27 April 2018 16:10
We’re thrilled that Cliveden Spa has been announced as one of the winners of the Tatler Spa Awards 2018, in association with Healing Holidays and ESPA.
“Tatler Spa Award Winner 2018: Classic Beauty
This is a British classic – a hotel as famous for its history as its beautiful rooms and stunning location. And the new spa has taken it to another level, with excellent treatments in a calm, gizmo-free zone.”
OSKIA’s signature facial treatments are also a key part of the treatment menu. Our holistic approach combines bespoke anti-ageing techniques, drawing both on traditional knowledge, such as acupressure, specialist massage, reflex and lymph drainage, through to gentle enzyme and AHA peeling that will leave the skin, body and mind rejuvenated and glowing. OSKIA is also the formulator behind the very first bespoke Cliveden Spa Body range of products and treatments.
Experience the iconic Cliveden House with OSKIA’s Spa Day Retreat. Book Here.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:11
16 January 2018 17:58
We’re thrilled to introduce our newest addition to the CityLife range. The CityLife Detox Mask is the first 100% natural peel-off mask on the market and works to detoxify, decongest and calm city-stressed skins.
Before we go into the ins-and-outs of our newest mask we’d love to share why OSKIA founder Georgie Cleeve loves this product and what was her inspiration behind it.
“I have a thing for peel-off masks which I find so satisfying, but to find one that is entirely natural and one that doesn’t strip my skin is like searching for water on the moon. I also have a thing about pollution which causes my skin to become red and inflamed and was desperately in need for a detoxifying mask that tackled city pollutants but also calmed and caressed my stressed-out skin. This new cooling mask is like a cashmere glove for my skin and took a long time in development. We worked very closely with our packaging partner to produce the first circular dual sachet so the there is no need for messy bowls and mixers - yay!”
What does it do?
Along with other skin benefits, our Detox Mask has four key actions and it’s designed to purify, protect, hydrate and calm. It’s cooling and calming properties will help soothe inflamed complexions while a host of detoxifying ingredients work to remove impurities and clear the skin from damage-causing free radicals.
What’s inside?
As part of the CityLife range this mask is packed with anti-oxidant and anti-pollution ingredients such as Activated Binchotan (Charcoal) Powder, Malachite, Camelia Japonica Flower and Astaxanthin along with deep cleansing, soothing, calming and firming ingredients such as Kaolin (Black Clay), Horse Chestnut, Gotu Kola and MSM.
Who needs it?
Our new Detox Mask is perfect for all skin types - dry, combination & oily - as well as anyone in need of detox when skin is feeling particularly stressed. Everyone living in high-pollution areas will benefit of the purifying and calming action.
Last Updated: 17 January 2018 12:17
11 April 2017 17:19
Posted in: News
We’re over the moon to have one 8 new beauty awards from Natural Health Magazine and The Beauty Shortlist. There are so many beautiful beauty and skincare brands and we’re always humbled when an OSKIA product wins the top prize. Thank you so much to everyone that loves OSKIA and has supported us through the years. See below the complete list of awards for 2017 so far.
Natural Health Magazine International Beauty Awards 2017
Best Cleanser
Renaissance Cleansing Gel – Highly Commended
“This gel-like cleanser melts on to your skin and produces impressive results. Gentle yet effective, plus it smells gorgeous!”
Best Exfoliator
Micro Exfoliating Balm – Winner
“We love the buttery texture of this product. It hydrated our skin and buffed away dead skin cells leaving our complexion smoother and moisturised.”
Best Hand Cream
Renaissance Hand Cream – Winner
“We could feel the benefits of this cream from the first application. It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving hands smooth and non-greasy, and we loved the relaxing scent of chamomile and rose.”
The Beauty Shortlist
Best British Brand - OSKIA – Winner
Best New Launch - Renaissance Brightlight – Winner
Best Skincare Brand (Age 30+) – OSKIA – Winner
Best Face Mask – Renaissance Mask – Winner
Best Cleanser – Renaissance Cleansing Gel – Winner
We've updated our 'Award Winners' section on the website to make them easy to find. If you haven't tried any of our winners already head over to the shop.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:16
10 November 2016 10:11
We’re delighted to introduce our Christmas Gift Shop! We’re kicking off the festive season with a hand-picked selection of products and gift sets guaranteed to please everyone on your Christmas list.
First things first - our Merry & Bright Cracker is back! Housed in an elegant gold-foiled cracker is a limited edition travel size of our best-selling Renaissance Cleansing Gel designed to deeply cleanse, illuminate and nourish. For fans of the Renaissance range, we would also highly recommend our indulgent Renaissance Collection gift set, containing a full-sized Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Renaissance Mask and Renaissance Hand Cream.
We’re also introducing 3 new skincare bundle duos, the Glow Getters, Winter Wonders and Powerful & Pure, each forming the perfect present for those looking to add a little boost to their routine or treat winter skin to a little TLC.
Last but not least, the packaging of our Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Restoration Oil and Super 16 have also had a festive makeover, adorned with beautiful glittering gold stars making them the perfect gift for any skincare lover.
Did we mention our gift wrapping option? For those looking to make their gift that extra bit more special, simply select the gift wrapping option on the product pages (you only need to select the option once when ordering more than one item). Happy shopping!
Last Updated: 10 November 2016 12:03
28 September 2016 16:56
We’re so excited to announce that OSKIA went behind the scenes on the set of Bridget Jones’s Baby, prepping skin for the lead actors before makeup application.
“Bridget Jones is a British classic so we were thrilled to provide the skincare on set. Whenever we work on a film we have an office outing to see it on release in the cinema. We knew we’d been used on set, but we certainly weren’t expecting to see the range featured in so many shots throughout the film – we were absolutely ecstatic!” – Georgie Cleeve, OSKIA Founder.
The select OSKIA products used on the cast were:
A layer of Renaissance Mask was applied to even skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost radiance and hydrate the skin.
Next, a pea-sized amount of Eye Wonder was applied to the entire eye area to refresh, brighten and hydrate.
The Nutri-Active Day Cream was massaged into skin to deeply hydrate, plump fine lines and wrinkles and smooth the skin.
Finally, a few drops of Restoration Oil were massaged into skin to seal in hydration and prime the skin for makeup application.
A selection of OSKIA products were also featured throughout the TV studio segments. A number of products including our Renaissance Hand Cream, Bedtime Beauty Boost, Perfect Cleanser and Renaissance Cleansing Gel can all be spotted!
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:22
8 June 2016 10:04
Posted in: News
Flowing over around three quarters of the Earth and producing more than half of the oxygen that we breathe, oceans are at the heart of our planet. To commemorate World Oceans Day, and the 2016 theme of ‘Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet’ with a special effort to stop plastic pollution, we’re spreading awareness on the dangers of microbeads.
What are microbeads?
Microbeads are a staple ingredient in many beauty and spa treatment routines, found in a variety of products ranging from facial scrubs to body products. These small, spherical and smooth plastic beads are cheap to manufacture and gentle on the skin making them a particularly popular addition to products such as exfoliators and cleansers.
What is the concern around the use of microbeads?
Because they are so tiny in size and non-biodegradable, they pass down our plugholes and end up polluting the ocean; the equivalent of dumping millions of plastic water bottles into the water each year thus threatening the marine eco system and ocean life.
Luckily, some parts of the world have already begun to ban the use of microbeads, including The Netherlands and many of the US states. Last year the US pioneered ‘The Microbead Free Waters Act’ which will start the phase-out of the tiny pieces of plastic found in soap, skin products, toothpaste and body washes beginning 1 July 2017 across the rest of the US. The UK is also closer to a ban after results that more than a third of fish in the English Channel are now contaminated with microscopic plastic debris from exfoliating skin scrubs, synthetic fabrics and other everyday products.
OSKIA are proud to share that we only use the cleanest most bio-active ingredients possible, and our range is completely free of microbeads. Our award-winning Micro Exfoliating Balm contains the tiniest silica and MSM granules, which immediately dissolve on contact with water to gently buff away dead skin cells so you can exfoliate, nourish and help save the planet in one go.
Last Updated: 8 July 2016 17:27
22 February 2016 16:16
Posted in: News
We’re over the moon to announce the launch of our newest members of the Renaissance family – Renaissance BrightLight and Renaissance 360! And even more excited to finally share all their fantastic skin-boosting properties with you… so here are a few words from our founder Georgie Cleeve on the inspiration behind, and the journey towards creating these products.
“The development of Renaissance BrightLight was a long process, but I’m absolutely thrilled with the final product. After suffering from melasma myself following the birth of my second child, I set about creating a concentrated solution to help fade the appearance of hyper-pigmentation and dark spots, repair sun damage and even skin tone. In formulating Renaissance BrightLight, we stripped everything back and delved into the chemical reactions, triggers and processes that lead to melanin production and hyper-pigmentation, in all its forms. Skin colour is largely dependent on a pigment called melanin. Its production in the skin is activated by sunlight and hormones and its sole purpose is to protect the skin against UV damage.
Factors such as free radicals, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the contraceptive pill, acne scaring, age and sun exposure, can all disturb the natural melanin production process, causing melanin production to increase, and its dispersion to become uneven and concentrated.
Renaissance BrightLight contains 13 brightening actives and targets hyper-pigmentation in 4 ways:
1. Melanocytes, melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis, naturally move upwards. BrightLight slows down this process of ‘melanin transfer’.
2. It breaks down the process of melanin production in melanocytes. It does this by inhibiting both Tyrosinase (an enzyme and peptide-hormone responsible for melanin production) and a-MSH (a hormone responsible for melanin production).
3. Melanin that is already present on the skin is exfoliated away thanks to the inclusion of pumpkin & papaya enzymes and passionfruit & grape AHAs.
4. Free-radical and inflammatory-induced pigmentation, caused by acne and scaring, is reduced.
When it comes to skin concerns, sadly most of us aren’t single issue women, so I wanted to create a product that combats those multiple complexion concerns on all fronts – a 360-degree multi-tasker that’s simple to understand and reduces the need to use lots of different products. Together with my in-house team of doctors and nutritionists, we developed Renaissance 360 – a powerful moisturiser that fades the appearance of pigmentation, reduces fine lines, and increases elasticity, hydration and luminosity. For this reason, it’s great for supporting our Renaissance BrightLight Anti-Pigmentation & Dark Spot Serum and is also a brilliant day cream for anyone looking for a healthier, more joyful complexion to support them as they experience life at full speed.
When used in conjunction with the rest of our Renaissance range, our new Renaissance 360 Supreme Cream and Renaissance BrightLight offers unbeatable anti-pigmentation and skin brightening results.”
Click here to pre-order!
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:03
17 February 2016 18:09
We’re thrilled to announce our latest spa partner Bhuti, an eco wellbeing escape set in the beautiful Richmond, South West London.
The name Bhuti is a Sanskrit word, and although there is no direct translation, it refers to that fresh feeling of wellbeing, that glow you get when you find your inner equilibrium. The venue boasts six treatment rooms offering a range of holistic beauty therapies, including a variety of OSKIA treatments, two yoga and pilates studios, and a vegan tea room. Bhuti also offers a well-being membership which includes unlimited access to yoga and pilates classes, special prices on treatments, an alluring members space, and exclusive monthly events and workshops.
Choose from the following OSKIA treatments:
Signature Glow Facial (75 minutes) - This ultimate radiance-boosting facial combines anti-ageing and glow-inducing techniques to illuminate skin and leave the face, body and mind revitalised.
Bespoke Radiance Renewal Facial (60 minutes) – LED light therapy, hot compresses, cool stones and acupressure points are used to rebalance and rejuvenate body and mind.
Revitalising Facial (60/90 minutes) – An ultra-hydrating facial offering immediate and long-lasting anti-ageing benefits.
The Quick Fix (30 minutes) – A cleansing, exfoliating and radiance-boosting quick fix, ideal for pre-party!
Don’t forget to treat yourself to an optional 15 minute add-on such as a 15 minute anti-ageing eye treatment or LED light therapy!
For more information and to book yourself a treatment, click here, or phone 0330 400 3108.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:08
20 August 2015 10:10
We're delighted to announce that the full OSKIA range is now available in the iconic Selfridges department store.
Founded in 1909, Selfridges is one of the UK’s most historic and well-loved stores, also known for their highly trained staff with expert beauty knowledge. The Beauty Workshop, a vast beauty playground spanning 5,000 square feet will be OSKIA’s newest home.
Emily Saunders, Selfridges Beauty Buyer commented “We are so excited to launch Oskia in Selfridges. It will offer our customers a unique range of products that feed your skin in the same way that you feed your body. Providing the skin with minerals, vitamins, and omegas, this collection of luxurious and enriched formulas are set to add another dimension to our portfolio of brands”
To celebrate this exciting new launch, we're hosting a special event with founder Georgie Cleeve. Georgie and OSKIA's Skincare Experts will be on hand to offer in-depth skin consultations, alongside pampering 20-minute mini facials.
Selfridges, Beauty Workshop
Wednesday, August 26
6 pm - 9 pm
For bookings please email us at info@oskiaskincare.com or call us on 0207 078 3916.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Last Updated: 20 August 2015 16:31
22 June 2015 11:47
OSKIA is delighted to announce our partnership with One Aldwych, a luxury retreat set in the heart of thriving Covent Garden.
We’re thrilled to be working with the five-star One Aldwych hotel as our new wellness partner. The Health Club is renowned for its outstanding facilities and warm, highly individual approach, so we couldn’t think of a better home for OSKIA in London’s West End.
The Health Club at One Aldwych is a tranquil urban retreat for guests to unwind and refresh. Set across two floors, The Health Club features a large gym with Technogym equipment, an 18 metre chlorine-free swimming pool with underwater music, a luxurious sauna and steam room, plus three treatment rooms which will play home to the new OSKIA treatment menu.
The Health Club’s intuitive therapists will use signature OSKIA massage techniques to stimulate the skin and can tailor treatments to guest’s specific requirements for a truly personalised results-driven experience.
You can choose from four of our favourite treatments, including our very first Gentleman's Facial!
Signature Glow Facial (75 minutes) - This ultimate radiance-boosting facial combines anti-ageing and glow-inducing techniques to illuminate skin and leave the face, body and mind revitalised.
Gentlemen’s Facial (60 minutes) - Designed to cleanse, refresh and rehydrate skin, this facial incorporates a deep steam cleanse, stimulating facial massage and a soothing neck and shoulder massage.
Glow on the Go (45 minutes) - This illuminating facial blends deep cleansing methods with OSKIA signature facial and eye massage techniques to reveal brighter, younger-looking skin.
Eye Wonder (45 minutes) - A specialised anti-ageing and anti-fatigue eye treatment designed to soothe over-worked eyes, reduce puffiness and strengthen the eye contour against future damage.
For more information or to book your first OSKIA treatment at The Health Club at One Aldwych simply call 020 7300 0600 or click here.
Last Updated: 14 June 2016 11:40
16 June 2015 16:46
The huge popularity of fermented foods in recent months has led to an increased interest in the nutritional benefits of fermented products, particularly in relation to skincare.
What are fermented foods?
Fermented foods have been around for centuries and are particularly well known for their outstanding nutritional benefits. Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Miso, Kambucha and Kefir are a particularly rich source of vital nutrients such as Vitamins B, K2 and probiotics. They help optimise the immune system and also aid the body’s natural detoxification process. The beneficial bacteria in these foods are highly potent detoxifiers, capable of drawing out a wide range of toxins.
How does my skin benefit from fermented ingredients?
During the fermentation process, ingredients are slowly processed over a period of several weeks in a controlled, oxygen-free environment. This not only preserves the ingredients, but allows for harmful bacteria to be removed, and particles are broken down making them more bio-available. This means that essential nutrients, minerals and actives can be more easily absorbed deep into the skin and used to hydrate, nourish and repair, producing optimum results.
Where can I find them?
Fermented minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, Copper and Iron can be found in our Renaissance Hand & Body Cream. This luxuriously hydrating daily hand and body treatment is packed with the very best nutrients and bio-actives to soften, nourish, rejuvenate and stimulate cell renewal.
03 Stressed Yeast Lysate increases cell respiration and the skin’s energy to stimulate new tissue growth, repair, regenerate and protect DNA. It can be found in our Eye Wonder, Get Up & Glow and Nutri-Active Day Cream.
Read "Why fermented skincare is the latest beauty fix" by Lisa Armostrong for The Telegraph and "Fermented Beauty: A fad or the future of skincare?" by Katie Robertson for GetTheGloss.com
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:21
14 May 2015 11:19
We are over the moon to be a part of Fortnum & Mason’s newly launched beauty space, home to some of the world’s most luxurious beauty brands and one of the most iconic department stores in the capital.
This weekend, the 16th and 17th of May, OSKIA are taking part in Fortnum & Mason’s Customer Moments Event, where we will be offering a number of exciting exclusive promotions. Join us and receive a free luxury travel sized Renaissance Mask with all OSKIA purchases, along with the chance of picking up a special edition goody bag full of beautiful products including our best-selling Bedtime Beauty Boost.
Be sure to drop in and have a chat with the OSKIA team, we can’t wait to see you there!
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
London
W1A 1ER
Saturday 16th May – 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday 17th May – 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Last Updated: 30 June 2015 18:08
11 March 2015 16:31
Posted in: News
We’re thrilled to announce that we have recently added two big names to our list of British and International stockists. The unique new locations offer an outstanding shopping experience, making it all that more convenient and enjoyable to stock up on your favourite OSKIA essentials.
Space NK is a ground-breaking, high-end boutique offering an expertly picked selection of the world’s best beauty products. Known as a beauty lover’s mecca and a favourite destination for skincare and makeup hauls. OSKIA is now a part of the exclusive brand offering and available nationwide across 62 stores in the UK and Ireland.
Fortnum & Mason, founded in 1707, is one of London’s most famous luxury department stores and an iconic landmark in the dynamic Piccadilly area along with The Ritz Hotel and Royal Academy of Arts. There is a brand new beauty hall underway, expected to re-open in the spring, and we can’t wait to invite you for a special OSKIA event.
Be sure to pop in and speak to our OSKIA team and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events across the country with our founder Georgie Cleeve and skin health experts.
Find your nearest Space NK store or stop by Fortnum & Mason.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:04
7 March 2015 19:26
Posted in: News
We are delighted to announce that we have won not one but four awards in the Natural Health Magazines’s International Beauty Awards for 2015.
And the winners are:
Renaissance Mask has won its 9th award in the Best Mask category. This deliciously-scented pink, AHA-based mask has been scientifically designed to increase cell turnover, boost radiance, and leave the complexion refined and illuminated. Packed full of beauty-boosting nutrients, this mask gently exfoliates to reveal a brighter, younger-looking you.
Our newest addition to the OSKIA family, the Super 16 Pro-Collagen Serum, has won its first ever award, Highly Commended in the Best Serum category. The Super 16 Serum contains an advanced anti-ageing formula designed to increase collagen production, lift and firm the skin and reduce fine lines. It contains not 1 but 16 key actives that actively stimulate reversal of the signs of ageing. Its star ingredient Bakuchiol has been proven to increase skin’s elasticity and firmness, increase skin radiance and hydrate dry skin.
Our Micro Exfoliating Balm has won its 6th award and it was Highly Commended in the Facial Exfoliator category. Our exquisite creamy exfoliating balm has been uniquely formulated to buff away tired skin cells and impurities using tiny silica and MSM particles to leave skin soft, healthy and glowing. Enriched with a selection of prebiotics, youth-boosting essential nutrients and peptides for long-lasting skin health, simply add water to make the exfoliant as strong or weak as you desire.
Finally, our Renaissance Hand Cream has won its second award, Highly Commended in the Best Hand Cream category. This gorgeously scented hand cream is full of the very best nutrients and natural actives to soften, soothe and nourish, whilst combating dryness and age spots. This cream is also ideal as an overnight, rejuvenating treatment.
Is your favourite OSKIA product among the winners?
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:40
19 January 2015 17:32
We are beyond thrilled to have found OSKIA products featured in such a great selection of blogger’s Top Beauty and Skin Care Picks of 2014!
Our Renaissance Cleansing Gel was a favourite, labelled best skin care product of the year! Emma, aka Girl With Makeup, thought it was “The best cleanser I've ever used, hands down. It's my perfect cleanser and my skin just loves it,” whilst Sarah from Cashmere Mouse said “It has pumpkin enzymes to brighten and leave my skin incredibly smooth and soft, without irritating my redness-prone cheeks. Love.”
Bedtime Beauty Boost and Micro Exfoliating Balm also made the list and we have put together a selection of some of our favourite 2014 ‘Best of’ reviews from around the blogosphere. It’s been such a pleasure reading everyone’s experiences with our products and we can’t wait to share with you all the exciting new launches we’re planning for 2015 along with some fantastic brand news, so keep your eyes peeled!
Emma (aka Girl With Makeup), “My Ultimate 2014 Favourites”
Michelle (aka Luxe Life Aspirations), “Top of the Class 2014”
Skin Deep Beauty Blogger, “Skin Deep Beauty Awards 2014: The Shortlist”
Jen (aka Vibrant, Vivacious, Veracious Beauty Blog), “Top Products of 2014!”
Sarah (aka Cashmere Mouse), “2014 Favourites – Skincare”
Stacey (aka Expat Makeup Addict), “My Holy Grails of 2014”
Alice (aka Alice Grace Beauty), “BEST OF 2014 - Skincare Favourites”
Meg (aka Meg’s Makeup Bag), “2014 Skincare Favourites”
Sarirah (aka Pretty Not included), “Best of 2014: The Skincare Bits”
Last Updated: 30 June 2015 18:09
8 December 2014 12:17
Posted in: News
We'll be working extra hard to make sure you recieve your orders in time for the holidays. To avoid any dissapointment the last day for guaranteed UK delivery is 1pm on Wednesday, 19th December.
For guaranteed delivery before Christmas if you’re based overseas, or sending a special OSKIA gift to a loved one abroad, please make sure to place your orders by 1pm on Monday 15th.
If you are still undecided on which OSKIA products will be the perfect gift this year, don’t forget to visit our Holiday Gift Shop, now featuring our Renaissance Collection containing 3 of our award-winning products (including our brand new Renaissance Hand & Body Cream)!
Happy shopping!
Last Updated: 30 June 2015 18:09
1 August 2014 15:09
"I'm Proud as Punch…
Of our latest arrival – my very precious Super 16 Super Serum which has been a long two - nearly three - years in the making. Unlike other serums on the market that rely on a small handful of active ingredients, every single one of our key 16 actives has been chosen for its powerful punch at activating collagen production and reducing inflammation (along with host of other incredible skin benefits). This unique selection of the very best natural, collagen - boosting actives makes this serum absolutely ideal for anyone of age 30 onwards looking to address serious ageing concerns.
Why did it take us three years? It’s an awfully long time, but every time I thought we’d cracked the final formula and all the tests were in full swing, I’d discover another incredible active that was just a little bit better than one we were using. Allowing no compromise, we would start all over again. Luckily, the OSKIA team of dermatologists, doctors and formulators are even greater perfectionists than I and have all been testing and using the ingredients and product for the last year. We now have a very youthful looking lab team! (Regardless of the 352 years between us).
I could wax lyrical about all of the ingredients (and I will in due course), but I am particularly excited to introduce to the market what I believe to be one of the most exciting new actives of our generation as a Retinol alternative for sensitive skin…Bakuchiol.
Retinol is hailed as the most effective and important anti-ageing active on the market (it’s the active part of Vitamin A) – it dramatically reduces wrinkles, protects and treats acne. However, it also causes skin major sensitivity, inflammation and retinoid dermatitis. Bakuchiol (a chemical extracted from the Indian Babchi seeds) has been clinically compared in trials to retinol, with outstanding results, sharing all the advantages but without the usual retinol associated undesirable effects. With this breakthrough active at its helm, Super 16 works to deliver firmer skin, minimise the appearance of fine lines, significantly improve elasticity (by boosting and regulating Type I, III & IV collagen), and effectively reduce pigmentation and photo-damage.
I am completely in love with this little brown seed, and head-over-heels in love with my sweet smelling Super 16.
I know you will love it as much as I do!
Love
Georgie x"
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:03
30 April 2013 16:32
by Georgie Cleeve, Founder
I get asked numerous times a week why our products don't contain a sunscreen. As a natural brand, the SPFs available to us are mineral sunscreens (physical), such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They work by forming a barrier on the skin to protect the epidermis from UVA & UVB - a wonderful and highly effective barrier - but a barrier. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into the skin rather than sitting on top. Octisalate (found in 59 percent of products), oxybenzone (found in 52 percent) and avobenzone (found in 49 percent) are the most common. Oxybenzone presents the most concerns; it can trigger allergic reactions, is a potential hormone disrupter, and penetrates the skin in relatively large amounts, according to the EWG.
So why don't we use mineral SPFs in our products? In regards to mineral sunscreens which form a protective barrier on the skin, they unfortunately also prevent actives penetrating into the skin and therefore all actives you find in a day cream become obsolete. The product will indeed protect you from the sun, for a limited time, but not carry out any of its intended purposes. We want a product to really really work, therefore when you apply a sunscreen, which you must when the sun in shining, please do so on-top of your skincare products and re-apply regularly. I'm afraid application once in the morning is not enough protection to last throughout the day. If you are using a day cream with a sunscreen, please do remember that you will need to top up your protection regularly.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:06
16 April 2013 14:56
A new study conducted by Poznan University, in Poland has found that taking green tea extract may help control the blood sugar levels in people that are overweight, allowing weight to be managed more effectively. Green tea has often been hailed as a super food, previously being linked to improved cardiovascular health, but new research finds that it may affect the body’s ability to control insulin levels. This new finding could potentially lead to preventative measures being implemented amongst those at risk of obesity.
The study of 56 patients also found that as well as affecting insulin levels, the individuals that were subject to green tea extract had significantly reduced blood pressure, glucose levels and inflammation in comparison to those that were taking a placebo. The researchers believe that inflammation may contribute to poor blood sugar control and high blood pressure, leading to wider health concerns.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:07
6 December 2012 14:29
Last Updated: 30 June 2015 18:17
29 November 2012 10:15
Posted in: News
Humane Society International's campaign to end animal testing of cosmetics worldwide and ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in Europe, took a step nearer success today as Tonio Borg was formally approved by the EU Council at the new EU Health Minister. Borg has publicly expressed his desire to see fully implemented the long-awaited EU marketing ban on animal-tested cosmetics, due 11 March 2013. His appointment marks a significant change in direction regarding implementation - his predecessor, Commissioner John Dalli, was considering introducing 'loophole' measures to continue allowing newly animal-tested ingredients to be sold in the EU.
Humane Society International's Senior EU Policy Advisor, Emily McIvor, welcomed this new milestone in their global campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics:
"Dr. Borg has made his views absolutely clear, and it is now likely that the 2013 marketing ban on animal-tested cosmetics will stand. This once again puts the EU at the forefront of global efforts to rid the world of cosmetics animal testing, and all of the needless animal suffering caused by the so-called beauty-business. Humane Society International will be calling on cosmetics companies to embrace the ban, and show what can be done to hasten the development of non-animal test methods. There is now real hope that we are closer than ever before to ridding the EU—and the world—of animal-tested cosmetics."
Humane Society International's Be Cruelty-Free campaign has gathered substantial public, political and celebrity support for an end to cosmetics cruelty in Europe and across the world - including support from Sir Paul McCartney, rock legend Chrissie Hynde, comedian Ricky Gervais and actress Dame Judi Dench.
Sir Paul signed the charity's Be Cruelty-Free pledge to show his support and commented:
"The ugly truth about testing beauty products on animals is that it causes them unimaginable pain and suffering. If every cosmetic tested on rabbits or mice had a photo on the packaging showing these animals with weeping swollen eyes and inflamed skin, I believe everyone would leave cruelty on the shelf and go for the cruelty-free option instead. So, let's stand up for those defenceless animals by supporting the Humane Society International's new Be Cruelty-Free global campaign to end animal testing of cosmetics worldwide. Go online, sign the Be Cruelty-Free pledge today and help HSI achieve a world where no animal has to suffer and die for the sake of cosmetics."
In April, to mark World Week for Animals in Laboratories, HSI and cruelty-free cosmetics company LUSH joined forces to hand in more than 350,000 petition signatures to the EU Commission.
Although animal testing of cosmetics was banned across the EU in 2009, it is currently still legal to sell cosmetics that have been animal-tested elsewhere in the world. In countries such as China, Brazil, the United States and India such testing is still commonplace - rabbits, guinea pigs and mice have cosmetic chemicals dripped in their eyes and spread on their shaved skin. The ban on selling these cosmetics is due for implementation in March 2013. HSI's campaign in Europe is part of its global Be Cruelty-Free initiative to end cosmetics cruelty worldwide. Launched in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Brazil and beyond, it aims to achieve a world where no animal has to suffer and die for the sake of cosmetics.
HSI believes that testing cosmetics on animals is both unethical and unnecessary. Cosmetics can easily be produced the cruelty-free way, by using the thousands of existing ingredients for which safety data are already available, combined with advanced non-animal testing methods such as 3D human skin and advanced computer models.
Sign the Be Cruelty-Free pledge at hsi.org/becrueltyfree
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:07
10 October 2012 14:35
We're delighted to announce that OSKIA's Renaissance Mask has won an Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible Award with a super score of 8.69/10.
4,000 women. Over 4,000 products, tested over 18 months. That’s what it takes to put together the The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible, and that's why we're so proud to have yet again won probably the most coveted award in the Beauty Industry.
“British brand OSKIA’s formulations all include an MSM-Regen Complex because founder Georgie Cleeve is so convinced of sulphur’s skin-saving powers. It also has natural skin-brightening fruit acids (lemon, passion fruit and pineapple), prebiotics, plus papaya enzymes and soothing butterbur and Swiss Cress liposomes. Clever stuff: this brightening pink creamy mask turns white once massaged into skin, so you know it’s been correctly applied.”
Comments by judging panel:
‘Amazing: brightening straight away and skin felt soft and plumped for two days after use’.
‘YES YES YES! Unbelievable product, really great as a pick-me-up when I was going out (and didn’t want to, and it showed in my face).’
‘Feeling of complete relaxation when you inhale the fragrance.’
‘The first time I tried this I was blown away, results were so immediate: love the healthy glow and fresh look, which lasted for hours.’
‘A dream product: lovely to put on, easy to remove and you look in the mirror and think WOW this works; seemed to diminish age spots too.’
‘The scent’s fabulous and it works, plumping, refreshing, calming redness – and lines reduced.’
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Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:04
30 August 2012 16:53
We're thrilled to announce OSKIA's partnership with The Langham Hotel & Chuan Spa, London, from October 2012.
Not only will they be offering our twelve luxurious treatments, but guests in the premium suites will also receive some very special gifts...
Last Updated: 30 June 2015 18:20
26 January 2012 12:14
Posted in: News
“OSKIA...Customers no longer have to make a decision between something that works and something that’s natural.” DAILY MAIL
Earlier this month, researchers at the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Center at the University Hospital of South Manchester, England, released the results of a three-year study that measured the concentrations of five parabens at four different locations across the human breast using human breast tissue collected from 40 women undergoing mastectomies for primary breast cancer (J App Toxicol. Jan. 12, 2012). This most recent study found one or more paraben esters in 158/160 (99 percent) of the tissue samples, and in 96/160 (60 percent) all five esters were present.
Because the 2004 study found parabens in human breast tumor tissue, a global debate has been sparked and researchers are further investigating paraben toxicity and their potential role in breast cancer. Two studies conducted in 2005 (Golden et al., 2005; Soni et al., 2005) determined parabens possess low toxicity; but since 1998, research has shown parabens possess oestrogenic properties (reviewed in Darbre and Harvey, 2008; Routledge et al., 1998), which is known to play a central role in the development, growth and progression of breast cancer (Miller, 1996). Although the source of the paraben could not be identified in the human breast tissue, it was suggested that low-level dermal absorption from personal-care products applied to the breast region over the long term might have contributed.
According to a 2010 study, exposure to environmental oestrogens occurs through diet, household products and cosmetics; but generally, their concentrations are too low to cause an oestrogenic response (Anticancer Res. 2010;30:815-28). The study found that, although the former is true, when exposed to enough chemicals, the small doses that accumulate in breast tissue can potentially add up to induce an oestrogenic response.. Britain is reporting a continued disproportionate incidence of breast cancer in the upper outer quadrant of the breast which is where many personal care products are applied. Interestingly, the current study reported that although the source of the paraben could not be identified, parabens were found in 7/40 patients who reported never having used underarm cosmetics in their lifetime.
"The intriguing discovery that parabens are present even in women who have never used underarm products raises the question: where have these chemicals come from?" said Lester Barr, consultant surgeon at the University Hospital of South Manchester and Chairman of the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal, which part sponsored the recent 2012 study.
Why do parabens collect in the breast? Because of the fatty nature of human breast tissue, it's a prime target for lipophilic and hydrophilic pollutant chemicals that possess a range of endocrine-disrupting properties and genotoxic activity (CML – Breast Cancer. 2010;22(4):113-22). With regards to breast cancer, this is a concern because of their ability to mimic or interfere with the action of estrogen.
The difference between plant-based phytoestrogens such as soybeans, legumes, cereals and hops that have estrogenic activity is they can be consumed in relatively large amounts via diet, but they are cleared from the body relatively quickly; however, manmade POPs (persistent organochlorine pollutants) used in agriculture such as herbicides and pesticides, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) also possess estrogenic activity; but because of their lipophilic properties, they are passed up the food chain dissolved in dietary fat, and are not cleared from the body easily, causing them to accumulate in fatty tissues, according to an article, "Personal Care Products and Breast Cancer," written by Philippa D. Darbe, M.D., leader in oncology, School of Biological Sciences, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Reading, England. The article cited classes of personal care products that are exposed to the breast area, including shaving creams, skin and sun care products, feminine hygiene, fragrances, hair care products, etc.; in addition to chemicals used in personal care products that have shown oestrogenic activity (in vitro and in vivo), including aluminum chlorhydrate, which is used in antiperspirants, a product almost everyone uses on a daily basis. This past fall, researchers at the California Pacific Medical Center reinforced the concern bisphenol-A (BPA), and methylparaben (MP), at low concentrations, can have adverse health consequences such as an increased risk of breast cancer (Carcinogenesis. Sept. 1, 2011). So not only are the chemicals inside personal care products a concern, but is plastic packaging is, too.
Although there seems be a hefty amount of research linking parabens in breast tissue, Darbe told Inside Cosmeceuticals: "There is no proven link with breast cancer either of parabens or any personal care product; however, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence; we simply do not know one way or the other. If these chemicals did not enter the human breast, then there would be no question. The fact that they are there needs more research to find out if they can cause any adverse effects from their presence either alone or in combination. Personally, I have always felt that the issue is bigger than parabens alone—that is not to say that I do not hypothesize that parabens play a role, but rather that the overall picture involves more than just parabens."
So the question is no longer if personal care products can be absorbed into the body (which clearly they can be, according to their measured presence), but whether or not there is a causal relationship between individual or combinations of chemicals and the development of breast cancer, which is still to be determined. I think no matter if this relationship has been confirmed or denied or explained, there is something to say about repeatedly finding parabens in breast tissues. Think about the Mortician's Mystery—it's frightening to know just how much our personal care products can affect the endocrine system, among others. As I write this, I'm having disconcerting thoughts of my aluminum-laden deodorant that I apply daily and what that may be doing to my body.
Alissa Marrapodi, Inside Cosmeceuticals Jan 2012.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:12
18 September 2011 21:34
We're thrilled to be supporting the fantastic British Eco brand Partimi at London Fashion Week. Watch this space for photos of the show tomorrow...
Last Updated: 30 June 2015 18:27
13 September 2011 22:08
A sneak peak of one of our treatment rooms in our new boutique mini spa in Covent Garden which opens tomorrow (14 September) - the Kew Gardens wallpaper was handprinted in 1920 and is one of a kind. www.oskiaskincare.com/spa
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 17:07
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