BeautyFresh Blog

Beauty Ideas, Tips & Hints

What is a Serum?

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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.

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.

Winter Proof Skin

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The changing seasons can play havoc on the skin. In a recent study of 80 adults, levels of filaggrin, the protein that helps maintain skin barrier function, dropped between summer and winter. The study found that Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs) were reduced, resulting in facial skin becoming much drier and textured in the colder months. Increasingly chilly conditions mean it is time for us to start preparing a new programme of skincare.

Temperature Control

Colder temperatures, harsh winds, central heating and dry air reduce the NMFs in the skin, leading to dehydration, roughness and flakiness. In addition to exacerbating dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, moving from centrally heated environments into the biting cold can cause broken capillaries and make rosacea worse.

Another factor to consider is your age. Oestrogen and progesterone levels decline as women get older which can result in dry skin, even in people who have never suffered from the condition before. A recent study found levels of fatty acids, in particular ceramides, decreased significantly with age, are dramatically depleted in winter compared with spring and summer. In this instance the issue may need to be addressed internally, as well as topically.

Safeguard with Fatty Acids

When the weather turns colder, it’s often tempting to reach for carbohydrate rich, sugary comfort foods. Instead, increase the healthy fats in your diet such as nuts, seeds, oily fish and avocados, and include an omega oil supplement such as Skin Omegas+, to safeguard essential fatty acid levels.

Research suggests the fatty acids in fish oil can improve skin barrier function, inhibit UV-induced inflammation and attenuate dry skin.

Skin Omegas+ synergises omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids with vitamin A to create a specialised sustainable skin-glowing formula. Skin Omegas+ carefully calibrates EPA and DHA from fish oil, GLA from evening primrose oil and vitamin A for notable benefits to hydration, skin smoothness and wrinkle depth.

The aim is to make healthy keratinocytes that product the right keratins and ceramides to maintain a healthy multi-layered stratum corneum and minimise transepidermal water loss. Support skin further by slotting in Skin Moisture Lock, which features ceramides, into your regime.

Turn down the ….. moisture

A common misconception is that clients should switch to a richer ‘winter moisturiser’ but in fact this can exacerbate dry skin conditions. This might seem counter-intuitive, because when suffering from dryness the first instinct is to reach for a heavier cream. In fact, this can have disastrous effects on skin hydration levels in the long term, as rich creams ‘fool’ the skin to stop the natural moisturising process. The answer is to use the correct moisturiser and enhance with boosters.

‘The balance of NMFs in the skin is upset when people use rich creamy products’, says Advanced Nutrition Programme Founder Dr Des Fernandes. ‘People love them but their surreptitious and nefarious effects become apparent when they stop using these creams. They immediately complain of dry skin. What they don’t realise is that the reason their skin becomes dry is not because of the new, less-oily product but because their skin is virtually depleted of NMFs and their stratum corneum is now capable of holding in the water. All because the skin us under the misapprehension that moisture levels are adequate’.

Vitamin A based creams, which contain active levels of vitamin A can enhance production of ceramides and keratins to keep skin moisturised at the correct levels. The nutrients increase production of glycosaminoglycan molecules (moisturising factors) which help to enrich the space in between skin cells with water and therefore boost hydration levels.

‘The balance of NMFs in the skin is upset when people use rich creamy products’ Says Dr Des Fernandes

Stop the scrub

It may be VERY tempting to remove a dull, dry layer of skin, but be cautious with that granular scrub or micro-dermabrasion kit.

‘With exfoliation we remove the skin’s fine protective layer and water can easily escape. This results in the system becoming stressed by trying to restore the Natural Moisturising Factors or maybe even to increase then beyond normal levels to try and make up for the water that is being lost through the inadequate stratum corneum’ says Dr Des Fernandes.

A safer alternative is to use exfoliators with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which are much kinder to the skin’s protective layer. Gently dissolving the ‘glue’ between cells, without the need for harsh scrubbing or compromising the integrity of the epidermis.

Cleanse with care

Another simple and effective way to improve dry skin is to adjust a cleansing routine. The stratum corneum is extremely delicate, only 0.02mm thick, so it’s very easily damaged by soaps or cleanser which contain harsh chemicals or require vigorous techniques. Switch them to an oil-based cleanse which is far kinder to the stratum corneum and won’t strip skin of its natural lipids.

Protect to perfect

Skin can sometimes be particularly vulnerable to the elements and this is heightened after any professional treatment, so always care for your skin by using protective ingredients found within the Jane Iredale range.

3 benefits of using Jane Iredale PurePressed Base:

  1. Camouflages redness
  2. Maintains skin hydration levels by allowing it to breathe
  3. Cares for dryer winter complexions.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXFOLIATION!

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The world of exfoliators can feel a little complicated, yet it is without doubt the best thing you can do for your skin to get that radiant and glowing complexion. Polishing away dead skin cells delivers a deep-down cleanse, restores a smooth and less wrinkled canvas, re-texturises uneven skin tone and decreases pore size.

In our younger years skin renewal occurs every 28 days and dead skin cells fall off without any help, but as we age cellular renewal slows down dramatically and by the time the cells reach the surface, they are far too tired to remove themselves. As a result, they are left clinging to the skin surface accentuating every little skin imperfection – and what’s worse is that these dead skin cells will block your other skincare products from properly absorbing into your skin rendering them useless. If that wasn’t enough to deal with, as you get older, there’s decreased blood flow through the dermal capillaries. Fewer nutrients reach the epidermis, leading to thinning of the epidermis and a reduction in the barrier function. These changes lead to increased water loss and dry skin and skin cells end up receiving 30 percent less natural moisture!

There are two types of exfoliators in the skincare world: – Physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliators.

  • Physical exfoliators contain granules and are designed to buff the surface of the skin forcing dead skin cells to be eradicated. The downside of this type of exfoliator is that they can be abrasive causing micro-tears on the skin which in turn destroy the skin’s protective barrier, creating irritation.
  • Chemical exfoliators have become the ‘brainchild’ of the exfoliating world and contain gentle acids or enzymes which cleverly dissolve the glue that bind the dead skin cells to the skin’s surface melting them off the skin and revealing a clear, fresh and radiant complexion without causing any irritation.

 

Gatineau scientists have been revered in the skincare industry for their exceptional exfoliator innovations and they definitely did not disappoint when they crafted Gatineau Peeling Expert Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage! Unveiled over a decade ago and yet year on year it continues to be bestowed the most ‘innovative’ exfoliator! In 2018 it won the Top Sante award for the ‘best exfoliator’! Originally developed purely for the professional salon trolley it was created first and foremost for its high performance and efficacy in Gatineau’s professional anti-aging facial treatments and due to its phenomenal results and sheer client demand it was eventually transported into the retail line-up.

 

A highly concentrated and sophisticated treatment product, Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage is renowned for its exceptional age defying technology and has been expertly formulated to deliver smooth, soft, and radiant skin in just one treatment. This ingenious exfoliator is suitable for all types of ageing skin but because it doesn’t contain ANY granules it is also suitable for sensitive and delicate skin types too!

Deemed either a quick fix or a luxurious facial treatment this incredible granular-free gooey yet indulgent cream (you could be forgiven into thinking it was even a mask) is powered by a blend of naturally derived enzymes which offer a professional peel from the comfort of your own home.  But it really is so much more than just an exfoliator.  It is a true multi-tasking product – I mean exfoliators are designed to remove dead skin cells but the Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage goes one step further and actually replaces the dead skin cells with an abundance of skincare goodness. So in fact it ticks two boxes – that of an exfoliator and that of an anti-aging face mask.  It really is absolutely genius!

 

And the abundance of ‘skincare goodness’ comes from the addition of two super-powered oils – Jojoba and Sunflower Seed Oil. The combination of these nutrient-packed oils flood the skin with restoring antioxidants and conditioning essential fatty acids which are not only vital to bolster the skin’s natural oil content but equally to diminish the visibility of wrinkles.

And then you have the ‘new berry on the block’ – The Lingonberry – which has an entire story of its own and is hailed for its anti-ageing properties.  Known by the scientific name ‘vaccinium vitis-idaea’, Lingonberries are considered a ‘super fruit’ by the Nordics and a real ‘health promoting berry’ due to the fact they are grown during short but very intensive summers with 24 hours of sunlight. The oil that is extracted from the seed is packed with exceptionally high amounts of anti-oxidants (in fact 5 times that of the mere cranberry), plus plant sterols and essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which enables the skin to retain hydration, elasticity and MOST importantly density. (So, it will strengthen that fragile thinning skin).

And then there’s the refreshing scent of menthol which not only revs up the micro-circulation awakening sluggish skin but restores the complexion vitality and that gorgeous rosy bloom.

And I just love the two techniques in which you can use this wonder product.

For time poor:  Apply a thin layer to the face, neck and décolleté and massage in until it turns from a glue like/ gum texture to a slightly slippy texture, then use gentle strokes to buff it off. Watch the dead skin just fall away and then rinse the excess.

For that cosy night in:   Apply a thick layer to the face, neck and décolleté and leave it to sink into the skin for at least 30 minutes.  Once the Gommage becomes translucent, loosen the edges and peel the mask off.  You will feel like you have lifted the lid on a brand new skin!

 

 

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.

Power Masks

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With the busy lives we lead today, there isn’t always the time to fit in a full salon session. Yet it’s when life gets that busy that we need it most. That’s why Crystal Clear created these swift and simple solutions.

Crystal Clear range of miracle masks provides all the benefits of a professional salon based treatment in the comfort of your own home, firming, smoothing, deep cleansing, exfoliating and softening the skin within 30 minutes, leaving you ready for anything.

 

Complex C Super Repair Mask

25ml & 200ml

Soothe, hydrate & repair

Calm and soothe with our super-nourishing, lavender hydration mask with Moringa Oil and anti-ageing plant stem cells for noticeably younger looking, revitalising skin.

Crystal Clear Super Repair Mask is rich in nourishing Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter together with Moringa Pol, leaving you with a beautifully calm clarified complexion. Moringa provides a soft and supple feel to the skin, delivering essential Omega-9. It has been used since Ancient Egyptian times and was reputed to have been used by Cleopatra herself. Infused with Lavender essential oil and powerful anti-ageing plant stem cells to soothe and revitalise the skin.

 

 

10 Minute Glow

25ml & 100ml

VOTED BEST RADIANCE MASK

This amazing peel off mask leaves your skin radiant in 10 minutes flat! Using active ingredients that tackle problem zones and deeply cleanse, whilst hydrating skin and minimising pores – leaving you glowing and revived. Use to target problem areas or just to give your skin a fast, invigorating boost. Great for tired, congested skin. 10 Minute Glow is clinically proven to treat spot prone skin.

 

Face Lift in a Box

Crystal Clear best selling Phantom of the opera mask

Our Face Lift in a Box is an intensive hydrating and lifting mask. The back bone of most Crystal Clear hands on facials. This luxury mask can also be used at home between salon visits. Perfect to take on holiday as it offers deep hydration after a lazy day spent in the sun, firming, smoothing and softening the skin – plumping out lines and wrinkles while deep cleansing. This clinically proven mask during independent clinical trials showed a mean reduction of 26% in wrinkle depth and 40% reduction in the amount of wrinkles.

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.

Advanced Nutrition Programme – New Skin Vit C

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Advanced Nutrition Programme

New Skin Vit C

 

 

For decades, vitamin C has been correctly celebrated for its multifactorial benefits to our skin and overall well-being. Following extensive research, Advanced Nutrition Programme have decided to pair vitamin C with the emerging nutrient profile of acerola berry as well as zinc which has been validated by academia for years.

ANP Skin Vit C has been updated and now powered by three ingredient technologies: vitamin C, zinc and acerola berry in a daily dose capsule to help brighten dull-looking skin. All three ingredients are protected in a clean, plant-based capsule and suitable for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

In topical skincare, vitamin C is revered for its skin-supporting properties with formulas recommended to brighten, lighten and smooth. The inherent qualities of ingested vitamin C offer notable support to our skin and emerging research showcases depleted levels in ageing and photodamaged skin. As well as skin benefits, vitamin C is celebrated for the immune system and offers over-arching wellbeing benefits.

Zinc supports 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 features 50-100 times more vitamin C than oranges. Emerging studies have also reported reviewed potential benefits on UVB induced pigmentation.

By synergising these ingredients together, Skin Vit C offers an array of benefits to all skin types and is recommended for anyone looking to enliven dull skin and those concerned with premature ageing, uneven skin tone and environmental aggressors.

 

For Skin Vit C, please visit https://beautyfresh.co.uk/collections/advanced-nutrition-programme/products/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-vit-c-60