antioxidants

What are Antioxidants and the Benefits to Skin?

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What are Antioxidants?

The word antioxidant certainly is a much used buzzword throughout the skincare industry. 

Antioxidants are naturally occurring Vitamins (such as Vitamins A, C and E) that help to protect the skin’s surface from environmental stresses.  

Antioxidants are not just one ingredient, you will not see the word antioxidant in your skincare ingredients list, it refers to a group of ingredients all working the same way to ‘fight free radical damage’.

An Antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation by removing potentially damaging oxidising agents such as free radicals in a living organism.

Free radicals are molecules in the environment that damage your skin, coming from air pollutants, chemicals, and cigarette smoke.

Antioxidants neutralise the free radicals to help protect your skin from damage.

antioxidants

What are the Benefits of Antioxidants for the skin? 

Environmental stresses can accelerate the development of signs of ageing by breaking down collagen, slowing down the skin’s natural repair process and triggering inflammation.  

Antioxidants can help and delay these visible signs of ageing.  

All antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and help protect against sun damage.

Free radicals and frequent exposure to the sun can also trigger changes in our skin’s melanin production, which can cause dark spots and uneven skin tone, antioxidants can help prevent abnormal skin pigmentation. 

A great example is seeing a sliced apple turn brown as it is exposed to the air, this is the process of oxidation, caused by free radicals.

bad apple

Most Effective Skincare Antioxidants: 

Vitamin A or Retinol: Smooths fine lines, fills in wrinkles, softens bumps and rough patches, brightens skin, fades scars and dark marks, and drastically reduces acne.

 Vitamin C: Renowned for its brightening properties, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes a glowing complexion, it helps to boost collagen production, helping to even skin tone and minimise the appearance of dark spots, it also helps to tighten the feel of skin and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  

Vitamin E: A natural anti-inflammatory, and a strong shield against free radicals and premature ageing, it keeps skin soft and supple. 

Botanical extracts (phytoextracts): There are many botanical extracts used in skincare for their antioxidant properties, including Prickly PearBlue Tansy   and Myrrh. 

Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide improves skin tone and texture, and helps fades dark marks.

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Omegas 3 6 7 and 9

What are Omegas and their Benefits to Skin?

Omegas 3 6 7 and 9

What are Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, and the Benefits to Skin?

Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 are important dietary fats generally thought to be the best fatty acids for promoting smoother, younger looking skin with a healthier complexion regardless of age or skin type.

They are good fats as your body also needs them to function at its best. 

Benefits of Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 for the Skin. 

People with Essential fatty acid deficiency, (EFAD) experience loss of moisture, causing dry, flaky and damaged skin, but topical application of oils rich in these fatty acids Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, help to improve hydration.

These fatty acids help to keep the outermost layer of the skin strong and healthy and prevent moisture from escaping, smoothing the surface of the skin, they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

A Skincare product containing Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 helps with the following:

Supporting the skin’s barrier function

Visibly plumping the skin

Aiding in skin repair and regeneration

Increasing radiance

Preventing moisture loss

Reducing redness and irritation caused by environmental aggressors

Strengthening the skin

Whilst EFAs are important for healthy skin, they also help to prevent other health problems such as heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke and diabetes.

Where are Omegas found?

Omegas 3 and 6 are are polyunsaturated, “essential” fatty acids because the body can not produce them, therefore you get them from your diet or topically. 

Omegas 7 and 9 are monounsaturated, “nonessential” fatty acids because the body can naturally produce them, however it is still recommended that you include them in your diet.

To get the full benefits for your skin, you should take them orally (in food or supplements) and apply them topically. 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: The most common in this category is Alpha-linolenic acid, found in green vegetables.

Omega 6 Fatty Acids: The most common in this category is Linoleic acid, found in vegetable oils.

Omega 7 Fatty Acids: The most common in this category is Palmitoleic acid found in plants and fish.

Omega 9 Fatty Acids: The most common in this category is Oleic acid found in seeds and nuts.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Impact on overall health: Omega 3 reduces inflammation, improves heart health, reduces high risk of cholesterol, supports an efficient metabolism, and helps manage depression.

Impact on skin health: Omega 3 helps reduce sun sensitivity, reducing inflammation and acne flare ups and improves the skin’s barrier function by keeping moisture locked in. Omega 3 is typically thought to be the best fatty acid for skin.

Best food sources of omega 3: Because the body does not produce omega 3 naturally, it is recommended that you get at least two servings weekly of this essential nutrient. 

These food sources are especially rich in omega 3 fatty acids:

Fish – Salmon, Tuna, Halibut, Trout, Mackerel and Anchovies

Seeds – Chia and Flax seeds

Seaweed and Algae

Green vegetables – Kale, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach and Broccoli

Soybeans

To ensure you are getting plenty of omega 3, you could also consider supplements. 

Omegas and Benefits to Skin

Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Impact on overall health: Omega 6 helps with heart health, joints, bones, healthy cholesterol, weight management and improves energy levels.

Impact on skin health: Omega 6 (specifically Linoleic acid) improves skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Best food sources of omega 6: 

Seeds – Hemp, Grape and Sunflower

Nuts – Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews and Pistachios

Tofu

Eggs

Avocado

Omegas and Benefits to Skin

 Omega 7 Fatty Acids 

Omega 7 is not such a commonly seen Omega in skincare, it is in Sea Buckthorn, an Ingredient used by us in our Certified Organic Intense Serum.

Impact on overall health: Omega 7 helps reduce bad cholesterol, levels, and promotes an increase in good cholesterol, contributes to good hydration of dry skin and mucous membranes (nasal, vaginal, ocular, oral and digestive).

Impact on skin health: Omega 7 promotes healthy moisturised skin, hair and nails helping nourish from within. 

Best food sources of omega 7: Unlike omegas 3 and 6, fatty acids are not considered “essential,” because the body can produce them, however, they do have health benefits and are considered better for you than many other kinds of fat. 

Some healthy ways to get omega 7 into your diet include:

Macadamia nuts

Avocado

Olives

Fish – Salmon, Herring, and Mackerel

Omegas and Benefits to Skin

Omega 9 Fatty Acids

Impact on overall health: Omega 9 helps reduce inflammation, raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol levels, raise energy levels and help control blood sugar levels.

Impact on skin health: Omega 9 can help maintain skin’s moisture level and improve skin’s elasticity.

Best food sources of omega 9: Unlike omega 3 and 6, fatty acids are not considered “essential,” because the body can produce them, however, they do have health benefits and are considered better for you than many other kinds of fat. 

Some healthy ways to get omega 9 in your diet include: 

Olives  

Seeds – Sesame and Chia

Nuts – Pistachios, Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts and Cashews

Avocado

Eggs

Almost all animal meat

Eggs


Topical applications have been shown to be an effective method of delivering EFAs directly to the skin. 

This is why many quality skincare products add omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 fatty acids. 

Utilising topical use and diet is the best answer for great skincare.

Apply skincare products that are naturally high in Omega acids. 

Since Omega acids benefit skin in so many ways, these essential ingredients can help to keep you looking your very best. 

Omega Oils are contained in all The PÜRE Collection’s oil based products.

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Amino Acids

What are Amino Acids?

Amino Acids

What are Amino Acids?

 Amino Acids are building blocks making up proteins.

There are 20 amino acids, 11 of which are considered ‘Nonessential’, and 9 that are considered ‘Essential,’ 

Nonessential does not mean that they are not important, on the contrary, it simply means that the body already makes them on its own. 

Essential means that the body cannot make them on its own, so they must be acquired through either diet or topical.

The nine essentials are found in proteins, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and plants. 
For Vegans essential protein options include quinoa, buckwheat and soybeans.

In skincare, amino acids enhance the skin’s overall quality and appearance.  

Studies (Farris, P. et al. Journal of drugs in dermatology JDD 13.1. 41-46 (2014)) show amino acids are an effective measure for lessening the appearance of the signs of ageing, making the use for skin an option to infuse into topical cosmetic formulations for anti-ageing benefits.

   The Benefits:

     Promoting cellular repair
          Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
        Hydrating the skin
       Reducing inflammation
      Building collagen

They are essential components to maintaining the appearance of healthy looking skin and can be found in all types of skincare products, from moisturisers, serums, eye creams, and cleansers. 

Unlike many skin care acids that require some caution when being introduced to your skincare regime, these acids are easy to incorporate into your current routine as they work well with all skin types.

However, as always, it is recommended to perform a patch test before using any skincare product and stopping use if you have any adverse reaction.

Amino acids are contained in our Face Spritzers with added Marine Phytoplankton, our PhytoHealth™ Premium Blend Beard Oil, our Intense Serum and our 100% Prickly Pear Seed Oil, all of course Certified Organic by Ecocert

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