most popular high-tech ways to counteract skin ageing is stem cell technology in skincare! Yes beauty experts and scientists alike, are turning to stem cells in the form of creams, serums and even cleansers, to fight wrinkles and improve skin turnover! But the big question is, can these stem cells really stimulate human cell production because many skincare companies are claiming they do!Here we dish the dirt on the truth about stem cells in skincare!A significant challenge for any skin care brand is to provide functional, trendy, innovative AND safe products with a long shelf life. Today, most of us are simply not prepared to use human or animal products in the name of beauty! And not just because of testing, because simply put the idea of slathering some other person or animals stem cells all over your face is well a little creepy!Enter plant stem cell culture!Plant regeneration at the cellular (and tissue) level is a unique process. Like humans, the stem cells in plants have properties that help stimulate and regenerate after the plant is injured. What is interesting however is that plants are more advanced as they are equipped with a robust mechanism for regeneration of their tissues under stress. In other words, cutting the branch of a tree also results in a new bud/branch growth!Plant stem cells are adaptive. A protein in a plant can turn regular plant cells into stem cells. Magical! So, can we use this unique mechanism in plants for improving tissue regeneration in humans? Here is what we know so far:Plant stem cells in skin care is still in its infancy.Stem Cells skin care is not about putting “live” stem cells into a cream to help you produce new stem cells, the beauty industry is simply not advanced enough for this yet. So it’s hard to believe many companies are claiming this when it simply can’t be true! Unless a system capable of keeping live stem cells alive in a cream is created, live stem cells in cosmetics would be next to useless, they would die before the cream hit the market.Most stem cells skin care lines use stem cell extracts, and while they do not stimulate human stem cell production there have been enough clinical studies to support the fact that they greatly improve the health of our own skin cells and do many other great things, including; 1. They increase fibroblast activityThis is a definite plus in age-management as it helps the production of the vital proteins of collagen and elastin whose degradation is hugely responsible for the signs of skin ageing. 2. They increase cell production and growthAgain, a huge plus as the rate of new healthy cell production slows down dramatically as you get older. 3. They decrease the depth of lines and wrinkles From approximately 8-15%, which may not sound a lot, but this is after only 4 weeks use. In the long term you could expect to see much more. 4. They reduce the breakdown of Collagen and Hyaluronic in our bodiesWe know that Collagen and Hyaluronic are vital for healthy, youthful skin so a reduction in their breakdown is great news. 5. They have strong antioxidant propertiesStem Cell Extracts help to prevent “free-radical” damage to healthy skin cells. 6. They are very nutritious for our skinThey contain high concentrations of lipids, proteins, amino acids and phytoalexins (antimicrobial and often antioxidative substances). 7. They increase the skin’s level of filaggrin proteins A deficiency in filaggrin proteins leads to dryness and problems with eczema. When the skin lacks this protein, its ability to shield against pollution and topical toxic substances is reduced. So have we sold you on Stem Cells skincare yet? Cue Pevonia’s Stem Cells Phyto Elite line.Hailed for its ability to stimulate the reversal of the ageing cycle of the skin, the line, powered by two ground-breaking plant cell sources – the reparative Moroccan Argan Tree and European Comfrey Root – combined with anti-ageing super stars Retinol, Vitamins C and E and Marine Collagen, works deep within the skin to radically reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and deeply hydrating the skin at a rapid rate too!So whether you are looking to introduce a new anti-ageing cleanser, serum or moisturiser into your daily routine, this line does it all! What’s more, for this month of June if you purchase a Stem Cells Moisturiser or Stem Cells Serum you’ll receive the full size cleanser for FREE.
How to get ‘Cloud skin’ – the newest beauty trend you need to know now
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 15 2021
From glowy ‘Glass skin’ to a clear ‘Cloudless’ complexion, there’s now a new beauty trend taking centre stage, otherwise known as ‘Cloud’ skin!Much like its predecessors, cloud skin is simply another variation of ‘perfect skin’, but instead of perfecting the iridescent high shine of glass skin, or achieving the perfect, poreless complexion of cloudless skin, Cloud skin is about strategically mixing both skincare and makeup to create an almost soft-focus, ‘lit-from-within’ effect on the skin, an ethereal glow mastered by using different mediums from dewy, glowing to matte, and we are here to tell you how! So read on for a step-by-step on how best to achieve this latest skin craze! You are going to love the results… Prep, prep, prep Before you even begin to master the makeup for this trend you need to make sure your skin is prepped to perfection. You want to achieve an angelic glow so super hydrating products are a must.Opt for skincare formulated with hyaluronic acid and other moisture-boosting ingredients such as glycerin, marine collagen, and squalane. It’s important to follow a daily skincare routine and we highly recommend Pevonia’s Power Repair line. Any Pevonia lover will tell you this is the “go-to” line for dramatically hydrating the skin and smoothing away dehydration lines. Abundant in Hyaluronic, Collagen, Glycerin, and Squalane, the cleanser, serums, and creams are like a moisture magnet, plumping and firming the skin. I personally LOVE and religiously use the Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum and Marine Collagen Cream. The serum – the newest product in the range, features one of the highest concentrates of hyaluronic acid on the market! It deeply penetrates the skin delivering the ultimate hydrating and skin-smoothing results and leaves skin’s texture softer, plumper, healthier and luminous after every application. It’s like gold dust.At night it’s also important to incorporate an oil into your routine – beyond helping to seal in hydration, a face oil will provide nourishment of its own too. I suggest trying Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate every time. This soothing, silky oil has the most amazing mandarin aroma (it’s formulated with Mandarin Essential Oil) and is quite literally worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically hydrating! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. I kid you not.N.B For the month of March, 2021, when you purchase the Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream, you’ll receive a Hydrating Cleanser and Toner 50ml for FREE! Ace your base Once you’ve completed your skincare routine it’s time to nail your base. Start by priming your skin then apply a luminous foundation. I love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint as it imparts a sheer natural radiance as it nourishes, protects, and corrects the skin. Apply with Pro Blender sponge for a more flawless, natural-looking coverage without effort. Now you need to set your foundation with a translucent powder. Using a brush apply to the forehead, under the cheekbones, over your nose and chin to achieve the blurred, hazy effect. The ELES Mineral Powder Foundation is best for this. Add a natural glow While we don’t want to create the high shine glow of the glass skin trend, subtle highlighting is still a must. Instead of using an all-out liquid shimmer illuminator, apply a sheer highlighter to your cheeks, eyes, and cupid’s bow (upper lip line) for just that right amount of illumination for a light, soft and subtle glow. You will adore ELES’s Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light. It quite literally tames shine and imparts a subtle radiance for polished luminosity and its jet-milled pigments create an airbrushed effect, the perfect tool for achieving ‘Cloud’ skin! Have healthy habits While this trend is indeed all about the skincare and makeup you use, healthy lifestyle habits will also play a role;Diet – say no to those sugary desserts and processed foods we all like to demolish! This is all about clean beauty, lots of raw veggies, leafy greens, poke bowls, and lean proteins.Exercise – Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a huge difference to our well-being, body, and skin too! Exercise can help increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin neutralizing the free radicals that damage it! It also promotes collagen production and new skin cells which keeps our skin looking younger!Sleep – this one gets me every time! While despite being a busy working mum of two, I do manage to find time to exercise daily, even if only on some days for a 30-minute walk with my kids and our dog! But sleep…and at least 8 hours of it, I struggle! All the harder when you are in the know of just how important it is, not only for your skin but your health and wellbeing too! If you struggle like me to get that ample amount of blissful slumber, it’s time to change things up! Use meditation tools for relaxation - I’m loving the Headspace and Calm apps, force yourself to put your phone down an hour before bed (no really!) and instead of indulging in yet another night of Netflix, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read for months…reading a book before bed really does help you drift off into slumberland. Go the extra distance If you want to take your skin to the next level head to a Pevonia salon or spa and indulge in the new Hydra-Cloud facial. It’s an amazing mask treatment that combines hyaluronic acid and micronized cotton to deeply hydrate and tighten the skin. Trust me when I say your complexion resurfaces instantly brighter, visibly smooth, and superbly hydrated with an ultra-cool and refreshed feel. This true sensorial experience is sublime!
Blue light damage – what it is and why you need these products now
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 24 2020
We’ve learnt from an early age the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays, but now a new concern is taking centre stage - the effects of blue light - harmful rays emitted not only from the sun but from our electronic devices too! Eek.I’m certain, as I write this, that there is likely not a single one among us who doesn’t spend perhaps a little too much time daily on our phones, laptops, iPads, or even watching our much loved shows on Netflix, but did you know that this over excessive so called “screen time” can lead to skin damage and premature ageing? In fact, overexposure can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen and cause inflammation, leading to redness, dark spots, and early onset wrinkles. And if you’re one to suffer from hyperpigmentation too, blue light can and will darken it! Especially in those with deeper skin stones! What’s more, blue light has the ability to penetrate skin much more deeply that UV rays causing even more havoc and long-term damage! Scary right?So what should you do to protect your skin? Obviously reducing screen time is the best bet but depending on your job or lifestyle that’s not likely possible.The good news is scientists have been researching the effects of blue light for many years now and new formulations are being launched to help protect our skin from its damaging effects, just as sunscreen does from the sun. Furthermore, the clever folk at Pevonia have created not one but two eco-friendly double duty sunscreens which not only protect your skin from blue light, but UVA and UVB rays too! Excellent news right?So read on to find out more about these new blue light skin protection products and why you need to need to incorporate them into your daily routine, starting now! Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldA true triple threat, this Pevonia exclusive mineral SunShield formula delivers major moisture while effectively protecting skin against ongoing UV, infrared and blue light damage! It is a purely physical ocean/reef safe emulsion, which means it contains no nasty chemicals – one of the biggest threats to our beautiful reefs/ocean and its sea life!Its clever new technology counteracts free radical reaction, and it’s sheer formula is micronized in such a way that it is invisible on all skin tones, so no thick white residue (synonymous with the majority of other physical sunscreens) in sight! In fact, it is very light and silky smooth to apply with no greasy sheen and it doesn’t have the usual ‘sunscreen’ smell, instead a subtle, very pleasant aroma. Phew!It is formulated with natural, nourishing and skin repairing ingredients including; green tea, an antioxidant to prevent damage from free radicals, as well as argan oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and ingredient spotlight Indian Ginseng Root - which is proven to boost cellular energy and activity, as well as fight “digital” pollution – clever stuff right?! What’s more, it deeply hydrates, soothes and protects skin and is suitable for all skin types, tones and ages!Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldIf you’re a little reluctant to wear your sunscreen because quite frankly its smell and greasy texture puts you off, you are going to love this lightweight emulsion! Much like its counterpart, this everyday sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution. It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away.It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones.Now don’t let blue light steal the shine from the anti-ageing skincare staples you religiously apply every day. Just add blue light skin protection to your daily routine and reap the long-term benefits. Trust me when I say they will definitely be worth your investment!
Cloudless skin: Why you want it and how to achieve it
by Jo Boyden
on May 01 2019
By now we’ve all heard of the k-beauty craze ‘glass skin’ but there is a new kid on the block, the latest k-beauty trend you have to try and it’s known as ‘Cloudless skin’.What is cloudless skin?The name speaks for itself – think of the purity and flawlessness of a bright blue cloudless sky and that is what this trend aims to achieve! To emulate the skin of a young child, you know the nearly transparent, radiant, blemish and pore-free skin, free of environmental damage. Yes please!But while creating the appearance of truly perfect, pore-free skin may seem next to impossible, there are steps you can take to give you the best possible chance.How do you achieve it?So now you know what it is, how exactly do you achieve cloudless skin I hear you say! Well sadly it won’t happen overnight, in short it’s all down to a strict diet and skincare routine to which you are devout – no faltering. A healthy, nutritious diet and skincare routine which will protect against four major skin concerns - dullness, clogged pores, irritation and environmental damage. Diet Gorge (literally) on dark, leafy greens, consume plenty of whole grains daily (I am personally loving whole oats rich in antioxidants, buckwheat which is packed with magnesium, iron, B vitamins and fibre! And quinoa which has more vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats and fibre than more other whole grains!) And try to avoid sugar where possible (so definitely no more muffins, cakes, bread, chai lattes etc…) Dullness Opt for gentle exfoliation 2-3 times a week instead of using harsher, gritty scrubs once a week. Choose exfoliators which will provide the skin with a dose of hydration as well as sloughing away those unwanted dead skin cells. Do be sure not to overdo it though as exfoliation can cause irritation and dryness which will not aid in achieving the cloudless skin trend! We highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes, it’s a soft gentle exfoliant for even the most sensitive of skin, which uses enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing the skin. It truly does erase the dullness that may hamper your glow, revealing a luminous, smooth complexion. Clogged pores It’s all about double cleansing baby! This will ensure that all those pore-clogging impurities, as well as excess oil and dirt, are fully removed from your skin. The technique is exactly how it sounds – start by using an oil-based cleanser - we LOVE the ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil - then follow with a water-based cleanser – we highly recommend Phytomer’s Doux Visage Velvet Cleansing Cream and Micellar Water from Vie Collection.Also applying a mask once a week will really help to de-clog skin and benefit the overall health of your skin. Our favourite is Phytomer’s Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask it’s totally no drying, has a cream-foam texture and after only a few weeks of use, pores will be visibly tightened. Irritation Keep inflammation to a minimum by using deeply nourishing, soothing products. We are loving Phytomer’s Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream. It’s essential to maintain a healthy pH balance so be sure to use non-stripping toners too! Environmental damage Use skin specific products rich in anti-oxidants. These fight free radical damage. We are obsessed with Phytomer’s Citadine Citylife Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. It not only sweeps away toxic microparticles and repairs damage caused by pollution, but it also provides an ultra-moisturising facial experience!Finally, religiously wear high factor SPF – not just when you’re heading to the beach but daily! Give ELES’s Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50 a try, you won’t regret it!
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 16 2019
With the addition of two new brands of skin care to the Beauty Collective site; Phytomer and Vie Collection, we wanted to share with you why WE chose marine skin care and why you should too!
A mind-blowing fact is that seawater and blood have a nearly identical chemical makeup including mineral and trace element levels. And the concentration of each mineral present is very similar. Seawater is so close to the body’s internal environment that if white blood cells were removed from the body and placed in a sterile diluted seawater solution, they could maintain normal cell function.
We all know the human body needs replenishment of minerals, such as zinc, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium on a daily basis and because seawater contains the body’s ideal balance of minerals, it is the perfect medium to restore these levels. So we, humans have an incredible affinity with the ocean.
Not only can seawater provide a great way to supplement minerals in human cells, it also provides the perfect growing environment for algae. As marine plants grow in the sea, they absorb the very same nutrients that are needed by the human body. So it’s no wonder researchers have studied the relationship between human skin and various seaweed species, and have found ways to use marine extracts to improve multiple skin conditions.
This is especially true for seaweed that grows in areas with large tide changes, such as the Brittany region of France where Phytomer and Vie Collection are created. At different times of the day, these seaweeds are protected by seawater, but during low tide, they are exposed to UV rays, pollution, wind and bacteria—the same aggressors our skin is exposed to! In order to defend themselves against these aggressors, the seaweed develops “skin like” qualities to maintain hydration levels, protecting itself from UV-induced free radicals and withstanding cold temperatures, to name just a few.
Perfectly preserved algae or seaweed can be used to create high-quality, potent ingredients. State-of-the-art manufacturing methods can isolate and extract specific molecules from seaweed. These molecules can then be concentrated into an ideal potency to help balance various skin conditions. For instance, a peptide extracted from Chlorella vulgaris, a single-cell green algae, stimulates the product of four types of dermal collagen and elastin. Another seaweed, Laminaria digitata, retains water in its plant tissue—much like your skin holds water—and even during low tide, it stays plump and moisturized.
The future of marine ingredients
Now there is a new buzzword in the skin care industry: biotechnology. Marine biotechnology uses micro-algae as “factories” to produce cosmetic ingredients that provide powerful results. For example, one of the latest discoveries is a special type of sugar that is produced for skin care using this science. Fifteen minutes after applying a product containing this sugar, wrinkles are visibly smoother and skin is lifted. After one month of daily use, the sugar improves the production of collagen and elastin in the skin to help restore a youthful appearance.
Because of all these incredible factors and the fact we can now create ingredients so sustainably, marine skin care is truly the future of the professional skin care industry, and what’s more, is it is totally organic!
INFLAMM-AGEING: the new buzz word in skin health and ageing
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 16 2019
Have you heard of the term before? It’s as scary as it sounds! It relates to chronic, long-term, inflammation that negatively affects our body and has been linked to numerous diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, macular (vision) degeneration and now, skin ageing! As if we don’t have enough to worry about!How does it affect the skin?There are two types of skin ageing, internal and external. Internal ageing affects the density of the skin, thinning it as we age and results in lines and wrinkles.External factors such as UV exposure, poor lifestyle, or injury, cause inflammatory reactions in the skin, as well as oxidative damage. This oxidative stress injures cell membrane proteins and fats, and the genetic blueprint of the cell (DNA), which cause premature ageing and can even increase skin cancer risk.And what about age spots? These result from oxidative stress (free radicals) on the pigment-forming cells within the skin, leading to many inflammatory and immune reactions in the cell, which eventually causes tissue damage. A solution: ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs)These are fats that our bodies can’t create for themselves so we need to acquire them through diet. They include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. EFAs are important for the cell membrane’s structure and function and can cause positive changes both outside and inside the cell. They also play a very important role in your body’s natural inflammatory response.However, not all omegas are equal! For example, too much of the omega-6 called arachidonic acid that you’d find in grain-fed beef, chicken, eggs, and pork, can lead to a higher chance of developing inflammation than a diet that contains equal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. When we achieve this ratio, our bodies are better able to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.EFAs also very important when it comes to how our bodies control inflammation. So when you have an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, it can help to reduce the production of substances that are known to promote inflammation.From a skincare perspective, when our skin becomes irritated, this triggers the release of chemicals that can cause inflammatory damage and destruction of the skin’s support proteins including collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles. EFAs reduce this inflammation. They also help maintain your skin’s barrier function to prevent water loss and protect your body from microorganisms that can cause infection and disease, control the growth of collagen and elastin, increase the skin’s resistance to sunburn, and promote tissue repair. All this leads not only to enhanced skin function but also to healthier appearance!Unfortunately, a typical western diet is lower in fish and other foods rich in omega-3’s, so it increases the risk of various inflamm-ageing related conditions. While making the proper dietary changes can be helpful in reducing inflamm-ageing, supplementing with a fish oil containing 1000-2000mg of combined EPA and DHA can really help.So eating a healthy diet and supplementing with a fish oil supplement can definitely reduce the risk of inflamm-ageing, and add to this few simple preventative skin care ingredients such as anti-oxidants and sun protection and it can go a long way for the health of your skin!To help prevent inflamm-ageing we recommend incorporating Vitamin C into your skin regimen and using the best possible sun protection you can find.Our favourites; Vie Collection - Vita C Concentrated Solution and Phytomer - Sun Solution Sunscreen SPF 30 Face & Sensitive Areas.
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?
How screen time is affecting our skin and how to counteract it
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 10 2019
We all know about ‘light rays’ such as UVA and UVB and how damaging they can be, but very few are aware of another harmful ‘light’ taking centre stage! A light that is not only emitted from sunlight but scarily also from all our devices - now labelled the silent anti-agers of our generation! This light is known as ‘blue light’.Research has shown that blue light can damage our skin, accelerate the visible signs of ageing and even cause dark under eye circles. Eek! And with the amount of time we spend on our phones, computers, tablets…we really should be doing something about it and we are here to tell you what! How exactly does blue light affect our skin?We are all guilty of staring, bleary-eyed at our screens (hell I’m doing it now as I type!), having that last minute flick through facebook or late night scroll on instagram, in fact with the amount of time we spend on our devices, we are now getting significantly more blue light exposure than we get from the sun alone! Blue light also has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin compared with both UVA and UVB light - it can penetrate all the way to our dermis where our collagen and elastin live! Terrifying!Not only does that extra 10 minutes watching our favourite Netflix show eat into our precious zen time, it can also disrupt our natural circadian rhythm (our handy internal body clock which tells us when it’s time to be sleepy as well as time to wake up!) Our circadian rhythm is actually very important when it comes to many aspects of our well-being, ranging from metabolism to immune system function to most importantly good quality sleep!Sleeping is our body’s time to recharge as well as repair skin cells, however this blue light is known to be impacting the natural repair process overnight leading to an accumulation of skin damage – premature ageing, discolouration, inflammation, weakening of the skin’s surface, as well as dark under eye circles. How can we prevent blue light from damaging our skin?While we aren’t likely to give up our evening Netflix binge, switch off our mobile phones or give Facebook the heave-ho, we can do many a thing to reduce our exposure and in turn the effect of blue light on our skin; Switch your mobile to ‘night shift’ mode every evening Avoid devices as much as possible an hour before bedtime (read a good old fashioned book instead!) Instead of holding your mobile to your ear opt for hands-free every time. Purchase blue light filters for your devices Make sure you have a well-rounded diet with plenty of anti-oxidant and fatty-acid rich food to reduce or protect against inflammation. Try using makeup containing iron oxide, this can help neutralize and repair blue light damage Use targeted skincare products religiously. Antioxidant-rich creams and serums are really important to battle off cell-disrupting free radicals and inflammation generated by light pollution. We are obsessed with Phytomer’s Souffle Marine Energizing Oxygenating Serum – specifically formulated to protect against environmental pollution and free radical damage Scared? You should be! No, on a serious note, first port of call, if you're not using targeted products to protect yourself you need to start, ASAP.
One Makeup Trend You Need to Try – Yoga Skin
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 02 2019
“Yoga Skin” is the new way to create a cocktail face base to give you that “I just exercised and feel amazing” glow.Makeup trends come and go, from perfect brows to ombre lips, from K Beauty to J Beauty. You’d be forgiven if you haven’t embraced them all! But if you are going to take the plunge and try just one, then make it “Yoga Skin”.Created by well-known Insta-Queen and makeup artist Sara Hill, we are just a bit in love with this easy technique and how luminous it leaves your skin.You might be asking what makes Yoga Skin different from other make trends like glass skin, Sara explains:"Yoga skin is a look that feels real. ‘Glass skin’ and similar trends are about creating a perfected, flawless complexion, but yoga skin is about creating luscious, fresh and juicy skin that looks natural, but glowing with health.""I called it ‘yoga skin’ because it emulates that really gorgeous radiance you have when you step out of the yoga studio; juicy, dewy and super-hydrated. It’s not about hiding imperfections but creating a hyper-real version of your natural skin, pinchable and just irresistible!""To get the look, start by applying your regular skincare as normal, and leave it for at least five minutes to settle into your skin", says Sarah."Apply a layer of primer, and then it’s time to get to mixing! What I love about this look is that it’s completely customisable to your needs, preferences and skin type."To create the perfect ELES Yoga Skin Cocktail we combined 80% ELES HD Luminous Foundation, 10% ELES Overnight Repair Facial Oil and 10% ELES Liquid Illuminator in Bronze and mixed it together.We then applied it on the face massaging right into the skin as Sara recommends to get the circulation pumping and give the skin a healthy flush. We finished by pressing it in further with a damp Pro-Blender Sponge. No setting powder required.The end result? Healthy, juicy, delicious skin! It really works!
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