Our face represents about 10% of the skin of our body. We take great care of the skin of our face, mainly because it is exposed and is the first thing people see about us. But what about the rest of our body – the other 90% of our skin? Doesn’t it deserve the same […]

Ambient air contains a range of pollutants that affect us directly. When we breathe, exposure to these air pollutants gives rise to oxidative stress within the lungs. 

Some pollution particles in the air around us are 20 times smaller than the skin pores.


Pollution affects our skin and contribute to issues such as: 

 

• Skin Sensitivity 

The most common form of skin disruption is sensitivity when the skin becomes reactive (inflammation). Pollutants could also aggravate skin pathologies such as acne, eczema, psoriasis…

• Dull complexion

Carbon monoxide asphyxiates cells and starves them of oxygen. It becomes harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach their destination. Cell metabolism slows down leading to a dull complexion…

• Premature ageing of the skin

Pollution ages the skin and this link has been known since 2010. It shows the impact of fine particles on the formation of dark spots and wrinkles. 80 % of skin ageing could be due to the environment.

• The skin barrier is damaged
  Pollution increases the formation of free radicals within the body. Those free radicals create an oxidative stress that causes cellular damage. Once damaged, the skin function is altered. The first sign of skin deterioration is dehydration.
  

 

How to protect your skin against the effects of pollution?

• Thorough cleansing to remove particles that have accumulated on the skin
  
• Strengthen and restore the skin barrier with specifically formulated products rich in antioxidants, hydrating and nourishing ingredients. 
• Choose formulations with a high content of emollient to help restore the skin barrier function and to prevent the penetration of polluting agents. 
• Boost cell renewal.
• Use sun protection.

 

All Phyt’s skin care are certified organic and formulated with ingredients of natural origin. Phyt’s Reviderm Anti-Pollution is our best organic skin care formulation for urban skin because:

 

• it provides natural antioxidants (marine oligosaccharide, plant-derived Vit E, rosemary leaves)
• it boost cells renewal (brown algae, plankton extract)
• it hydrates the skin (aloe vera)
• it increases oxygenation of the skin for a brighter complexion (pink pepper, plant chlorophyll)
• it reduces the adhesion of free particles to the skin (marine oligosaccharide)
• it protects the skin (rice extract, avocado oil, hazelnut oil)

A professional Anti-Pollution Facial Treatment is also available from one of Phyt’s stockists (check here for a list of our stockists).
Enjoy 1 hour of result-based facial combining relaxation and outstanding results. Your complexion will look more luminous and smoother.

 

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Where do you find collagen?

If you were to try to explain to someone what your body is made of, you might say two arms, two legs, feet and hands, a head and a torso. Or, you might go to the other extreme and say that you are made up of billions of cells. Both answers would be correct.

Human body tissue is another way of describing how our cells are grouped according to specific structures and functions that make up our organs and other body parts:

• Muscle tissue is found throughout the body, even in organs such as the heart. 

• Epithelial tissue covers and protects our bodies and the lining of some organs in the form of skin. 
• Connective tissue, which can be found filling the spaces in our body, holds our parts together and provides support. 
• Nervous tissue transmits signals from nerves to the spinal cord and brain using our five senses.
  

Collagen is secreted by various cells but mainly by connective tissue cells.

What exactly is collagen?

Collagen is a complex, insoluble, and fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body.
There are at least 16 different types of collagen, each with different structures and functions.
But 80 to 90% of them belong to the first three types, known as Type 1, 2 and 3.

Collagen is found in the extracellular matrix and presents as a tightly knit network of macromolecules that determines the physical properties of body tissues. A macromolecule is a molecule containing a large number of atoms.

In most collagens, the molecules are packed together to form long, thin fibrils. These fibrils act as supporting structures and anchor cells to each other, giving the skin strength and elasticity.
Type 1 collagen fibrils are particularly capable of being stretched and, Gram-for-gram, is stronger than steel.

Some collagens act as protective coverings for delicate organs in the body, such as the kidneys.

In the dermis – the middle layer of skin – collagen helps form a fibrous network of fibroblasts, upon which new cells can grow. It also plays a role in replacing and restoring dead skin cells.|

Collagen, ageing and the skin
With age, the body produces less collagen and the structural integrity of the skin declines.
Women experience a dramatic reduction in collagen synthesis after menopause. By the age of 60, a considerable decline in collagen production is expected.
Wrinkles form, and joint cartilage weakens.

Clinical usages of collagen
Collagen is resorbable. It means it can be broken down, converted, and absorbed back into the body. It can also be formed into compacted solids or lattice-like gels.

Its diverse range of functions, and the fact that it is naturally occurring, make it clinically versatile and suitable for various medical purposes.

For medical and cosmetic use, Collagen can originate from humans, cows, pigs, or sheep.

Skin fillers
Fillers containing collagen can be used cosmetically to remove lines and wrinkles from the face and improve scars.

These fillers are sourced from humans and cows. It is wise to undergo skin tests before using collagen from cows to avoid aggravating any potential allergies.

Collagen can fill relatively superficial volumes, and more extensive gaps are usually filled with fat, silicone, or implants.

Wound dressing
Collagen can help heal wounds by attracting new skin cells to the wound site, and it promotes healing and provides a platform for new tissue growth.

Guided tissue regeneration
Collagen-based membranes have been used in periodontal and implant therapy to promote the growth of specific types of cells.

In oral surgery, collagen barriers can prevent fast-growing cells around the gum from migrating to a wound in a tooth. In doing so, it preserves a space where tooth cells have the chance to regenerate.

Collagen-based membranes can aid healing in these cases, and they are resorbable, so this barrier does not need to be surgically removed after the primary operation.

Ways to maintain or replenish collagen in the skin tissues

Skin revitalisation
Many products containing collagen, including creams and powders, claim to revitalise the skin by increasing collagen levels within the body. However, this is unlikely as collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin. Any benefit is probably due to the moisturising effects of these products.

Such treatments are also not classified as drugs, so any claims regarding their efficacy do not need to be scientifically proven. Caution is advised when using these products.

A healthful diet can help the body produce collagen. Nutrients that may support collagen formation include:

•   Proline: in egg whites, meat, cheese, soy, and cabbage.
•   Anthocyanidins: in blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries.
•   Vitamin C: in oranges, strawberries, peppers, and broccoli.
•   Copper: in shellfish, nuts, red meat, and some drinking water.
•   Vitamin A: occurring in animal-derived foods and plant foods as beta-carotene.

Use antioxidants topically
To boost your body’s collagen production, reach for skincare products with antioxidant ingredients. A popular choice is retinol, which prevents collagen breakdown and stimulates fibroblasts. However, retinol should be used mindfully. If overused, it can cause skin sensitivity by disrupting the invisible barrier on the top of our skin.

Other significant antioxidants include vitamins C and E, which work best together. Vitamin C regenerates vitamin E, while vitamin E returns the favour by increasing the stability of Vitamin C.

To keep your skin healthy and protect our ecosystem, the best is to look for skincare formulated from 100% natural ingredients and certified organic when possible. The antioxidant extracted from Mother Nature herself will support the production of healthy fibroblast and slow down the breakdown of collagen within your skin. 

A great strategy is also to be well aware of what damages collagen in the first place. Once you know the cause of those damages, you can avoid or remove these elements from your life and practice the wise adage that prevention is better than cure.

What damages collagen?

Some factors can deplete collagen levels within the body, and avoiding them could keep the skin healthy for longer: 

• High sugar consumption: A high-sugar diet increases the rate of glycation, a process where blood sugars attach to proteins to form new molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

AGEs damage nearby proteins and make collagen dry, brittle, and weak.

• Smoking: Many chemicals in tobacco smoke damage collagen and elastin in the skin.
  Nicotine also narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin, and this compromises skin health by reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
• Sunlight: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight cause collagen to break down more rapidly, damaging collagen fibres and causing abnormal elastin to build up.
  The UV rays damage the collagen in the dermis, and the skin rebuilds incorrectly, forming wrinkles.
• Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders cause antibodies to target collagen.
  Genetic changes can affect the extracellular matrix, and the produced collagen can be lower, or it may be dysfunctional mutated collagen.

Avoiding tobacco and excess sun exposure together with a healthful dietary and exercise regime can help reduce visible ageing and protect collagen, keeping the skin, bones, muscles, and joints healthy for longer.

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There’s more to dark green, lumpy avocado than meets the eye. Well-known to ancient civilisations, this wonder fruit offers nutrition, health and beauty benefits wrapped up in one neat green package.

Avocado (Persea Americana or gratissima), also known as alligator pear, is believed to have originated in southern Mexico, although fossil evidence suggests similar species were widespread millions of years ago. According to Wikipedia, the oldest discovery of an avocado pit was reported in the Coxcatlan Cave in the Tehuacán Valley of Puebla, Mexico, dating some 9,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Avocado is a popular food and a good source of potassium and healthy fats: raw avocado flesh is 73% water, 15% fat, 9% carbohydrates, and 2% protein. It is a rich source of B vitamins such as pantothenic acid, vitamin K, and moderate amounts of vitamin C and E and potassium. Avocados also contain phytosterols and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, polyphenols, tocopherols and other lipid-soluble bioactive, although their levels may vary.

Skin Care Benefits

Speaking of skin, a review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences cites avocado oil as an excellent ingredient to enrich dry, damaged, or chapped skin and for faster wound repair. Studies also show that  avocado oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that help keep skin firm, smooth and supple.

In human trials, a small study of 13 subjects, published in Dermatology, showed avocado oil successfully treated scaly, itchy, psoriatic skin in a moisturising cream containing both the oil and vitamin B12. After 12 weeks of use, the cream reportedly reduced symptoms of psoriasis as effectively as a conventional calcipotriol ointment while causing significantly less irritation.

Avocado oil contains a high percentage of Vit E which makes it very nourishing and moisturising.
This oil is also a source of oleic acid (fatty acid) which promotes collagen production – anti-ageing function.

You can find certified organic avocado oil in these Phyt’s products:

• PHYT’Sublim Eyes Soin Défatiguant

• PHYT’Sublim Eyes Concentré Défroissant

Phyt’s Laboratories utilises avocado fruit extract in the Phyt’Sublim range to promote anti-fatigue benefits in the eye contour area. The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate. It’s often the first part of your face that shows signs of ageing i.e. fine lines and dryness.
Here, the properties of avocado oil contained in these 2 Phyt’s eye products helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Combined with the synergy of other active ingredients, these 2 treatments act on microcirculation (to combat puffiness and dark circles), inhibiting inflammation markers.
Other benefits range from moisturising and softening dry skin to anti-wrinkle, emollient and skin protectant effects.

How to optimise the benefits of these 2 eye products?

Use them morning and evening. For optimum results, first, apply Serum Défroissant over the eye contour area (including the upper lids), then apply Soin Défatigant Yeux using the cooling massage head of the tube to help massage and decongest the skin.

Main Active Ingredients

• Hyaluronic acid: hydrating agent derived from plant
• Organic Avocado oil: nourishing and regenerating
• Organic Aloe Vera: hydrating and soothing
• Blend Phyto-Actif Regard: a mix of 5 organic plant extracts working in synergy to provide global care of eye contour area: Rowan sorb bud, Horse Chestnut, Arnica Montana, Centella Asiatica and Meadowsweet

 

 

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Most of us have a skincare regimen for our faces, but we often forget about our hands and feet. Last week, we looked at how to keep your hands youthful, and this week we will focus on how to give your feet the special attention they deserve.

Your feet… a subject in itself.

Would it be fair to say that we take our feet for granted? Yet, without healthy feet, we would be very miserable.

With the warm season on the horizon, taking care of our feet is especially important; our feet are literally emerging from winter shoes, socks, tights and suddenly being exposed for the world to see.
The skin covering our feet is also an area where all the nerve endings are found, so making sure the skin covering these nerve endings is healthy makes a lot of sense.

Spending a few minutes everyday on foot care will keep your feet healthy, hydrated, and soft. 

Clean

It is essential to wash your feet well (don’t forget between your toes) and dry them completely (including between the toes). 

If you like soaking your feet, use lukewarm water with handful of unrefined salt (rich in minerals) and a few drops of PHYT’S NATURODERM (a blend of plant compounds known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, such as Sage, Lemon, Lavender, Clove, Oregano). 

Moisturise and nourish

Squeeze the equivalent of a teaspoon of PHYT’S NOURISHING AND PROTECTING CREAM FOR THE FEET (Soin Pied Nutri-Réparateur) into the palm of your hand and warm up the product between your hands. Gently apply the product in circular motions starting at your ankles, then go over the top of the feet, then over each toe, and finally, very importantly, on the sole of the foot, insisting on rough areas such as the heel or the feet.

Erase

Once a week, eliminate dead cells with PHYT’S CONTACT+, our most gentle exfoliant that works like an eraser. 

This gentle scrub formulated with plant-based cells, ylang-ylang and cloves essential oils gently eliminates dead surface cells without damaging the skin’s natural protection. It helps to remove impurities, encourage oxygenation, and leaves the skin brightened and radiant.

If you have hard skin on your feet, soak them first to soften the skin then gently buff the hard areas with a pumice stone or foot file. Finish with a rich moisturiser.

Take care of your nails

After a winter in a restricted environment (shoes, tights, not much exposure to fresh air and sunlight), toenails are often weakened and looking devitalized. They can become brittle, break or split. 

Gently push back the cuticles all around your nails using a boxwood stick – don’t push too hard. Trim your nails with a clipper straight across then file them to smooth the edges (leave nails a little longer than the tips of your toes to avoid ingrown nails, and file them in the same direction – not back and forth).

If you feel that your nails are brittle and weak, use a tiny amount of any nourishing oil to massage your nails and nail contours. The oil will soften the cuticles and nourish the nails.  

If you want to apply a base and/or a varnish, remove the excess oil/cream from your nails with  polish remover on a cotton pad. If you have massaged your nails with oil, wait a few hours to give time to the oil to do its job.

What to remember from these tips?

We need to be aware of the importance of taking care of our feet. They are put to the test, either locked up in the winter in shoes, tights and socks or exposed to wind, heat, and dust in the summer. Keep them looking youthful and healthy by taking care of hard skin, by moisturising with rich nourishing creams to avoid dry thick skin.
And see a podiatrist if you experience pain in your feet, if you have ingrown or discoloured nails, or corns.

For a special treat, try a professional pedicure from time to time – but make sure you are going to a reputable therapist who uses sterilised instruments.

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Apart from having a wonderfully evocative name, Primrose Seed Oil (Oenothera Biennis) is a humble oil that has become a staple of cosmetics because of its various beneficial properties on health and wellbeing.
The oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose flower, a very dainty yellow flower in spring and summer.

General Health Benefits

The properties of Evening Primrose Oil, and its beneficial effects on general wellbeing, are well documented. It has been shown, in multiple studies, to help with PMS symptoms, like headaches and cramps, and relieve symptoms of menopause when ingested.

The omega-6 fatty acid in the oil can help combat bloating, acne and irritability.

And it can also help increase fertility, reduce or relieve diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis symptoms.

Evening Primrose Oil on Skin

Health benefits aside, Evening Primrose is an absolute marvel for the skin.

The majority of evening primrose oil consists of glycerides such as linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid.
These fatty acids work to effectively penetrate the skin surface and modulate its top surface layers make-up. By doing so, evening primrose oil was found to stabilise the top layers of the epidermis, causing an increase in water retention and an improvement in overall moisture levels.
As a result of improved skin barrier function, evening primrose oil can also help induce a soothing effect for dry, uncomfortable skin.

Studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science have shown that evening primrose oil helps with ageing effects on skin and even functional and structural changes in skin tissues, including redness, firmness, roughness, and fatigue resistance.

It is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin where the fatty acids reduce irritation and actively help skin cells to repair themselves. An anti-ageing ingredient of choice for mature skin and skin affected by menopause.

Menopause can bring some noticeable changes to the skin and hair. As hormone levels plummet, the skin can become dry, slack, and thin. With proper skin care and products, you can lessen these effects.

To get maximum impact on the skin, Phyt’s Laboratories have combined Evening Primrose with Borage Seed Oil (Borago Officinalis), Soya, Sage, Vanilla and Natural Vitamin E to create Phytonagre – a 100% natural certified organic moisturiser which leaves mature and menopausal skin healthier and instantly brightened and gorgeous.

 

Discover Phytonagre face moisturiser here 

 

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