Male Skincare
9 February 2023 15:38
Posted in: Skin Health
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Tweet This ArticleGive some TLC to your skin
23 January 2023 15:51
Posted in: Skin Health, Product Focus
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Last Updated: 23 January 2023 15:51
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Banish bumpy body skin
2 September 2022 15:29
Posted in: Skin Health
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Last Updated: 2 September 2022 15:29
What is Rosacea and how to alleviate its symptoms?
19 April 2022 15:52
Posted in: Skin Health
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Last Updated: 19 April 2022 15:52
Learn the difference between dry and dehydrated skin
1 March 2022 10:48
Posted in: Skin Health
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Last Updated: 1 March 2022 12:05
10 Pollution Facts & 5 Solutions.
23 August 2018 12:05
Posted in: Skin Health
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10 POLLUTION FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
• There are two types of air pollution: ozone and particulate matter. Ozone is released into the air by cars, trucks, airplanes, and anything else that emits toxic gases. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles that are found in the air. These include dust, dirt, and smoke.
• 92% of the world’s population live in places where air pollution levels exceed the recommended limits set by the world health organisation.
• The average home or office contains 60,000 chemicals.
• Kings College London has shown Oxford Street has up to 10 times the legal limit of Nitrogen Dioxide.
• Pollution particles are sometimes 20 times smaller than pores and can penetrate the deeper layers of the epidermis causing cellular damage,including the breakdown of collagen and elastin as well as inflammation and irritation.
• This year London reached the legal limit for the whole of 2018 less than a month into the year.
• Cigarette smoke contains over 6000 chemicals.
• The mixture of Particulate Matter (PM), Ozone, Heavy Metals, VOC and Free Radicals can cause major damage to our skin.
• Carbon Monoxide, Nitrous Oxide and ozone destroy the skins natural oils, which act as protective barriers.
• Free radicals, caused by pollution, attack the cells and the skin’s own anti-oxidants. PM and heavy metals can both cause problems on the surface of the skin or penetrate through the pores leading to deeper damage.
5 EASY WAYS TO DEPOLLUTE YOUR LIFE
• UP YOUR ANTI-OXIDANTS: These vital and exceptionally clever compounds inhibit oxidation and the damage and breakdown of cells. They are our body's own mini-martyrs and give up their extra electrons to free-radicals to prevent them damaging other cells.
Skincare
• - EUK-134
• - Astaxanthin
• - Niacinamide (VIT B3)
• - Malachite
Nutrition
• Salmon (Anti-Oxidant + Vitamin E + Astaxanthin)
• Broccoli (Vitamin E + Vitamin C)
• Turmeric (Anti-Inflammatory)
• Almond (Vitamin E)
• Chia Seeds (Omega 3’s)
• Ginger (Anti-Inflammatory)
• Avocado (Vitamin E)
• Tomatoes (Lycopene)
• USE ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS: Studies have shown that synthetic cleaning products are not only extremely harmful (due to the frequent ammonia and chlorine content) but that breathing in the fumes is comparable to smoking twenty cigarettes a day. So swapping your cleaning products to natural ones could really do wonders for lowering the amount of toxins you ingest.
• INVEST IN HOUSE PLANTS: In the UK we tend to spend around 90% or our time indoors, so another easy way of decreasing indoor pollution is to increase your indoor greenery. House plants turn toxic compound into lovely clean air through photosynthesis, in fact NASA did a study that showed some were able to remove 90% of toxic compounds!
• GO ORGANIC: One of the easiest ways to lower your body's total toxin intake is to eat organic foods, Organic foods contain less toxins, but also often have more beneficial nutrients such as anti-oxidants than non-organic foods.
• DONT SMOKE: Smoking effects your skin in the same way a polluted environment would, in fact it's like creating your own personal polluted environment. Smokers deprive themselves and their skin cells of oxygen, which accelerates the aging process. It also depletes your body the vitamins it needs to heal itself.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:08
Vitamin C vs Astaxanthin
11 August 2018 14:16
Posted in: Ingredient Focus, Skin Health
Vitamin C v Astaxanthin…..Which is 6000 times stronger than the other?
Using a powerful topical anti-oxidant is the most important thing we can do for the long term health of our skin, even more than using an SPF. Vitamin C has been the traditional darling of the anti-oxidant world for years. However, there are new generation of anti-oxidants paving the way that are bigger and better in terms of protecting against free-radical damage. Astaxanthin is one that should be on the tips of everyone’s lips.
First of all, what are free radicals? They are loose atoms that roam around looking for Free Radicals are found all around us and can wreak havoc with the health of our skin, inducing premature ageing, diseases, inflammation and cancers. The skin damage or cellular breakdown (including collagen and elastin) caused by Free-Radicals manifests itself in several forms, from changing the colour of your skin (brown spots & hyperpigmentation), sagging and loss of elasticity to fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has long been hailed by the beauty industry as the king of anti-oxidants, reigning supreme in the past year because of its additional ability to stimulate fibroblast cells to produce collagen and gently brighten and smooth skin helping to diminish any unwanted pigmentation. But as an anti-oxidant, it simply can be beaten, both in terms of stability and efficacy.
Astaxanthin (pronounced Asta-xan-thin) is a blood-red pigment that naturally originates in rainwater micro algae and travels through the food chain providing the beautiful pink colour of shrimp, prawns and flamingos. We are familiar with carotenoids - and we know that the brighter the food, the better it is for us - for example Beta Carotene in carrots, tomatoes, peppers and sweet potatoes.
Unlike other anti-oxidants including Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene, Astaxanthin does not become pro-oxidant in the body nor does it break down into Vitamin A, making it ideal for topical skincare due to its stability.
It is 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, 550 times stronger than Green Tea Catechins and 75 times stronger than Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Apart from its exceptional anti-oxidant capacity, Astaxanthin has also been proven to have a positive effect on collagen production but also sun protection. It does not shield or absorb UV light, but has amazing photo-protective benefits. Recovery is quicker and pigmentation issues reduced. Fibroblasts are skin cells that act as a skin defence system, providing antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). When skin is exposed to sunlight, ROS formation and its build-up occurs. Astaxanthin can protect and enhance the ability of the fibroblasts to reduce the formation of ROS and also scavenge ROS after its formation.
Sunburn is the formation of erythema (redness and swelling) - an inflammatory process. Due to potent anti-inflammatory properties of Astaxanthin, it can help protect the skin from developing sunburn or to sooth a sunburn after its formation.
So, if you are looking for the ultimate anti-oxidant protection, forget Vitamin C, and keep your eyes peeled for Astaxanthin or alternatively get your hands on our CityLife range packed with Astaxanthin to help prevent cellular and DNA damage, breakdown of collagen and potential fine lines.
1. Beutner, S., Bloedorn, B., Frixel, S., Hernández Blanco, I., Hoffmann, T., Martin, H.-D., Mayer, B., Noack, P., Ruck, C., Schmidt, M., Schülke, I., Sell, S., Ernst, H., Haremza, S., Seybold, G., Sies, H., Stahl, W. and Walsh, R. (2001), Quantitative assessment of antioxidant properties of natural colorants and phytochemicals: carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols and indigoids. The role of β-carotene in antioxidant functions. J. Sci. Food Agric., 81: 559-568. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.849.
2. Nishida Y. et. al, Quenching Activities of Common Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidants against Singlet Oxygen Using Chemiluminescence Detection System. Carotenoid Science 11:16-20 (2007).
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:08
How to eat for summer strong skin.
27 July 2018 11:06
Posted in: Skin Health
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Photo credit: Trainer Academy
We know that using a strong topical anti-oxidant is one of the best things we can do to keep skin healthy and youthful, but during the summer we need to up our game. Unchecked UV radiation not only inflames & dehydrates skin but also stimulates free radicals into a frenzied activity of electron stealing. UV radiation reacts with oxygen in the air to kick off a free-radical chain reaction where free-radicals move around the body stealing electrons from healthy cells that cause damage, premature ageing, inflammation and diseases (including cancers). However, on the plus side, spending time in the sun is vital for Vitamin D & endorphin production. We evolved outside and we couldn’t live without it.
What we eat plays a vital role in the formation, health and protection of our skin. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory-rich foods should become key parts of your summer diet.
So when the sun shines, reach for...
1. Anti-inflammatories. Inflammation is needed to kick start the healing process, but when there is nothing to heal inflammation can damage cells as well as cause major health problems and diseases. See foods below.
2. Anti-oxidants. These vital and exceptionally clever compounds inhibit oxidation and the damage and breakdown of cells. They are our body's own mini-martyrs and give up their extra electrons to free-radicals to prevent them damaging other cells. There are 600 different types of carotenoids (the compounds that give fruit, vegetables & fish their colour), but the most common carotenoids in the Western diet include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and lutein and zeaxanthin.
3. Spotlight on Glutathione - Every cell of our body contains the most brilliant and super anti-oxidant of them all - Glutathione - which we can boost production of by diet. In fact, it is so important that it is in every cell of our body already. It is our body’s cellular defence and we simply can’t make enough of it. Our body makes it naturally out of the amino acids cysteine, glutamine and glycine (one of the reasons bone broth is so good for the immune system) but as all things, production slows as we age. Eat sulphur rich foods which are a great source of amino-acid building blocks needed for Glutathione production - broccoli, asparagus, onion, watercress, or take a sulphur based supplement such as MSM. Our lab combined Glutathione with a number of other powerful melanin reducing actives for our Renaissance Brightlight Serum, clinically proven to reduce hyper-active pigmentation.
4. Water rich foods such as watermelon and cucumber. ‘Food water’ better hydrates cells than drinking water. They are also full of micro-nutrients.
5. Melanin Boosting Foods. Melanin is wonderful! it is our skin’s first defence against skin cancer and the effects of UV radiation - our in-built SPF. Our bodies have evolved it over thousands of years and it needs nurturing. Boost your tan naturally by eating foods rich in…
• Tyrosine - an amino acid needed for melanin synthesis. One of the highest food sources is spirulina, followed by egg whites and soy. (You will find Tyrosine in our Adaptive Tan Drops & Adaptive Tan Mist).
• Riboflavin - acts in a similar way to Tyrosine - found in almonds & mackerel.
• Vitamin A (needed for restoring and maintaining good levels of melanin in the skin) - found in carrots & tomatoes. (You will find Vitamin A in our Adaptive Tan Drops & Adaptive Tan Mist).
• Copper - required for melanin production - found in Liver and dark chocolate (not together).
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY & ANTI-OXIDANT FOODS
BAK CHOY
An amazing source of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. In fact it contains over 70 phenolic compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids which are super strong anti-oxidants.
BEETROOT
Delicious roasted or added to a smoothy. Deep and dark in colour and a perfect example of the ‘eat colourful’ rule. Beetroot is brimming with the anti-oxidant carotenoid (plant pigment) betalain. It is also rich in Magnesium which aids and regulates calcium absorption.
BLUEBERRIES & CHERRIES
I’ve grouped these together as both are high in a particularly strong and colourful anti-inflammatory called Quercetin (also found in olive oil) and the phytonutrient Anthocyanins. Cherries are also exceptionally high in an anti-oxidant that produces melatonin. Melatonin, which induces sleep, also protects the skin against ultraviolet radiation and stimulates new cell growth, so even if you have existing sun spots and damaged skin, you'll get the benefits. Cherries are also packed with Vitamin C which builds collagen, our skin’s bricks and mortar.
BRAZIL NUTS
Nature’s best source of selenium. A single nut can provide your daily intake. Also a wonderful source of the anti-oxidant Vitamin E. Selenium is a super beauty nutrient as it helps make special proteins, called antioxidant enzymes, which play a role in the body's antioxidant defence. Other great sources include crimini mushrooms, almonds and shrimps. (Selenium is found in all our products).
BROCCOLI & ASPARAGUS
Both are super rich in most anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories, but Glutathione is key one of note. It is also one of the best sources of Vitamin K and high in Vitamin C. Diets rich in asparagus have been shown to have beneficial effects on cancer patients.
CELERY
An anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant power house with proven abilities to reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure. Additionally the seeds have their own benefits in helping lower inflammation and acting as an anti-bacterial. However, one of its key benefits is it’s high potassium content. A good balance of sodium and potassium rich foods is important as both are needed to draw in and flush out toxins (a build of which leads to inflammation). Sodium high foods (most processed foods) draw in fluid and nutrients into the cells, but need Potassium rich foods to then flush out the resulting toxins. When Sodium levels are high (most Western diets), inflammation can occur.
CINNAMON
Without doubt cinnamon is the new turmeric. In a recent study it was found to be the most potent anti-oxidant of all the traditional spices. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16190627), with an ORAC score raking it 7th of all herbs and spices, a potent anti-inflammatory and shown to help control diabetes and boost heart and brain health.
CITRUS FRUITS
Contain the potent ingredient limonene, associated with a 34 percent lower risk of skin cancer in one University of Arizona study of 470 women and men. Home-made lemonade will not only provide this important ingredient, but will also help alkalise the body.
DARK CHOCOLATE
It’s no news that dark chocolate is rich in anti-oxidants but the Flavanoids found in dark chocolate may improve the skin’s ability to protect against some types of skin damage, including UV-induced issues like sun burns. Not only that, flavonoids can help keep skin hydrated, increase oxygen saturation and boost blood circulation. What better than a dark chocolate & avocado mousse?
GREEN TEA
Full of antioxidants called EGCGs. Among their health-promoting capabilities: EGCGs stopped genetic damage in human skin cells exposed to UV light in one University of Wisconsin study.
PINEAPPLE
Pineapple is rich in digestive enzyme Bromelain, which is why it is used in skincare as a topical exfoliant. Bromelain, not only regulates the immune response helping to prevent inflammation, but can prevent blood platelets sticking together reducing the risk of strokes or heart attacks. It is also high in Vitamin C, B1, Potassium and Manganese. (Found in our Renaissance Mask, Renaissance Hand & Body Cream).
SALMON OR FISH EGGS
One of the key roles of Omega 3 is as an anti-inflammatory and fish eggs are one of the best natural sources of DHA & EPA, the best types of Omega 3. They in fact contain more Omega 3 than the fattiest of freshwater fish. However if these are not up your street, salmon is the next best thing. DHA has been clinically proven to be the most beneficial of the two, though EPA also has good heart benefits. Omega 3 can protect against the inflammatory effect of Omega 6, which is common in western diets from fried food. Salmon is also an excellent source of probably the most powerful of the anti-oxidants that we can consume, Astaxanthin. It is 1000 times more effective than Vitamin E, 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C and is what gives shell fish, salmon, and through the food chain to Flamingos, their bright red colour. (Astaxanthin from algae is found in our CityLife Range)
SPINACH
Full of carotenoids and vitamins, spinach can protect the skin from damage caused by ultra-violet radiation from the sun. Not only are they one of the best dietary sources of beta-carotene, they are also packed with lutein and zeaxanthin.
SWEET POTATO
My favourite vegetable as they make the most delicious chips - but importantly extremely high in beta-carotene, Vitamin C and are also thought to promote the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, our skin’s natural hydrator that keeps our skin plump and youthful.
TURMERIC - one of life’s wonder spices and a phenomenal anti-inflammatory. It has a mild flavour and therefore can be added to almost everything. I drink it with warm water and lemon juice in the morning. Chilli is another great anti-inflammatory. Heat and UV rays cause inflammation which is the biggest cause of skin damage. Laboratory studies suggest that turmeric can help protect the epidermal skin cells from the damage caused by ultraviolet B radiation (UB radiation). (Found in our Restoration Oil)
TOMATO PASTE
Full of all important Lycopene - a potent anti-oxidant which will protect from free-radicals stimulated by UV. Lycopene from processed tomato products (such as tomato paste, tomato juice, and even ketchup) appears to be more bioavailable than that from raw tomatoes, the yeast in the skin of which can also cause inflammation in some people. Studies have shown that just 3 teaspoons of tomato paste can help protection against UV damage, so reach for that homemade Bloody Mary. Further, Lycopene is better absorbed by the body in the presence of beta-carotene, the other great anti-oxidant. Coincidentally, tomatoes also contain beta-carotene. In addition to lycopene and beta-carotene, tomatoes contain Vitamin C, another super anti-oxidant. As a rule of thumb, always reach for the darkest or brightest red foods and you will consume a whole host of anti-oxidants - watermelon, papaya and red peppers are my other all time favourites - and whizzed up they make a great Summer Skin smoothie.
WATERMELON
The body absorbs water from fruit and vegetables far better than drinking water. Dehydrated skin from sun exposure is a real concern and can lead to peeling. Stock up on thirst quenching fruits that are rich in electrolytes and micro nutrients - and it doesn’t get any better than watermelon, which is also brimming with the all important Lycopene, and unlike tomatoes it doesn’t have to be cooked to get the maximum benefits. Watermelon actually contains 40% more Lycopene than raw tomatoes. These luscious pink globes are also rich in choline, which reduces inflammation (sun burn) and Vitamin C (1 cup of watermelon flesh provides 24.3% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C and 11.1% of Vitamin A), both of which are also needed for healthy collagen production. But what we love even more is that due to its higher water content and low calorie content (a whole cup of watermelon contains a mere 48 calories), it delivers more nutrients per calorie than almost any other fruit - an unbeatable health benefit for our bikini days!
Last Updated: 9 November 2020 09:51
3 RULES FOR PERFECT SUMMER SKIN & BODY
25 May 2018 17:26
Posted in: Skin Health
After hibernating all winter wrapped up in layers and blasting dehydrating central heating, switching to our summer clothes can be daunting. Among other things (guilty of skipping on gym when it's too dark and cold!) we tend to neglect the skin on our bodies during the colder months. Don't worry, we’ve rounded up key tips to help get your skin looking its healthy glowing best, so you can flaunt your gorgeous summer dresses confidently!
1. EXFOLIATE REGULARLY
Our skin sheds cells every minute of every day - which results in dull, dry looking skin, particularly sun exposed skin as it dehydrates quickly. However much moisturiser you apply our skin will never look glowing without removing these dead skin cells. Rejuvenation treatments, such as exfoliations and nurturing masks, restore the skin’s health and balance. To ensure a healthy glow for the summer months be sure to exfoliate 1–2 times a week. OSKIA’s Micro-Exfoliating Balm contains the finest silica and MSM granules, which dissolve on contact with water forming an anti-inflammatory milk to buff away tired cells and stimulate regeneration. As a creamy, nutrient-rich balm that will leave skin feeling super, super soft and smooth.
2. BODY CREAMS WITH ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS
After exfoliating and buffing away dead skin cells your skin is perfectly prepped for a surge of hydration, which will add luminosity to your skin and improve overall skin tone. We recommend using a body cream that contains AHA’s like our Renaissance Hand & Body Cream. Deliciously scented with Rose and Camomile, it contains gently exfoliating natural AHA’s from Lemon, Grape and Pineapple that benefit all ageing concerns whilst removing dull, dry skin cells.
3. FOCUS ON TARGETING PROBLEM AREAS
Keratosis Pilaris
If you suffer from Keratosis Pilaris (those annoying little red bumps on the back of your upper arms) then it’s likely you’ll want to rid these before exposing bare arms this summer. Whilst there is no definitive cure for this condition (unfortunately it's a very common genetic follicular condition which causes an excess of Keratin production that accumulates within the hair follicles forming numerous tiny rough bumps on the skin and commonly found in people with very dry skin and/or a vitamin A deficiency), daily exfoliating or using a good natural body brush and moisturising with a vitamin and AHA rich cream, such as our Renaissance Hand & Body Cream, can definitely ease these bumps while smoothing and brightening the skin on your arms.
Sporadic Body Acne
Just as people struggle with acne on their face, many people also battle acne on other areas of the body - such as their chest and back. You should treat these areas just as you would treat a breakout on your face, do not pick or squeeze and make sure to exfoliate. Try avoiding body and facial scrubs with coarse granules as they can scratch delicate, sun exposed skin. We recommend our Renaissance Mask for breakout prone skin. It deeply cleanses, reduces blockages and spot formation, whilst boosting skin radiance and luminosity.
Ingrown Hair
If you wax or shave you will be well aware of the bane of ingrown hairs. Ingrown hair are usually hairs that have grown out of the skin, curled back round and re-entered the skin, they can occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells, forcing the hair to grow sideways. Our Renaissance Hand and Body Lotion is the perfect remedy as it will aid the skin's natural exfoliation process to keep those pesky ingrown hairs at bay.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:10
How to choose the right cleanser for you.
19 April 2018 15:52
Posted in: Skin Health, Product Focus
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In a market flooded with different products, it can sometimes seem daunting finding the right one to suit your skin and treat its needs. Proper cleansing is paramount for a clear, glowing complexion. Not only does it remove oil, bad bacteria, makeup and dead skin, it also creates a blank canvas for your serums, moisturisers and oils to help them penetrate deeper into the epidermis and increasing their efficacy. Not cleansing effectively leads to dullness, breakouts and possibly dehydration. It’s no wonder cleansing is the first and usually the most important step in your routine. Ideally, we recommend cleansing twice a day. Double cleansing at night is vital to remove the upper layer of makeup, dead skin cells and grime, allowing a second cleanse to give a far deeper clean, unclogging your pores and clearing your complexion. Just as it is important to cleanse at night, so is cleansing in the morning. At night our skin regenerates and detoxifies, releasing toxins from our pores which then need to be washed away in the morning.
ACNE PRONE SKINS/ OILY SKIN
If your skin is prone to breaking out you want a cleanser that helps to fight excess oil, without completely stripping your skin of oil which will lead to your skin producing excess sebum to compensate. A formula that balances your skin’s natural PH will help slow the growth of bacteria, containing oil dissolving AHA and niacinamide. Try our CityLife cleanser it leaves skin pollutant and makeup free, fresh, calm and pH balanced. It contains Willow Bark Extract (natural Salicylic Acid) & Phytic Acid, which gently exfoliate to rid dead cells and clear pores, whilst Eucalyptus and Lavender are both tremendously healing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
SENSETIVE SKINS
For those with sensitive skin, or skin conditions such a rosacea, you need a balm cleanser that will effectively remove all dirt and grime and condition your skin without stripping it of its natural lipid barrier or acid mantel. Just as with acneic skin, it is also important with sensitive skin not to upset your skin’s natural PH. Use PH appropriate products, within 1pH difference to the skin’s natural level (4.4-6ph), as disrupting your skin’s PH can lead to dry or irritated skin. Our Perfect Cleanser is a nourishing cleansing balm, rich in youth-boosting vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, essential fatty acids and natural emollients to deeply cleanse, decongest, soothe and restore moisture levels. A bio-available Zinc-Glycine Mineral Complex purifies, supports healing, soothes irritation and reduces redness.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin is exactly what it says on the tin: you have both dry and oily sections or patches, or your skin can simply change during the month and seasons! This means you need a cleanser to treat both skin types and restore balance. A gel cleanser is perfect for combination skin. It is the new generation of non-foaming cleanser, and somewhat a hybrid, gentle enough to treat dry skin, but effective enough to remove excess oil and take the day off from your skin. Our best-selling Renaissance Cleanser contains Lactobacillus/Cucurbita Pepo Ferment Extract (Fermented Pumpkin Enzymes) to deeply cleanse pores and thoroughly remove dull skin cells without irritation for a brighter, balanced complexion and even skin tone.
DRY SKIN
Much like sensitive skin, dry skin needs to be treated just as gently when it come to cleansers. Stay clear of foaming cleansers and instead opt for cleansers with a richer texture: think oilier balms and gels. They will slick away the grime of day, but also nourish your skin before you start applying your serums and moistures. Our Perfect Cleanser and Renaissance Cleansing Gel are both perfect textures for you, they rid your skin of makeup and deeply cleanse as well as thoroughly removing dead skin cells without irritation for a healthy, comfortable and balanced complexion. You can switch between the two depending on seasons, morning and evening or even double cleanse if feeling your skin needs that bit of extra TLC.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:12
Ingredient Focus: Avocado Oil
2 March 2018 11:37
Posted in: Ingredient Focus, Skin Health
Avocados, also called the Crocodile Fruit, have been smashed, pureed and frozen all in the quest to steal their amazing health and beauty boosting qualities. OSKIA founder Georgie Cleeve eats one a day, with plenty of chilli and lime, for exactly this reason.
Avocado Oil is also becoming recognized as an amazing skincare ingredient, bursting with over 20 nutrients (including Niacin, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Potassium) but most importantly Chlorophyll and over 70% Oleic Acid (Omega 9), which is highly nourishing and a great anti-inflammatory to help soothe and heal.
Find it, cold-pressed, in our new Cupid’s Bow Lip Balm - a rich, soothing and nourishing lip balm containing anti-ageing Vitamin A and shimmer-release pigments to provide a little gloss and highlight.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:13
Georgie's 2018 Nutritional Resolutions
26 January 2018 15:16
Posted in: Founders, Skin Health
We all know that good intentions start on the 1st of January but peter out by the 21st, so to ensure you end 2018 as you started, make sure to choose resolutions that will really make a difference but without the effort.
I have never counted calories, but I do count nutrients. For me it is always about what you are not eating rather than eating that counts. It doesn’t matter if you eat a pizza if you know you are eating all the right nutrients.
These are a few of my nutritional tips which are easy as pie to include in your daily diet.
1. Look after your gut and it will look after you. The Gut and its biome has probably been one of the most talked about topics of 2017. However, it’s something that having grown up surrounded by the most wonderful and weirdest doctors and scientists, including one of the world leaders in gut bacteria, is something that’s second nature to me. Unfortunately taking a probiotic doesn’t really cut the mustard as the majority of the bacteria are dead by the time they reach the gut. The best way to love your gut is to introduce fermented foods. Which takes me on to my second top tip - and a delicious one for the sweet toothed amongst us…
2. Ama-Koji - a fermented sugar alternative. Naturally we all have a sweet tooth and we all love cakes, so don’t give up chocolate or cakes and make life a misery (you will fail) but cook with Ama-Koji instead. It’s a koji fermented rice extract, very popular in Japan, that has a very sweet taste but also the brilliant benefits of fermented foods. I use it to both cook with and add to my morning coffee.
3. Add Adaptogens to your diet. We sadly live in a very fast paced and stressful life, a life where no one at any time really can switch off (thanks, Internet!). The more disconnected-time of our parent’s off-line generation is at an end. Personally, I can’t bare this, and rather wish someone would ‘break’ the Internet for good, but as no one will, and there is no sign of things changing, we need to find ways to help our bodies and minds slow down. Stress is the one of the biggest causes of illness, mental problems, and skin damage by causing cortisone spikes. Adaptogens regulate the body’s stress hormones and include Ashwaganda, Astragalus, Ginseng, Liquorice root, Holy basil, some mushrooms such as Chaga and Rhodiola.
4. Forget Lemon - Yuzu is what you want. More Vitamin C than Lemons, but basically rather the same, swap your Lemon and hot water in the mornings for this.
5. Add a little spice in your life…Turmeric tea isn’t that tasty - let’s be honest - but pop a teaspoon into a curry (or sweet potato soup) and it’s delicious and you will benefit from the wonderful anti-inflammatories it’s famous for (one of the reasons we use it in our gorgeous Restoration Oil).
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:13
HOW DOES POLLUTION AFFECT THE SKIN?
19 January 2018 18:07
Posted in: Skin Health
City life, fun though it is, exposes us constantly to particularly high levels of air pollution. This starts from the moment we wake, taking in our daily commute, exercising or just enjoying a coffee outside, through to less obvious sources such as air conditioning, office life, even cooking and cleaning, meaning our skin is constantly exposed to the damage caused by indoor and outdoor pollution.
Pollution is also common in the countryside, especially in areas where large-scale manufacturing or farming might be taking place.
The average home or office contains 60,000 different chemicals.
The effects of toxic fumes on skin are being seen in western cities, such as London, Paris & New York, as well as in more visibly polluted Asian cities. In many cases it may be the primary cause of ageing or significantly contributing to more pronounced visible signs. Pollution is also being linked to worsening skin conditions such as eczema and hives. The 2017 American Lung Association’s annual 'State of the Air' report revealed that nearly 40% of people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.
The mixture of Particulate Matter (PM), Ozone, Heavy Metals, VOC'S and Free Radicals can cause major damage to our skin. Free radicals, caused by pollution, attack the cells and the skin’s own anti-oxidants. PM and heavy metals can both cause problems on the surface of the skin or penetrate through the pores leading to deeper cellular damage.
• CELLULAR AND DNA DAMAGE
• BREAKDOWN OF COLLAGEN
• INCREASED FINE LINES
• LOSS OF ELASTICITY & LACK-LUSTRE
• BREAKDOWN OF THE LIPID BARRIER
• ABNORMAL SENSITIVITY
• INCREASED INFLAMMATION
• HYPER-PIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTS
To start protecting your skin from the effects of pollution and minimise the signs of ageing you don’t need to completely change your routine but you need more than a simple anti-oxidant. Our CITYLIFE range is designed to complement your favourite products and it can be used alongside your existing routine. The CITYLIFE Booster is clinically-proven to protect your skin against:
98% of PM (Particulate Matter) and
Up to 97.7% of free-radical activity. *†
It also protects against ozone & heavy metals found in city pollution & cigarette smoke, including nickel & iron. Our NEW CityLife Detox Mask not only contains anti-oxidant and anti-pollution ingredients but is incredibly soothing, calming and perfect for city-stressed or inflamed skins.
*Independent clinical trials 2017.
Last Updated: 19 January 2018 18:08
NEW LAUNCH: Introducing CityLife Detox Mask
16 January 2018 17:58
Posted in: News, Product Focus, Skin Health
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
The Morning After
17 December 2017 09:31
Posted in: Skin Health, Product Focus
Sleeping in your makeup isn’t actually the worst thing you can do if it’s only once in a while. You’re simply missing out on the goodness your night time products provide and extra hydration loss. Rather it’s the lack of sleep, not your makeup, that causes you to look less than perfect the next day. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the magic chemical that is manufactured in your brain while you sleep and distributed around the body and provides the energy for all cellular functions all over your body, including the all important nocturnal skin cell regeneration. Think of it is as the battery power of your cells. Fewer hours of sleep simply results in less ATP being made, which results in less cellular activity, less respiration and less cell energy. It is true that lack of sleep is one of the biggest causes of skin ageing.
Treat your skin to a little TLC with these quick tips.
1. Extra Hydration. Your skin naturally loses moisture at night and alcohol’s dehydrating effect magnified that lack of moisture, so double cleanse with an oil or balm cleaner. Your first cleanse is to remove your makeup, and the second to gently cleanse the skin. To perk up the complexion, mix a little physical exfoliator into your cleanser, such as our Micro-Exfoliating Balm, or choose a cleanser with added exfoliants to brighten skin. (Photo - The pumpkin enzymes in our Renaissance Cleanser will gently dissolve the dead skin cells and intercellular glue that binds them together to reveal fresh cells and a more radiant, smoother complexion.)
2. Top tip from the catwalk Grab an ice cube from the freezer and gently massage over your entire face, including the eye area, to tone, tighten and boost circulation to bring fresh nutrients to your tired skin.
3. Cheat your skin into thinking it’s had a good night’s sleep by using a product that boosts ATP such as Get Up & Glow, which contains D-Ribose, a pentose that occurs in all living cells and obtained from the humble corn on the cob - not the most glam of vegetables but one that instantly increases cellular respiration and ATP synthesis by 37%, as well as reducing fine lines by 30% (after 28 days if used daily). (Photo - GUG - This Hyaluronic Acid based serum also contains micro light reflectors to enliven skin and help mask imperfections as well as peptides and vitamins to brighten.)
4. Gleam - Apply a good facial oil. Not only will it instantly rehydrate partied-out skin, boost your vital lipid barrier and repair your Acid Mantle to protect, but give your skin an instant healthy-looking gleam. (Photo - RO - Restoration Oil is light enough to be used over the entire eye area to give extra hydration and protection and makes a fantastic primer.)
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:13
What is your Acid Mantle & why does pH Matter?
12 December 2017 19:55
Posted in: Skin Health
The acid mantle is a very fine and very vital film on the surface of your outermost layer (stratum corneum) on top of the outer layer (epidermis) of your skin. It is slightly acidic (ranging from 4.4-6 pH) and your body’s first layer of defence against bacteria, viruses and harmful foreign bodies. It also prevents cellular water loss and keeps your skin soft, elastic and supple.
It is made up of sebum secreted from your sebaceous glands, sweat from your pores, flat dead skin cells knitted together, lactic acid, urocanic acid, fatty acids and pyrrolidine carboxylic acid. It is designed to keep bad things out and good things in.
The bad news
However, this delicate layer can be easily and very commonly damaged and stripped leaving the skin open to infection and bacteria which damage our health, but also our visual complexion. If you have ever experienced a tight feeling after cleansing, for example, your acid mantle has been stripped.
What can damage it
Over cleansing, regular use of acids/peels, extreme heat & cold, sun, air conditioning, pollution, free-radicals, skincare ingredients, such as SLS’s.
How to love your acid mantle
The good news is that the skin’s pH can naturally right itself within about 30 minutes - the body really is amazing. However, the damage that is done can take weeks to repair.
1. Use pH appropriate products, within 1pH difference to the skin natural level. Higher (alkaline) pH products, such as soap, dilate follicles (swelling them), which increases the permeability of skin making it more vulnerable to microorganisms and irritants.
2. Do not over cleanse or exfoliate. Cleansing is an important part of all our skin care routines to remove makeup and grime and keep pores nice and clear. However, over cleansing can strip away this important layer. Additionally over exfoliation will also remove this layer.
3. Be careful with chemical exfoliators and peels. Not all acids are made equal and some are stronger than others. All acids alter the skin’s natural pH allowing exfoliation to occur, however they can also change the skin’s pH making it inhospitable to the skin’s vital flora and therefore open to the colonisation of harmful bacteria. A strong peel should always be followed by an 'buffer' to return the skin to its normal pH immediately.
4. Choose ingredients wisely. Keep away from soap - face and body - which is alkaline and SLS’s.
5. If you have dry or sensitive skin, regularly replenish your skin’s natural barrier with plant oils. Like acids, not all oils are equal so it’s important to choose an oil with the correct omega ratios to suit your skin type.
Last Updated: 1 January 2018 19:57
Sensitive Skin Soothers
5 May 2017 19:13
Posted in: Skin Health, Product Focus
For those suffering from hay fever, warmer weather often signals months of sneezing, runny noses and streaming eyes. One of the most common allergies, hay fever is caused by an irritation to pollen, a yellow-coloured powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds.
Any of these symptoms sound familiar? If so, our founder Georgie Cleeve is on hand to help! Read on for a few easy tricks to help soothe the pesky symptoms so many of us are suffering from.
Check the ingredients
When it comes to your skincare routine, try and look out for ingredients with anti-inflammatory qualities.
Butterbur
Derived from the root of the Butterbur shrub which grows in Europe, Asia and parts of North America. Butterbur is a known anti-histamine that has long been used to soothe irritated skin.
Find it in our Get Up & Glow serum and Renaissance Mask.
Rose Water
Our Eye Wonder serum has a soothing rose water base, and is jam-packed with nutrients and peptides to help hydrate and strengthen the delicate eye area. Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness of irritated skin. It also helps tighten capillaries and reduce red blotches.
Pure MSM
Sulphur is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the human body and is known both as the ‘beauty mineral’ and the ‘healing mineral’ for its ability to support collagen production, promote circulation and decrease inflammation. Although not widely known, sulphur preparations have been used since the time of Hippocrates - the father of modern medicine - to beautify the skin and treat a variety of skin conditions..
Treat your eyes
Sometimes just applying some light pressure to the eye area can really help reduce irritation.
We recommend our tailored Magic Eye Massage Routine to not only de-puff and refresh the eye area but also help to relieve itchy eyes. Using ring fingers and just one pump of Eye Wonder, follow the steps below:
1) Imagine you are typing quickly on a keyboard. Use this tapping movement around the eyes, temples and on the forehead for 10 seconds
2) Place your ring finger on the first pressure point
3) Move to arch of the eyebrow, apply pressure to the second point
4) From here move in between the eye brows to the 3rd point
5) With very light pressure, circle the eye area 3 times from inner to outer eyebrow, underneath the eye and up the bridge of the nose, with your fingers meeting again in between the eyebrows .
6) On the last circle, apply pressure at point 4, pushing upwards towards the ceiling.
7) For point 5, apply the pressure inwards, towards to nose.
8) Applying a little more pressure, lift and slide towards the temples, lifting the eyebrow, gently circle under the eyes three times.
9) On the last circle of the eye socket, stop at the outer corner of the eye and apply pressure to pressure point 7
10) Now, using your index and middle finger, use static circular movements to the temples three times
11) Swap back to your ring finger applying pressure point movements to point 8.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:16
Skincare Tips for Spring
30 March 2017 16:48
Posted in: Skin Health, Product Focus
Spring is officially here! As the weather changes, the flowers start to bloom and the days get longer, it’s time to give your skincare routine a much needed spring-clean. We’re outlining a few of our top tips to ensure your complexion is rejuvenated, glowing and ready to face the warmer seasons ahead.
1) Opt for lighter textures.
During the warmer months, our skin doesn’t require as intense moisture so it’s time to replace heavy balms with lighter, glow-boosting formulas. We recommend keeping things simple with light-weight products such as the Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Nutri-Active Day Cream and Get Up & Glow.
2) Supplements.
After a long, cold winter, our skin is often feeling dry, dull and flaky by the time the spring months roll around. If supplements are not currently part of your daily routine, we strongly recommend our Pure MSM Supplements to boost overall skin condition, increase healthy collagen production, help to detox the skin cells and maintain a youthful complexion. Take 1 - 2 supplements per day, before meals.
3) Exfoliation.
Slough off dull winter skin to reveal a glowing complexion by exfoliating once a week. Regular exfoliation helps to deeply cleanse and unblock pores and also allows your products to be absorbed more effectively. Our creamy Micro Exfoliating Balm cleanses, exfoliates and nourishes in one go whilst feeding the skin’s lipid barrier to leave skin soft, healthy and younger-looking.
4) Don’t forget about your décolletage!
As the weather heats up, we tend to start revealing a little more skin with summery tops and spring dresses. We recommend treating your décolletage as an extension of your face and applying each of your products all the way down to your chest. This will help to repair the signs of ageing and keep skin smooth, plumped and spring-ready.
5) Nourish from the inside.
Make the most of the delicious spring vegetables which contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamin K, iron, and phytonutrients which work to keep skin healthy from the inside. Look out for nutritious foods like asparagus, kale, artichokes, blueberries and avocados to keep skin happy.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:17
5 Ways Sleep Affects our Skin and Body
14 March 2017 15:05
Posted in: Skin Health
Sleep gives us energy, makes us feel more alive and is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. But what actually happens to our skin when we sleep, and why is it a good night’s rest so important to keep skin looking younger, healthier and more radiant? Ahead of World Sleep Day, we’re uncovering the truth behind beauty sleep…
We’ve all been there after a poor night’s sleep – skin feels dry and dull, eyes are puffy, you feel lethargic and lack concentration. It’s simple: while we sleep, our body is busy working hard to renew and repair itself. Experts recommend getting between 7-9 hours of sleep per night and when we don’t get enough, not only does our skin health suffer but so does our overall health. Here are 5 ways lack of sleep impacts our skin and body:
Increased cortisol levels.
When we don’t get enough sleep, the body perceives this as a type of stress. This results in increased cortisol levels in the body which inhibits collagen production, leading to skin ageing and also increases inflammation in the body. Excess cortisol has a negative effect on the immune system and blood sugar levels and also causes blood vessels to constrict; reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients the skin receives, leaving it dull and sallow.
Puffy eyes and dark circles.
Dark circles and puffy eyes are one of the most common tell-tale signs of too little sleep. Dark circles often occur when blood isn’t flowing well, which happens when you’re low on sleep, meaning blood collects under eyes and becomes more visible since the skin there is so thin. To avoid these symptoms, (in addition to plenty of rest), it is vital to stay hydrated and we also recommend sleeping with an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated, encouraging lymphatic drainage and minimising puffiness come morning. Try our Eye Wonder serum which contains plant bio-actives which visibly brighten dark circles, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase radiance, reduce puffiness and protect DNA.
Accelerated ageing process.
During deep sleep phases, growth hormones are released which helps to repair damaged cells. When we miss out on vital sleep, our skin cells are unable to repair and regenerate. This accelerates the ageing process and leads to visible fine lines and wrinkles. To tackle the signs of ageing and boost collagen production, try our Super 16 serum which works to visibly plump the complexion for healthier, younger-looking skin.
Dull, lacklustre skin.
Little sleep depletes the body’s energy reserve which takes its toll on your complexion and leaves it looking dull and lacklustre. Many of us are also guilty of looking at a glowing screen – phones, tablets and laptops every evening before switching off for the night. Even if you dim the brightness on your device, you're still being exposed to blue daylight spectrum light which stimulates your system because your circadian rhythm is right behind your eyes, keeping you awake. We recommend avoiding technology for at least 90 minutes before going to bed to ensure a good night’s sleep and a glowing complexion.
After a poor night’s sleep, look out for energising skincare products such as our anti-fatigue Get Up & Glow. This lightweight serum increases cell consumption and boosts cell ATP energy to brighten and enliven skin. Apply a few drops underneath moisturiser for an unbeatable anti-ageing and health boosting effect, or pat the serum over makeup to perk up and brighten skin.
Unhealthy body, skin and brain function.
Sleep is food for our body, skin and brain. When we don’t get enough, we are unable to release toxins, maintain a healthy complexion, clear our minds and replace dead blood and brain cells. This can leave us less able to retain information, have difficulty making decisions and control our emotions and behaviour.
OSKIA’s Overnight beauty routine:
Your skin loses the most moisture at night, and blood flow is also more consistent, meaning this is the best time for your skin to benefit from the fantastic actives in your skincare products. Give skin a double cleanse to make sure your skin is free from impurities before applying your skincare products. Next, apply your choice of serum to tackle individual skincare concerns, and follow up with a slightly richer moisturiser and/or oil. Our Bedtime Beauty Boost is packed with anti-ageing ingredients, nutrients & floral extracts to provide skin with a supercharged overnight health & beauty boost. This luxurious cream helps to prevent the signs of premature ageing and give a softer, healthier-looking morning complexion.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:18
Is my skin Dry or Dehydrated?
21 February 2017 14:22
Posted in: Skin Health
One of the trickiest things when it comes to skincare is really knowing your skin type and therefore which selection of products you require in your daily routine to address your individual skin needs.
We’ve all heard of the many different skin types; combination, oily, dry, mature, pigmented and sensitive – the list goes on. But what about the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin? These skin conditions are all too easily confused, with many of us assuming that if we have dry skin, it is also dehydrated and vice versa. Read on to find out about more these two conditions which have very similar symptoms but very different underlying reasons…
Dry skin lacks oil.
Oil helps your skin to retain moisture so without it, your skin quickly becomes tight, rough and flaky. Dry skin is often genetic so therefore is a skin type and is characterised by small pores, therefore less sebum, which affects the acid mantel and natural barrier function. Signs of dry skin include rough patches and redness, skin that is easily irritated, dull skin that lacks radiance and flakiness. Dry skin often doesn’t absorb products as effectively, rarely suffers from acne/breakouts and is more susceptible to showing early signs of ageing. Dry skins lack the lipids necessary to maintain moisture levels and form a protective barrier against external influences. You can also help to combat dry skin through a nutrient-rich diet.
Nutrition Tip: Opt for foods such as salmon, herring, avocado, spinach, almonds and flax seeds to help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
Dehydrated skin lacks water.
And this is why those with oilier skin types or those who are prone to breakouts can also suffer from dehydrated skin. There are a vast number of external factors which can cause skin to become dehydrated including seasonal changes, not drinking enough water, harsh skincare products, central heating, lifestyle and too-hot showers. These all wreak havoc with our skin’s natural barrier, making it more difficult for our skin to retain vital moisture. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition rather than a skin type. Tell-tale signs are a tight feeling after cleansing, a sudden increase in skin sensitivity and skin that instantly drinks up moisturising products. Many also find that their makeup becomes patchy throughout the day – this is your skin absorbing all the water in your foundation.
Nutrition Tip: The skin is our largest organ, so along with the rest of our body requires sufficient hydration to work optimally. It is absolutely essential to drink at least 2 litres of water per day to help prevent dehydrated skin.
For those suffering from dry and dehydrated skin, it is important to quench parched skin with a selection of products with a richer texture, preferably containing ingredients such as omegas, oils (sweet almond oils, rosehip seed oils, starflower oils are all brilliant) to nourish and ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to rehydrate. Dry and dehydrated skins require more oils rich in oleic acid (Omega 9) than linoelic (Omega 6) and Omega 3. Steer clear of foaming cleansers, mineral oils, silicones, products with a low pH such as acid toners and synthetic fragrances which all strip the skin. Try our Perfect Cleanser, Renaissance 360, Restoration Oil, Micro Exfoliating Balm and Bedtime Beauty Boost.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:18
New Year, New Skin
10 January 2017 12:24
Posted in: Skin Health
A New Year often signifies a time to turn over a new leaf and the start of new beginnings. For the most of us, a healthier lifestyle, whether it be a new diet, taking up a new sport or cutting back on unhealthy habits is up there on our list of things to adopt this year. So, in the spirit of becoming the best possible version of yourself, what better time to focus on your skin. We’re sharing our 6 resolutions worth making to keep skin in tip top condition all year long…
Feed your skin from the inside
The skin is our largest organ and along with the rest of our body, it obtains vital nutritional elements from what we eat. A balanced diet is key - skin nutrition works best when applied from the inside and out. Whilst we give skin a helping hand with the topical products we apply, it is equally important to feed the skin with a nutrient-rich diet. Anti-oxidants, including vitamins and carotenoids are compounds that help to fight free-radicals and in turn slow down premature ageing. Foods rich in fibre and organic fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, beetroot, cabbage, spirulina and seaweed all work to get skin glowing and boost overall skin health. We also recommend fermented foods which are beneficial for the immune system and aid our natural detoxification process. Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Miso, Kambucha and Kefir are a rich source of vital nutrients such as Vitamins B, K2 and probiotics. The beneficial bacteria in these foods are highly potent detoxifiers, capable of drawing out a wide range of toxins.
Keep skin in exceptional condition by combining a healthy diet with supplements that are specifically targeted at boosting skin health. Our Pure MSM Supplements have fantastic collagen-boosting, anti-inflammatory and skin strengthening benefits whilst also improving hair and nail condition.
Never skip a cleanse!
Cleansing is arguably one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. It is important to cleanse skin every morning to remove any oils released over night and to prep skin for makeup application. In the evening, dedicate a few short minutes to cleansing your skin, no matter how tired you are! Your skin will thank you in the morning. We swear by a double cleanse every evening, firstly to remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities, and secondly to treat the skin.
Top tip: If you’re hitting the gym, make sure to cleanse your skin before and after your workout, especially if your skin is prone to breakouts. Also remember to keep your hands away from your face whilst you’re at the gym! We recommend our Renaissance Cleansing Gel to quickly and effectively cleanse your skin before and after your workout.
Keep your skincare routine consistent
Once you’ve got the perfect routine for your skin type all figured out, the next step is to keep things consistent. Whilst it’s always a good thing to swap to lighter/richer textures to keep your skin happy when the seasons change, remember that big changes don’t happen overnight. Many products take time to show visible results, and this really is a golden rule to keep skin healthy and radiant.
Apply SPF
Even though the sun isn’t shining as bright at this time of year, we still need to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays which still penetrate throughout the winter, even on the cloudiest days. Sun damage is one of the main triggers of premature ageing, which is much easier to prevent than it is to fix it later on. Did you know that sun damage can take many years to manifest itself? Sun damage not only ages the skin but leaves it lacklustre, dry, prone to wrinkles, and pigmented. During winter you could use a low-level SPF, our Renaissance 360 contains SPF8 combined with some of the best bio-available actives and nutrients to combat the effects of ageing, lifestyle and the environment. In spring, summer and when travelling to a sunny destination a high SPF is not only a must but it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours to keep skin protected.
Don’t forget about your neck and chest!
Hands up who’s skincare routine stops at the chin? Thinner skin in the neck and chest area means it is more susceptible to premature ageing without you realising. We recommend treating your décolletage as an extension of your face and applying each of your products, be it cleanser, SPF, serum or moisturiser all the way down to your chest.
Me-time
Set aside 15 minutes every week to pamper yourself. We like to spend this time with our Renaissance Mask to rejuvenate the skin, unclog pores and gently exfoliate whilst undoing the week’s stresses. We also recommend booking yourself in for a facial once a month. Your therapist is a skincare expert, offering personalised advice on your skin and your routine. Regular facials not only keep the skin healthy and younger-looking, but also help to rebalance the mind, body and soul. Find out more about our bespoke spa treatments.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:18
OSKIA'S PRETOX PLAN
14 December 2016 12:40
Posted in: Skin Health
Make your detox that little bit easier come January, or simply help your body prepare for the occasional overindulgence and late nights that tend to go hand in hand with the holiday season by opting for a pretox. There’s no time like the present to start a pretox so that you sail through the festive season looking and feeling your absolute best. Just make sure you read this first…
Eat clean. Up your 5 a day intake to feed your body with those vital vitamins and minerals, boost your immune system and keep skin looking radiant. Opt for plenty of green veggies and omega-rich foods such as salmon, walnuts and spinach. Foods like asparagus and artichoke hearts are also particularly good for supporting healthy liver function to prepare your body if you’ll be indulging in a few Christmas cocktails.
Stay hydrated. Hydration is not only key for good overall health but also for keeping your complexion supple, healthy and glowing. Make sure to drink at least 2 litres per day and try to avoid caffeinated drinks. We also recommend starting the day with a cup of hot water & lemon to help alkalise the body and neutralise acids caused by alcohol and unhealthy food.
Our Restoration Oil is brilliant for hydrating parched complexions and protecting against the chilly winter weather. It contains a gorgeous blend of plant oils and flower extracts to restore, rejuvenate and replenish.
Get plenty of sleep. Late nights topped off with a few too many drinks not only zaps energy levels and leaves you feeling lethargic the morning after but can also leave your complexion dull and dehydrated. The majority of cell turnover and skin regeneration happens while we sleep, so aim for at least 8 hours a night to give your body much needed time to recuperate and ensure you awake feeling rested and energised.
Our anti-fatigue Get Up & Glow Serum works to boost cell ATP energy to brighten and enliven skin for a refreshed, youthful glow.
Allow time for your skincare routine, and also make sure you remove all your makeup every night, regardless of what time you make it home and how early your alarm is set for the next morning. The skin is our largest organ and requires at the very least a basic routine including a cleanser, serum and moisturiser twice a day. Add in an exfoliator to shed dead skin cells plus a brightening mask once a week and you’re all set!
Try our Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Super 16 and Renaissance 360 trio for brighter, younger-looking skin. Once a week, treat skin to our youth-boosting Micro Exfoliating Balm and/or radiance-boosting, resurfacing Renaissance Mask.
Last but not least, exercise. Nothing clears your head like a brisk walk or a jog in the park. Experts suggest a minimum of 30 minutes exercise per day to get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing whilst working off the calorie-laden cocktails or wine you may have indulged on the night before.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:19
OSKIA's Skincare Plan for Autumn
12 October 2016 16:29
Posted in: Skin Health
Wardrobe and skincare routine overhauls are up there on our list of favourite things to do between seasons! The same way we add layers to our outfits as the temperatures drop, it's also important to add layers to our skincare routines to provide skin with extra hydration. Switching to richer textures and more nourishing ingredients whilst re-introducing additional steps we may have overlooked throughout the summer are all essential to protect skin against the elements. Now that autumn has well and truly begun, here are some basics to get you started.
BRING ON THE BALMS
First up, cleansers. One of the most crucial steps in your routine, autumn is the perfect time to introduce a richer, more nourishing cleanser that works to revive dehydrated complexions and protect against the elements. Our Perfect Cleanser, rich in soothing vitamins and prebiotics is our current go-to. It works to hydrate, decongest and replenish the lipid barrier whilst cleansing and lifting away impurities.
Top Tip: Give your skin an illuminating boost with our Renaissance Cleansing Gel in the morning to refresh and plump the compexion before for makeup application. Switch up your evening cleanse with our Perfect Cleanser to deeply nourish, pamper and protect.
BRIGHTEN & REVITALISE
During the hot summer months our skin gets over-exposed to sun, pollution, high-level SPFs, insect repellents and more! The colder months are the best time to renew and revitalise our complexion after the harsh effects of summer. Keep an eye out for pigmentation-busting ingredients such as Vitamin C, Arbutin and Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes, which work to brighten and even the complexion whilst slowing down the process of melanin production. Click here to learn more.
DON’T SKIP STEPS
Our skin tends to become drier during the colder months, meaning a hydrating moisturiser is key. If you’ve been inconsistent with your moisturising habits, it's time to add a hydrating moisturiser into your routine both morning and evening. Our Bedtime Beauty Boost is wonderfully nourishing yet lightweight. Containing a host of vitamins and nutrients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Omegas 3, 6 & 9, MSM and Swiss Apple Stem Cells, this moisturiser leaves the skin silky smooth and visibly younger-looking. If your skin is feeling extra dry, try using this in the morning too.
ADD EXTRA HYDRATION
Treating the skin to an added hydration booster such as our Restoration Oil is a brilliant skincare addition to keep moisture levels topped up. This beautifully scented oil is light in texture but packed full of nourishing oils and flower extracts to heal, hydrate and replenish your complexion throughout the autumn and winter seasons. This highly versatile oil can be used on its own in place of your usual moisturiser (we love it to prime skin before makeup application!). A few drops can be mixed in with your moisturiser or you could opt for massaging a few drops into skin as the last step in your routine to really seal in hydration.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:21
Post-Summer Skin Rehab: 4 Steps Back to Healthy Skin
9 September 2016 16:19
Posted in: Skin Health
As the weather starts to change from sultry summer to the crisp days of autumn, it’s time to treat your post-holiday, sun-stressed skin with a little TLC.
The sun can be detrimental to skin health in a variety of ways. Excess sun exposure causes a number of conditions ranging from sunburn, unwanted pigmentation or unpleasant breakouts thanks to hotter, more humid weather combined with layers of sun cream that can result in blocked pores, not to mention far more serious long term risks.
Read on to find out how we recommend treating post-summer skin for a healthy, stronger, more balanced complexion ready to face the winter months.
DIET. Along with the rest of our body, our skin obtains vital nutritional elements from what we eat, so a good diet is key. Skin nutrition works best when applied from the inside and out, and whilst we give skin a helping hand with the topical products we apply, it is equally important to feed the skin with a nutrient-rich diet. At this time of year, we recommend upping your intake of antioxidants which are great for helping the skin to repair itself from the inside. Try introducing deliciously nutritious antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, nuts, spinach, tomatoes, kale and sweet potatoes into your daily meals.
SKINCARE ROUTINE. Keep an eye out for pigmentation-busting ingredients such as Vitamin C, Arbutin and Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes, which work to brighten and even the complexion whilst slowing down the process of melanin production. Try our Renaissance BrightLight, packed full of 13 brightening actives to visibly tackle pigmentation and sun spots, brighten and soothe.
SPF. Even though the sun isn’t shining as bright, we still need to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays which still penetrate even on the cloudiest days. Sun damage is one of the main triggers of premature ageing, leaving skin lacklustre, dry, prone to wrinkles, and pigmented. And it’s vital to remember that sun-damage can take many years to manifest itself, so the best advice is to take a really cautious approach. As winter approaches our skin becomes naturally paler, meaning it is more susceptible to sun burn and sun damage. SPF should be an essential in your beauty bag all year long and a low level SPF 8 found in day creams such as our Renaissance 360 is a perfect option. Make sure to reapply every 2 hours to stay protected.
REHYDRATE. Sun-parched skin often feels dry, tight and sensitive so it is an absolute must to keep hydration levels topped up. Our Renaissance 360 is a multi-tasking day cream which not only protects but deeply nourishes the skin whilst also tackling pigmentation and sun spots, and fighting the signs of ageing.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:23
The Importance of Exfoliation
4 August 2016 16:54
Posted in: Skin Health
Exfoliation is known to be an equally important step in our skincare routines as cleansing, applying a serum and moisturising, but what exactly is exfoliation and how does it benefit our skin? Here’s all you need to know…
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead, dull skin cells from the skin’s surface. You may choose to use a physical exfoliator, containing small grains or particles which gently brush away dead skin cells such as our Micro Exfoliating Balm, or a chemical exfoliator, such as our Renaissance Mask which contains ingredients such as AHAs which work to unbind the ‘glue’ holding dead skin cells together.
Why is exfoliation important?
From around the age of 25, the process of cell regeneration becomes increasingly slower. This means that our skin takes longer to shed dead skin cells sitting on the skin’s surface, often leading to a dull, uneven, lacklustre complexion. A build-up of dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores, in turn causing breakouts and acne.
Exfoliating also aids the absorption of your skincare products, through deeply cleansing and unclogging pores thus allowing products to penetrate deeper into the skin for optimum performance.
How often should I exfoliate?
Keep skin glowing, soft and healthy by exfoliating once a week, or twice a week for drier or more mature skin types.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:23
Summer Skin Nutrition
19 July 2016 16:16
Posted in: Skin Health
Summer has well and truly arrived in London and the rest of the UK. Summer is not only the season of long sunny days, summer clothes and beach getaways, but also the time when we need to give our skin a little more attention on the protection front. We all know that Vitamin D and a bit of sunshine makes us feel good (experts suggest around 20 minutes of direct sun exposure is enough to top up Vitamin D levels), leaving us looking more bronzed and healthier, but the affects of too much sun exposure can be dangerous for our skin and health. Excess sun exposure accelerates the ageing process, can cause dry, dehydrated skin, sun burn and unwanted pigmentation, not to mention heighten the risk of skin cancer.
Our bodies are made to obtain nutritional elements from our diet and our skin is no exception, so whilst we give skin a helping hand with the topical products we apply, skin nutrition works best when it’s applied from the inside and out. During the summer months OSKIA Founder Georgie Cleeve recommends a diet rich in anti-inflammatories and anti-oxidants such as sweet potatoes, asparagus, salmon, fish eggs, citrus fruits, watermelon, dark chocolate and spinach to boost skin health, rehydrate and protect.
Georgie has also designed two deliciously nutritious smoothies specifically to hydrate the skin and help improve sun protection. Team OSKIA have tested both and we strongly recommend adding them to your breakfast mix. Enjoy!
Summer Hydrating Smoothie
2 cups of coconut water
1 cup of watermelon
1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries
1 handful fresh mint
2 tsp flaxseeds
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp wheat germ
Sun Protection Smoothie
1 cup tomato
1 cup papaya
1 cup watermelon
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:23
Secrets for Healthy Skin
11 July 2016 17:25
Posted in: Skin Health
Whilst many of us are aware that the first steps towards happy, healthy skin start with a nutritious diet and finding the right routine for your skin type (more on that here), there are a few more beauty rules we swear by to keep your complexion radiant, even, smooth and youthful…
Give it time. We all know how important it is to find a routine that’s right for our skin type and to tackle any specific concerns, but it is equally important to keep things consistent. Whilst it’s ok to swap to lighter/richer textures when the seasons change, remember that big changes don’t happen overnight. Many products take time to show visible results, and there is no better way of reaping maximum benefits from your products to keep skin fresh, healthy and radiant. Find out more about our skincare routine tips here.
Make time to pamper yourself. Set aside 15 minutes once a week to treat your skin to a face mask to rejuvenate the skin and help undo the week’s stresses. Our Renaissance Mask not only deeply hydrates the skin, but also gently exfoliates, unclogs pores and boosts skin radiance.
Massage! Take time to really massage your skin during cleansing and when you apply your products. Massage benefits the skin in a number of ways, including stimulating blood flow bringing fresh nutrients to the skin’s surface, stimulating the lymphatic system to drain away toxins, tone and relax muscles, release endorphins and help your products penetrate deep into the skin.
Nourish your skin from the inside. Skin nutrition – from the outside and the inside is the key to healthy skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so if we’re not feeding our skin with a comprehensive diet covering all its nutritional needs then how can we expect it to look healthy and radiant? Combining a healthy diet, including supplements that are specifically targeted at boosting skin health, with topical products that feed skin with a range of bio-available nutrients is vital for optimum skin health. Our Pure MSM Supplements have fantastic collagen-boosting, anti-inflammatory and skin strengthening benefits whilst also improving hair and nail condition.
Exfoliate once a week. Did you know that we shed between 30-40,000 skin cells every hour? From around the age of 25, the cell turnover process becomes increasingly slower and dead skin cells stay on the surface of the skin for longer leading to a dry, dull-looking complexion. Keep skin soft and supple by exfoliating once a week (or twice a week for more mature or drier skin types). Our Micro Exfoliating Balm has been cleverly formulated to buff away tired skin cells and impurities whilst also nourishing the lipid barrier to leave skin super soft, radiant and younger-looking.
Book a facial once a month. Your therapist is a skincare expert, offering personalised advice on your skin and your routine. Facials increase blood circulation, in turn encouraging collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as boosting the process of cell renewal for healthy, younger-looking skin. You and your skin will also benefit from an hour of blissful ‘me’ time and not only rejuvenate the skin but rebalance the mind, body and soul. Find out more about our bespoke spa treatments here.
Last Updated: 31 October 2018 12:24
Jet Set Skin
23 June 2016 12:42
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle
Whilst the warmth of the sun and the therapeutic properties of the sea can do our skin the world of good (as long as you don’t forget your SPF!) providing countless health benefits and working wonders for our skin - helping to smooth, heal and boost elasticity - often the flight and travel to the destination can play havoc with our complexions. Read on for our founder Georgie Cleeve's top tips on how to ensure you step off the plane looking well-rested, glowing and holiday-ready!
1) Increase your water intake
It may be the obvious suggestion, but OSKIA founder Georgie counts this among the most important tricks for keeping skin looking glowing en route and during your holidays. Most of us are guilty of not drinking enough during flights, and this combined with the dry atmosphere and lack of oxygen on board can leave skin looking dull and dehydrated. Try to drink as much water as possible, especially on long-haul flights. For flights over 3 hours, we recommend drinking at least 1 litre every 3-4 hours you’re on board to ensure your skin and body stays thoroughly hydrated.
2) Add moisture
On a flight, you can never have enough moisture, Georgie’s secret is packing along a mini routine in her hand luggage. Trap and retain hydration with a nourishing moisturiser or oil, and make sure to re-apply throughout the flight. We love massaging our Restoration Oil into skin to deeply sooth, nourish and replenish in the dry cabin air.
3) Add a healthy glow
Step off the plane looking well rested and radiant and gently pat on our Get Up & Glow serum into skin before landing. This pearlescent serum contains Ribose which is proven to boost cell ATP energy to brighten and enliven skin whilst adding a healthy, radiant glow to tired complexions!
Last Updated: 23 June 2016 12:43
How We're Ageing Differently
13 June 2016 14:37
Posted in: How To, Lifestyle, Skin Health
In today’s world, the rapid rate of skin ageing is a growing concern for many, and it is fast becoming apparent that our lifestyle choices have a large impact on how quickly (and early!) these changes start to appear. Studies suggest a staggering 85% of the signs of ageing are caused by extrinsic factors (i.e. external influences that can be avoided) so read on to find out more about some of the factors responsible for accelerating the ageing process and how to keep the signs of premature ageing under control.
1) ‘Tech neck’
A large proportion of us spend countless working hours looking at a computer screen in addition to many more out-of-office hours looking down at our smartphones. This repeated motion causes folding of the skin on the neck (often one of the first places to show signs of ageing as a result of the delicate, thin skin), eventually leading to a syndrome known as ‘tech neck,’ a wrinkle that appears just above the collarbone at the base of the neck.
Prevention is key to avoid tech neck. Try adjusting your posture at work so that your computer screen is at eye-level, and try and hold your phone up and closer to your face to avoid bending your neck looking down. Also, don’t forget that your skincare routine shouldn’t be concentrated on just the face. It is vital to also apply your products to the neck and décolleté for optimum results. Our Super 16 Serum contains an advanced formula designed to boost collagen synthesis, lift and firm the skin and reduce fine lines. Post serum, try applying a layer of our Renaissance 360, a vitamin-rich moisturiser that targets the ageing process on all fronts for powerful anti-ageing results.
2) Lack of movement
Office work and spending a significant number of hours sitting inhibits circulation and has a number of negative implications not only on our overall health but also on our skin condition. Firstly, collagen production is slowed down along with the rate of detoxification and cell renewal, causing skin to become looser hence more prone to wrinkles. Lymphatic drainage is also impaired, leading to fat accumulation and water retention.
Make sure to take regular breaks to get up and stretch, go for a walk or better yet squeeze in a gym class during your lunch break to really get your body moving.
3) Central heating/air-conditioning
Exposure to central heating and air-conditioning can wreak havoc with our skin and be extremely drying. When our skin is dry it often becomes irritated and more sensitised, not only leaving our skin feeling tight and uncomfortable, but also making it more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.
Because changes in climate are hard to avoid, it is more important than ever to make sure we supply our skin with everything it needs to stay balanced and protected. Omegas, anti-inflammatories and prebiotics are key ingredients to look out for to keep skin healthy, hydrated and younger-looking. Try our Super 16, Perfect Cleanser, Renaissance 360, Bedtime Beauty Boost and Restoration Oil to give your skin a much-needed hydration boost.
Last Updated: 13 June 2016 14:41
Summer Skin Essentials!
6 June 2016 09:59
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Seasonal Skincare
As we embrace the warmer weather and start preparing to show more skin, we’re sharing all you need to know on how to slough away dull winter skin to reveal hydrated, more even and brighter skin. Our simple 2-step routine will get skin ready to bare all!
1) Micro Exfoliating Balm
Our creamy Micro Exfoliating Balm contains the tiniest MSM and silica particles to gently buff away dead skin cells whilst nourishing the lipid barrier to leave your skin soft, radiant and glowing with health and vitality. Exfoliating once a week not only keeps skin in tip top condition but also boosts the performance of your skincare products, allowing your products to penetrate deeper into the skin.
2) Renaissance Hand & Body Cream
Banish ‘winter skin’ and treat hands and body to our exfoliating Renaissance Hand & Body Cream packed with bio-available vitamins, fermented minerals, fruit AHA's and the very best bio-actives to chemically exfoliate dead skin cells, deeply nourish and rejuvenate. This luxurious and effective moisturiser leaves skin gorgeously soft and smooth from head to toe.
Did we mention this duo is also ideal for those suffering from Keratosis Pilaris? A hereditary condition, Keratosis Pilaris occurs in 40 % of adults as a result of a build-up of keratin, a hard protein that blocks the opening of the hair follicle resulting in small patches of bumpy, slightly rough skin on the tops of arms and thighs.
Gently massage the Micro Exfoliating Balm over dry, rough areas to effectively remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin, and follow up with our Renaissance Hand & Body Cream to further exfoliate the skin and break down excess keratin. This routine will help to reduce pigmentation, even skin tone and improve radiance meaning you’ll be ready to wear those sleeveless tops in no time!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:16
Celebrating the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
24 May 2016 10:06
Posted in: Skin Health, Ingredient Focus, Product Focus
With the area surrounding OSKIA HQ in full bloom ahead of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we thought it only right to join in the celebrations and share a couple of our favourite floral skincare ingredients! Floral oils and extracts can benefit the skin in many ways, from helping to combat skin conditions such as eczema and acne to deeply hydrating the skin and providing essential anti-oxidants. Read on to find out which floral extracts and oils can be found in our range, why we have chosen them, and which products you can find them in!
Rose Water
Our Eye Wonder serum is based on Rose Water, known for its fantastic soothing, anti-inflammatory, hydrating and anti-oxidant properties. This serum works to reduce puffiness, nourish and revitalise for a brighter, younger-looking eye area.
Lavandula Hybrida (Lavender Oil)
Lavender Oil can be found in our Restoration Oil, proven to soothe sensitive skin, fight bad bacteria due to its anti-bacterial properties and also providing an anti-oxidant boost to help keep skin strong, healthy and silky smooth.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil (Chamomile)
Oil derived from the Anthemis Nobilis Flower, more commonly known as Chamomile, is very widely used in both the medicine and cosmetics worlds. This oil has brilliant anti-inflammatory qualities in addition to providing intense moisture and helping to combat skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Find it in our Restoration Oil.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower Seed Oil)
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, derived from Sunflowers is extremely rich in vitamins, linoleic and oleic acids and unsaturated fatty acids. It benefits the skin in a number of ways, not only nourishing dry and damaged skin but also helping to soothe and protect the skin from free radicals, in turn helping to fight the signs of ageing. Find it in our Restoration Oil, Nutri-Active Day Cream, Renaissance 360, Bedtime Beauty Boost and Micro Exfoliating Balm.
Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon Peel Extract)
Lemon Peel Extract is a natural source of alpha hydroxy acids which help exfoliate the top layer of the skin to thoroughly cleanse by unbinding dead skin cells, while working to even skin tone. You can find it in our Renaissance Hand Cream, Renaissance Hand & Body Cream and Renaissance Mask.
Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed) Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil is scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of scarring and wrinkles and also extremely nourishing and calming for the skin. This oil helps to even skin tone, replenish dry and damaged skin and promote elasticity. Find it in our Perfect Cleanser, Nutri-Active Day Cream, Bedtime Beauty Boost, Restoration Oil and Micro Exfoliating Balm.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, derived from the stem of the Calendula flower is known to treat a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Calendula extract also contains a high content of anti-oxidants, helping to protect against free radical damage whilst deeply nourishing and soothing the skin. Find it in our Bedtime Beauty Boost and Micro Exfoliating Balm.
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (Borago Oil)
Borago Oil is extracted from the the seeds of the Starflower, and contains one of the highest naturally-occuring levels of GLA (gamma linoleic acid), known to boost overall skin condition, hydrate and soothe dry and sensitive skins. Borago Oil is also brilliant for fighting the signs of ageing, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, encouraging skin regeneration and firming the complexion. Find it in our Renaissance Cleansing Gel.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:18
Hay Fever Skincare Tips
18 May 2016 17:06
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle, Seasonal Skincare
For those suffering from hay fever, warmer weather often signals months of sneezing, runny noses and streaming eyes. One of the most common allergies, hay fever is caused by an irritation to pollen, a yellow-coloured powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds. Hay fever can have an effect on many aspects of day-to-day life, leaving many feeling tired and run down with itchy eyes, runny noses and tickly throats.
Any of these symptoms sound familiar? If so, our founder Georgie Cleeve is on hand to help! Read on for a few easy tricks to help soothe the pesky symptoms so many of us are suffering from.
Check the ingredients
When it comes to your skincare routine, try and look out for ingredients with anti-inflammatory qualities. Georgie recommends ingredients such as Butterbur, derived from the root of the Butterbur shrub which grows in Europe, Asia and parts of North America. Butterbur is a known anti-histamine that has long been used to soothe irritated skin.
Find it in our Get Up & Glow serum and Renaissance Mask.
Treat your eyes
Sometimes just applying some light pressure to the eye area can really help reduce irritation. Our Eye Wonder serum has a soothing rose water base, and is jam-packed with nutrients and peptides to help hydrate and strengthen the delicate eye area.
We recommend our tailored Magic Eye Massage Routine to not only de-puff and refresh the eye area but also help to relieve itchy eyes. Using ring fingers and just one pump of Eye Wonder, follow the steps below:
1) Imagine you are typing quickly on a keyboard. Use this tapping movement around the eyes, temples and on the forehead for 10 seconds
2) Place your ring finger on the first pressure point
3) Move to arch of the eyebrow, apply pressure to the second point
4) From here move in between the eye brows to the 3rd point
5) With very light pressure, circle the eye area 3 times from inner to outer eyebrow, underneath the eye and up the bridge of the nose, with your fingers meeting again in between the eyebrows .
6) On the last circle, apply pressure at point 4, pushing upwards towards the ceiling.
7) For point 5, apply the pressure inwards, towards to nose.
8) Applying a little more pressure, lift and slide towards the temples, lifting the eyebrow, gently circle under the eyes three times.
9) On the last circle of the eye socket, stop at the outer corner of the eye and apply pressure to pressure point 7
10) Now, using your index and middle finger, use static circular movements to the temples three times
11) Swap back to your ring finger applying pressure point movements to point 8.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:17
A Pre-Wedding Skincare Routine for Every Skin Type
5 May 2016 12:00
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle, Bridal
Wedding season is upon us! Unfortunately the added stress that often goes hand-in-hand with wedding planning tends to take its toll on our skin, often resulting in a dull, tired-looking complexion. Its never too early to start prepping skin for your big day, so read on and say ‘I do’ to our favourite glow-boosting everyday routine!
DAILY
Cleanser
Cleanse skin with an illuminating product such as our Renaissance Cleansing Gel. Cleansing is a crucial first step to refresh the skin and remove impurities, revealing a clean, supple canvas for make-up application. Our Renaissance Cleansing Gel contains Pumpkin Enzymes in addition to Vitamins A, C & E and MSM to leave the skin visibly radiant, nourished and balanced.
Serum
Apply a few drops of your preferred serum onto cleansed face, neck and décolleté. Serums are designed to penetrate deep into the skin, meaning that vital active ingredients can get to work where they’re needed the most. Depending on your skin type, try our Get Up & Glow containing Ribose, Mica and Galactoarabinan for an immediate energising and radiance boost or our Super 16 which contains Bakuchiol, Vitamins A, C & E and Hyaluronic Acid for a powerful collagen boost. Finally, our Renaissance BrightLight contains a targeted formula including our unique Nanobright Liposome, Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes and Niacinamide to combat pigmentation for brighter, more even skin tone.
Moisturiser
Gently massage your choice of moisturiser into skin to further hydrate and plump the skin. Try our vitamin-rich Renaissance 360 Supreme Cream to combat the signs of ageing, deeply hydrate, illuminate and even skin tone.
Oil
Seal it all in with 2-3 drops of facial oil. Our easily-absorbed Restoration Oil contains many hydrating and complexion boosting ingredients such as Rosehip Seed Oil, Turmeric and Starflower Oil for a beautifully dewy finish.
WEEKLY
Mask/Exfoliator
Weekly treatments are key to keep skin in tip top condition. Once a week, we recommend applying a gentle exfoliating mask such as our Renaissance Mask or using a physical exfoliator such as our Micro-Exfoliating Balm. Our brightening and resurfacing Renaissance Mask contains AHAs which gently unbind dry and dead skin cells, activating cell renewal for a radiant, plumped complexion!
Top Tip: Post make-up application, gently pat our Get Up & Glow serum onto the high points of the face for a gorgeous natural highlight!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:18
Pick your perfect moisturiser!
29 April 2016 10:48
Posted in: How To, Skin Health
Are you still searching for your go-to moisturiser, or been lucky enough to have already discovered ‘The One’? Considering the vast selection of moisturisers available today, each tailored to suit different skin types with varying consistencies and ingredients thrown into the mix, it can often prove difficult to find your match! Look no further… we’re revealing exactly what you need to know on the differences between our moisturisers to help make your decision that much easier!
Nutri-Active Day Cream
The Nutri-Active Day Cream is an advanced lightweight, multi-active day cream. This day cream has been designed to not only hydrate and provide essential nutrients to improve cell health and efficiency, but also help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revitalize and repair, and protect skin DNA.
Who is it for?
An ideal base before makeup, its lightweight, easily absorbed texture makes it perfect for more oily or combination skin types, or younger skins looking for a hydration boost whilst targeting the early signs of ageing.
Renaissance 360
The Renaissance 360 is a vitamin-rich day cream that combats the ageing process on all fronts. Skin elasticity is improved, fine lines reduced and hydration increased, whilst targeted actives fade discolouration to even skin tone and brighten. Also containing powerful nutrients to nourish and enhance skin condition, this moisturiser is supported by free-radical fighting anti-oxidants.
Who is it for?
The Renaissance 360 is perfect for drier or more mature skins and those seeking a brighter, more even skin tone.
Bedtime Beauty Boost
The Bedtime Beauty Boost is a luxurious night cream packed with anti-ageing ingredients, nutrients and floral extracts to provide skin with a supercharged overnight health and beauty boost. Rich in essential cell nutrients and a variety of hydrating and anti-ageing actives, this night cream has been designed to help stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, iron out the appearance of wrinkles and give skin a natural, youthful glow.
Who is it for?
This deeply nourishing moisturiser is perfect for dry or more mature skins. For drier skin types, we recommend using the Bedtime Beauty Boost in the day time too.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:19
Switch Up Your Skincare Routine for Spring!
25 April 2016 15:43
Posted in: Seasonal Skincare, How To, Skin Health
With spring in full bloom, we at OSKIA think now is the perfect time to spring clean your skincare routine in time for the warmer months ahead where your skin may not need such intense moisture. Read on for a few of our top tips to help you adjust your routine and pick the products your skin craves for a glowing, radiant complexion throughout the seasons to come!
Step 1: Replace heavy consistencies
Swapping heavier cleansing balms for cleansing gels or oils is the first step towards spring-ready skin when you may not require as much extra nourishment. Our deliciously scented Renaissance Cleansing Gel is the ultimate cleansing gel-to-oil which contains pumpkin enzymes to remove dull and dead skin cells leaving you with illuminated, balanced and radiant skin. Massage in circular motions for an extra 2-3 minutes to really cleanse deep into your pores whilst boosting circulation.
Step 2: Pick a lightweight (yet hydrating!) moisturiser
If you are suffering from dry skin after the harsh winter weather, a lightweight hydrating day cream is perfect for deeply moisturising whilst avoiding any leftover residue on the skin. Try our new Renaissance 360 Supreme Cream to deeply nourish and tackle the signs of ageing whilst reducing pigmentation and evening skin tone, or our Nutri-Active Day Cream to hydrate whilst providing your complexion with essential nutrients to improve cell health and efficiency, and protect skin DNA. If you’re a lover of facial oils, you may find that as the weather warms up your skin might be perfectly happy with an oil in place of your usual moisturiser. Our Restoration Oil is a lightweight oil that works to hydrate, replenish and soothe whilst protecting against free radical damage.
Step 3: The power-boost
Top it all off with your choice of serum for an intense dose of goodness throughout the transition to the warmer months. Choose an energising serum such as our Get Up & Glow for a natural healthy glow whilst increasing cell respiration to brighten and enliven skin. For an anti-ageing boost, try our Super 16 to encourage collagen production and lift the skin whilst hydrating and providing anti-oxidant protection.
Step 4: Don’t forget to exfoliate!
Exfoliation is key for achieving radiant, smooth skin. Buffing away tired and dead skin cells helps to unclog pores and also means your products can be penetrated more effectively. Using a creamy exfoliant such as our Micro Exfoliating Balm is also brilliant for nourishing the lipid barrier, avoiding any stripping of the skin. Enriched with youth-boosting nutrients and prebiotics, using this exfoliator just once a week will help stimulate collagen production and leave skin supremely soft.
Want to find out more about how to layer your skincare and make sure your skin is reaping maximum benefits out of your everyday routine? Click here
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:19
Refresh Your Routine With Our New Brightening Duo
5 April 2016 17:48
Posted in: How To, Skin Health
When it comes to introducing new products into our skincare routines, it can sometimes prove difficult to figure out where exactly they fit in, how often they should be used and which products they should be used alongside.
A few weeks on from the launch of our Renaissance BrightLight and Renaissance 360, we’re sharing a few tips on how best to introduce them into your existing routine for maximum skin benefits.
Renaissance BrightLight
The Renaissance BrightLight is a high performance, targeted anti-pigmentation serum. It has been scientifically designed to help combat all forms of pigmentation and melanin production, from dark spots and sun damage to acne scarring. This product contains 13 brightening actives as well as AHAs and fruit enzymes which work together to illuminate, even skin tone and boost radiance.
A few drops of the Renaissance BrightLight serum should be applied to cleansed skin under your moisturiser or oil. This product can also be used in conjunction with other serums if using multiple serums to address particular skin concerns. When layering serums, be sure to allow the first serum to fully absorb before applying the second, or you may choose to alternate between two serums and apply one in the morning and one in the evening. Please note that if using our Renaissance BrightLight serum, apply twice a day and in conjunction with our Renaissance 360 for best results. Don’t forget to apply a high-level SPF when in direct sunlight!
Renaissance 360
The Renaissance 360 is a hydrating day cream that is packed full of active ingredients to fight the ageing process on all fronts and improve elasticity whilst deeply nourishing the skin. It also contains targeted actives to reduce pigmentation and fade discolouration for a more even skin tone and illuminated complexion. It is perfect for all skin types, especially more mature skins.
Gently massage 1-2 pumps into the skin each morning after applying your choice of serum(s).
For unbeatable skin brightening results, use in combination with our Renaissance BrightLight serum.
For more tips on how to make the most out of your skincare routines, head over to our Layering Your Skincare blog!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:19
Backstage at London Fashion Week
24 February 2016 13:16
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Behind the Scenes
OSKIA went backstage at London Fashion Week, prepping skin for the glamourous models in the Amanda Wakeley Collection so we thought it only right to share some of our therapist’s top tips from the show!
The Glow Facial, exclusively designed for the show, was created to reflect the healthy, athletic Icelandic warrior vision of the designer’s collection, leaving skin feeling firmer, energised and refreshed, ready for make-up application.
Read on for a step-by-step guide outlining the products used along with some tricks to get skin catwalk ready!
Step 1: Renaissance Cleansing Gel + Renaissance Mask
- Add 1 pump of Renaissance Cleansing Gel to 1 spatula scoop of the Renaissance Mask, and apply to the skin using long stroking movements for a super-charged fruit enzyme boost.
Step 2: Facial Massage
- Starting on the jawline make small circles with your thumbs, starting close to the centre to the face, and gliding up towards the ears. Repeat this movement in 3 to 4 rows until you reach the hairline to stimulate the blood flow and lymphatic system.
- Lift & glide the thumbs across the brows, then use your ring fingers in lifting movements underneath the eye area towards the top of the ear. This helps to maintain a more youthful appearance by gently reversing sluggish circulation and brightening the eye area.
Step 4: Stimulating Compress
- Use a warm muslin or flannel to remove the product in long gliding movements to further remove any dead skin cells.
Step 5: Cooling Compress
- Hold a cool muslin to the skin for 5 – 10 seconds. Place on cheek & jawline and then forehead. Repeat on the other side. Using a cool cloth leaves the skin feeling firmer, energised and refreshed whilst also helping to soothe and calm sensitive skins.
Step 6: Nutri-Active Day Cream
- Apply 2 pumps of the Nutri-Active Day Cream. Rich in vitamins, hyaluronic acid and omegas, this lightweight moisturiser hydrates and leaves skin silky soft.
Step 7: Restoration Oil
- Finish by lightly pressing 2 drops of Restoration Oil into the skin, focussing on the cheeks for a gorgeous dewy finish ready for make-up.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:04
How To Purify Your Skincare Routine
4 February 2016 14:31
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle
The skin plays a crucial role in the cleansing process, thus in addition to changing our diet to help our bodies to naturally detoxify from the inside, we should also take care of our skin from the outside through a few small changes in our skincare routines.
1) Exfoliate at least once a week (twice a week for mature or drier skin types). Exfoliation helps to buff away dull skin cells and impurities to prevent breakouts, allow your products to absorb better, and stimulate collagen production to leave your complexion healthy, flawless and glowing. Our creamy Micro Exfoliating Balm contains a clever blend of youth-boosting essential cell nutrients, prebiotics and peptides for long lasting skin health.
2) Get a good night’s sleep. During the first few hours of sleep, our brains go into overdrive producing Adenosine Triphosphate, more commonly known as ATP. ATP is the energy source responsible for supporting every cell in the body, and when we don’t get enough sleep we simply don’t produce enough of it. This is why we often suffer from lacklustre skin, poor brain functioning and a general lack of energy the morning after. Try our revitalising Get Up & Glow serum, rich in Ribose, proven to boost ATP energy.
3) Check the ingredients list of your favourite skincare products. Look out for key ingredients such as prebiotics, omegas, minerals, vitamins, peptides and anti-oxidants which all work to boost overall skin condition and leave you with nourished, silky soft and healthy skin. Try and stay away from products containing artificial fragrances, parabens, preservatives, silicones and sulphates.
4) Treat your skin to a little TLC - we can all be guilty of overindulgence over the holiday season! Try adding a couple of drops of facial oil to your moisturiser to restore the skin’s youthful vitality, treating yourself to a powerful anti-ageing serum rich in anti-oxidants for high-level hydration and increased skin elasticity, or pampering yourself with a resurfacing, illuminating and hydration-boosting mask to get your skin back on track in no time. Try our Restoration Oil, Super 16 Serum and Renaissance Mask.
5) Relax and rebalance mind, body and soul with an OSKIA facial. Our highly effective treatments boost skin health and improve the complexion through a combination of topically applied essential cell nutrients and pioneering beauty actives, using bespoke facial massage techniques and equipment boosting skin health and leaving the complexion beautifully radiant. Our highly trained therapists also offer personalised skincare advice to make sure you’re fully benefiting from your routine whilst managing any skincare concerns. Find out more about our spa partners and treatment menu here.
Top Tip: Did you know that research suggests breathing exercises may be one of the best ways we can boost our body’s natural detoxifying process?
Focusing on deep breathing sends an all-important boost of oxygen into our lungs, meaning vitamins and nutrients are better absorbed and we actually produce more white blood cells, speeding up our internal process of cell renewal.
1) Close your eyes, and breathe in deeply through your nose.
2) Count to five, to allow as much air as possible into your lungs and stomach.
3) Hold your breath for five seconds and then exhale over another course of five seconds.
4) Repeat this breathing exercise 5 times.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:20
Layering Your Skincare
5 November 2015 16:51
Posted in: Skin Health
Have you ever wondered if your skin is making the most out of your everyday skincare routine? OSKIA’s Head Therapist and skincare expert Holly Webster recommends layering products for optimum performance, so she’s helped us put together a step-by-step guide on how to reap maximum benefits from your skincare staples for a happy, and most importantly healthy, complexion.
DAILY
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleansing is an essential first-step, both morning and night. Cleanse in the morning to remove any oils released over night and to perk up your skin before makeup application. Follow up with a double cleanse every evening, firstly to remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities, and secondly to treat the skin.
Try our Renaissance Cleansing Gel or Perfect Cleanser
Step 2: Eye serum
Serums should form the base layer of your skincare routines post-cleansing and/or exfoliating. Start by using both ring fingers to apply a thin layer of eye serum to the entire eye area from temple to temple, both morning and night.
Try our Eye Wonder
Step 3: Serum
Next, massage your favourite serum into your face, neck and décolleté until absorbed both morning and night.
Try our Get Up & Glow or Super 16
Step 5: Moisturise
Follow up with a moisturiser morning and night to keep the skin deeply hydrated.
Try our Nutri-Active Day Cream or Bedtime Beauty Boost
Step 6: Apply a facial oil
Finally, add a couple of drops of facial oil to lock in hydration. You may choose to treat your skin to an oil either every day, or a couple of times a week.
Try our Restoration Oil
WEEKLY
Exfoliate/Apply a mask
Add a weekly treatment to your routine, whether it be exfoliating to gently buff away dead skin cells and impurities or applying a mask to deeply cleanse, boost radiance and tackle ageing concerns. Weekly treatments with exfoliating and resurfacing properties will help your skincare products to absorb better and allow makeup to sit flawlessly on the skin.
We recommend pampering your skin with a treatment once a week, or twice a week for dry or mature skin types. Don’t be afraid to alternate between treatments if you would like to mix things a bit. Always apply post-cleanse and before your choice of serum.
Try our Micro Exfoliating Balm or Renaissance Mask
Last Updated: 14 November 2018 14:24
Autumnal Skincare
30 September 2015 10:56
Posted in: Skin Health, Product Focus
As the drop in temperatures and the shorter days set in, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have products to keep your skin happy throughout autumn and the colder months ahead.
Starting with our cleansing routines, autumn is a great time to introduce a richer, more nourishing cleanser to ensure that skin stays deeply hydrated and to help protect against the elements. Our Perfect Cleanser is rich in soothing vitamins, essential fatty acids and prebiotics making it ideal for this time of year. This silky cleanser hydrates, decongests, replenishes the lipid barrier and leaves the skin beautifully soft and supple.
Exfoliation is key at this time of year in order to buff away dull and tired skin cells as well as to remove the remnants of sun damaged skin. Our Micro Exfoliating Balm uses the tiniest Silica and MSM granules encased in a creamy balm enriched with Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter and Sesame Oil to keep skin soft and hydrated. Once water is added, this balm transforms into an anti-inflammatory milk making it perfect for treating sun-stressed skin.
Treating the skin to a hydration booster such as our Restoration Oil is a brilliant autumnal addition in order to keep moisture levels topped up throughout the colder seasons. This delicate oil is light in texture but packed full of nourishing plant oils and flower extracts to heal, hydrate and replenish your complexion.
Finally, many of us suffer from dry, dehydrated hands once the colder weather hits. Our deliciously-scented Renaissance Hand Cream contains hydrating Butterbur, Shea Butter, and Macadamia Seed Oil to soften, soothe and nourish the skin. For really dry hands, try adding a few drops of facial oil to your hand cream for an extra hydration hit.
Last Updated: 14 November 2018 14:25
Sleep in a Bottle
12 August 2015 14:37
Posted in: Skin Health, Lifestyle
Ever wondered why a sleepless night can leave our skin looking dull and fatigued come morning?
During the first few hours of sleep, our brains go into overdrive producing Adenosine Triphosphate, more commonly known as ATP. ATP is the energy source responsible for supporting every cell in the body, and when we don’t get enough sleep we simply don’t produce enough of it. This is why we often suffer from lacklustre skin, poor brain functioning and a general lack of energy the morning after.
What can I do to improve my ATP?
Whilst nothing can replace a good night’s sleep, there are ways to enliven a tired complexion with the help of a carefully selected skincare routine. Ribose, is an essential component of ATP and one of the only topical ingredients proven to boost ATP energy.
Where can I find it?
Our Get Up & Glow serum is rich in Ribose and helps boost the cell's ATP energy peoduction and revitalise cell health. The lightweight and oil-free serum uses a variety of bio-avaible nutrients and vitamins and acts as the perfect radiance booster. The end result is a complexion that looks more energised, enlivened, and of course more awake..
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:02
Bump Banishers
27 July 2015 15:15
Posted in: How To, Skin Health
Have you noticed a goosebump-like rash on the tops of your arms and thighs? Keratosis Pilaris, a hereditary condition, occurs in 40 % of adults as a result of a build-up of keratin, a hard protein that blocks the opening of the hair follicle resulting in small patches of bumpy, slightly rough skin.
The good news is that these pesky bumps are easily manageable with the help of a few simple tricks to unclog pores and make skin noticeably smoother.
How to treat it?
The key is to avoid over-scrubbing and stick to gentle exfoliants such as our Micro Exfoliating Balm which uses the tiniest silica and MSM particles to gently buff away dead skin cells whist nourishing the lipid barrier.Follow up with a vitamin-rich moisturiser such as our Renaissance Hand & Body Cream which has been specifically formulated with gentle pineapple, lemon, grape and passion fruit AHAs help to further exfoliate the skin and break down excess keratin. Further enriched with Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes, this nourishing cream also helps to reduce pigmentation, even skin tone and improve radiance meaning you’ll be wearing those sleeveless tops again in no time!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:20
Fermented Skincare
16 June 2015 16:46
Posted in: Ingredient Focus, News, Skin Health
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
SPF in Day Creams
30 April 2013 16:32
Posted in: News, Skin Health
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
New study finds that green tea extract may aid weight loss and tackle inflammation
16 April 2013 14:56
Posted in: News, Skin Health
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