OSKIA Skincare

LIBERTY FACIAL EVENT 17 & 18 MAY

Sun, 13 May 2012 20:28:nn G5T

GET SKIN GLOWING!

Tue, 01 May 2012 21:28:nn G5T

NIACIN AND SWEET POTATOES

In connection with our desire to get skin glowing, this delicious recipe is based around the wonderful health and skin benefits of Niacin (Vitamin B3) or Niacinamide as found in our skincare products. A vital skin health nutrient, it is also a key anti-ageing topical ingredient: Niacinamide increases skin hydration by 67%, fibroblast production by 20%, collagen secretion by 54% and most importantly evens out skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation by reducing the transfer of the melanosomes to the surrounding keratinocytes by up to 68%.

Specially designed for us by the wonderful Thomasina Miers, this delicious SPICY SWEET POTATO AND FETA FRITTATA recipe is a welcomed escape from chilly Spring days.

Thomasina says: “Sweet potatoes are a rich source of niacin but more importantly are incredibly delicious. Serve this frittata with a green salad, full of mint, coriander and basil leaf to complement the chillied sweet potato. I love to eat this at room temperature, but it is hard to have the patience to wait for it to cool down!”

We say: perfect for a wintery supper (or a soggy wet May's) snuggled up in front of a roaring log fire with a good book, cashmeres and a good glass of claret.

Spicy Sweet Potato and Feta Frittata

600g sweet potatoes
3 red onions, peeled
2 cloves garlic
2 dried red chillies
Olive oil
10 free-range eggs
50ml milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
A small handful of mint leaves, roughly chopped
150g feta cheese
Pre-heat the oven to 200°C

You will need a large paella dish or a shallow circular ovenproof dish about 28cm in diameter.

1. Scrub the sweet potatoes and then cut them up into 2.5cm chunks, skin and all. Peel the red onions and cut them into one-eighths. Mash the garlic cloves in a pestle and mortar with a teaspoon of sea salt, the dried chillies and, when they are smashed into a puree, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss the sweet potatoes and onion wedges in the chilli oil and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until cooked through and turning golden. When the potato is cooked, turn the oven down to 180°C.

2. Meanwhile break the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk with salt, pepper and the milk. Stir in the mint, feta, onions and sweet potatoes when they are cooked together with another tablespoon of olive oil.

3. Heat the paella dish on the stove until very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, allow to come up to heat and then pour in the egg mixture. Cook for 5 minutes on the stove before transferring to the oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the eggs look just set and the frittata is more or less firm to the touch.

VITAMINS

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:48:nn G4T

Vitamin B3
Reduces water loss by 24% in 4 weeks, boosts fatty acid and ceramides by 67% and 34% respectively; stimulates new fibroblasts by 20% and collagen secretion by 54%; inhibits pigmentation by 68%.

Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) helps diminish the appearance of fine lines on the skin, while leaving it soft, smooth, and supple. It encourages cell renewal, increasing epidermal thickness and skin elasticity, giving the skin a youthful appearance, and prevents skin roughness resulting from UV exposure.Vitamin A can act as a keratinisation regulator, helping to improve the skin’s texture, firmness and smoothness. Vitamin A esters, once in the skin, convert to retinoic acid and provide anti-aging benefits. Retinoic acid alters collagen synthesis by stimulating the growth of fibroblast cells (which produce collagen and elastin) and the extracellular matrix. Vitamin A is believed to be essential for the generation and function of skin cells and a deficiency of Vitamin A is shown by thick, dry skin. Topical application of Vitamin A helps keep skin healthy, clear, infection free and help significantly in the fight against premature ageing.

Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) is an excellent, penetrating moisturizer. It appears to stimulate cellular proliferation and help tissue repair. Studies show that when panthenol is applied on the skin it is converted to pantothenic acid, a B complex vitamin. It also protects the skin against sunburn and acts as a humectant, holding water within the product or attracting water from the environment. It acts as a skin softener providing suppleness.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well known antioxidant. When Vitamin E reacts with a free radical it becomes damaged. Vitamin C comes in to repair this free-radical damage in Vitamin E, allowing Vitamin E to continue on its free-radical scavenging duties. Current research has suggested that Vitamin C is also photoprotective and adds protection against UVB (burning) damage when combined with UVB sunscreens. Mixed with Vitamin E, the three actually offer greater protection together than any on their own. Vitamin C is clinically proved to stimulate collagen production, and can lightening the skin and boosts the immune system.

Vitamin D can be absorbed though the outer layers of the skin and act as a keratinisation regulator, helping to improve the skin’s feel and firmness. Research suggests that it is an important factor in skin cell turnover.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is widely found in nature, particularly in Wheat germ oil. It is considered the most important oil-soluble antioxidant and free-radical scavenger when applied topically. A good moisturizer and absorbed well through the skin, it is also protects against UV and helps protect the cellular membrane from free-radical damage. It serves a preservative function due to its ability to protect against oxidation. Vitamin E is also considered to improve the skin’s water-binding ability and can help reduce water loss from the surface of the skin, improving the appearance of rough, dry and damaged skin. Vitamin E also helps maintain connective tissue, protects against cell damage caused by inflammation, and counteracts the decreased functioning of the sebaceous glands, which reduces with age, and reduce skin pigmentation.

MEET THE FOUNDER - FENWICK BOND STREET BEAUTY WEEK

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:18:nn G4T

The beautiful Fenwick of Bond street is holding a whole week of beauty events May 12 - 19th. We have lined up a host of OSKIA events for you.

MEET THE FOUNDER - May 19th 12pm-3pm. Come and meet Georgie Cleeve for a private one-on-one to learn more about skin nutrition.

GIFT WITH PURCHASE. Walk away with a free Micro-Exfoliating Balm on all orders over £50 on the 19th only, or a free sachet of Pure MSM supplements on all other days during the week.

To book your 20min slot with Georgie, please call the beauty hall on 020 7629 9161 ask for Axil.

Best British Brand Award - Beauty Shortlist Awards 2012

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:20:nn G4T

We're incredibly honoured to have been awarded Best British Brand in the first ever Beauty Shortlist Awards. A huge accolade.