supplement tips

A Moment in the Sun: Sun Protection Factors

August 11, 2020 by Sarah Dandy

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.

Introducing NEW Immunity Intelligence

May 17, 2020 by Sarah Dandy

Introducing NEW Immunity Intelligence

Advanced Nutrition Programme are proud to introduce new Immunity Intelligence. Each box provides 28 days of supplement pods to support the immune system and overall wellbeing of the mind, body and skin. ANP experts have created a supplement to support overall wellbeing. This succinct series of immune-supporting nutrients of vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, as well as folate, iron, selenium and zinc are united together in daily-pods with five capsules and tablets.

Pristinely packaged in convenient, tear-off packs, each pod features intelligent ingredients to support overall wellbeing of the body, mind and skin to deliver daily:

One dose of Skin Vitality 1: This multivitamin tablet is packed with over 25 vitamins and minerals including immunity supporting vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, folate, zinc, iron, selenium as well as plant nutrients including bilberries.

Two doses of Colostrum-C: 3 capsules unite colostrum (the substance produced by mammals in the first hour after giving birth and is rich in antibodies) with vitamin C.

One dose of Skin Vit C: This tablet fuses vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids and rosehip to support immune system and skin.

One dose of Skin Vit A+: This capsule effectively synergises together vitamin A with vitamin D. These multi-tasking ingredients provide support for the immune system, mucous membranes and skin.

To help support nutrient efficiency, Lorraine Perretta, Head of Nutrition, advises to take the pack with a main meal. “Main nutrients are fat-soluble so it’s important to accompany your daily pod with a main meal. Research shows that people who took vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin with a main meal absorbed 50% more than those who took the supplement with a smaller meal”. Additionally, she also has this important advice on sugar. “Although tempting, try to keep sugar to a minimum. Research shows that glucose can impair the efficiency of the immune system – in fact sugar makes it difficult for the first line of defense of the immune system, our macrophages, to surround and engulf infected cells”

To purchase Advanced Nutrition Programme Immunity Intelligence, please visit Beauty Fresh £56.99 (RRP £63).

Advanced Nutrition Programme Immunity Intelligence

April 7, 2020 by Sarah Dandy

Advanced Nutrition Programme Immunity Intelligence

The wellbeing of yourself and families is paramount during these uncertain times. With increased stress and potentially limited access to nutritious foods, our diets may be compromised. It’s therefore important to find additional ways to support our immune systems. Advanced Nutrition Programme supplements are grounded in evidence-based science to provide potent, pure and professional formulas to support skin and overall wellbeing. The following advice is for you and your families to help keep you healthy over the coming months.

Advanced Nutrition Programme Immunity Intelligence Range

Advanced Nutrition Programme’s Vitamin C Plus and Skin Vit C are immunity heroes. They both feature a synergistic blend of vitamin C with plant nutrients, which help the immune system. Vitamin C protects cells from oxidative stress and research has shown that it may shorten the duration of illnesses, too. A lack of vitamin C can make us more prone to illness, so it’s essential when our immune systems are challenged.

Colostrum-C is rich in antibodies known to stimulate the immune system. It contains immunoglobulin (IgG) which fights infection and is the most prevalent antibody found in blood. Formulated with vitamin C, our bovine form of colostrum offers fantastic immunity support.

Advanced Nutrition Programme also have products that, while formulated for skin health, contain high quality ingredients scientifically proven to help when you body is under stress. ANP Skin Vit A+ supplement is blended with vitamin D, both play a key role in supporting the immune system and while blood cells. The majority of your immune system resides in the gut, taking Skin Youth Biome provides a daily dose of high quality beneficial bacteria to keep it healthy plus vitamin C for additional support.

A broad-spectrum multivitamin is essential for supporting immunity and overall wellbeing. ANP Pro-Vitality Formula has been expertly developed with 6 supplements including Skin Vitality 1, which houses 26 nutrients including a carefully calibrated fusion of immune-supporting vitamins and minerals. Packaged in convenient daily blister-strips, making it easy for you to know what to take.

At a time when maintaining good health is crucial, Dr Cheryl Clay at Beauty Fresh, PhD Nutritionist, remains on hand as a source of nutritional information.

The Do’s and Don’ts of taking supplements.

January 13, 2020 by Cheryl Clay

Many of you will have made a new year’s resolution to look after your health as well as your skin. Supplements help to achieve this goal, yet although 46% of the UK take them there is still some confusion about how to maximise absorption. Dr Cheryl Clay from Beauty Fresh has put together some top tips to keep skin glowing from the inside out.

The Do’s and Don’ts of taking supplements.

DO take food supplements with a main meal to aid absorption. It will usually contain some fats, which is particularly important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

DO take your supplements every day. There are no rules about the best time, if you are taking several you can split them up if you find this easier, otherwise taking them all at once (with your meal) is fine too.

DON’T take supplements with hot drinks, especially coffee or tea, as these contain compounds that interfere with absorption. In the case of probiotics heat can destroy the live microorganisms. Try to leave an hour’s gap before and after taking supplements before enjoying your hot drink.

DO break capsules apart and mix the powder into food or a cold drink if you have trouble swallowing them, but be sure to consume it straight way. The capsule protects ingredients sensitive to light and air, once it’s broken the protective factor is gone. Tablets can be crushed or broken in half but be careful that there are no sharp edges or it might irritate your throat on the way down.

Take a look at the cutting edge range of supplements that supports skincare routines here: bit.ly/2TnRUob