BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
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 02 2019
It's great to have the wisdom of the ages, but that doesn't mean you want your skin to reflect it. And with a relatively new branch of topical skin-care products, perhaps it doesn't have to.Called "dermaceuticals," these products spur the repair of sun-damaged skin, effectively making skin look years younger and luckily, dermaceuticals such as Vie Collection don't require a prescription!Introducing VIE COLLECTIONWhat makes it so unique?Working very closely with the VIE COLLECTION development team is Dr. Laurence Richier, a respected leader of medical aesthetics based in Saint-Malo, France with over 20 years’ experience as a surgeon. The collaboration between Dr. Richier and the Vie team resulted in the first ever line of products that mimic the results of Botox, injectables, mesotherapy, and skin resurfacing. The results of this union is in a word, revolutionary!But Vie Collection is not limited to just one star ingredient. The laboratory selects and combines the most powerful ingredients used in aesthetic medicine. Using optimal concentrations, and playing with molecular size has enabled them to achieve results for a range of skin conditions from ageing to acne and hyperpigmentation to rosacea.What You’ll Find In VIE COLLECTIONENCAPSULATED RETINOL. Encapsulation limits tolerance risks and boosts the effectiveness of retinol which is released gradually and in a controlled way deep within target cells.ANTIOXIDANTS. Such as vitamin C or coenzyme Q 10 to rebuild collagen and stop free radicals from interfering with the body’s own natural repair process.EXFOLIANTS. These compounds-glycolic, alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids-slough off aged, dead skin to make room for new, healthy skin.LIGHTENING AGENTS. These agents block pigment cells from producing freckles, age spots, and melanoma.ADVANCED SUNBLOCKS. These contain aggressive blockers that protect against both UVA and UVB rays and they are very effective in repairing the damage to DNA done by ultraviolet light.HIGH AND LOW MOLECULAR HYALURONIC. A benchmark ingredient that literally “plumps” out lines and wrinkles.So don't fret about frown lines. Instead, give your skin a dermaceutical boost-and yourself a confident smile in the mirror.
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.
The effects of stress on your skin and how to reduce them
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 26 2019
Stress happens to all of us, fact, but what we often don’t realise is the effect it can have on not only our mood but our skin too!Daily stressors such as insufficient sleep, an unhealthy lifestyle, a demanding job…can unfortunately manifest as blemishes, wrinkles, and skin inflammation.Below are 5 ways stress can affect our appearance but also 5 ways to reduce it! Phew I hear you say…. Under-eye bags Who hasn’t been blessed with those delightful under-eye bags many a morning!? We all know how important beauty sleep is but sadly late/sleepless nights due to work commitments or stress can lead to dark circles and under-eye bags when we awaken.Prevent dark, puffy peepers Say no to that extra glass of vino, or another catch up episode of MAFS and get yourself to bed stat! Giving yourself as much shut-eye as possible will only stand you in good stead. Forget climbing into bed and reaching for your phone! (Guilty as charged!) Instead, opt for a book or simply unwind and relax in preparation for peaceful slumber (think meditation, soft music, dim lights) Try elevating your head (so no tummy sleeping with your face on the bed unsupported by a pillow please!) this will reduce fluid naturally draining to the skin under your eyes. Finally arm yourself with a good eye cream and concealer. Our current favourites are Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream and ELES Dual Action Concealer Premature ageing When you’re stressed your body releases cortisol (the stress hormone). Sadly it’s infamous for breaking down collagen, the protein which keeps your complexion supple and firm! If like me, you’ll also be guilty of frowning, which unfortunately can lead to deeper, permanent wrinkles in these areas over time. Eek.Minimise lines and wrinkles Use anti-ageing products specifically targeted at your problem area. Products rich in Retinol and Vitamin C will help boost collagen production. We are in LOVE with Vie Collection's Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in superfoods as these really do assist in counteracting premature ageing. Think green veggies which help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and oily fish which induces telomere growth. Oh and regular exercise increases levels of endorphins which effectively fight the effects of cortisol (the darn stress hormone we mentioned earlier!) Dry skin As well as breaking down collagen, Cortisol also decreases the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturiser we all need, so skin becomes dry and damaged.Maintain hydrated skin Firstly (yes we’ve all heard this before!) drink plenty of water, every single day! The more you drink, the more hydrated your skin will look and feel! Set this as your daily mantra. Secondly, ensure your skin care routine includes product rich in hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish the layers of your skin. We are currently lusting after the Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask Also using gentle products rich in antioxidants and soothing ingredients can support the skin during stressful times. Breakouts Dealing with a sudden breakout? You’ve awoken to a chin full of pesky pimples? Chances are your body is producing the dreaded cortisol at a mighty rate which in turn tells your sebaceous glands to produce more pore-clogging oil! Stress can also cause an imbalance of good bacteria versus bad bacteria in your gut which can present itself in acne.Reduce spots and blemishes Exfoliate: This will unclog your pores, drawing out any oil or congesting reducing spots. It’ll also remove dead skin cells resulting in clearer skin while increasing blood circulation for a brighter, radiant complexion. But be careful not to over exfoliate! A couple of times a week it plenty otherwise you can risk stripping your skin of its natural healthy oils! We recommend Phytomer Marine Scrub Creamy Exfoliant. Moisturise: There is the misconception that moisturising oily skin will make spots worse but this is definitely not the case! By not moisturising daily, skin will become dry which in turn can stimulate excess oil production to compensate for the loss of moisture. Clever but not helpful! Conceal: If you want to cover blemishes try using a mineral concealer which is formulated with skin protecting ingredients that allow the skin to breathe freely. Eat a well-balanced diet. Fruits, vegetables, and high-quality proteins like grass-fed meats are also crucial (they keep a balance between the good and bad bacteria in your gut), as is cutting down on sugar. Rosacea & Eczema Whether you are prone to rosacea and/or eczema or not, stress can trigger skin irritation. When we are stressed our bodies release more neuropeptides and neurotransmitters than usual. This causes inflammation and dilates the blood vessels within our skin.Redness relief Invest in rosacea specific skincare products, formulated with skin nurturing and relieving ingredients which reduce flushing, erythrosis, couperose and rosacea while hydrating and soothing the skin. We highly recommend Vie Collection’s Rosa Control Relief Concentrate. And to conceal use a CC Cream which will mask the redness while calming the skin.
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 26 2019
It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed in the constant changing world of skincare, with new ranges hitting the market every day, telling us what is good and not good for our skin.Skin science has moved in leaps and bounds as new delivery systems and ways to modify ingredients can make it seem more like a Star Wars battle than the exciting world it really is. It’s like most things; sometimes a lot of choice is just too much!So we are here to bust just a few of the common myths of this mystifying topic!MYTH #1 – TREAT YOUR SKIN ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE For years we’ve been conditioned to believe that skin is oily, dry or combination and most of us have used skin care products accordingly. However, your skin type is just a grain of sand on a beach when it comes to getting the most out of your skin care.It’s very important to address the health of the skin and not just the external factors such as “not enough moisture”. Sure we can the moisture however it’s going to be a short-term fix if we are not addressing the cause; i.e. dehydration of the body and compromised skin function. Maintaining a good diet, getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated and looking after your health is an obvious fix, and when it comes to skin care, look for products that stimulate the bodies own healing processes i.e. stimulate collagen formation, sedate oil glands, repair cell mitochondria etc. Ingredients such as AHA’s, Retinol, Anti-Oxidants, Hyaluronic and Sunscreens should be on the top of your list.We recommend: Vie Collection - Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid, it stimulates collagen and elastin and helps rejuvenate skin cells.MYTH #2 – I’LL USE ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE WHEN I’M OLDERUnfortunately there is no wonder ingredient that completely repairs the passage of time; prevention is No.1 when it comes to youthful skin.Every day we are exposed to factors that damage our skin and cause skin ageing; the sun’s rays, pollution, stress, unhealthy lifestyles all work together like a super-villain team and attack our skin at a deep and cellular level. It may not show immediately but it’s happening.Keeping the skin deeply hydrated is important in our early years and ingredients such as Hyaluronic help our fibroblast cells (the ones that make collagen and elastin) to work more effectively and more collagen and elastin means less wrinkles and sagging.Also make sunscreen application part of your daily routine, everyday! Not only to reduce your chances of skin cancer but to reduce about 90% of visible skin ageing.We recommend: ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50, its super light and gives the skin a lovely pearlescent glow!MYTH #3 – THE ONLY WAY TO LOOK YOUTHFUL IS WITH BOTOX Not true! There are so many effective products and treatments that will help to plump and firm the skin without a needle. As we age the lower layers of our skin lose volume. By reducing cell build-up on the outer skin (this acts like a wall to great ingredients getting in where they are needed) and increasing the volume of the deeper layers of the skin on a daily basis with ingredients such as retinol, peptides and essential fatty acids you can enjoy bouncy, firm and radiant skin. You’ll also find many skin care products contain neuropeptides (Botox substitutes) that do a wonderful job relaxing and softening wrinkles.We recommend: Phytomer - Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth Cream, a firm favourite this exceptional cream adds density to the skin giving it volume and bounce.MYTH #4 – WE ALL NEED TO PEEL AND EXFOLIATE DAILYThis will look amazing for the first week or even month, however you’ll soon discover the damaging effects of over-exfoliating as you remove your protective acid mantle. This barrier protects the skin from moisture loss, from bacterial invasion and when it’s gone you’ll be left with dry, sensitive skin with breakouts.Exfoliation is an important part of any good skin care routine, however moderation and gentle when it comes to peels and scrubs is always best.We recommend: Phytomer - Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes a gentle but effective exfoliant that leaves skin fresh and refined.MYTH #5 – DRY SKIN NEEDS RICHER MOISTURISERSQuite often a super-rich moisturiser can exacerbate the problem. The oils in rich creams can act like a glue to dead skin cells that prevent hydrating ingredients from penetrating the skin, so while it might feel soft and supple on the surface, deep down it’s drying out!Layering is your best defence against dry skin. Apply a hydrating serum that will sink into the lower layers and then seal it with a protective cream, something that contains shea butter or light oils is ideal.We recommend: Phytomer - Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum, it drenches the skin with pure moisture leaving it dewy and supple.
TREND ALERT: 5 Beauty Trends That'll Be All The Rage This Year
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 04 2019
With inspiration from the runway and makeup professionals alike, 2019 is taking us back to basics. From statement lips to featured, brushed brows here’s everything you need to know about the top beauty trends for 2019; BRONZER IS BACK. HEAVY CONTOURING IS OUT Forget heavy contouring as bronzer makes its comeback. Keep skin natural and luminous with a high-definition foundation like ELES HD Luminous Foundation, then simply apply a versatile buildable bronzer along the temple, cheekbones and jawline to frame the face. Try ELES Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro. BOLD SHADES Say goodbye to neutrals and pack a punch with a pop of colour. Think standout eyes lined with vivid shades, such as ELES Felt Tip Liner in Sapphire Sky, and couple with neon mascara! EMBRACE THE “GLOW” Always on trend is fresh-faced skin and 2019 is no different with its glowy complexion trend! However to truly achieve this you need to think skin first, makeup second. Opt for skincare like Vie Collection Mesoforce Hydra Revitalizing Cream rich in vitamin C and Hyaluronic to oxygenate and deeply nourish the skin from inside out...Also forget full-coverage foundation and reach for a tinted moisturiser. The ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20 is a favourite or ours! BRING BACK BROWS Bye bye over plucked “insta-brows” welcome back natural brows! 2019 is all about the soft, feathered, brushed brow. Leave brows to naturally flourish and fill sparse areas with a touch of powder like the ELES Brow Sculpt and finish with the tinted wax to tame and set any rogue hairs. STATEMENT LIPS It’s lip gloss’s time to shine once again!Think glossy, shiny, metallic lips! If it shines it’s on trend! Try ELES Pucker Up Gloss Pair with glossy eyes and you’ll be a showstopper. Definitely one of the hot beauty trends this year!
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