The mighty power of marine ingredients in skincare products

Seaweeds and algae are major organisms in the aquatic ecosystem. Although commonly interchanged, these two may be similar in some ways but have major differences.

Algae are chlorophyll-containing organisms commonly found in marine and freshwater habitats.
They are the most primitive organisms on earth, with fossils, dating back to three billion years. They can be macroscopic or microscopic and can either have a unicellular or multicellular cell structure.
Although there is no specific estimation on the number of algae in the entire world, there exist over 320,500 identified species.

Seaweeds are plant-like organisms that attach themselves to rocks and other hard substances in an aquatic environment. They belong to the algae family.
They have been useful to humankind mainly for food, industrial products, medicinal uses, and even fertilisers.
Seaweeds belong to three different groups with more than 10,000 species namely, brown algae, green algae, and red algae. While green algae are common in freshwater and terrestrial situations, red and brown algae are common in marine environments.

What about phytoplankton? 

All algae are phytoplankton but not all phytoplankton are algae. Phytoplankton are free floating, photosynthetic microorganisms found in lakes, streams, oceans. They include algae, cyanobacteria, protists, and diatoms.
Phytoplankton forms the base of the marine food chain. Without it, over time, marine life would cease to exist. Because of their predominance in the oceans, they are the world’s biggest carbon sink. That is, they take in CO2 and give out oxygen during photosynthesis. It has been estimated that up to 75% of the world’s oxygen comes from phytoplankton. 

More on algae 

There are four types of Algae:

  • Red
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Brown

Each has its own powerful properties.

Types of Algae

 

Brown algae (chrommophyceae). Contains high levels of iodine (Iodine is an important mineral for healthy hair growth) and a good source of Vitamin C and E. Brown algae have a tightening effect which helps improve skin firmness. They also stimulate the synthesis of collagen.

Green Algae (chlorophycea). Contains large amounts of Vitamin C and Magnesium.

Red Algae (rhodophyceae) .Contains Beta Carotene and Protein.

Blue Algae (cyanophyceae). This type of algae contains many B. Vitamins, along with Amino Acids, polyunsaturated fats, Calcium and Protein.


Properties and Uses

Not only do Algae have some wonderful protective properties, they are also extremely moisturising. They work as a natural humectant providing a reserve of water in the tissues, locking water in the upper layers of the skin to keep it supple and hydrated. They have a real affinity with the skin.
In cosmetics, they can help to regulate moisture balance in the different layers of the epidermis (our outer layer of skin).

Algae have a high content of antioxidants useful to fight free radicals and oxidative stress that lead to skin ageing. Combined with anti-inflammation properties, they are perfect to fight skin ageing and also the negative effects of pollution on the skin.

Algae provides the skin with minerals and trace elements, essential nutrients that help our skin maintain and reinforce its natural functions.
The amino acid content of green algae is very similar to the human collagen.

Finally algae brighten the skin by reducing the activity of the process that causes pigmentation.


Key Minerals

Magnesium: Relaxes the body, soothes, calms and desensitises the skin.

Potassium: Purifying, potassium helps to push fluids and toxins out of the skin’s cells.

Sodium: It draws moisture into the cells, keeping skin soft and supple.

Calcium: This mineral found in Algae, helps to promote collagen and elastin production.

Iodine: Detoxifies and increases the body’s metabolism and stimulates cellular renewal.

Bromide: Relaxes and soothes the skin tissues.

With all these skin loving benefits, it is no wonder that Algae prove to be a popular ingredient in many of our skin care applications.


Phyt’s products with algae:

 

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7 Fruits That Will Complement Your Skincare Routine

Beyond your skincare products and routine, what you eat also affects your skin – and overall health. So, to get a wholesome result from your therapies and time, it is best that you make the most of nutrition.

For that reason, we have itemised 7 fruits containing essential nutrients that will further improve your skin. We believe eating these fruits will contribute immensely to the overall effectiveness of your skincare aids.

But before we delve into the list, what are the benefits of eating fruits?

Why Should You Eat Fruits?

 

Fruits Let You Stay Hydrated

One of the reasons you develop wrinkles fast is how soon your skin becomes dry. It starts once the water leaves the surface – the itching and sweat also commence.

Unfortunately, the more water you lose, the more wrinkles you tend to develop. Naturally, the solution, and the best of such, is to drink enough water. But just how much can you take?

The chances are that you don’t even enjoy plain and tasteless liquids to start. If that’s you, don’t worry; take fruits!

Fruits are delightful sources of water, and that qualifies them as perfect aids to keep your body hydrated. For example, apples contain up to 86% water, and watermelons have higher percentages at 92%.

In essence, taking any fruit can help you to meet daily water intake requirements. When you do, you will have flushed and flawless skin.

Fruits Keep Diseases At Bay

Besides containing a great degree of water, fruits, especially the ripe kinds, also have numerous antioxidants. The best part, each fruit contains a unique range of antioxidants that are good for your body.

Perhaps you are wondering how all that reduces the risk of diseases. Let’s explain!

Antioxidants are bio-chemicals that combine and neutralise dangerous elements in the body known as free radicals. The said radicals are unstable in nature and are often the agents of body ailments – especially cancers.

In summary, when you eat lots of fruits often, you will automatically equip your body with a rich supply of antioxidants. With such aids, you will spend less money and time visiting the sickbed.

Fruits Contain Dietary Fibres

If you have ever thought of weight loss, it is high time you stocked your fruit storage. Unlike carb meals, fruits are rich in fibre content.

Thanks to that, fruits aid digestion and help you burn your foods fast. Besides, fibres are low-calorie nutrients that also fit your fitness plan.

Besides weight loss, the fibre in fruits helps your heart. It does that by reducing the cholesterol in your blood and circulatory system as a whole.

Now, you understand the benefits of eating fruits, let’s help you handpick the best ones for your skin. Have a look!

7 Skin-friendly Fruits That Will Complement Your Skincare

 

Avocados

One of our top picks is avocados. These delightful fruits help to improve the moisture of the skin. But that’s not all.

Avocados contain healthy fats that help to make the skin flexible and supple. And the best part: this fruit has a UV-protection feature – thanks to its Vitamin C and E.

In essence, eating avocados will protect your skincare oils from the harshness of the sun. That means you will suffer no water loss or wrinkles.

Cucumber

This fruit, like avocados, is another rich source of Vitamin C. In addition to C, cucumber also contains Vitamin K. And with those two nutrients, you can expect glowing skin soon.

Besides vitamins, cucumbers contain lots of water. Thanks to that, your skin will stay hydrated and flushed.

Overall, you will suffer fewer wrinkles and fine lines when you eat cucumber frequently. While you are at it, you can use the fruit to reduce the dark circles around your eyes.

Lemon

If you are familiar with skincare ingredients, you will know that lemons are one of the mainstays. You will find extracts of this fruit in products ranging from creams to even lotions.

That said, lemon is quite popular with skin faithful, and it is all down to its Vitamin C content. With the compound, this fruit reduces instances of scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Overall, the nutrients in lemons shade your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. By doing so, the fruit is a perfect aid to reduce wrinkles and preserve your skin’s tone.

Oranges

Besides being tasty, oranges are delightful sources of fibre. They aid digestion and reduce the risk of heart complications.

Furthermore, oranges contain beta carotene. The said component is a convertible that changes to Vitamin A once it gets to the body.

The beauty of beta carotene surpasses its provitamin A functions. This compound acts as a sunblock and prevents dehydration. Also, it adds a shade of orange to your skin.

Overall, your skin will appear young, fresh, and bright. And isn’t that what you have always wanted!

Pineapples

If you want a chewable fruit that also doubles as a skincare aid, try pineapples. These fruits are very rich in essential nutrients. Some of such nutrients include Vitamin A, C and K.

Besides the vitamins, pineapples contain an anti-inflammatory compound known as bromelain. Beautifully, bromelain also has some healing properties.

In essence, pineapples will not only protect your skin but also repair its wound. That way, you will reduce dark spots and have a clean body.

Red Grapes

Another exciting fruit you should consider for your skin is the red grape. This delight is particularly effective against aging. How?

Red grapes contain a multifunctional compound known as resveratrol. With that, this fruit reduces the effects of aging.

In the process of reducing aging, resveratrol also combats the free radicals in your body. By doing that, the chemical compound limits the likeliness of diseases.

Watermelon

Our list is not complete without the succulent, cholesterol-free, fat-free and tasty watermelon. And as you can tell from the name, this fruit contains enormous water content.

So, you have found an alternative to drinking several gallons of water daily. But still drink water!

Besides water, watermelon contains dietary fibre that will reduce constipation and clogs from your skin. Combine the two effects, and you will soon reach a fresh and supple body.

Furthermore, watermelon contains four vitamins: A, B1, BY, and C. With those compounds, know that the fruit will protect your skin from UV rays.

Lastly, watermelons contain a compound known as Lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that combats tissue-damaging free radicals in your body. You can say that it also aids skin longevity.

 

So, that marks the end of our skin-friendly fruit list. We will advise you to stock your fridge with our recommendations.

But, remember that fruits alone can’t get you fast results. That said, you will need to buy safe skincare products like the ones we have here at Phyt’s.

So, go through our collection and see which one fits your needs!

 

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Acne

Acne is a skin condition that has been experienced by countless generations with seemingly countless approaches to its treatment. Why try ancient poultices or harsh detergent-like cleansers when there is now a holistic approach to acne treatments that not only clears the skin but improves overall skin health.
It is important to note that acne affects everyone, not just teenagers. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by things like poor hygiene or greasy food. These elements can undoubtedly exacerbate acne but are not the root cause.

First, let’s begin with understanding acne itself. Acne is an inherited disorder of the pore. Acne-prone pores shed five times more dead skin cells than an average pore, which results in retention hyperkeratosis. 
Not only do skin cells or keratinocytes shed at an accelerated rate, but these keratinocytes are also mingling with excess oil that is common within the acne-prone pore. This interaction produces a sticky consistency that is difficult for the skin to shed properly. This abnormal shedding clogs the pores ultimately leads to the formation of micro-comedones under the skin.

Moisture is Key
Because the most common approach to clearing acne is using dry, harsh products, it is commonly believed that acne needs to be ‘dried out.’
In fact, drying the skin out to clear up acne will actively work against achieving healthy, clear skin.

Optimal skin health requires a healthy barrier, with or without acne. A compromised barrier can lead to even more skin issues. With that said, adequate moisturisation and hydration are necessary for acneic skin to balance out active ingredients and allow the skin to repair itself.

Taking a Holistic Approach
The unfortunate reality of acne is that many people have been prescribed medications like antibiotics, isotretinoin, adapalene, spironolactone—the list goes on of drugs that may clear acne, but only for a limited time.
Topical and oral antibiotics, for instance, can provide clear skin while they are being used, but most people experience moderate to severe breakouts once they have discontinued use.
Probiotics are a recommended supplement to help balance the effects the antibiotics have had on an acne client’s system.
These drugs are not long-term solutions for acne because they come with a laundry list of unsavoury side effects and contribute to poor skin health and health in general. Prescription drugs are simply a temporary fix, which can be even more frustrating than the acne itself.

When people seek a solution for acne, they often focus on the surface level, which is entirely understandable. While acne is a skin condition, it is affected by internal factors of the body.

Diet
Though acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled through targeted skincare and lifestyle adjustments. Acne can be managed with thoughtful dietary choices.
First, it’s important to note that moderation is vital. Cutting back or limiting the intake of triggering food is recommended; remember that we’re all human! Indulging every now and then is fine as long as it’s not a regular practice.

Take note that acne triggers can be particular to each person, so we recommend keeping a food journal to keep track of and eventually rule out certain foods.
For instance, foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and sugar cause inflammation in the body and therefore cause inflammation in the skin. Another concern is the over-consumption of omega-6 fatty acids like corn, safflower, soybean, and sunflower oils—olive oil and coconut oil are great healthy alternatives.
Iodides, which are found in things as simple as table salt to various soy products like tofu and seaweed, are some of the most pervasive acne triggers. Instead, opt for acne-safe sea salt, non-iodized salt or Celtic salt. Shellfish and seaweed should be consumed in moderation, as they are rich in iodine.

A well-known and equally triggering acne enemy are dairy products. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can exacerbate breakouts. Think of dairy consumption as an internal domino-effect: the high glycemic index of dairy triggers an increased insulin level and the release of the IGF-1 hormone. The triggering of this growth hormone can have effects on sebum and skin cell production.
Other ingredients like peanut butter (opt for almond or other nut butter) and organ meats are high in androgens and create a similar problem.
The diet of an acne-prone individual should be as anti-inflammatory as possible, rich in antioxidants (think dark leafy greens) and essential fatty acids (salmon, white fish, and pharmaceutical grade omega-3 supplements).

It may also be advantageous to see a functional medicine doctor or holistic nutritionist who can determine if any hormonal or nutritional imbalances are perpetuating acne.
There are several preventative measures acne-prone people can take in their everyday life to avoid worsening or causing breakouts. One of the most common household items that can contribute to acne flare-ups is laundry products. Free and clear laundry detergents are best for acne-prone people as fragrance and dyes are known skin irritants. Dryer sheets leave a waxy residue on the fabric that can irritate skin and potentially clog pores. A good idea is to swap pillowcases every day to avoid sleeping on bacteria and dead skin cells that can contribute to breakouts.

The new approach to acne is not just results-driven but an entirely sustainable method to promote healthy skin from the inside out.

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Aromaclear Exfoliating & Purifying Mask to win the battle with large pores and shiny skin…

Products made with charcoal are popping everywhere, and it is no surprise. Charcoal is an efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable ingredient. It is the best ally of skin affected by large pores and excessive shine.

Charcoal is not just a trend
Although cosmetics manufacturers seem to have discovered this ingredient, it’s important to remember that charcoal powder has been used since ancient time for a range of purposes in everyday life. Charcoal is obtained from the calcination of plant materials (mainly wood) or animals (bones). Carbonisation at high temperature changes the configuration of these materials creating a sponge-like structure full of tiny holes. These holes, created by heat, will have multiple practical uses thanks to their absorption power: water filtration, odour absorption or dyes removal. 

Charcoal properties
In cosmetics, the absorption power of charcoal is very efficient at purifying and detoxifying the skin. Charcoal can work wonders to absorb toxins, heavy metals and some bacteria. It can also suck up the excess of sebum produced by oily skin which makes it an excellent ingredient for oily and acne prone skin types.
The purifying properties of charcoal can help shrink pores and leave the skin refined and feeling revitalised.

Phyt’s Aromaclear Exfoliating Mask
The charcoal used in Masque Gommant is obtained from a Japanese oak tree (Ubame Oak) and is called Binchotan charcoal. It has a micro-porous structure and is well known for its purity and finesse. The cosmetic quality and efficiency of this ingredient have been recognised by COSMOS and received their organic certification.

Phyt’s Aromaclear Masque Gommant is a 2 in 1 non-drying creamy formulation that combines the benefit of a mask and an exfoliator with three natural clays, charcoal and purifying essential oils. This facial mask has a triple action on the skin:

  • Exfoliation with crushed amber powder 
  • Absorption of impurities and sebaceous secretions thanks to 3 types of clay (white, yellow and green) combined with vegetable charcoal 
  • Purifying with essential oils (Lavandin, Tea Tree, Rosemary)

It will absorb impurities and excess sebum while reducing the size of visible pores. Blemishes are reduced, skin is radiant and mattified and pores instantly tightened.

Proven efficiency:

  • Healthier skin, refined texture: 100%
  • Absorbed excess sebum, mattified skin: 95%
  • Unclogged pores: 91%

How to use:
Once to twice a week, apply to cleansed skin (avoid the eye contour area). Leave on for 10 minutes then emulsify the mask with water and perform small ascending circles with the tips of your fingers to exfoliate the skin.
Remove the mask thoroughly with warm water. Pat skin dry, then follow with one of the moisturisers of the Aromaclear range.

 

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Nut oils

Most of us know that nuts as food are healthy to add to our diets. In the cosmetic industry, we now see many oils extracted from nuts appearing in skin care formulas.
In recent years, products containing active ingredients extracted from nuts have become, at times, controversial due to the possibility of allergies.
Individuals who have severe nut allergies have to be particularly careful at identifying nut oils when they are listed under their INCI or botanical name. 

Here are a few of the nut oils you are likely to find in skin care products, and their properties:

Sweet Almond

Prunus dulcis (sweet almond) oil is anti-inflammatory, which will help various skin types and conditions. The high amount of fatty acid content and retinoids in sweet almond oil may help dissolve excess oil on the skin and reduce acne’s appearance and help with cell turnover.
The vitamin E content in this oil can help with scarring and reducing skin damage from UV exposure. Last, but not least, studies are starting to show that sweet almond oil may help prevent and reduce stretch marks and help people with eczema psoriasis.

Horse Chestnut

Many parts of the tree that provide Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) is used, including leaves, bark and seeds. Horse chestnut extract used topically improves circulation and strengthens the connective tissue around the capillary system. This ingredient’s saponins are anti-inflammatory and help inhibit the breakdown of hyaluronic acid in the skin.

Macadamia

Macadamia integrifolia (macadamia) nut oil is sourced from the macadamia nut pulp and then pressed into a rich elixir. It is excellent for most skin types and rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It is an excellent moisturizer for dry skin, a potent anti-inflammatory for sensitive skin, and it will help improve mature skin by targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
Besides oils like jojoba and squalene, macadamia nut oil is the closest to the naturally occurring sebum found in your skin. It will absorb easily in the skin, and those with acne need not worry as this oil will not clog pores.

Walnuts

Walnut infused products can provide positive benefits for the skin. Juglans regia (walnut) is known for its high levels of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut-infused products can effectively fight acne-causing bacteria and other infections that trigger eczema and rosacea type skin conditions. They also contain vitamins B5 and E, which hold excellent brightening, skin texture, and pore-tightening properties.

Shea

Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter) is fat that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Shea butter is classified as a tree nut product, but it is low in the proteins that trigger allergies, unlike others. It is highly moisturising, as these benefits are tied to shea butter’s fatty acid content, which includes linoleic, oleic, stearic and palmitic acids. Shea butter also has antioxidant, anti-ageing, free-radical fighting and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a winner for many professional skin care products.

Argan

Argania Spinosa (argan) oil is nutrient-dense, but it is not a heavy oil that clogs pores. It helps soothe inflammation and may help modulate oil production in the skin. This oil is anti-inflammatory and will help calm and heal the skin while also providing a barrier to strengthening it. This nut-derived oil is full of vitamin E and fatty acids, which boost moisture levels and improve skin texture.


Hazelnut

A remarkable amount of research has been performed on the nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed oil. Hazelnut oil consists of more than 90% unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic (80%) and linoleic (6%–12%) acids. These fatty acids work together with Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) – also found in Hazelnut oil – to increase hydration in the skin’s outermost layers. Vitamin E also helps improve elasticity by keeping the skin hydrated.
Hazelnut oil is also rich in antioxidants called tannins that can help balance oily skin, cleanse, shrink pores and remove bacteria.

Brazil nut

Bertholletia excels (Brazil) nut oil is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D, magnesium, calcium and iron. Brazil nut oil also has fatty acids, protein, fibre, copper, thiamine and antioxidants. Anti free-radicals, moisturising, improving elasticity and promoting cellular repair/growth, the oil is now becoming more popular as  an option in professional skincare products.

Cashew

Anacardium occidentale (cashew) oil contains vitamin E, which will help with anti-ageing. Research shows this oil can help with eczema and acne, as it contains linoleic acid that reduces inflammation in those with these skin conditions. Applying cashew nut oil or cashew shell oil can also help with warts and rashes, as it is antimicrobial.

Tamanu oil

Calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu) oil is extracted from the Laurelwood tree. It is rich in fatty acids, which will lock in moisture by acting as a barrier to the skin. This antioxidant-rich oil is also anti-inflammatory to benefit sensitive skin as well as help wound healing. Tamanu oil is also said to alleviate pain and can be used topically to relieve the pain caused by cold sores, shingles and sciatica.

If you are allergic to nuts, you may want to avoid products that are formulated with the oil extracted from those nuts. 

In doubt, stay cautious and always double check  

 

 

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13 Micro Habits for Happy and Healthy Skin

Not enough time for a full-scale routine? You can adopt micro-habits that take very little time each day and are easily doable for a healthy skin.
Taken individually, none of them will trigger an instant wow factor, but practiced in the context of other activities, these micro-habits will help your skin dealing with daily stressors a little bit every day, and this will add up over time.

  1. Splash cold water on your skin when rinsing-off cleansing products in the morning

Wash your face with lukewarm water first to remove any makeup and pollutants from the day, then end with a cold-water rinse to tighten pores and promote blood circulation. Rinsing with cold water affects the skin in many positive ways. Acne prevention, for instance, is one of those potential benefits. That’s because hot water strips the oils from your skin triggering your oil glands to produce even more sebum. In this case, cold water can do a great job of regulating oil levels.

Cold water may also be better for specific skin conditions, such as rosacea (make sure the water is not freezing cold). Hot water causes blood vessels to dilate more, making your skin appear redder. Cold water is also great at closing pores and reducing puffiness.

  1. Feed your skin with healthy food

Every time you go shopping, buy a fruit or vegetable you haven’t tried before. Your skin is your largest organ. Skincare protects it from external factors, but what feeds your skin cells comes from the food you eat. The human body is designed for various nutritional sources, and your skin needs various sources to obtain the nutritional elements it requires to stay healthy. Modern supermarkets have a wide variety of fresh food available, so it’s easy to grab a new one on top of your usual shop each time.

  1. Add the cost of process food you buy to your beauty products expenses

Work out how many ingredients, additives, artificial colouring, or flavouring ingredients will end up as blemishes; replace this processed food with spray-free or whole organic food if you decide to buy.

  1. Turn down the blue light on your computer.

If you’re serious about preventing premature ageing, experts say protection from UVA and UVB rays is no longer enough. Blue light emitted from our digital devices can penetrate deeper into the skin than UVA and UVB light. Blue light can penetrate our dermis to the level where you find collagen and elastin. The results are a loss of firmness and an increase in visible lines. 

  1. Put your phone on airplane mode in another room before going to sleep

Notifications and an endless stream of messages at night mess with our body clock, plus waking up with a need to check your phone instantly screams addiction. A messed-up body clocked soon becomes a messed-up skin. Taking care of your skin can start as simply as putting your phone on airplane mode in another room.

  1. Discard products that are out of date or those with expiry date far away in the future

If they are manufactured to last so long, what can be in them? Chemical preservative of course! Best to leave them where they are, in the jar rather than on your skin.
On your product packaging, you should see a little logo representing a jar and a number. The number will tell you the ideal time frame under which your product needs to be used. The higher the number, the more preservative ingredients would be found in the formula. The lower the number, the less preservatives it contains and the better for a healthy skin.

  1. Eat mindfully

Beauty comes from the inside. The connection between nutrition and skin condition, or rather, the effect of nutrition on skin ageing, has been an exciting research field. Not only for scientists but also a common field of interest for humans throughout the years, from ancient times to nowadays.

What we know today is that digestion begins in the mouth, where food is mashed by chewing and chemically softened by the enzymes present in the saliva. The food then passes down the oesophagus to the stomach, where it is broken down by acidic gastric juices. The resulting mixture then moves into the small intestine, combined with bile acids and enzymes. About 75% of nutrient absorption happens at this stage. Eating mindfully will help you maintain your skin’s health and integrity, and there is no cost involved in that habit.

  1. Drink water before you eat and in between meals

The adult human body is 60% water, and your blood is 90% water. Drinking water benefits the whole body in a million ways.
From flushing out toxins to preventing acne and giving you glowing skin, water is a miracle drink! When you drink enough water, the cells in every part of your body get hydrated through the blood.
Increasing your water intake during the day guarantees your skin gets hydrated while impurities and toxins get flushed out at the cellular level.

9. Wear sunscreen whenever in the sun for long periods.

Even when it’s cold or cloudy, UV rays from the sun can still do their damage. The easiest way might seem to be picking up a moisturiser that includes a sun protection factor of at least 30, but this is one instance where the easiest solution might not be the best. Please refer to our blog on a particular ingredient that proves to be harmful  (put the link here) and decide for yourself.

  1. Take vitamin D in winter

Vitamin D comes from sunlight naturally and helps regulate the immune system.
If you live in a country with a cold and dark winter, you are probably vitamin D deficient. You might also be deficient if you spend your life avoiding the sun following cosmetic procedures, injectables etc. Take vitamin D supplements.

  1. Make the time spent looking after your skin mindful rituals

Give yourself the time to enjoy your daily skincare and makeup routine and make them mindful rituals. Spend some time reflecting on what your skin is beyond its outer appearances. When you think about it, the role and influence of your skin on our overall health are mind-boggling. This micro-habit is to acknowledge skin as mindfully as you can.

  1. Breathe and exhale your way to glowing skin

We rarely breathe as deeply as we should. Just as the mind and gut are connected, the mind and skin also share a deep link.

Our breath is a powerful (and underrated) tool when it comes to changing your physical, emotional and mental state. The benefits of breathing correctly can help promote calmness, detoxify the body, stimulate the lymphatic system, foster happiness and more.

It should come as no surprise, then, that good breathing habits will also nurture beautiful skin.

  1. Bedtime

Lie on your back and let your head and shoulders hang off the bed for a couple of minutes (don’t do it if you have neck issues). This slight stretch before going to sleep helps open up the chest and get the blood flowing to the heart and brain. It feels good too!

Choose the habits you are confident you can adopt easily, and it will work for you. By doing so, your skin will reflect their combined benefits quite quickly. Expect to be surprised!

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Sunscreen – Why you should avoid Octocrylene

Sunscreen – Why you should avoid Octocrylene

It has been recently shown that Octocrylene, a UV filter found in sun protection products and anti ageing products, evolves into a harmful component once the products are open.

Octocrylene was previously accused of being harmful to marine life, especially corals. Some manufacturers have consequently withdrawn it from their sunscreens for environmental reasons but many have not, at least not yet. 

Now, a new in-depth study on this synthetic UV filter shows that Octocrylene, in some sun protection and anti ageing creams, degrades after some times into benzophenone – an endocrine disruptor, also suspected of being carcinogen.

What is interesting is that Benzophenone is not initially present in these products. It appears following the transformation of a specific sun filter found in many cosmetics (moisturisers, self-tanners, shampoos, etc.): octocrylene.

The researchers have shown that once the products are opened, it quickly turns into benzophenone.

The scientists involved analysed fifteen sunscreen and anti ageing creams purchased in France and The United States (you can find more about these in their report, published on Monday, March 8, in Chemical Research in Toxicology, a specialized journal of the American Society of Chemistry – see link at the end of this blog).

The products purchased have undergone an accelerated ageing process validated in the United States and equivalent to one year spent at room temperature. Then, they were analysed using a high-performance mass spectrometer.
Initially, there is very little benzophenone in the products. But gradually, with the ageing of the product, the increase in benzophenone exceeded 100%, and even reached 200% for some products.
According to the researchers, it is the first time that this transformation of octocrylene to benzophenone has been shown. 

Stressing that this substance is readily absorbed through the skin, the researchers believe that products containing octocrylene, and therefore contaminated with benzophenone, can pose a threat to health and the environment.
These same scientists are now calling for a ban of octocrylene from personal care products. 

Conclusion: if you are using skincare products with octocrylene, it is not good keeping them for too long once you’ve opened them.

For sunscreen products, consider adopting creams/lotions that act as a barrier because they sit on top of your skin and do not penetrate it. Those products are formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide particles.

Phyt’s sells only certified organic cosmetics. They do not use octocrylene in their sunscreen products  – or any other products; this ingredient is forbidden in manufacturing certified organic products.

Phyt’s focus is, and always has been, on ingredients that are essentially barriers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide rather than UV-absorbing chemicals.
As a barrier, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not go through the skin and bloodstream but reflect the UV away from the skin.

Remember also that, once opened, organic cosmetics should not be kept for too long (look at the back of the products – on the packaging or the products themselves – for a small symbol of an open jar. There is a number inside the jar followed by the letter M: that’s the number of months the products can last once opened).
Note: Phyt’s use only non-nano zinc and titanium particles in their sun protection creams.

Source: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00461

 

 

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“Made in France” – Why is this label still so attractive?

In the beauty industry, the label “Made in France” evokes quality, efficiency, and trust. Why is that so? 

In the world of fashion, beauty and cosmetics, the label “Made in France” conjures glamour, elegance, and sophistication. But the attraction for French skincare goes further than that. It’s about centuries-old wisdom in selecting ingredients, blending know-how, time-tested experience in manufacturing and today, more crucial than ever, about safety.
France has one of the most stringent regulations and product safety requirements. 

For centuries, the French have always been very fond of natural products. Ancient wild wisdom on the therapeutic use of essential oils, plant and herbs extracts have been running deep in the French psyche. They gave birth to numerous legends of ‘beauty or youth elixirs’ concocted in the minds of traditional medicine men and women. These experts would eventually become our modern herbalists, naturopaths, aromatherapists.

Phyt’s Laboratories emerged on the shoulders of this historical background. Its flagship formulations were born from herbalists’ minds and naturopaths interested in skin health above and beyond the notion of beauty.
More precisely, beauty and nature were necessary partners to achieve visible and sustainable results while respecting the earth and the environment that surround us.
Creme Absolue is a perfect example of a cream that was formulated almost 50 year ago and is still one of the best selling Phyt’s moisturiser.

Expertise is one thing, but it needs to sustain the passing of time. The focus must remain on constant innovation, cutting-edge results, and real customer experience. Phyt’s Crème Panacée is the epitome of what can be achieved in the quest for a global, do-it-all well-ageing movement.

French people have a long relationship with natural ingredients. Because our understanding of skin as a living system evolved so dramatically in recent years, synthetic ingredients are becoming less attractive to the educated and health-conscious consumer.
Essential oils molecules and plant extracts in their purest form are more in line with customers expectations.
Here too, Phyt’s “Made in France” know-how and expertise helped create high performance skin serums that deliver efficient and proven results with each drop.

In this fast growing ‘organic’ skincare scene, the “Made in France” label delivers a promise: quality, expertise, safety and a little bit of a dream in every tube, jar or ampoule. Quality research produces quality products!

If you are looking for efficient, safe skincare to keep your skin healthy, you can trust Made-in-France Phyt’s products and treatments.

 

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Ampoules: small in size, big on results!

Glass ampoules are the star packaging of professional products used in Phyt’s facial treatments.

Ampoules (sometimes called phials) are small sealed glass (or plastic) containers, mostly used to protect liquid or solution from air and contaminants in pharmaceutical, personal care and cosmetic industries. Usually, ampoules carry around 2 to 5 ml of product. Traditionally, they are made of glass and, for the environment’s sake, this is the material we prefer.

Inspired by the pharmaceutical industry, European skincare manufacturers have used single-dose ampoules to safeguard beauty serums for decades.

The major drawback for manufacturers is the cost involved in glass packaging: once filled with products, ampoules must be sealed by melting the thin ends with an open flame. Breakage on production lines happens and products contaminated with small pieces of glass have to be discarded; handling and storage require specific care and equipment, etc. 

So, why is this type of packaging becoming so popular for beauty serums – and why Phyt’s chose them for their professional treatments over other types of packaging?

Glass ampoules are sealed with flames; exposure to a flame allows for the oxygen present in the ampoule to burn, thus leaving a product safe from oxidation for as long as the ampoule remains sealed. This type of packaging guarantees the stability of the formula and its potency. Because the products  do not come into contact with air, the ingredients’ performance is not affected.

For a beauty therapist, using cosmetics in ampoules is also more hygienic than continuously dipping hands into containers. 

The main drivers in the popularity of glass ampoules are:

  • Consumers greater awareness about health hazards in a pandemic environment
  • The willingness for manufacturers to reassure stockists and clients alike about the safety of their products
  • The worldwide move away from plastic
  • The commitment of cosmetic manufacturers to eliminate as much plastic from their products and packaging

Because glass is so fragile, people are rightfully wary of the hazards of handling glass and treat ampoules with caution; a challenge PHYT’S avoided totally by keeping the use of glass ampoules for professional treatments only.

Phyt’s facial treatments come in single-treatment kits made of several ampoules. The kits themselves are made of recycled and recyclable material, preventing breakage furthermore.
The content of each ampoule has been carefully measured to be used only during the course of a treatment to ensure freshness and potency of the formula.
Aestheticians trained in Phyt’s treatments are skilled at safely and correctly extract products from their glass packaging. 

If many cosmetic companies use glass ampoules to pack serums, Phyt’s uses ampoules for all the products needed for a facial treatment – from the cleansing milk to the moisturiser used to complete each facial.
This guarantees a safe, potent, germs and bacterial-free therapy from the beginning to the end of the facial.
And, let’s not forget the delicious immersion in delightful essential oils and plant aromatics that diffuse their aroma all around, providing a relaxing and multi-sensorial experience.

There is an intimate and unique connection to Mother Nature when you realise that, from the moment active ingredients were sealed into their glass container until their release onto your skin, no-one has touched the product that is being applied to your skin…

Check Phyt’s Facial Treatments

How to get that perfect pout?

The skin on our lips (in the redder area) is much thinner than the skin on the other parts of our body (in that redder part of the lips, the skin is made up of three to five cellular layers, compared to the skin on the rest of the face which is typically arranged in 16 cellular layers).
Because of this thinness, they quickly get dehydrated, cracked and chapped – a condition that even the most glamorous lipstick will not help.  

Why is this happening, and what is the solution?
The red part of our lips does not have hair follicles and oil glands, and no ability to create the sun-filtering natural melanin. Therefore, the lips do not have the protection offered by sweat and body oil. This is why they dry out faster and can become chapped.

We usually associate dry lips with winters and the colder climates when the cold dry air outside and heated environment inside dehydrate our skin. Summer too can be an issue with exposure to the drying effect of the sun, sea or swimming pool, and air-conditioning.

Other factors could also increase dryness: the things we do without a second thought like licking our lips when they feel dry or when we feel thirsty. Licking our lips might provide relief for a few minutes but then we will notice how quickly they feel tight and dry again!
What about hot showers we take every day and brushing our teeth? We never think of these things as damaging the integrity of our lips’ skin, but they do, and daily…

With lips, prevention is the best action to take to get healthy-looking kissable lips. Lip balms are designed to nourish and soothe dry lips.

Phyt’s Soin Confort des Lèvres (Beauty & Lip Protection) is a soothing and intensely nourishing formula of certified organic Avocado oil, Argan oil, Shea Butter, Coconut oil and plant-derived Vit E. All ingredients are of natural origin and the balm is certified organic.
Phyt’s lip treatment balm helps preserve the youth and beauty of lips without damage to your health. Convenient size easy to carry around. Use it and enjoy that perfect pout! 

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Exercise for a healthy skin

You are all aware that exercise is excellent for your heart, lungs and mental outlook, but did you know that regular exercise plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin?

Here is why

Physical activity has many benefits and one of them is that it improves your blood circulation.
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body. Skin being our largest organ, it follows suit that a great many of these working cells can be found in your skin.
In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells.
By improving blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin, exercise tones the skin and gives you a healthy glow.

Contrary to some claims, exercise doesn’t detoxify the skin. The job of neutralizing toxins belongs mostly to the liver. But by increasing blood flow, exercise helps flush cellular debris out of the system through the liver – think of it as cleansing your skin from the inside.

Research investigating the link between stress and skin is relatively new, but there are a few elements we can already consider. For instance, we know that exercise eases stress; we also know that sebaceous glands, which produce oil in the skin, are influenced by stress hormones. It is therefore logical to consider that exercise, by reducing stress, helps in the management of conditions exacerbated by stress such as acne and eczema.

Exercise also helps your body control blood sugar reducing glycation which can age skin tissue, including important proteins like collagen.

Now, we must point out that certain skin conditions such as rosacea can be exacerbated by exercise because anything that promotes blood flow may trigger redness.

On the whole, regular exercise combined with a solid skin care routine will help you get a more youthful glowing skin!

Tips:
Because exercise increases sweat and may exacerbate skin conditions:
– Remove your make-up before exercising
– Keep your hair pulled back
– Cleanse your skin after exercise

 

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The surprising benefits of after-sun body cream

Summer activities can be fun for you and your friends, but harsh environmental conditions could damage your skin. The sun, sand, saltwater, and chlorine directly affect your skin after sunbathing at the beach or the pool. 

Regardless of how well your skin is temporarily protected, no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from UV radiation. And what does get through accumulates. If you stay in the direct sun for too long, this accumulation may lead to sunburn, but you don’t necessarily have to be sunburnt to suffer long-term damage. Even a light tan is a sign you’ve been exposed to too much sun and that your skin could benefit from a little extra TLC in the form of reparative after-sun skincare. 

What about the role of after-sun care? It gets far less attention – but it’s essential to healthy skin:

  1. An after-sun lotion acts fast to soothe and cool your skin.
    When UV rays come into contact with your skin, the radicals occurring from exposure spreads through the cells. That triggers a chain reaction of skin cell damage that continues long after you are out of the sun, resulting in premature aging of the skin.
    Applying an after-sun moisturiser containing primary cooling ingredients will help decrease the impact of this cascade reaction. It is best to leave the cooling lotion on your skin overnight as it will soothe and cool your skin and prevent it from developing an irritation.
  2. An after-sun lotion re-hydrates the skin.
    Prolonged sun exposure causes the evaporation of water from your skin, leaving it feeling flaky and dry. Although it’s good to drink a lot of water while you’re in the sun, you should apply after-sun lotion even while indoors to restore the natural moisture in your skin.

The composition of after sun lotions vary according to their preparation. They often include several active ingredients with specific benefits for skin that has been exposed to solar radiation. The following are found in Phyt’s formulation and have stood the test of time in their effectiveness:

Hazelnut oil
This light weight oil forms a natural barrier on top of the skin to keep moisture in. Is has a high content of Vit E.

Calendula Extract
This plant extract soothes and heals. Also, it helps to recover from damage caused by UV rays. It’s one of the most widely used ingredients in the preparation of after sun lotions.

Jojoba oil
A good moisturising ingredients packed with antioxidants and nutrients. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin.

Aloe Vera
If we need a natural, fast and effective solution to soothe skin, aloe vera might be one of the best remedies. Thanks to its compounds such as phytosterol, it also boasts anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits.
Its topical use also serves as an analgesic, so it acts as a soothing agent of the sun’s affected epidermis tissues.

Mint
Mint helps the skin recover naturally and relieves irritation. It’s very refreshing because it reduces body heat and reduces inflammation of the skin tissue.

Phyt’s After-Sun Cream brings comfort and freshness to the most sensitive skin. Enriched with natural active ingredients that are both nourishing and antioxidant, it also has the merit of being 100% organic and thus preserves the skin’s health and the whole body. Ideal from the feet to the neck!

Active compounds
Hazelnut oil, Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Calendula, Aloe ferox, Geranium, Peppermint, plant-derived Vitamin E 

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4 Ingredients best to avoid

When choosing your body and beauty products, it is essential to understand what is actually in them to help you pick, choose and source products that are the best, most natural option for you and your family.
There is an endless list of chemicals known for the health-hazard they represent when used regularly. We are outlining here four ingredients that are often found in daily skincare and body products and can cause various skin reactions and health concerns. Fortunately, and thanks to modern extraction processes, cosmetics manufacturers can now use an arsenal of plant-based compounds that are performing as well as their harsher counterparts but without the risk. They are also safer for our environment.

Here are the top 4 ingredients to avoid and their healthier alternatives:

Propylene glycol
Action: Used as a humectant ingredient that attracts water in the air to pull it into the skin’s upper layer. It also keeps moisture in the product.
Problem: it can irritate eczema and the eyes.
Alternatives:
– Aloe vera: an excellent moisturising agent because it contains mucopolysaccharides that help bind moisture to the skin.
– Plant-based hyaluronic acid: it can hold 1000 times its weight in water and is excellent to plump up the skin.
– Plant oils that hold and balance moisture: Argan, Wheatgerm, Avocado, Hazelnut, Almond, to name a few.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Action: gives a foaming action to products such as cleansers and shampoos—highly effective cleansing agent.
Problem: eye and respiratory irritant. It is also very drying because it strips the skin’s acid mantle, leaving it exposed to external aggressions.
Alternatives:
– Plant-based ingredients such as coco glucoside – a coconut derivative.
– Decyl Glucoside is another plant-derived substance safe for all skin types.

Parabens
Action: used as broad-range preservatives in cosmetics, health care products, foods and drugs (they are also used as fragrance ingredients!).
Problems: they are known to disrupt hormone function, harm fertility, and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Because they can easily penetrate the skin, it is recommended to avoid them.
Alternatives:
– Sodium benzoate: extracted from fruits and roots.
– Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin and Sorbic acid: they usually come together as a 4-component broad-spectrum preservative (all four are extracted from plants: Pine resin, Rowan berries and Willow bark).
– Rosemary or grapefruit seed extracts

Mineral oil
Action: an emollient designed to moisturise the skin.
Problems: this petroleum-derived oil sits on top of the skin. It can clog pores (causing breakouts) and makes it difficult for moisture to enter the skin.
Alternatives:
– All vegetable-derived oils as they allow moisture to cross the skin barrier. They also have fewer environmental impact.
– Shea butter and cocoa butter

Since 1972, Phyt’s Research & Development Laboratories have focused on the formulation and manufacture of safe and healthy skin care products. All formulas are created with a 100% natural origin and exclude the above doubtful ingredients. All products are certified organic, designed to bring all skin types and conditions back to a healthy and youthful appearance.
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PHYT’S Anti-Wrinkles Firming Mask

Skin aging is a complex mechanism involving two simultaneously occurring processes: intrinsic ageing known as chronological aging and which is genetically determined, and extrinsic aging which is due to environmental factors such as chronic sun exposure, known as photo-aging.

Chronologically aged and photoaged skin share important molecular features, including decreasing collagen and elastin production and quality, increased inflammatory process and oxidative stress. The epidermis and dermis become thinner.
As the skin has a direct interface with the environment, it is exposed to many environmental aggressions. It cannot avoid the phenomenon of aging and is subject to inevitable changes.

Novel extraction technology in plant and marine active ingredients can help soften the visible signs of biological aging more effectively than ever before. One of these marine ingredients is a molecule named exopolysaccharide (EPS)which brings significant benefits to mature skin 50 and over.

One of these benefits is the increase of the production of collagen; another is an improved elastin synthesis by human fibroblasts (biological cells). Thanks to these stimulating effects, the exopolysaccharide(EPS) extract help improve skin firmness and elasticity. There is also a tightening action of the collagen fibre network. The result is a tensing effect visible within minutes of application.
This marine exopolysaccharide (EPS) has no land-based equivalent and represents a new and original source of anti-aging compounds for cosmetics.

You will find these natural potent ingredients in Phyt’s Anti-Wrinkles Firming Mask. This mask can, thanks to the large molecular weight of the plankton extract, “fill in” wrinkles with visible results as quickly as 15 minutes after application. Its tightening and smoothing effects show quickly on fine lines and wrinkles.  It is primarily formulated to redefine the texture and oval of the face and is an excellent ally as a neck rejuvenator.
The formula includes also nourishing Hazel nut and Wheat germ oils, regenerating and toning essentials oils (Thyme, Rosemary), brightening essential oil of Lemon and natural Vitamin E.

 

Two very delicate areas of your face

Our eyes require special attention to maintain a more youthful appearance. 

The skin around your eyes is much thinner than on other parts of your face and is therefore more sensitive to lifestyle stress and prone to premature ageing. Fine lines and wrinkles in this area are the first to appear, caused by our facial expressions, sunlight, eye-straining, blinking and blue light from smartphones or other electronic equipment. 

Some of the most pronounced wrinkles in the eye area are the crow’s feet in the corner of the eyes, and the perpendicular lines between the brows. The lower eyelids in mature skin can slacken, bags may develop, and the upper eyelids can droop and may sometimes impair vision.

The lip contour is another area that can show early signs of ageing, especially for those who smoke. The lips are under continuous stress from merely talking, eating, or even sipping through a straw. 

To slow these early signs of skin ageing in these specific areas, it is essential to have products that provide hydration and protection.

The Phyt’Solution? One product for 2 areas: Fluid Eye Contour!

 

simple summer routine for dehydrated skin

Summer is notorious for leaving skin feeling dehydrated and dry following constant exposure to our harsh Australian climate. Despite all the fun that summer brings into our lives, it is not the best of time for our skin.

With a little preparation, it is possible to complete a simple, highly effective summer beauty routine using only a few hydrating products to keep your skin fresh and glowing.

1. Cleanse and tone

To start your summer routine begin by cleansing your face with the 3-1 Aqua Phyt’s Micellar Water. This cleansing water is infused with thousands of micelle particles that are designed to lift up dirt, impurities and pollution. Splash some on a cotton pad then simply wipe the cotton pads on the skin. Contrary to most micellar water out there, Aqua Micellar Water will cleanse your skin while replenishing surface water lost during the cleansing process. You do not need to rinse your skin with water or a toner after cleansing as Aqua Phyt’s Micellar Water acts also as a toner. Gentle and efficient!
2. Get your mask on

Applying a good layer of Aqua Phyt’s Instant Hydration Mask is de rigueur to infuse your skin with a botanical hyaluronic acid of two different molecular weights. One will be absorbed within the upper layer of the dermis – replenishing water in the tissues, plumping wrinkles and fine lines – while the other (the larger molecular weight) remains on the surface of the skin acting both as a humectant (attracting water from the environment) and a mantel preventing water loss from the skin through evaporation.
This mask is mega-hydrating, refreshing and calming. It’s a bit like an instant water bath for the skin!  Plus, it goes on clear so you won’t get strange looks from your roommate or partner… This mask is the perfect tool for a dehydrated skin after a day outdoors.
3. Hydrate to protect

Here you can choose from 3 moisturisers with long lasting hydration:

  • A light-feathered hydrating lotion like Phyt’s Aqua Fluid if your skin tends to be a bit oily or combination
  • A moisturiser slightly thicker and richer in oil for normal to dry skin: Phyt’s Aqua Cream
  •  Or a much thicker moisturiser with a higher content of oil for very dry dehydrated skin:  Phyt’s Hydra-Riche Cream.

Aqua Phyt’s moisturisers provide water and lipids to the skin to rebalance its water content and reinforce the hydrolipidic film. They all work at restoring optimum skin comfort.
4. Treat your lips

Swipe our magic little Phyt’ssima Lip Balm across your lips. This ultra nourishing and protecting stick provides on-the-go protection and repair whenever you need it. Especially welcome after sunbathing or sailing!

5. Sun protection

Not compulsory but highly recommended… Before going out in the sun, protect your skin with Phyt’s SPF30 or SPF50 Protection Creams formulated with a high content of natural Vit E and nourishing active ingredients. These 2 creams have the same fluid texture which becomes invisible after application. The sun protection comes from mineral sunscreen protectors of natural origin (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). 


How to choose the right anti-ageing product for your skin?

Each generation has its beliefs and preferences in the way they care for their skin to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance. 

Today, we can delay the appearance of the visible signs of ageing much longer and much more effectively than our grandmothers were able to. However, it’s essential to take into account a few key stages to have your skin looking its best in the long run.

Product technology and novel ingredients are important but so is a good understanding of the natural processes involved in your skin as you age. In other words, it’s all about prevention and damage control as the skin naturally transforms through the biological ageing process.

18-25: prevention  

  1. Great age, where so much lies ahead of us. Skin wise, it’s a combination of bad news and good news. The bad? You’ve started to age. The good? 80% of signs of ageing are due to environmental factors. Prevention is easy without too great of an effort or budget. Nobody is asking you to live the life of an ascetic, but stay away from bad company: sun, tobacco, alcohol, junk food, pollution. A best and simple routine is Cleanse, Protect, Moisturise. 
  2. Avoid going to bed with your foundation, smoky eyes and pores full of airborne particles. You can sweep it all off in five minutes flat with Phyt’s Micellar Water or Phyt’s Anti Pollution Gel cleanser. In the morning, get your skin ‘up and running’ with Phyt’s Orange Hydrolate or Eucalyptus Hydrolate.
  3. If excess sebum still plays nasty tricks on your skin, think Aromaclear Mattifying moisturisers and keep a SOS Aromaclear stick in your pocket. This duo has your covered: the skin is purified, mattified, rebalanced without aggravating sebum production. Time tested, these products work. Welcome to the “selfie” skin! 
    If you live in a busy city and pollution in your environment is the issue, your best friend is Reviderm Anti-Pollution moisturiser: intelligent, light, natural like an invisible second skin.  
  4. Practice saying NO. No to aggressive products and harmful ingredients in your skincare but also the food you eat. Remember that your skin is your largest organ. It is part of a whole system. What you eat has a direct impact on the health and resilience of your skin. Quit processed sugars  (sodas, candies, cakes). They might taste good, but they caramelise collagen—Goodby babyface.
  5. Be gentle with your eyes, especially when you remove eyeliner, mascara and eyeshadow. Place two cotton discs soaked in gentle make-up remover on the eyelids, wait a few seconds and gently slide them outwards and then along the lashes. Repeat until the cotton pad is clean. 

28-42: prioritise energy and brightness

  1. You do not know it yet but this is the best age for your skin! You look very young and you are full of energy, experimenting with life, looking for a style that defines you… All this keeps you very busy. 
  2. You can handle stress but it still damages your skin’s balance and accelerates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What can you do? Use a moisturiser rich in antioxidants to fight inflammation, pollution and UV damage, and with hyaluronic acid to plump the skin. AquaPhyt’s  Creams are great moisturisers packed with hyaluronic acid to plump up your skin! Reviderm Anti-Pollution range is another option if your environment is polluted, dusty, or if you are a smoker. This range contains energising active ingredients to boost the mitochondria – the cell’s unit of life.
  3. Manage eye strain: avoid late nights in front of your TV or computer screen and work at improving the quality of your sleep. The area around your eyes is four times thinner than the skin of your face, and it is always moving. No wonder this is the first part of your face that will give your age away! Your weapon? Daily use of eye products that protect, strengthen and nourish the skin. Phyt’s Fluide Contour is a time-tested, proven eye cream that will slow the appearance of fine lines. If puffiness or dark circles are an issue, try Phyt’s Sublim range to help remove water congestion (cause of puffiness) and capillaries congestion (cause of dark circles).

43-55: stimulate and repair

  1. You still look younger than your age.
  2. This is where most women report “finding themselves”… You know your strengths; your personality is more uniquely yours, you are less worried about what others are thinking and more concerned about feeling good in your skin. You commit much more seriously to anything that promotes a healthy lifestyle.  We live at a time when all the experts agree that we look younger but the years still leave their mark.
  3. Fluctuations in your female hormones are not only plaguing you with the dreaded hot flushes but directly impacting your skin:  you may get acne, your skin is not as radiant as before, and your skin has become dryer and dehydrated. Fortunately, they are products that are specifically designed to slow down the signs of skin ageing and to treat imperfections.
    For example, if your skin has become dry and dehydrated, choose Phytonagre or Absolue which are both time-tested cult moisturisers loved by women around the globe for decades.
  4. This period of your life is also a beautiful and productive time. There is no need to give up on sports or physical activities. You can still have a healthy body by paying attention to your weight with a healthy and balanced nutritional diet. Your skin needs marine collagen, omega 3, 6, 9, good fats, low sugar intake, food rich in calcium, vitamins, and trace elements. 

 60+: comfort and harmony 

Here comes a period in our life that can bring many opportunities to live your life to the fullest – what Jane Fonda described once as the 4th act in a woman’s life. 

  1. You  still look younger than your age thanks to a good skincare routine.
  2. Your skin is undergoing deeper changes: it is getting much thinner and dryer. The oval of your face is changing too, losing its firmness. You may also have puffiness under the eyes and enlarged pores.
  3. You are still young and vibrant at heart and ready to tackle new adventures. You want to look radiant, healthy, energetic and eager to herald a new cultural mindset around ageing. The most significant breakthroughs in skincare are being achieved both technologically and in ingredients research. Extremophiles (extracts from plants that survive the most extreme of conditions and eons of evolution on our planet) are keys. Phyt’s Panacée is a global skincare solution that may be perfect for you.

 

 

Just like your face, your body skin needs water and oil to stay supple, smooth and glowing.

Dehydration and dryness will often compromise your skin natural defences leaving it open to more problems. You need to supply your skin with water to rehydrate it and oil to keep the moisture in. You can choose to use a standard moisturiser but, if your skin is very dry, you need something with a higher oil content. That’s where boy oil blends come in…
Formulas made with 100% oils offer a good alternative to protect and nourish the skin. They help your skin reinforce its natural barrier while keeping your skin looking healthy and glowing.

Best time to use them? After you shower when the skin is still a bit damp because the oil will trap the water inside the skin.

Good reasons to use body oils?

  • They are easy to use
  • They limit transepidermal water loss by forming a film over the skin locking water in
  • They improve the elasticity of the skin
  • The application of oils with massages promotes blood and lymph circulation
  • They give the skin a nice glow

A good quality body oil will penetrate quickly into the skin without clogging it or leaving you feeling greasy. The best body oils are made from plant-based ingredients and are certified organic. They will feed your skin with healthy nutrients.

Phyt’s body oils are pure, unadulterated plant-based oils that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and skin nourishment. They are lightweight and absorb quickly in the skin. Their scent comes from essential oils which also bring their unique benefits to the skin.

Apply only a small quantity for quick penetration. Use at night, after washing when the skin is slightly damp. You can also use Phyt’s body oils for a light massage on your legs and thighs as it is excellent to improve blood flow to help with cellulite and detoxifying.

PHYT’S BODY OILS

AROMA PHYT’S RELAXANT – Relaxing Body Oil

Lavender essential oil brings its relaxing properties to a nourishing blend of Sunflower and Wheat germ oils. Ideal massage medium for a relaxing massage.

Sunflower oil contains high doses of linolenic and oleic acids. These acids provide moisture to the epidermis and help protect the skin’s barrier. Sunflower oil is softening and nourishing, and has anti-ageing benefits for the skin. 

Wheat germ oil is a great source of Vit E (antioxidant), Vit A, Vit D and fatty acids. Although this oil seems thick, it penetrates quickly in the skin. A great skin conditioner!

Lavender essential oil is very relaxing (perfect if you have symptoms associated with anxiety). It can also combat inflammation and has antibacterial properties.

Natural Vit E is a well known antioxidant and anti-ageing ingredient. It can help reduce the damages of UV to the skin. Great to prevent the appearance of fines lines and stretch marks.

 

AROMA PHYT’S COCOON – Wellbeing Body Oil

A blend of nourishing and healing oils to keep your skin in top condition.

Sunflower oil contains high doses of linolenic and oleic acids. They provide moisture to the epidermis and help protect the skin’s barrier. Sunflower oil is softening and nourishing, and has anti-ageing benefits for the skin. 

Grapeseed oil contains fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin, and resveratrol which is known to be anti-inflammatory. This oil is softening and nourishing.  

Natural Vit E is a well known antioxidant and anti-ageing ingredient. It can help reduce the damages of UV to the skin.

Brown algae extracts (from Bladderwrack) have been shown to stimulate collagen and to retain water in the skin. It contains antioxidants that keep your skin looking healthy and young.

Why use hand cream?

A few facts about the skin on the back of your hands:

  • it is very thin
  • it has hardly any fatty tissue
  • there are fewer sebaceous glands than on other parts of you body 

Sebaceous glands produce sebum (an oily substance) that provides lipids to the skin and helps keeping it moisturised by binding with water. A low production of protective lipids results in a weaker hydrolipid film on the skin and, consequently, in aggravated risk of the skin barrier being compromised.
In the end, your hands are more susceptible to be dry and dehydrated.

Issues

In normal times, your hands are particularly exposed to frequent washes during the day. With the current possibility of being infected by Covid-19, the current preventive message is very clear: washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the first step in keeping you safe from bacterial or viral contamination. More recently, we have also been asked to use alcohol based sanitisers more and more regularly and, considering the context we currently face, most of us comply for the sake of our communities. The price paid by our hands is getting more and more obvious: dry, itchy, at times inflamed – because the skin barrier is weakened.  

Solutions

Keeping your hands moisturised helps prevent that damaging process. Considering the aggressors we must use (soap and sanitizer), it makes sense to consider a 100% natural, certified organic hand moisturiser that will safely and effectively replenish the lost moisture and protect the skin of your hands but also your nails. 

Phyt’s Hands & Nails Cream is a certified organic formula with nourishing Hazelnut oil, protecting Castor oil, antioxidant natural Vit E and essential oils known for their healing and soothing properties: Rosemary, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Lavender. 

Apply your hand cream after each hand washing, on thoroughly dried skin, or whenever you need it. Try not to touch your skin with the nozzle of the tube to avoid contamination of the product by possible germs and microbes.

 

 

Natural Vit E – The magic want in your pro-ageing tool kit

Although vitamin E is frequently used and has been around a long time, it is interesting to know how it benefits the skin.

The first step is to understand the difference between the natural form of Vit E and it’s synthetic counterpart. Both are used in cosmetics and nutritional supplements but, just because they appear to be the same chemically, it does not mean they are equal biologically.

Results of recent studies suggest that natural Vitamin E is more bioavailable and is retained in body tissues significantly longer than synthetic Vitamin E. These studies show that previously accepted differences were underestimated and that the bioavailability of natural Vitamin E is about twice that of synthetic Vitamin E compounds.

So how do you recognise which form of Vit E is in your cosmetic products? On a supplement label, natural vitamin E is listed as d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. In contrast, synthetic forms of vitamin E are labelled with a dl- prefix.
Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E.

Now that we made this distinction, here are the 4 primary benefits of Vit E for your skin:

Antioxidant
Vitamin E works as an antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental stressors. It protects skin from free radicals and helps to stabilise them.

Anti-wrinkles
Vitamin E also boosts the collagen production in the skin because of its antioxidant properties, leaving the skin bright and healthy-looking.

Moisturiser
Vitamin E moisturises the skin. Recommend that clients use products infused with vitamin E if they have dry skin. And remember, the best time to moisturise is soon after a bath or shower.

Overall Health
Vitamin E can be used for more than just glowing skin. As a supplement, it can be used to strengthen the immune system. It promotes cell and tissue renewal in the body, which helps to keep the body healthy. Your skin is your largest organ. One way or another, whether it is through topical application or through nutrition and nutritional supplements, making sure your intake of Vit E is adequate will increase your skin resilience to everyday stressors and help you maintain a youthful appearance. 

Phyt’s uses only natural vitamin E (tocopherol) extracted from vegetable oils. This ingredient is found in many of their formulas, especially in the Anti-Ageing Aromalliance range and Anti-Pollution range.