Understanding Vitamin A

May 5, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

Vitamin A’s vital role in the skin is central to the IIAA skincare philosophy, particularly in Advanced Nutrition Programme products. Recently IIAA have received several questions on exactly how and why vitamin A has such powerful skin benefits. To answer these questions, IIAA asked their experts to explain the science behind the so-called ‘skin vitamin’.

Dr Des Fernandes, founder at IIAA

“Every skin cell naturally contains about 91% retinyl esters (mainly retinyl palmitate (3% retinol and 3% retinal and 3% retinoic acid. The only form that makes any change to skin is retinoic acid that acts on the DNA through various receptors. Every molecule of retinoic acid was in the beginning retinyl palmitate / ester. That is the natural pathway – Retinyl Palmitate to Retinol to Retinal and finally to retinoic Acid.

The body carefully controls the levels of the various steps. If there is too much retinol it is converted into retinyl esters, if there is too much retinal, it is converted to retinol to be converted to retinyl esters. There is no limit to the size of the retinyl ester stores. The higher they are, the less likely it is to develop a skin cancer. You cannot build up your ‘store’ of retinol because it is changed to the ester form to keep the retinol at physiologically safe levels.

Whichever vitamin A you put on the skin gets converted to retinyl esters. Every single molecule of vitamin A can only become a single molecule of retinoic acids and that is what works.

The important message is that no matter what form of vitamin A you use, they all go through the same process and provided that they are not retinoic acid, they will be converted to retinyl esters. The higher the storage state is of Retinyl esters, the more retinoic acid we make eventually.

Vitamin A is a most precious molecule and the body controls it exceptionally carefully. Most skins are damaged by light and lose their storage forms of vitamin A. there is less change to the levels of retinol / retinal, but this all ends up with less activity of retinoic acid. Once the stores are filled, the cell starts to work normally again, cancers become less likely etc. However, depleted skin must be slowly re-introduced to good levels of vitamin A. That’s why Start Low – Go Slow”.

Dr Gaby Prinsloo, Medical Director for IIAA

“Vitamin A regulated DNA activity and metabolic process in numerous cells in the skin, and it is essential for normal cellular function. It also aids in DNA repair.

It regulates many genes controlling the growth and differentiation of keratinocytes. This leads to a thicker epidermis, a compact stratum corneum and a smooth skin surface. It controls melanin production in the melanocytes and ensures an equal distribution of melanin leading to even pigmentation.

Vitamin A also acts on fibroblasts, stimulating collagen producing genes to increase the production of healthy collagen, improving the quality of healthy collagen, improving the quality of elastin produced and increasing the secretion of high quality hyaluronic acid (HLA). This restores dermal papillae, improves skin elasticity, decreases wrinkles and sagging and increases hydration of skin. Vitamin A decreases the degradation of collagen by decreasing the production of, and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (enzymes that can break down proteins).

Vitamin A acts on sebaceous glands, normalising oil production. It improves the immune system in the skin as well as the blood supply to the skin. Finally, retinal esters act as chromophores absorbing and providing some protection against UVB rays.

In addition to the benefits in skin, vitamin A is essential for general body health. It regulates gene transcription leading to healthy growth and development of numerous tissues throughout the body. It is essential for the optimal functioning of the immune system and is crucial to the formation of rhodopsin (visual purple) in the retina which is needed to see in low light.

Physiologically, topical vitamin A and oral vitamin A have the same effect on the skin, but reach it in different ways.

It’s always good to use both oral and topical vitamin a to ensure that we are getting maximal availability of vitamin A in the skin. Topical vitamin A fortifies the skin from the outside, while oral vitamin A feeds from the inside, reaching the deepest layers of the skin, all our skin and it feeds the skin 24 hours a day.”

<< Purchase your Vitamin A today from Beauty Fresh >>

60 capsules

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A+ (60 capsules) – Beauty Fresh

120 capsules

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A+ (120 Capsules) – Beauty Fresh

The New Fragrance – Mon Guerlain Sparkling Bouquet

April 11, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

A Radiant Olfactory Signature

Mon Guerlain Sparkling Bouquet is a radiant fragrance like a beaming smile, in which the essential lavender-vanilla duo is beautifully enhanced by a sparkling pear note and a luminous Sambac jasmine.

A Sparkling Bottle

The “Quadrilobe” bottle has been exclusively reinvented through the inspiring lens of jewellery. Its ring evokes sparkling pavé crystals with a silver shade that reflects light intensely.

Mon Guerlain for each Woman

Inspired by Angelina Jolie, Mon Guerlain is a tribute to today’s femininity. Express yours through the Guerlain Mon Guerlain perfume creations.

Crystal Clear

March 30, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

QUARTZ POWERBALL MIRACLE EYE SERUM

Do you need a little extra help in the eye department? Are busy schedules, late nights and getting older showing through a little too obviously for your liking?

Beauty Fresh would like to introduce the Crystal Clear Quartz Powerball Miracle Eye Serum, your ultimate glide and go to product for instantly revitalised eyes. Check out the anti-ageing ingredients and how it works below.

ALL ABOUT THE EYES

Deep Hydration, Nourishing & De-Puffing Under Eye Serum

What is the Quartz Powerball Miracle Eye Serum? Reduce the appearance of lines & wrinkles, eye bags, dark circles, and puffiness in one swipe with Quartz Powerball Miracle Eye Serum. A jam packed, luxurious formula of powerful actives including Hyaluronic Acid and natural Quartz, ensure the skin retains water, remains plump and stimulates the skin, strengthening it over continued use. Skincare powerhouse Phycojuvenine, is clinically proven to oxygenate the skin, combating dehydration and helps to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Why you will love the Powerball Eye Serum: The cooling effect on the skin from the quartz roller ball is like having ice cold skincare from the fridge. The temperature stimulates blood flow to the delicate eye area, combating dark circles, depuffing and softening the first signs of ageing. The serum itself is lightweight and provides an intensely instant hydration hit. You’ll be completely addicted.

Key Ingredients:

Phycojuvenine® – Advanced Anti-Ageing, Rejuvenation & Skin Health
Hyaluronic Acid – Deep Hydration, Anti-Ageing
Clear Quartz– Cooling, Skin Stimulation

10 TANNING TIPS FOR THE MOST NATURAL LOOKING SELF TAN

March 15, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

In need of a tan but want to avoid looking fake? Follow these fail-safe tips and tricks from Vita Liberata tanning experts to ensure you get a streak-free, natural looking tan, every time.

There’s a reason why self tan is often called a holiday in a bottle. After all, a good self tanner can have the effect of a week spent relaxing in the sun. In just a matter of hours your skin will be bronzed and glowing, leaving you looking instantly healthy and rested. What’s even better, is that by opting for a self tan over baking in the sun you’ll protect your skin from potential sun damage, helping to maintain plumper, more youthful looking skin. Win, win!

Why then do so many of us still worry about looking unnatural, streaky or blotchy when applying self tanner? Thankfully, gone are the days of self tan formulas that turn you orange. Vita Liberata tanning collection has been designed using Advoganic Technology to give you the most natural looking results. The organic formulas come in a variety of formats to make it as easy as possible to apply and to achieve the most flawless tan. There are, however, some steps you can follow to ensure you get the very best results from your tan. Follow these 10 fail safe tanning tips and get ready to glow, naturally!

1. PREPARATION

The no.1 most important step in your tanning routine is preparation. Imagine your skin as an artist’s canvas, it’s important to prepare properly to give the most flawless results. Start by exfoliating your skin with an oil free body scrub, paying particular attention to dry areas such as elbows and knees. Why oil free? Residue from oily products create a barrier on the surface of the skin preventing the most flawless results. Once you’re exfoliated, remove any unwanted hair and keep skin clean and free from any moisturiser, lotion or perfume before you tan.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORMULA

Vita Liberata designed the collection to include a variety of formulas and shades to help you choose the perfect option for your skin type. If you have drier skin, one of the hydrating tanning lotions will ensure your skin is extra moisturized and help create an even finish. If you’re after a super fast drying tan, you’ll love our range of self tanning mousses that dry in an instant and are super easy to apply. Want to avoid any transfer to clothing? Invisi Foaming Tan Water is a clear, colourless mousse which is perfect for keeping sheets clean. As there’s no guide colour to see where you’re applying we recommended moving on to this once you’ve had some practice applying one of our tinted mousses first.

3. USE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF PRODUCT

One of the best tanning tips we can give you for achieving a natural looking tan is not to apply too much product. This can make for an uneven application leaving you with an unnatural looking result. A little goes a long way, and remember, if you want to go deeper you can always add more. Aim for 1-2 pumps of mousse for each arm, lower and upper leg, torso and chest.

4. USE A TANNING MITT

If you’ve ever wondered whether the tanning mitt is really necessary, then let us help you – it’s essential! The soft flock surface of the mitt allows you to evenly distribute and blend the self tan onto your skin. It also helps to protect the palms of your hand from the tan, making sure you don’t end up with unnaturally tanned hands.

5. A NATURAL HAND TAN

One of the biggest giveaways of a faux glow is over-tanned hands, wrists and palms. Notice that your skin is naturally lighter towards your wrist, and the palms of our hands don’t tan at all. When you’re tanning the inside of your arm gently blend towards your wrist, making sure not to leave a line at the base of your hand. Once you’ve finished tanning your arms use the product that’s left on the mitt to gently sweep over the top of your hand towards your fingers for a natural coverage. Finally, take a damp cloth or makeup wipe and sweep in between fingers and over the top of knuckles to remove any excess product.

6. NATURAL FEET TAN

After hands, feet are the next biggest giveaway of a sunless tan. Be careful applying too much to ankles and notice where the skin would be naturally tanned. Similar to hands, there’s no need to apply extra product to the mitt when tanning the top of your feet. Simply sweep the mitt gently over the surface and blend for a natural finish. Finally, take your damp cloth or wipe and touch up the sides of the feet and in between toes for a tan that looks like you just stepped off the beach.

7. LET THE TAN DEVELOP

If you’re using one of our lasting tans such as pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse or Lotion, Fabulous Mousse or Lotion then you’ll need to let the tan develop over 4-6 hours to ensure you get the best results. During this time, you should avoid contact with water and make sure you don’t sweat as both of these can affect the development of the tan and leave you with uneven results. Some people choose to apply their tan before bed and rinse off the next morning. Top tip, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs to avoid skin sweating during the night to ensure you wake up with an even tan.

VL2021_4_caucasian_model_Serum-compressed

8. DON’T FORGET ABOUT A FACE TAN

For a foolproof faux glow, make sure that you give your complexion a healthy glow too. All of the Vita Liberata tans can be used on the face and body, either on their own or mixed with your moisturiser for a more subtle glow. For a customized face tan, try our Self Tanning Anti Age Serum, simply add a couple of drops to your usual skin care before bed and wake up with a natural face glow. Looking for an instant result? Apply the instant skin perfecting and bronzing Beauty Blur as a primer under makeup, or use on its own for a glowy no-makeup look.

9. FINISHING TOUCHES

Once your tan is applied and developed, there are a few finishing touches you can add to ensure your skin is looking flawless all over. If you have an event or party to go to, our Body Blur HD Skin Finish is the perfect addition to your tan. The instant bronzing lotion will blur imperfections and add a flawless, camera ready glow – it’s like an instagram filter in a bottle!

Vita Liberata Tanning Tips body Blur application

10. MAINTAINING YOUR TAN

Not all tanning tips are about the application. How you maintain your tan is going to be key to having a glow that lasts and looks good. Thankfully, Vita Liberata products are made with deeply hydrating ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Raspberry and Melon so you can be sure your tan will fade evenly, just like a natural sun tan. To help keep your skin glowing from within remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and eating green leafy vegetables like Kale that are rich in L-Lysine. Want to further extend your tan? Apply our Fabulous Gradual Tan Lotion every day for extra hydration and a boost of self tan.

Now you have the tanning tips to help you create the most natural looking self tan.

Linda Meredith amazon

March 1, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

A GROUND-BREAKING WONDER PRODUCT

Linda Meredith Amazon is a luxurious skin balm that has been produced to repair natural barriers whilst improving skin softness and smoothness. It features a host of powerful anti-oxidants such as anthocyanin and acai fruit oils. Amazon is also an anti-inflammatory balm thanks to active ingredients like omega 6 & 9 and andiroba seed oil. This skin balm is ideal for soothing dry or irritated skin, offering a natural scent with no fragrance additives.

GLAMOUROUS ON THE OUTSIDE – THE INSIDE IS PURE SCIENCE

How it works – Micro-spheres of Vitamin C penetrate deeply into the skin for a powerful anti-ageing effect. Omega oils revitalise ageing skin by enhancing the production of Collagen and Elastin. Whilst the anti-inflammatories combat a host of skin irritations such as sunburn, eczema, psoriasis or dry skin.

What’s inside – Vitamin C; for effective anti-ageing. Vitamin A; for healthy skin. Anthocyanin’s; a powerful anti-oxidant. Omega 6 & 9; anti-inflammatories which treat skin conditions. Acai Fruit Oils; a fantastic anti-oxidant. And Andiroba Seed Oil for its healing, anti-inflammatory properties.

The perfect matt finish – Amazon leaves no shiny residue, simply a perfect matt finish, making it ideal for both men and women. It also works very well with a few drops of LM Serum.

HOW TO USE AMAZON

This useful guide offers tips on how to get the most out of your product.

BEFORE WE BEGIN

As this product is classed as a balm and not a water based cream, it may require softening between the fingertips before application. Pay particular attention to damaged areas such as fine lines and scar tissue left after breakouts. Amazon is also useful when applied directly after a skin irritation, such as sunburn.

STEP 1

Using an amount equal to a small to medium sized coin, work gently between the fingertips to warm the product to make it more spreadable.

STEP 2

Start the application in the centre of the face, either side of the nose and spread outwards towards the cheeks, then to the centre of the forehead and continue to spread outwards towards the temples.

STEP 3

With a similar amount of product or slightly less depending on preference, repeat the process at the centre of the chin, working up towards the ears and similarly on the upper lip working towards the same area.

STEP 4

From the base of the neck, work upwards towards the jaw line, as the product warms from the heat in the skin, it will become more pliable and work more easily. Now that most of the face and neck is covered with the product it can be massaged easily covering any points missed across the face. A drop or two of Serum, mixed in, will make the product spread more easily.

RANGE ESSENTIALS

Hydrating Mist Hydrates & Soothes your skin with essential oils. Phyto 4+ Ideal for firming skin, reducing redness and strengthening capillaries. Serum Repairs your skin with Vitamin enriched essential oils.

Matis Caviar Line, a luxurious skincare line with French caviar’s precious, prodigious powers

February 23, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

Often referred to as “black gold”, Caviar is a skincare super-ingredient with powerful and mineral-replenishing anti-ageing properties. It contains 47 different vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing treat for the skin.

Sturgeon eggs are packed full of nutritious goodness, with all the ingredients needed to slow down skin ageing. The secret to caviar’s skin-nourishing properties lies in its vitelline, a substance composed of marine phospholipids and phosphoproteins, both of which are essential cell components. It is the perfect blend of minerals (calcium, magnesium, silicon, etc.), amino acids, fatty acids (Omega 3, DHA) needed for skin cell membrane formation, vitamins (A, E, C, D and B complex vitamins essential for cellular metabolism) and trace elements (zinc).

In short, caviar serves up a balanced blend of all the nutritional elements cells need. These nutrients are essential to maintaining the skin’s cellular balance and giving skin cells the ingredients needed to reconstruct membranes. This is how caviar extract nourishes and hydrates the skin deep down, stimulates collagen production and regenerates cellular structures, resulting in firmer, plumper skin.

MATIS takes the greatest of care in selecting the most eco-responsible caviar available. Regulated production methods, stringent specifications and compliance with anti-pollution and animal welfare norms and standards, and the highest of 100% French-sourced caviar prepared entirely by hand in sterile conditions. The caviar used by MATIS is particularly rich in essential nutrients, and especially in plumping and restructuring proteins and amino acids (arginine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, etc.), as well as regenerating, antioxidant, collagen synthesis-boosting Vitamin C.

The Matis Caviar skincare routine starts with the use of The Milk, a luxurious make-up remover which cleanses in depth and offers an unparalleled sensory experience. Its formula combines the power of French caviar with Damask rose to recharge skin and help the face to regain a youthful glow. The pre-treatment of the skin continues with the award-winning The Essence, a toner that combines French caviar with marine collagen for a double anti-ageing action.

The Serum, is s a supreme elixir that offers a global anti-ageing solution and an exquisite sensory experience. Its exceptional formula with caviar blended with a potent active ingredient that fights wrinkles, boosts the skin’s firmness and beauty.

In the morning, after the application of The Serum, follows the application of The Cream. The Cream is an anti-ageing moisturiser with caviar and Damask rose which boosts fibroblasts and enhances the skin’s youthfulness. In the evening, The Night replaces The Cream, and combining caviar with marine glycogen, provides the skin with the energy it needs to boost its renewal.

An essential in the daily Matis Caviar routine is The Eyes, an eye cream with a unique black gel texture that revitalises the eye contour due to its formula with French caviar blended with marine collagen and a Matis complex with hydrating and firming properties.

Complete the weekly Matis Caviar routine with the use of The Scrub followed by using The Mask. The Scrub has a unique formula which combines all the power of French caviar with natural volcanic lava powder, coupled with an active enzyme. This exfoliating scrub with an original and luxurious texture stimulates cell renewal and improves the quality of the skin leaving it refined and smoothed, soft, and glowing. The Mask has a distinctive, opaque black texture which will delight the senses. Its formula allows the skin to fully absorb its exceptional active ingredients, leaving it remineralised and glowing.

To try some of the highlights of the Matis Caviar line, we have available the Matis Caviar Trial Set which contains The Cream (20ml), The Night (20ml) and the Mask (20ml) with a free luxurious black pouch with golden details.

Rose And Caramel: Innovative Self Tan products

February 16, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

Rose & Caramel champions in tanning products that are the world’s first innovations- such as the multi-award winning Purity Self Tan Removing Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, and Prep & Protect.

There are never orange streaks or uneven tone with the Rose & Caramel products because the tanning mousses have different undertones such as green/red and when layered can create the most flawless tans and tones most like given from real sun tanning. Most recently we have just launched another world’s first- the Purity Excel Self Tan Removing Exfoliator.

The ethos of the brand is to put love, thought & logic into each product to achieve the best tan possible while caring for the environment. The products are 100% vegan, paraben free & cruelty-free.

Rose & Caramel are proud to design tans for all skin tones, as we know the best self tans are the ones that look as real!

Skin Collagen Plus

February 5, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

Limited edition Skin Collagen Plus is Advanced Nutrition Programme’s powerful advanced skin collagen formation duo, which unites Skin Vit C and Skin Collagen Support together. The combination of these supplements synergises to support skin collagen, brighten dull skin, protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. An excellent addition to any Advanced Nutrition Programme supplement to support during times of stress.

Key Ingredient Technologies

Vitamin C has been consistently proven and recognised as skin supporting by both the nutritional and skincare industries – it helps support normal collagen production.
Zinc is packed with properties to support our skin, hair and nails, and is also revered for its antioxidant protection.
Acerola Berry is an exciting addition to ANP ingredient library as it boasts rich nutrient values with recent research explaining that it is ‘one of the best fruits rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and polyphenols’. In fact, it features 50-100 times more vitamin C that oranges or lemons. Emerging studies have also reported potential benefits on UVB induced pigmentation.

In addition to vitamin C and zinc, Skin Collagen Support also features the following:

Grapeseed Extract which strengthens and prevents collagen from breaking down.
MSM helps make keratin which is one of the key structural components of skin, hair and nails.
French Melon Extract which is high in super antioxidant Super Oxide Dismutase.

SKIN BENEFITS

Brighten dull-looking skin
Support normal blood vessels
Protect cells from oxidative stress
Support collagen formation
Plumps and smoothes skin
Supports skin health

Please do not hesitate if you have any questions.

Cheryl xx

Introducing New Skin Clear Biome

January 31, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

Happy Gut

Clear Skin

A next generation supplement innovation for problem and stressed skin. Unique, patent-pending microbiome technology balances the skin from deep within.

Friendly bacteria: 5BN live cultures
Zinc: To support and balance
4 Skin specific strains of bacteria
For problem and stressed skin
Balances Inside and Out
Targeted Action

New Skin Clear Biome

Formulated specifically for stressed and problem skin, Skin Clear Biome is a pioneering skin supplement, harnessing the benefits of innovative microbiome technology. Four skin-specific strains of beneficial bacteria fused with zinc target complexion imperfections. This unique synergy balances and clarifies skin from within.

Featuring patent-pending biome technology Skin Clear Biome is a next-generation supplement, formulated by Advanced Nutrition Programme experts to nurture the connection between a healthy gut and balanced skin.

Designed to balance the body from the inside out: Skin Clear Biome feeds the gut with beneficial bacteria to support, clarify and brighten skin. Targeting complexion imperfections to support normal, clear skin.

Key Benefits

Works from the inside out to clear and clarify complexion
Designed to improve skin quality
Balance the skin’s natural barrier
Targeted action to support problem and stressed skin
Brightens skin
Helps support gut flora
Supports skin health and immunity

Powerful Results

Testers reported fewer breakouts, balanced sebum levels and faster healing, as well as improvements to skin confidence and comfort. Advanced Nutrition Programme pilot study skin analysis found:

42% reduction in forehead sebum
32% reduction in nose sebum
28% reduction in chin sebum

What makes Skin Clear Biome special?

Unique patent-pending formula, designed for problem and stressed skin
Expertly curated selection of skin-friendly bacteria for complexion imperfections
Balanced the skin from deep within: feeding the gut with beneficial bacteria to support, clarify and brighten
Four specific strains of bacteria selected by ANP experts for research-backed impacts on the underlying causes of problem skin.
Unique bacteria combination supports gut health, maintains immunity, reduces irritation and regulated oil production.
Strains are synergised with zinc to further boost skin balance and complexion clarity
Live cultures are encapsulated in vegetable capsules made from plant fibre. The strains sit within a protective matric which provides superior protection, allowing the strains to reach the gut alive.

Who is Skin Clear Biome for?

Those experiencing problem skin
Stressed complexions and those suffering with stress
Aggravated or compromised skin
Those looking to support a normal, healthy gut flora
Those suffering from blind blemishes (under the skin bumps)
Skin in need of balance

Shop yours here: Skin Clear Biome

What is a Serum?

January 15, 2021 by Cheryl Clay

Serums are skin care products that are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. Most often, serums are clear, gel-based or liquid, and they tend to be less thick than a moisturizer. They’re typically applied before moisturizers to help lock in key ingredients. A serum is able to hydrate more effectively than even the heaviest creams. The molecules are able to truly penetrate the skin and work in the deepest levels

Why do we use them?

There are many benefits that come from using a facial serum: –

HELP TO REDUCE OXIDATIVE STRESS
BRIGHTEN THE LOOK OF DULL SKIN
PLUMP SKIN AND REDUCE WRINKLES
HELP MANAGE ACNE-PRONE SKIN
HYDRATE THE SKIN
MINIMIZE THE APPEARANCE OF DARK SPOTS

Gatineau Collagene Expert Ultimate Smoothing Serum is the perfect product to treat the early signs of ageing. With our youth activating molecule, Mélatogénine, working to smooth lines and wrinkles, this powerful serum helps rewind the effects of time. Powerful collagen extracts plump and firm the skin whilst a nourishing blend of vitamins gives a lasting boost of radiance and luminosity.

MATIS THE SERUM is a supreme elixir with CAVIAR that offers a global anti-aging solution and an exquisite sensory experience.

Its exceptional formula with caviar, known for its rich natural content of omega-3, proteins, minerals and vitamins, dynamize the cellular renewal.

MATIS THE SERUM is also available for the SAME price in our MATIS CAVIAR GIFT SET meaning that you get the MATIS THE CREAM for FREE.