BeautyFresh Blog

Beauty Ideas, Tips & Hints

Skin Moisture Lock 💦 Proven to improve hydration levels up to 64%

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Proven to improve hydration levels by up to 64%**, a course of Skin Moisture Lock™ helps to support skin hydration, smoothness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.To further support your knowledge on Skin Moisture Lock™, here are three additional facts for our network of skin care professionals to discover more about the science behind Skin Moisture Lock™


1.    What is the connection between water, hyaluronic acid and skin?Water is skin’s best friend. Skin appears more supple, plump and youthful when it has a high water content. There is water inside every skin cell which are all held by fats in the cell membrane. When water isn’t held within skin cells, the skin can become dry and flaky.  Also, there is a lot of water in the skin between skin cells and skin structures, particularly in the dermis which is 90% water. This serves to plump up skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles –  it is the water that is between the skin cells and structures that depends on hyaluronic acid.Hyaluronic acid is a water-loving substance and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. The body makes it naturally and it is found in most cells in the body with the highest concentration of 50% found in the skin. However, as we age, we make less and less hyaluronic acid and this can result in signs of ageing including lines and wrinkles. So, it comes as no surprise that the cosmetic industry uses hyaluronic acid to make creams, serums, masks, supplements and it’s also used in injections.

2.    How is hyaluronic acid digested? How does this vary to collagen? Hyaluronic acid has a simple chemical structure; and independent research shows it is easily absorbed in the digestive tract because it doesn’t need to be broken down. In this way, it’s more like vitamins or minerals which gets absorbed in the body as they are. In contrast, proteins, carbohydrates and fats are more complex substances which  need to be broken down into amino acids, simple sugars and fatty acids to be reassembled in the body for various body functions. Collagen, found in protein foods, needs to be broken down even  further into amino acids in order for the body to reassemble and use it for bones, tendons and skin.Research shows that once absorbed hyaluronic acid migrates to relevant connective tissues. These include joints, the eyes and, as the skin contains 50% of the body’s hyaluronic acid, the skin.  

3.  Ingredient spotlight and results: hyaluronic acid and ceramides Although some vegetables will assist the body in making hyaluronic acid, the only actual food source is bone broth. A meticulous review of the latest science and research allowed our experts to develop an exciting intelligent ingredient-led formula, Skin Moisture Lock™ to unlock youthful-looking skin. Hyaluronic acid used in this formula is from a non-animal derived source. Hyaluronic acid is fused with ceramides which are lipids that occur naturally in the uppermost layer of the skin and make up 50% of the stratum corneum. They play an important role in providing a waterproof protective barrier to the skin. The two smart nutrients are housed in a quick dissolving soft gel allowing the contents to be quickly absorbed into the body and travel to the skin. 

The iiaa Skin Health Research Centre commissioned a pilot study that showed that individuals experienced a 64% increase in hydration and 28% improvement in wrinkle depth after just 12 weeks taking Skin Moisture Lock™. The result is a more youthful complexion that looks smooth, supple. and supports the skin barrier.^
Available now :
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture Lock (60) ÂŁ62.99
or
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture Lock PLUS (1 X 60 of Moisture Lock & 1 X 60 of Skin Omegas+) ÂŁ69.99

Understanding Vitamin A

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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 DEFINITIVE ALTERNATIVE

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Linda Meredith V-Tox is the brilliantly unique alternative to BOTOX an unprecedented global bestseller. 

V-Tox utilises a botanical algae to mimic the smoothing, line-diminishing effects of BOTOX in a natural looking way. V-Tox restores the skin’s elastin, collagen and moisture levels which results in firmer, smoother and more youthful looking skin. V-Tox is the ultimate must have anti-ageing skin cream for all daily skincare routines.

“A non-invasive alternative to BOTOX” – Tatler

The science – V-Tox mimics the effects of BOTOX by blocking the signals that make muscles contract and create frown lines. It can also be applied over the entire face and neck creating a much more natural balance to the face.

The key ingredients â€“ Portulaca Oleracea: Incredibly High levels of Omega 3, Portulaca Oleracea contains more alpha-linolenic acid than any other leafy plant ingredient. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, known as a powerful natural antioxidant and an essential vitamin for healthy skin.

Centella Asiatica (Gota Colu): Regarded as perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs in India. Growing predominantly in areas of the Himalayas and praised for its antibacterial, soothing and healing abilities.

Ginseng: As well as well noted historic use in Chinese and Western Medicine, Ginseng is an impressive anti-ageing ingredient. Leading medical studies have shown its effectiveness in fighting wrinkles due to ginseng’s ability to boost skin-firming Collagen.

Tripeurospermum Maritimum (Sea Mayweed): Sea Mayweed regulates the sensation of discomfort and local inflammation, making sensitive skin less reactive and soothed. An immediate and long-term reduction of redness is also visible.

GABA (gamma amino Butyric acid): Is an amino acid found in plant tissue, it is directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tone. Known as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks nerve impulses. Gives rise to the relaxation of the facial nerves thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

The perfect alternative – Pregnancy safe, Vegan friendly and Paraben Free!

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

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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.

Stressed Out?

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Look Inwards

Stressed lives make for stressed skin. For those seeking solutions, thinking small – very, very small – could alleviate all manner of skin concerns, and it all starts with the intertwined relationship between the skin, the brain and the beneficial bacteria of the gut.

Feeling stressed? With the January blues, festive-fallout and the global pandemic continuing to cause chaos, 2021 is kicking off under a potent cloud of concerns. As worries swirl, counteracting the impact of stress on the skin and the body is becoming a key priority for many.

According to the Office for National Statistics in November 2002 over 75% of adults in the UK felt worries about the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, with over 50% reporting feeling of anxiety or stress.

Anecdotal and scientific evidence has long-linked skin-concerns to increasingly stressful lifestyles and to periods of unique stress. Clients dealing with break-outs, problem skin and sull, sallow or tired complexions may often blame stress as a trigger.

A developing area of skin research suggests that one of the causes of these stress complaints can be traced he body’s internal microbiome. This is the amalgamation of all micro-organisms – including bacteria, fungi and viruses – that live in synergy with the human body. Alongside factors such as antibiotic use and poor diet, stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which negatively impacts the skin.

As skin care professionals treating stressed and problem skin, targeted support of the gut microbiome is a powerful tool: balancing the internal environment to support skin health.

The Advanced Nutrition Programme’s newly launched Skin Clear Biome blends four skin-friendly bacterial strains together with zinc: targeting the gut to skin connection. Formulated for problem skin, it works to balance the internal biome, combating stressed and compromised complexions.

Thinking Holistically

Emerging evidence showing the intertwined workings of the brain, skin and gut links together two commonly accepted adages for skin health: good skin starts from the inside and excessive stress can cause skin problems.

The nuances of the relationship are subject to ongoing study, but mounting research confirms a close physiological connection: responses in the brain trigger changes in the gut, and if the gut falls out of balance, so can the skin.

“The gut-brain-skin axis suggests a mechanism that links gastrointestinal health, [influenced by interactions with oral probiotics], to the health and well-being of the skin,” International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.

As understanding of the axis evolves, innovative methods of enhancing skin health via the gut are emerging. Using probiotics and beneficial bacteria supplements has been demonstrated to have a significant, positive impact on skin health.

Stress Out

A study published in the Journal of Physiological Pharmacology noted that the body’s stress signals have a powerful impact on the intestinal microbiome. Stress signals from the brain trigger the release of neurotransmitters and proinflammatory cytokines: signalling molecules causing inflammation. These molecules can ‘profoundly affect the gastrointestinal physiology’, leading to imbalanced internal flora and an increased likelihood of intestinal permeability. When intestinal permeability is compromised, toxins and other substances seep out of the gut and into the bloodstream, this can trigger skin problems.

Concerns such as break-outs inflammation and excess sebum production have all been attributed to the gut’s physiological response to stress, and imbalances in gut bacteria – known as dysbiosis – have also been found in those suffering conditions such as acne and rosacea.

A Balancing Act

With their nourishing properties for the gut, probiotic and beneficial bacteria supplements, have soared in popularity with wellness focused shoppers. A report from market research agency Meticulous Research in August 2020 noted a 100% increase in Google searches for probiotics during the lockdown in March 2020 with 43% of probiotic takers supplementing for immunity and 17% for skin health.

As clients become aware of the additional potential of probiotics and bacteria supplements to support skin health and stressed skin, their popularity looks set to soar even further.

The Advanced Nutrition Programme’s Skin Youth Biome and newly launched Skin Clear Biome, are sophisticated solutions to add into a client’s regime to assist both the gut and the skin. In addition to bacterial strains beneficial to the maintenance of a healthy gut flora, these innovative formulations contain skin-specific strains shown to have a notable impact on skin concerns. Skin Clear Biome also contains bacteria shown to help alleviate the signs of stress on the gut.

Bacteria For Breakouts

Lorraine Perretta, Advanced Nutrition Programme’s Head of Nutrition, explains that impressive results in testing of Skin Youth Biome inspired the development of the new Skin Clear Biome formulations, designed to target stressed and problem skin.

She explains that balancing from the inside out was the cornerstone of the new formulation: “During the development of Skin Clear Biome, we analysed strains of bacteria that appeared to be playing a role not only in digestive health but also stress, immunity and problem skin” she says. “additionally, we added zinc to this unique mix to further augment its impact on skin”.

The supplement synergises four strains of skin-friendly bacteria with zinc to promote skin. The four bacterial strains: S.boulardii, B.bifidum, L.helveticus and L.paracasei, were selected for their researched abilities to target the causes of problem skin. The strains have been shown to decrease sebum production, regulate inflammation, assist with healing and maintain immunity.

Perretta notes that trials at the IIAA Skin Health Research Centre have yielded exciting results. “Participants in our testing are reporting significant improvement both to their skin and to their confidence,” she says. Testers reported fewer breakouts, decreased oiliness and faster healing, and our skin analysis displayed:

42% reductions in forehead sebum

32% reduction in nose sebum

28% in chin sebum

A Capsule Wardrobe

For clients with problem skin and stressed complexions, Skin Clear Biome’s balancing bacterial matric is a potent first step. The profound impact stress has on the gut can slow down or hinder the absorption of nutrients, therefore, restoring nutrient levels becomes a necessity. As a result, clients will benefit from incorporating skin specific nutrients into their routines.

Combining Skin Clear Biome with Skin Accumax, award-winning skin supplement for problem skin, is a potent option for those suffering with problem skin. Adding the benefits of Vitamins A, C and E which support skin health and clarity to Skin Clear Biome’s beneficial bacterial matrix.

Skin Vit C is another smart addition for those suffering from severe stress. When the body is stressed, it triggers the fight or flight response in the adrenal gland, which uses a lot of vitamin C. Replenishing vitamin C can help brighten stress-dulled skin, and provide additional support with its antioxidant and immune supporting properties.

Super Cleansers

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Crystal Clear #SuperCleansers

Your skincare routine can only ever be as good as the canvas you create to apply it. Crystal Clear have included some exciting actives in their range such as Matrixyl 3000 hailed as the wonder skin rejuvenation ingredient along with vitamins, minerals and crushed precious Ruby.

 

BESTSELLER Soothing Cleansing Gel

25ml and 200ml

Cucumber extract moisturises and soothes, Mineral salts and amino acids revitalise and rebalance while vitamin C and vitamin B are emollient, soothing and hydrating.

  • Perfect for all skin types, especially problematic skin.
  • Concentrated soap free foaming cleanser.
  • Removes even the heaviest of makeup while deep cleansing pores.

 

Wipe Away the Years

25ml and 200ml

Crystal Clear believe that even cleansers need to include active anti-ageing ingredients, which is why they have included Matrixyl 3000 a super peptide in Wipe Away the Years creamy cleanser. Hailed as the wonder anti-ageing ingredient, it provides skin rejuvenation benefits while you are cleansing.

 

Deep Cleanse Gel

25ml and 200ml

Perfect for when you like to feel a good old-fashioned deep cleanse and water combination. Now you can Super cleanse and rebalance your skin with Crystal Clear’ refreshing soap free concentrated Deep Cleansing Gel. Actives such as crushed precious Ruby, Salicylic Acid, Matrixyl and Oxygen Complex leaves the skin with a beautiful super cleansed dewy glow.

Miracle Moisturisers & Serums

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Crystal Clear have created a highly effective range of clinical strength moisturisers that are used within the professional clinic and salon treatments but also clients can continue that professional led treatment approach at home. Available in many different formulations such as serums, gels, creams, oils and moisturisers are absolutely an essential defense against skin dehydration.

 

BESTSELLER No Shine Serum

50ml

Take control of the shine

Crystal Clear mattifying moisturiser provides an effective solution for oily and problem skin. Packed with active ingredients including precious stone Tourmalia to take the shine off oily or problematic skin. This mattifying moisturiser is the perfect daytime moisturiser offering potent triple action relief.

 

YOUR #NOFILTERPOWERSERUM

Pharma Grade Hyaluronic Serum

30ml

 

For when you need a second skin

If you are looking for an instant beauty fix while providing the skin with intense hydration look no further as Crystal Clear’s latest serum on the block achieves results in literally 30 seconds, but not to be mistaken with products that create a glue effect Crystal Clear pure hyaluronic works in several ways. Crystal Clear use a combination of high molecular weight and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid in the serum which acts like a magnet to the skin. This provides the skin with an instant burst of hydration and moisture-binding power from the high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid to instantly plump and provide a firming effect. While the low molecular weight can penetrate deep into skin and bind moisture.

 

Skin Repair

25ml, 60ml & 120ml

Crystal Clear Skin Repair moisturiser is one the salon’s firm favourites and is a huge seller. Perfect for both the ladies and the gents this multitasking formula is designed to act as an all-round moisturiser and offers immediate hydration and lasting results, this non-greasy formula is the product of choice for all skin types and ages.

 

  • Clinically proven to restructure the skin.
  • Suitable for all skin types.

Intense Anti-Ageing Moisturiser

25ml & 50ml

Crystal Clear Anti Ageing Moisturiser is like a shot of botox to the skin and delivers an instant hydration hit. Suitable for all skin types especially dry, dehydrated and mature skin. This lightweight but intensive moisturiser, is a perfect choice for skin that needs that little bit more. Packed full of high percentage anti-ageing ingredients such as Matrixyl 3000, Bio-peptides and Synake, hailed as ‘Botox in a bottle’.

 

Protect & Repair SPF40

25ml & 100ml

Crystal Clear Protect & Repair includes highly efficient sunscreens and offers both UVA 20 and
UVB 40 SPF protection. It also contains anti-ageing actives to not only protect but also hydrate. Vitamin E offers excellent anti-oxidant properties while Lupine Extract and Thermus Thermophilis help prevent sunburn, dehydration and ageing. Its photostability offers long-lasting skin protection too.

 

Skin Brightening Complex

25ml, 60ml & 120ml

Skin Brightening Complex is Crystal Clear’s salon professional product and is a clinically proven treatment-based product to treat skin that has lost its radiance or is exhibiting uneven skin tone, sun-damage, age spots, excessive skin pigmentation marks or acne prone skin. Suitable for all skin types and colours.

 

In its clinical trials after one month of use that skin becomes brighter more radiant with excessive pigmented areas diminishing. The skin becomes more homogeneous, brighter and radiant.

 

Rewind 10 Super Charged Face & Neck Moisturiser

60ml

As we age our skin isn’t as resilient to time as we’d like it to be. As the years pass, we lose some of the ‘bounce’ from our skin. The ability to snap back and look fresh and glowing after a long night isn’t the only thing that wanes. Unfortunately, with ageing comes the near inevitability of wrinkles, fine lines and hyper-pigmentation hormonal fluctuations, combine this with any additional sun damage we have, and our age is often betrayed on our faces.

 

Illuminate

25ml & 50ml

Radiance treatment for bright, dewy skin.

Crystal Clear believe that everyone has it within them to shine, which is why they have created one unique formula that solves a wide range of skin problems, to leave you looking youthful and radiant whatever your skin type.

Illuminate Daily Radiance makes the ideal illuminating treatment product as it contains radiance-renewing light reflective particles that instantly wake up the skin and create the perfect base for long-lasting luminous make-up while getting to work on brightening and hydrating the skin.

Matis NEW gift set especially designed for sensitive and reactive skin

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Matis Reponse Delicate Sensibiotic Coffret Set with FULL SIZE free moisturiser

Skincare that works with the skin’s microbiome is one of the biggest beauty trends today, and there is ongoing research on how to use the skin’s microbiome to optimise the efficiency of our skincare products.

The skin’s microbiome is a community of organisms that live on the skin and work as its defence system. Working alongside the skin’s microbiome to support and enhance it results in skin that is soothed, more resistant and relieved.

The Matis Sensibiotic Set contains the Sensibiotic Serum with a FREE full size Sensibiotic moisturiser. The Sensibiotic Serum has 3 complementary actions: –

  • – It rebalances the skin ecosystem
  • – Reduces skin sensitivity
  • – Brings comfort.

An essential product for sensitive skins with a fine and silky texture that envelops the skin with a comforting veil. It offers an immediate soothing feeling and a deep action to reduce sensitivity whilst the tolerance of the skin is improved. Dermatologically tested.

Sensibiotic is a harmonizing treatment enriched in prebiotics, which rebalances the bioflora and preserves the skin barrier. The skin is less attacked, regenerates better and ages slower. The skin is soothed, more resistant, with its full comfort restored. This moisturiser has a soft and delicate texture which envelops the skin in a protective cocoon.

Crystal Clear #superboosters

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Crystal Clear’s clinical strength Super Boosters are the new skincare kids on the block. Supercharged concentrated that you add to your exiting moisturiser to add a huge surge of power when the skin needs a little bit more support. Anything from an extra shot of hydration to anti-redness control or improved skin radiance or simply when you have overdone it and the skin is looking dull and tired.

Redness Erase 30ml

Perfection for skin prone to Rosacea, or that may be displaying excess skin redness caused by external aggressors such as heat, cold or maybe an inflammatory reaction as a result of Acne prone skin, or excess flushing of the skin. This 5 in 1 active addresses redness, inflammation and Rosacea by targeting 5 different biological pathways. Powered by high doses of stabilised Vitamin C, Endothelyol and Bisabolol which are all significantly proven to reduce inflammation leading to Rosacea. Simply add a couple of shots to your existing moisturisers and keep redness at bay.

 

Pollution Defence 30ml

While we may feel we have skincare covered for all skin concerns the new kids on the block are Super Boosters. These highly charged actives create customisable skincare and have been developed because we realise we are failing to address the biggest irritant of all and that is the daily pollution that our skin is exposed to by simply stepping outside. Crystal Clear have used supercharged actives to create a product that is capable of addressing the needs of a skin that is attacked by daily irritants in our pollution fuelled world. A shot of our Pollution Defence Super Booster added to your normal moisturiser will create an invisible barrier and act as a ‘second’ skin catching impurities and halting them penetrating the skin. The added benefit of Pollution Defence is that they contain a whole host of maximum strength scientifically proven actives and Vitamin C to help repair the skin with an added bonus of reducing under eye puffiness and wrinkles.

 

Radiance Enhance 30ml

For when your normal skincare needs an extra boost to create radiant, even toned illuminated skin. Crystal Clear Radiance Enhance Active Booster is specially developed to even the skins tone, helping eliminate pigmentation marks while adding a noticeable illuminative brightness to the skin. Powered by maximum strength scientifically proven vitamins B3, Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid to not only brighten and lighten but also hydrate the skin.

A Moment in the Sun: Sun Protection Factors

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Do we really know how to protect our skin? SPFs have never been higher, but neither has the rate of skin cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, over 15,400 people develop malignant melanoma each year, compared with around 1800 in the mid-1970s. SPFs are now available in excess of 60, so why aren’t they protecting us?

 

According to Cancer Research 86% of skin cancer cases were preventable.

 

Sun Creams – saviours vs sinners.

Despite using very high SPFs, the numbering system can be misleading. It’s logical to assume that high level SPFs provide twice the protection, but they only block a marginal amount of more rays (SPF 15 blocks 93%) and contain a much greater level of potentially harmful chemicals. High SPFs give a false sense of security, which means people reapply them less frequently and spend longer in the sun. Another contributing factor to the rise of skin cancer is that people don’t apply enough, particularly if the SPF is high. The advice is to cover the skin in a ‘shot and a half’ but in a study published by the journal JAMA Dermatology, only 55% correctly identified the amount required.

Free radical damage

Research has shown that high SPFs can be harmful when left on the skin. Chemical sunscreens are only effective for two-three hours after application. They absorb UV rays during this time, but once they stop working they turn into free radicals which react with DNA cells, increasing the visible signs of ageing and the risk of skin cancer. It’s therefore important to keep reapplying regularly.

Stronger creams contain greater concentrations of sunscreen agents which themselves can be converted into free radicals by exposure to UV ray.

It’s important to remember that SPF only indicates protection from UVB rays, which cause burning, and not UVA which cause photo-ageing so using a broad spectrum cream which protectors against both is key.

 

A second line of defence

If you want to achieve a superior protection again the sun, antioxidants need to be incorporated into your skincare regime. They mop up free radicals generated into the skin from UV exposure, minimising the damaging effects they have on DNA. You also need to apply an antioxidant sunscreen dependent on your skin type. Dr Clay, Beauty Fresh, encourages you to also take supplement form to protect the skin over the whole body: Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Antioxidant contains a broad spectrum of antioxidants that have proven benefits with regards to UV radiation. Daily use is essential. Studies indicate that even on cloudy dates 80% of radiation from UVA rays breaks through.

Powerful protection boost

Given its impeccable skin nourishing credentials, it’s no surprise that vitamin A helps defend against UV damage. The most powerful sun-protective molecule is the retinyl palmitate form of vitamin A, which in adequate doses, can have a photoprotective effect of SPF20 and gives additional protection against UVA, says Dr Fernandes, Advanced Nutrition Programme. As well as applying topically, it should be taken in supplement form. By using a combination of Vitamin A and Antioxidants, it’s possible to safely expose skin to the sun for no longer than 20 minutes without sunscreen, in order to synthesize vitamin D, which is vital for healthy skin as well as preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and even cancer.