Phyt’s chose hydrolates as skin toners.  Hydrolates are botanical distillates that carry the properties of the plant materials used to manufacture them. To understand why they make great skin toners, we need to look at the extraction process of essential oils: steam distillation.

Here’s how it is done: you take a large quantity of, say orange rinds, and you put them into a still. You then allow steam to pass through the plant material, under gentle pressure and gentle temperature. As the rinds are exposed to the steam, many active chemicals naturally present in the orange skin are released into the steam, which is then condensed (cooled down by passing into a cool tube). The steam then turns back into water, but that water now contains many wonderful natural healing chemicals that were in the plant (you understand now why it’s important to source oranges grown organically, without exposure to harmful chemicals).

Some of those healing chemicals are called hydrophilic (that means they love water and dissolve in it), while others are oily and ‘hydrophobic’ (they are repelled by water). When you leave this water-oily mix for 15 minutes or so, the two parts quickly separate out (exactly as they would if you were to pour oil in a glass of water). The oil is the plant’s ‘essential oil’, and the water is known as a hydrolate. The hydrolate contains the water-soluble chemicals from the orange rinds, while the essential oil contains the non-water-soluble phytochemicals.

Now consider something else: the human body is composed of about 60% water. Water is the major compound in every single cell in the body, and also in the fluid that runs around the outside of the cells. If we want to get the balancing, therapeutic energies from the plants to our body’s cells, it makes sense to use the healing chemicals that dissolve in water.
Hydrolates are not just water; they are effective products that are a great addition to your daily skincare routine.

The benefits of our Phyt’s Orange Hydrolate has been maximised by adding to the solution safe, gentle but efficient natural ingredients:

Bitter Orange (citrus Amara)
Water making up the hydrolate is produced from the steam distillation of bitter orange (Citrus Aurantium Amara) leaf and twig extracts. One of the main benefits of bitter orange is its cleansing capability. It removes dirt, oily and impurities from the skin while calming and balancing the skin at the same time (it doesn’t strip the skin as can some harsh over-the-counter formulas). After using a formula with bitter orange, the skin feels balanced, refreshed, and ready for the application of your moisturiser or serum.

Verbena (Lippia Citriodora)
This plant oil is high in antiseptic content and emollient properties, making it a fantastic tonic for your skin.

 Mallow (Malva Sylvestris)
The flower extract has anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.

 Lotus (Lotus Corniculatus)
The lotus flower is full of compounds that benefit the skin, including antioxidants, flavonoids, fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The extract helps minimise the appearance of pores, soothes, hydrates, firms and tightens the skin.

 Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
What makes horsetail stands out in the cosmetic world is that it contains more silicon in the form of silica and silica acids than any other herb, and in a form that’s highly absorbable by the body. It helps minimising the appearance of large pores and is a natural source of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. This ingredient has healing and remineralising properties.

 Alfafa (Medicago sativa)
This extract comes from the alfalfa plant. In skincare, alfalfa extract can help with moisturisation and it is also known to contain lots of beneficial nutrients including proteins, a variety of minerals and vitamins A, B, C, D and E – all of which offer revitalising and anti-ageing benefits. Alfalfa extract is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to combat the effects of pollutants and airborne irritants. Last but least, this extract soothes the skin and has a brightening effect.

 Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Interested in the beauty benefits of mistletoe? The decorative greenery, once reserved for doorways and dropping hints for your crush, actually contains a potent extract that, when applied topically, helps keep skin soft and supple. In Hydrolé Oranger (orange hydrolate) mistletoe extract helps boost the softness and elasticity of the skin.

Hydrolé Oranger does not contain alcohol or glycerin. It can be used on all skin types and is best for normal, combination, dry and sensitive skin.  

Tip: Phyt’s hydrolates come in glass bottles, to be used with cotton pads. They can be transferred to a spray bottle if you prefer to spray toners on your skin.

Exfoliation is defined as “the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin”. It allows the surface of our skin to be smoother, brighter and more luminous, which gives a youthful look to the skin.

A few basic facts worth knowing about your skin. You have most likely heard it before: your skin is your body’s primary barrier and its largest organ. In other words, the primary function of your skin is to protect your body. Did you know that the cells that make up your skin never stop growing and dividing? In a young person the natural cycle of regeneration takes around 28 days. As you (and us, all) age biologically, this process of cell regeneration slows down, taking up to 60 or even 80 days with a progressive build-up of dead skin cells which leaves the skin looking dull, rough and dry.

This build-up of dead skin cells can also trigger a chain reaction by limiting or preventing the absorption of active ingredients present in your skincare, which in turn clogs pores and eventually leading  to pimples and acne. 

This is precisely where exfoliation comes into play: it removes dead skin cells to uncover fresh new cells below.
The benefits of exfoliating are significant for all skin types but most particularly for mature skin. Done regularly, exfoliation: 

• Improves skin texture and tone
• Prevents clogged pores resulting in fewer blemishes
• Increases collagen production
• Enhances blood and lymph circulation
• Helps the effectiveness of skincare by enhancing absorption

How often should you exfoliate?

It’s always better to use a gentle exfoliant like Phyt’s Contact+ as aggressive products can disrupt your skin barrier function and create inflammation. Too many exfoliations or using too aggressive products will not fix the problem, but make it worse.

Your skin type and condition are other factors that you have to consider. As a general rule, we recommend a gentle exfoliation:

• Young skin: once a week 
• Mature skin: once to twice a week

Why Phyt’s Contact+? 

Contact+ is a gentle exfoliating mask that eliminates dead skin cells without damaging the protective layer of the skin. 

Phyt’s chose plant cellulose as the exfoliating agent because it works by adhering to dead skin cells that are then removed with gentle massage motions on the skin surface. The old cells build-up is eliminated leaving the skin looking smooth and brighter. Plant cellulose is gentle and will not irritate the skin.

Directions: One to twice a week, spread a thin layer on clean, dry skin and leave for 5 minutes or until dry. Then with your fingertips, perform a dry massage with gentle circular movements to remove the product. Finish by rinsing your face with water or a toner.

Exfoliating agents

Most facial exfoliants use exfoliating agents such as fruit kernels (often apricot, almond or cherry); some will have sand or even pearl fragments and others tiny plastic beads. These natural ingredients do not have a completely smooth surface and can be quite abrasive if used too often or on sensitive skin. They tend to be irritating because they cause micro-cuts in the skin. Abrasive plastic beads are softer to the skin but they are now considered as polluting and unsustainable. 
Plant cellulose is a new natural exfoliating agent with particles showing the same exfoliating properties as the ingredients listed above, but without the associated drawbacks.
Cellulose is an important component of the cell walls of green plants and it’s the most abundant natural polymer. By definition, polymers are large molecules made by bonding (chemically linking) a series of building blocks called monomers – think of it as a chain, with each of its links a monomer.
Polymers are everywhere. Just look around: your plastic water bottle, the silicone rubber tips on your phone’s earbuds, the nylon and polyester in your jacket or sneakers, the rubber in the tires on the family car. Many proteins in your body are polymers, too:  keratin (KAIR-uh-tin – the stuff your hair and nails are made from- even the DNA in your cells is a polymer.

Going back to plant cellulose, the type used in skin care is microcrystalline cellulose. 

What are the main active ingredients in Contact+?

Phyt’s Contact+ exfoliating agent is plant cellulose, chosen for its efficacy and gentleness on the skin – and because it’s completely natural.. 

Ylang Ylang essential oil and Sunflower seed oil are also part of the formula. 

Ylang Ylang is a skin booster with a natural ability to stimulate a natural glow. As an antiseptic, Ylang Ylang essential oil can help fight infections by purifying, protecting and healing. It has been shown to improve blood flow and fight inflammation, supporting a healthy circulatory system. Last but not least and thanks to its ability to act directly on the olfactory system in the brain, Ylang Ylang essential oil can have immediate positive effects on your mood. Who does not want that?

In Contact+, Ylang Ylang acts as an effective skin cleanser while boosting the regenerative process of the epidermis. Whether your skin is dry or oily, Ylang Ylang oil corrects the amount of oil your sebaceous glands produce, ensuring your complexion has just the right amount of moisture. It’s antioxidant properties help to fight off the free radicals that are responsible for premature ageing. 

Sunflower seed oil acts as a carrier oil. It is cold pressed from the seeds of the Sunflower. This smooth, nourishing oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Sunflower oil slows the look of wrinkles, reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, eliminates acne-causing bacteria, prevents blemishing, and evens out the skin tone.

Try Contact+, your skin will love it and you will love how soft, silky and brighten your skin feels and looks, and how more effectively the active ingredients in your serum or moisturiser will be absorbed and work their own magic. 

To develop a product that delivers what it promises to deliver, safely and consistently, does not happen overnight.  Behind the finished product consumers can trust, lie decades of know-how and expertise, and this is most particularly true when it comes to the development and manufacture of certified organic cosmetics.

Imagine that one day you resolve to expand your passion for skin health and your knowledge of the botanical realms into developing your range of organic skincare. The journey you’ll undertake will see you take quite a few steps before you can witness the realisation of your goal: your product  range successfully moving off the shelves and happy fans sharing their discoveries with their friends and peers. Here are some of the steps you would have to navigate.

1) Your signature: the formulation

It takes know-how in biology and chemistry to understand skin’ s condition and issues, and how botanical extracts and compounds can help resolve these problems. Once the main active ingredients are selected, more elements must be identified and assembled as a coherent whole: the delivery mechanism allowing these compounds to be absorbed by the skin as effectively as possible, the base which will ‘make’ the finished product (water emulsions, plant oils, clays – to keep it simple), aromatic and natural preservatives compounds and finally ingredients of lesser priority that will work in synergy with the most actives thus enhancing the effectiveness of the finished product.

Phyt’s management is consistently studying trends in the beauty world. Through their network of partner salons and suppliers, they listen to expert opinions to create and develop new formulations. Their own experience in manufacturing cosmetics help them bring new products that meet the latest demands.

2) Manufacturing facilities

Health and Safety standards demand that cosmetics and skincare be manufactured in licensed, established, government-approved laboratories manufacturing equipment and production lines specialised in producing cosmetics with consistency.

Phyt’s have two production sites:

– one for manufacturing powders and soap

– one for manufacturing creams and lotions

All procedures meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that regulate organisation, hygiene and monitoring to guarantee the highest quality of the products. Their QHSE (Quality, Safety, Hygiene, and Environment) department ensures rigorous follow-up to monitor implementation of regulations that are in force, and to carry out monitoring on all levels of the production chain. In order to do so, they are equipped with physical, chemical and microbiological monitoring.  

They carefully manage effluent waste with wastewater being directed to a pre-treatment plant. Machines are cleaned with neutral detergents referenced by organic cosmetics labels. They have also built a heat exchanger to naturally retain ground heat in the winter and coolness in the summer.

 3) Ingredients

You came up with a specific formulation because of your experience and knowledge in that field. You know what must go into your formula. In other words, you have a unique recipe. Now, you need to source these ingredients. In today’s cosmetic world, there are a plethora of suppliers specialised in botanical, certified organic extracts. Still, caution is advised when it comes to certified organic ingredients. Your chosen supplier should be able to trace the origin of all its resources, and himself be the bearer of International Organic Certifications. The same applies to a supplier of natural fragrances. Olfactive compounds must also be traced to their natural and sustainable origins, be devoid of synthetic molecules and be certified organic. 

Phyt’s offers a wide range of certified organic cosmetics made of ingredients of 100% natural origin. These products bear the COSMEBIO certification. This COSMEBIO label requires that:

All plant ingredients to be at least 95% certified organic
At least 95% of all ingredients to be of natural origin
At least 10% of all ingredients to be certified organic

PHYT’S goes beyond COSMEBIO standards with 100% of its ingredients being of natural origin and the maximum amount of the formulas’ ingredients being organic where possible.

4) Testing

By now, you have your secret and magic formula, your suppliers, and a laboratory to manufacture your finished products. The next step is to produce a small batch to test, tweak, adjust and re-test for consistency and effectiveness. Next but in the same vein, submit the small batch to an independent cosmetic testing laboratory for testing on a panel of selected individuals – usually those people having the skin challenge your product is designed to relieve.

Phyt’s develop each of their products with the aim of achieving real results for skin which means carrying out tests on a large part of their products. These tests are done with external testing laboratories to ensure impartiality in the results. This enables Phyt’s to demonstrate that skincare made with ingredients of natural origin are just as effective as those of natural origin.

5) Packaging

You are now getting close to your destination, but not yet arrived. Your product has been tested for safety and efficacy in its category and approved for commercialisation. What is left is the packaging. The sky’s the limit in this field where innovation appears daily – more trials, errors, tweaking, feedback and finally you have it: the ideal packaging for your creation.

And, because you want to offer an organic product, the packaging will also need careful selection, such as being recyclable or made from recycled material in other words, fulfilling the criteria demanded by the Organic Certification bodies for packaging.

Phyt’s use as much recycling or recyclable materials as they possibly can. For example, before everyone else they chose corn starch tubes for their lipsticks. Before the end of 2020, other products could be packaged in tubes made with vegetable material.

When possible, outside packaging has been eliminated – such as boxes for the make-up range. The professional kits which were originally in PVC are, since 2009, in PET which is 100% recyclable. The company is also working on developing bottles made with recycled material.

6) Certification

The organic certification is not compulsory, but in a competitive market where consumers are wearier and wearier of misleading claims, bearing the logo of an internationally recognised certification will add credibility to your brand. This step is often the longest, most thorough, and expensive.

Phyt’s manufacture products that all bear the COSMEBIO certification. This COSMEBIO label requires that:

All plant ingredients to be at least 95% certified organic

At least 95% of all ingredients to be of natural origin

At least 10% of all ingredients to be certified organic

Being made with ingredients of natural origin means paraben-free, phenoxyethanol-free, phthalate-free, PEG-free, etc. These ingredients and the final products are not tested on animals.

As you can see, creating a skincare product from a daydream image to on-shelves reality is not a simple process.  Many chose the option of subcontracting a manufacturing laboratory to produce the finished products, but that will often limit the choice of ingredients, and customisation is not necessarily possible or affordable.

A professional, scientific environment has always been at the core of Phyt’s history since the creation of the company over 40 years ago by a biologist/naturopath. When Phyt’s changed ownership a decade or so ago, its helm was a long-established laboratory specialising in the research, development and manufacturing of herbal supplements.

Phyt’s laboratories possess the expertise of a team of scientists and the facilities to manufacture and package products to the highest Health & Safety standards.  All products have the Cosmebio organic certification and more recently moved to the new universal COSMOS ORGANIC and COSMOS NATURAL certification standards.

47+ years is a long time to create, test and manufacture certified organic skincare products, embraced by professional aestheticians and individual customers around the world. It takes the expertise and dedication of a group of experts at the heart of Phyt’s to not only survive in the harsh world of cosmetics throughout four decades dominated by big fashion names, but also become one of the most successful stories in Bio-Active Organic Skincare in France and now abroad.

Phyt’s Panacée Cream is a scientifically formulated blend of muscle relaxant with rejuvenating and firming active ingredients, all extracted from the plant world. This certified organic day & night cream brings the power of plant biodiversity to the human skin in a formula devoid of any harmful chemicals or additives.

Exceptional ingredients have been used to make Panacea a fantastic age-defying ally while keeping your skin healthy. These ingredients are all at the fore-front of bio cosmetic research thanks to their powerful action and benefits, particularly when working in synergy with each other. Here are some insights into the working of the top three:

Edelweiss

Edelweiss is an extremophile – extremophiles are plants that live in extreme conditions and have adapted to thrive in the most inhospitable environment (places of extreme cold, heat or isolation). They have survived by adapting to these environments and, today, are the craze of scientists learning how to use them as active ingredients in cosmetics.

Edelweiss is such a plant. It grows at altitudes of 1,800 to 2,000 metres in limestone, where UV exposure is high and temperatures very cold.
Edelweiss extracts have a high concentration of flavonoids and phenolic acid that aid to fight UV-induced damage and make it an ideal constituent of sunblocks. The same components that protect the flower from intense ultraviolet rays at high altitudes also protect our skin from sun damage.

The Edelweiss flower is also loaded with antioxidants that scavenge the harmful free radicals and can reverse the first visible signs of ageing. It has a high concentration of Leontopodic acids A and B that helps stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid and prevent collagen degradation. The result is a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits:

• antioxidant
• can help reverse the visible signs of ageing
• anti-inflammatory
• visibly reduces wrinkles and fine lines

Acmella Oleracea

Probably one of the most researched ingredients in the anti-ageing field. Did you know that this extract is considered a natural alternative to Botox? It reduces facial wrinkles caused by tense or contracted facial muscles. Traditionally, it is used as a herbal gel to numb toothaches thanks to the presence of analgesic alkylamides called spilanthol. This spilanthol is thought to have the same paralysing effect on facial muscles as it does on gum, reducing wrinkles by relaxing the skin.

In cosmetics, it can easily penetrate the skin and inhibit contractions in subcutaneous muscles. It is interesting to know that patents are being developed to use Acmella Oleracea as a safe alternative to toxic Botox.

Benefits:

• Relaxes facial muscles and lessens muscle tension
• Wrinkles that are formed by muscle tension are relaxed for a smoother skin

Brown Algae Extract

Bioactive Compounds extracted from Algae have been the subject of many studies and are widely used in the cosmetics industry. Algae contain different biochemical compounds, including polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, phenolic compounds, pigments, vitamins, and other bioactive substances, as well as macro and micro-elements.

Extract from brown algae are full of humectants that draw in moisture from the environment. After application, the skin is plumped up smoothing out fine lines.

The natural minerals contained in seaweed, which include omega, zinc and magnesium, create a barrier to protect skin from harsh weather (or overly dry environments) while helping to heal the skin of any infections.
Brown algae contain antioxidants, including vitamin B and C, that help clear pigmentation created by overexposure to the sun’s rays.

Benefits:

• Moisturising            
• Youthful-looking skin                                                                       
• Skin protection against the environment                                              
• Even skin pigmentation

There is more to the magic! These amazing three are only the top of the iceberg in this powerful formulation. Other active ingredients include no less than: 

• Purnarvana extract: modulates melanocytes resulting in decreased tyrosinase expression and melanin synthesis – a quite impressive brightening agent.     
• Adenosine: boosts the levels of proteins such as Collagen and Elastin in the skin, reduces damages caused by Ultraviolet B sunrays and increases skin microcirculation (for a youthful glow). It also relaxes the deep wrinkles found on the forehead (also known as frown lines).
• Rye seed extract: when used in skin care, this extract offers a long-lasting tensor effect by stimulating mechanical cell functions. Results: visibly smoother expression lines and relaxed wrinkles, fine lines and creases.
• Rosemary Leaf extract reduces the appearance of blemishes, spots, fine lines and wrinkles. It also works at tightening skin pores. It was recently discovered that, as an antioxidant, Rosemary is more potent than Vitamin E by a whopping 30%!
•  Aloe Vera: for centuries aloe vera has been used in anti-ageing treatment (scientific research has proven since then the chemical basis behind the action). In addition to boosting collagen production, aloe vera gel also hydrates the skin and increases the skin’s elasticity, reducing the number of fine lines and wrinkles.

To sum it up, Panacée is a scientifically formulated concoction of muscle relaxant made with strengthening and revitalising active ingredients extracted from the plant world – a formula devoid of any harmful chemicals or additives.

Too good to be true? Try it… you might be surprised as to how effective this global treatment really is! We would love receiving your feedback once you add “the” cream in your pro-ageing routine.

Recommendations:
– For cleansing, we recommend Lait Netttoyant if your skin is dry or Lait Hydro Nettoyant for combination skin 
– Exfoliation: use Gommage Contact+
– Mask: Masque Anti-Rides Fermeté (Anti Wrinkles Firming Mask) from the Aromalliance range
– If your skin is very dry, apply a few drops of Sérum Anti-Rides (Anti Wrinkles Serum from the Aromalliance range) over Panacée (let the cream penetrate before applying the serum)

Panacée is also available as a gift set which includes a perfumed body mist

Glowing skin signifies radiant health, vitality and youth, and helps us face the world with more confidence. So, it’s no wonder humankind across all cultures and regions have been searching for ways to improve the skin’s appearance throughout the ages. There’s one technique that has consistently emerged throughout history as a top choice for rejuvenating the skin surface — peeling.

This time-tested modality has come a long way. Consider the days in ancient Egypt, where enzymatic agents were first explored as a way to heal and repair the skin, or the 1800s to 1900s when dermatologists began wielding the rejuvenating and brightening properties of salicylic acid, resorcinol, phenol and trichloroacetic acid. Indeed, acids and enzymes have long been used to repair and regenerate the skin non-invasively.

Chemical Peels are classified according to strength, with superficial peels being the mildest form. 
The most common superficial peeling agents are Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, and the more gentle ones are made with pure fruit enzymes. Glycolic acid is the smallest molecule of the AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and therefore has the best skin penetration. These peeling agents are blended with other mild ingredients to create a liquid or paste formula that is applied to the skin long enough to penetrate only the epidermis.  This process breaks down the binding elements of the skin’s top layer, causing dead skin cells to shed off to reveal the fresh healthy underlying skin. 
Superficial peels are usually well tolerated with minimal discomfort.

Medium depth chemical peels penetrate through the superficial epidermis of the skin and reach the papillary dermis, the uppermost layer of the dermis. The most common ingredient used in medium peel is trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which can be applied in a concentration of up to 35%. The efficacy of medium depth peel can be improved by pretreating the skin with a superficial peel.

Deep peels using phenol in high concentration to reach the reticular dermis are now rarely performed due to their potential risk for complications. They have  been replaced mainly by laser ablation.

It is recommended to wear a quality sunscreen every day, but it becomes imperative after a chemical peel of any strength. The skin is more delicate after a peel so it’s important to nourish and protect it.

Phyt’s has removed the guesswork and discomfort out of the peel dilemma by developing the first certified organic chemical peel; a real skin renovator with Glycolic Acid of plant origin. It is a gentle and non-invasive professional treatment which works on the skin’s superficial layer: the stratum corneum.

Phyt’s Glycolic Acid is obtained from filtered Sugar Cane extracts. The extract is an excellent fruit acid (AHA = Alpha Hydroxy Acetic Acid), and its small molecular size ensures excellent skin penetration. It has a keratolytic property (it works as an exfoliant, causing the outer layer of the skin to loosen and shed) thereby improving the appearance of the skin. AHA also functions as a pH adjuster.

Only available in beauty salons or spas, one session of Phyt’Skin Renov Certified Organic Chemical Peel works like a deep exfoliation and gives you a brighter skin and refined pores.
But, the best results for a glowing, softer and smoother skin are obtained with the full at-home & salon program: a powerful skin resurfacing system with a deeper peeling action. There is no downtime, recovery time or rest post-treatment, so ideal for men or women wanting to rejuvenate their skin “incognito”.
Interested? Check Phyt’s partner salons to find out more about Phyt’Skin Renov Peel.

Crème Absolue has been at the forefront of age-defying cream for over 40 years and still enjoys a cult-like following in France and around the world. What is its secret?

The mind and vision behind the product
We need to travel back in time, to the year 1972 and in the South of France. There, we meet Jean-Paul Llopart, a Biologist expert in the therapeutic benefits found in the plant world, and a Naturopath who was intensely committed to the health and wellbeing of his fellow human beings. 

As a Naturopath, he was seeing and treating skin conditions of all sorts and origins. From this, he acquired the belief that one should not have to risk compromising one’s health to maintain healthy skin. That belief led him to create the principles of Naturo-Aesthetics, the first step towards the natural and organic beauty movement we are seeing today. 
Creme Absolute was one of his first creations. The efficacy of the cream became an instant hit with both clients and French aestheticians, and soon Creme Absolue became a brand flagship that has long become famous past the French borders.

The magic of its formula

Creme Absolue is made of a complex of precious plant actives. Among them nourishing and softening vegetable oils such as hazelnut, calendula and wheat germ, as well as thirteen powerful toning essential oils (lemon, sage, rosemary, cypress, thyme, petitgrain, ylang-ylang to name a few).
Tocopherol (natural Vitamin E) was added later in the formula to enhance and strengthen the “anti-ageing” action of “Absolute Cream”.  100% of the ingredients, as well as the finished product itself, are Certified organic under the International “Cosmebio” label. This guarantees that Creme Absolue is absolutely free from synthetic preservatives, parabens, GMOs or any other nasties.  In short, Creme Absolue has absolutely everything the skin needs to slow down the visible signs of ageing in absolute safety for your skin, your health and the environment. 

The intention behind its creation

Preserving mature skin, bringing luminosity to the complexion, preventing the effects of time … This is all that the creator of the “Absolute Cream” wanted to achieve. But always by using the intelligence of nature, without any potentially toxic additives or components. 

Well beyond the organic trend currently sweeping the industry, Jean-Paul Llopart worked with “essential oil complexes”.  Thirteen natural essential oils were selected to make-up this potent cream. These thirteen oils were not chosen randomly. They were analysed for their synergistic effect when working together as one, hence achieving age-defying benefits tenfold superior to competitive traditional cosmetics. The success was immediate and long-lasting. Today Creme Absolue is still our number one age-defying moisturiser around the world.

Texture and natural fragrance

There has never been a need to modify the actual texture of the cream because its appeal is as strong today as it was back in the 70’s.  Absolue fragrance, which was at the time strongly influenced by its essential oil content, has evolved slightly over time to a more delicate floral scent. What remains is a constant: no synthetic fragrance and its time-tested effectiveness as an anti-ageing cream.
Results are visible within a few days and are proven by independent laboratories testing! A study carried out on 20 women aged 45 to 70 years reveals a reduction of 20% in the number of wrinkles after 28 days of use. The skin is regenerated for 76% of the testers and smoothed for 80%. When combined with other products of Phyt’s Aromalliance range, such as Multi-Vita Serum and Anti-Rides Serum, benefits are even more visible.

Our recommendations for a time-tested ritual to defy the visible signs of skin ageing:

• In the morning, apply a thin layer of Multi-Vita Serum for its firming/tensing action; once fully absorbed, apply Creme Absolue. 
• In the evening and after gentle make-up removal, apply Rich Night Cream or Creme Absolue – when it was conceived, Creme Absolue was indicated for day and night use and remained so for many decades.

You’ll be amazed at how naturally healthy and rejuvenated your skin looks every day!

Today, the consequences of urban air pollution on skin health are increasingly recognised. Fine particles from exhaust gases and other pollutants penetrate the pores of the epidermis and cause allergies and heightened sensitivity. Unfortunately, exhaust gases only represent part of the problem: ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides from cars, sulphur oxide and lead from industrial waste have a profound oxidative impact on skin cells. 

All this pollution, whether we spend our time indoors or outside, leads to a cascade of skin problems. Cellular turnover slows down, the complexion becomes duller, too much sebum, dead skin cells thickening the epidermis, dehydration etc. Eventually, these problems result in the appearance of pathologies such as acne or eczema, in the formation of lines and wrinkles, dark spots and premature skin ageing in general. 

If airborne pollution affects the health of your skin, there are simple and useful things you can do to not only rebalance how your skin looks and feel but also protect it effectively from further exposure and damage.
Here is how and why:

1. Cleanse
   First, you can adopt a healthy skin care routine by cleansing your skin morning and evening with our Anti-Pollution Cleansing Gel. Please do refer to our previous blog on this exceptional product. It is one of our favourites and will leave your skin soft and cleansed from pollutants and other debris. Such a cleanse is particularly essential in the evening if you wear makeup so that your skin can breathe properly during the night. 

2. Regenerate and Protect
   Keeping in mind the polluted environment we have in our urban environment, make sure you opt for skincare offering effective shields to protect the skin from fine particles. Our Anti-Pollution Cream has been especially formulated to revitalise, oxygenate and protect skin from exposure to airborne toxins. To reinforce the action of the cream, combine it with Anti-Pollution Concentrate.
   At night, boost the regeneration process of your skin with Anti-Pollution Serum formulated with powerful plant extracts known to fight free radicals. 

3. Repair
   Once or twice a week, use Anti-Pollution Mask for an express beauty treatment. This mask is the perfect instant skin radiance boost for busy city people.
   

What makes Anti-Pollution range particularly useful at fighting pollution are the ingredients selected for their efficacy as a barrier or screen between pollutants and the skin:

• Brown algae extract excels in that role, protecting the epidermis by   preventing adhesion of fine particles to the skin while stimulating oxygenation of skin cells.
• Rice extract acts as an invisible shield against air pollution and boosts the defence system of cells.
• Pink pepper extract improves skin microcirculation.
• Finally, plankton stimulates cell renewal.

These ingredients work in synergy with hydrating Aloe Vera, brightening Acerola, nourishing Hazelnut oil and Chlorophyll of natural origin to stimulate oxygenation. 

The Reviderm Anti-Pollution ritual is simple:
– morning and evening, cleanse your skin with the anti-pollution cleansing gel
– then give your skin an oxygen boost with a thin layer of the anti-pollution concentrate.
– Complete your ritual with the anti-pollution cream in the morning and the anti-pollution serum in the evening.
– Use the flash mask one or twice a week, and voila, you are ready to face the day knowing your skin is prepared to fight back!

Your hands tell a story and like all stories, they can reveal much about who you are, what you do, how healthy you are and of course, how old you are. Anatomically, your hands are the first thing people notice (through waving, a handshake) after your facial features.

When it comes to our face, our anti-ageing routine is a well-oiled machine: sunscreens, hydrating creams, wrinkle-reducing serums and the whole nine yards. Our hands? Not so much. In fact, we do not give our hands a second thought until they start showing ostensible signs of ageing that very soon clash significantly with the more youthful look of our facial features.

There are many factors contributing to the skin of our hands ageing faster than the skin on any other part of our body:

• On the back of the hands, the skin is very thin by nature and does not contain much fat. As the normal ageing process takes place, collagen and elastin break down over time. In body areas where the skin is very thin, or when the skin becomes very thin due to illness for instance, the breakdown of the already very thin layer of collagen and elastin fibres has a very pronounced and noticeable impact on your hands
• As fat and connective tissue (made up of collagen and elastin fibres, among other things) are lost, the skin starts to look thinner and transparent. Veins become more prominent, and in some cases actually appear to be bulging.
• Brown spots start appearing. The funny thing about age spots is that they actually have nothing to do with age. They are the result of sun exposure and since our hands are exposed all the time, brown spots become almost unavoidable and do contribute to the skin on the hand looking ‘old’.
• How and how quickly your hands show your age is not all doom and gloom. With a bit of awareness and diligence, a few simple but effective hand-care strategies can help us preserve or maintain a youth-looking hand skin and healthy nails.

By hand-care we mean how we look after and take care of our hands. So when considering a hand-care routine, we should start from where it all starts: our daily routine. What we’ll find is that most of the time, at-home hand-care is limited to the regular washing of our hands, usually with a harsh detergent (dish-washing liquid, soap, scrub) sometimes followed by the application of a hand moisturiser. This is enough as far as hygiene and basic care are concerned but to maintain or give your hand a more youthful appearance more targeted and consistent care is needed.

1) Moisturise

Your hands need more moisture than any other part of your body because they are exposed to the elements much more and they tend to get washed frequently with products that tend to damage the skin’s protective oil mantle.

Because moisturisers work more effectively when applied on damp skin, apply it right after hand wash. Each time you apply a face serum or moisturiser you can also rub the excess onto the skin of your hands without forgetting the cuticles. Do the same when you exfoliate your face, use the excess product to exfoliate the skin at the back of your hands rather than waste the scrub on a terry towel or tissue.

When you apply a cream to your hands also include your nails in the routine. Simply lightly massage some of the cream into the edges of the nails to treat them at the same time. Check Phyt’s certified organic Hand & Nails Cream.  

While a moisturiser will not create new collagen, it will leave the skin of your hand looking plumper and more youthful. Select a hand cream that contains nourishing and protecting ingredients.

2) Sun protection

Repeated sun exposure without protection can lead to early signs of ageing of the hands, such as dark brown spots. People spending a lot of the time driving are often seeing the early appearance of dark spots. The best way to keep your hands looking young is to avoid direct sunlight. Each time you go out, remember to apply a good sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure; and reapply as often as necessary. If you drive a lot in sunny climates, wear driving gloves.

3) Always remember your nails and cuticles

Healthy nails are part of youthful hands. Pay attention to signs of yellowing, fungus or dark spots on the nails. If you use nail polish, consider giving your nails a break by letting them free of polish for a few days and use this time to pamper them.

Cuticles are also a key part of nail health because they protect your nails. Cutting your cuticles can lead to infections as well as painful and unsightly wounds; and it makes the skin grow back rougher and more uneven.

To keep your cuticle soft use a quality cuticle cream and/or oil. If you use a cuticle oil, put a tiny drop of oil on the base of each nail and gently rub the oil into the skin around the nail. You can also gently push back the skin surrounding the nails with a little orange or wooden stick of the like you find at the chemist or supermarket to really get the oil under the cuticles.

For a deep treatment, you can massage the oil into the nails in the evening before going to bed, then apply a hand cream and wear cotton gloves. This will provide extra moisture, strengthen the nails and keep your cuticles softer. Phyt’s has the perfect nourishing and softening oil treatment for nails & cuticles.

4) Hangnails

If we do not advise you to cut your cuticles, we do think it is necessary to carefully cut hangnails. It is very tempting to bite them or pull on the skin which makes them inflamed and can result in infection (and they are painful).  

As soon as you feel them, cut them carefully so that there is no skin hanging off, but without digging into your skin. Follow with the application of a cuticle cream or oil to re-hydrate the area.

5) Intensive treatment

An exfoliation of the skin at the back of your hands is particularly effective because it removes dead skin cells and improves blood circulation, making your hands’ skin look more youthful.

A body scrub will do the job or, alternatively, you can use a facial exfoliant. As mentioned earlier, keep in mind that as you exfoliate your face, you can use the excess products on your hands.

Follow the exfoliation with the application of a rich hand cream (or oil) and give them a quick massage. You can start from the fleshy part of your hand near the base of the thumb, and then work each finger from base to tip.

If you have very dry itchy hands, tight skin or cracks, use a very rich cream such as Phyt’ssima Zones Rebelles with nourishing oils of Argan, Hemp and Shea butter. It will calm the irritations and nourish the skin. Then when the skin feels better, switch over for a hand cream.

Give your hands a regular treat by having a hand treatment with a beauty professional. You will be surprised at the effect this relaxing treatment will have on your hands and nails without mentioning the overall relaxing benefit you will enjoy. The hands, like your feet (and ears), are extremely rich in nerve endings so massage and pressure points can have significant health benefits.

Hand care is very similar to any beauty routine: consistency is the key.  

A FEW FACTS ON SKIN AGEING 

A fact of life we can hardly ignore is that until science and technology allow us to do otherwise, as we grow older biologically so does the part of us most visible to the external world: our skin. As we move through time, our skin loses the vitality, energy and tonicity it once had. Despite billions of dollars invested in the quest for the eternal youth we have been able (yet) to stop the biological ageing process, however, from all the research and discoveries made along the way, we learned that there is one aspect of ageing we can influence with great success and it is extrinsic ageing.

Extrinsic ageing refers to all external factors that accelerate the natural ageing process: exposure to UV light on the one hand but lack of natural sunlight on the other side, tobacco, alcohol, hormonal deficiencies, diet, constant stress, lack of quality sleep, EMF and more… In fact, dermatologists estimate that 90% of cutaneous ageing is due to external factors that boost the production of free radicals – skin’s number one enemy.

A free radical is a molecule that has either gained or lost an electron, making it unstable and highly reactive. This molecule will then attempt to either steal or release an atom from or to another nearby molecule. This phenomenon creates a chain reaction known as oxidative stress. It can cause damages to the organism and skin tissue in particular. The body has its defensive system to neutralise damage linked to these free radicals. But over the years, this neutralising system becomes deficient: skin is left more vulnerable to external factors increasing the need for antioxidants.

As for ultraviolet rays, they are responsible for 80 % of skin ageing. Ultraviolet rays release their energy in the skin, creating free and harmful radicals. This oxidation alters cells and fibres. We believed for a long time that UVB rays alone were responsible for premature skin ageing with sunburns. We are realising now that UVA rays are more dangerous in the long-term. They penetrate more deeply in the skin, reaching the dermis where they weaken collagen and elastin fibres, provoking a loss of density and skin sagging. Ultraviolet radiations also increase the expression of enzymes that damage the collagen matrix. Unfortunately, these damages start from early childhood and accumulate with age.

Can we make our skin more resilient to these extrinsic factors and boost its ability to fight back while reducing the visible signs of biological ageing?
The good news is that yes, we CAN control many of these factors through smart, educated lifestyle changes. Better nutrition, exposure to natural sunlight, to fresh air, to nature, more and better sleep, physical exercises, mindfulness, meditation and other spiritual practices, all this will influence positively not only our psyche and how we age. Can we help our skin in the same way? Yes again.

At PHYT’S we’ve been focusing for over 45 years in the art and science of minimising the effect of extrinsic ageing on the skin. How do we do that? By removing the use of toxins and other harmful substances in our skincare range (professional and home care) and using expertly blended active ingredients to nourish and protect the skin so that it remains healthy and resilient to harmful environmental factors.

SERUM MULTI VITA was born out of a vision to bring a synergy of powerful natural ingredients to tackle the signs of extrinsic ageing successfully.

Multi Vita is an aqueous anti-ageing serum which has an instant firming and tensing action on the skin. It contains a cocktail of multivitamin active ingredients, including Cévéblé®, a patented complex of lipids extracted from wheat seeds that mimic the natural ceramides found in the skin.

Ceramides are critical for proper skin functions. They are the multilamellar lipid membranes that surround corneocytes (dead keratin-filled cells) in the outer layer of the skin. The role of ceramides is to prevent excessive water loss from the body and prevent the entrance of undesired substances from the environment. To ensure this protective function, the composition and organisation of the lipid membranes are highly specialised. The primary skin barrier lipids are ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol.

Phyt’s does not use synthetic ingredients, so Phyt’s Labs found a way to produce these ceramides out of the plant world, precisely out of wheat seeds. These specific ceramides are called ceramides glycosides.

As a complex, Cévéblé® helps diminish wrinkles and fine lines. It has a tensing, smoothing and anti-free radical effect making Serum Multi Vita so useful around the eyes area.
This ingredient alone reinforces the supporting tissue of the skin by slowing down the deterioration of elastic fibres and protecting collagen. The skin is firmer and more radiant, wrinkles are less visible and reducing in width, length and depth over time.

Multi Vita serum is best used at night, on a cleansed skin. Apply a few drops to the face and neck area. Once the Serum is fully absorbed in the skin and you feel your skin becoming tighter, apply one of PHYT’S Aromalliance Anti-Ageing cream (Absolue or Phytonagre).
Multi Vita can also be used as a one-month deep treatment, and in this case, apply twice a day (morning and evening).

Main Active Ingredients

Cévéblé®: contains anti-age ceramides. Helps to smooth lines and wrinkles
Carrot beta-carotene: accelerates cell renewal
Yeast: regenerating
Red seaweed: moisturising
Acerola Vitamin C/Vitamin E: antioxidants
Sunflower virgin oil: nourishing, maintains hydration
Gentian essential oil: toning, improve skin radiance
Lavandin essential oil: soothing

This Mothers’ day will be very different from others. For those who might have become overnight teachers of home-schooled kids as well as working from home, celebrations will go ahead almost as normal.
For others with mothers living in a different state, this day of celebration might trigger a more acute sense of separation.

In today’s environment, anxiety shows up in many aspects of our daily lives and many of us are under a lot of stress. Stress deregulates the biological life cycle of cells. This behavioural dimension (the third dimension of ageing) has more effects on the skin of our face than genetic or environmental ageing. A high level of emotional stress ages us faster.
Self-care and self-nurturing become particularly important for helping us stay calmer in this unprecedented chaotic context. It also helps preserve our youthful look.

Self-isolation and social distancing will force us to think creatively how to celebrate that special day. If you are considering giving something that might help your mum enjoy a day of self-celebration and self-care, why not offer her  Phyt’s limited edition of Panacea gift set? The pack contains a jar of Panacée Cream and a Body Mist Spray infused with the same floral fragrance found in the cream.

Panacée Cream is a result-driven product that takes into account genetic and environmental ageing, as well as behavioural ageing. As an advanced multi-tasking and restructuring formula, Panacée helps to reduce the visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, crows feet and heaviness around the eye. This breakthrough formula provides regenerative and restructuring active ingredients to help nourish, firm and smooth the skin. 

From the first few applications, lines are smoothed, the skin is plumped and durably moisturised; signs of fatigue are reduced. After 4 weeks, wrinkles are visibly reduced; the face recovers firmness, density and radiance. After 8 weeks, the skin is visibly more glowing.
Panacée can be used morning and evening.

The limited edition of Panacée Body Mist can also be sprayed on hair. It leaves a delicate floral scent on the skin and has moisturising properties. Free from heavy artificial fragrances and preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin and nose, this natural body mists contains instead floral and herbal extracts as well as essential oils to minimise the chance of sensitivity.