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What to know about collagen blog post

What To Know About Collagen

Posted on by Editorial Team

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It is the main structural protein in skin, hair, nails and connective tissue, but it is found throughout the body. It is the most common protein in our skin (70%) and its presence helps keep our skin supple and toned. It is also responsible for keeping our joints and ligaments flexible. Its amino acids (glycine, proline, arginine) tend to combine into long strands called fibrils which are very strong. Collagen is prevalent in the skin’s middle layer, or dermis, where it provides structure and support. There are over a dozen types of collagen, but the human body consists primarily of Collagen I, II, and III. Marine collagen is found to be rich in types I and III.

As we age, collagen production slows. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excess sugar consumption and exposure to UV light can accelerate breakdown. The result is sagging, wrinkled skin, graying hair, brittle nails and stiff joints. Therefore, although older adults tend to experience collagen reduction, lifestyle factors can accelerate collagen breakdown at any age.

How Can You Increase Collagen Production?

We can’t turn back the clock on aging, but there are a number of ways in which we can boost our body’s collagen production; 1) with collagen supplements and 2) with a diet rich in amino acids; 3) with collagen fillers; 4) with skincare products. We will explore all of these below.

  • Collagen supplements – with all of the hype regarding collagen powders, it’s hard to know which products will really deliver. Collagen is broken down in the intestines into its component amino acids, where the body takes what it needs. There are also concerns about possible heavy metal and other contamination from questionable animal sources. Finally, there are companies that make marine collagen available, which may have its own contamination issues. The supplement industry remains unregulated, so let the buyer beware. The best course of action is to choose organic powders that have been tested for contamination. Most effective is hydrolyzed collagen – or collagen peptides – which have been broken down into short-chain amino acids that dissolve more readily in water. These are often called collagen peptides. They are usually tasteless. While there are few studies confirming the benefits of taking supplements, many anecdotal studies have shown some benefit to be derived from ingesting collagen peptides as a supplement to a healthy diet. It remains to be seen whether or not enough human studies will be done to verify its efficacy. If you’re looking for a supplement to try, visit Organic Authority’s list of collagen supplements here.
  • Diet – A healthy diet can go a long way towards providing the necessary building blocks that the body needs to build collagen. Just as there are 9 essential amino acids that our bodies must obtain from food, there are also non-essential amino acids that are needed to build collagen. Here are some foods that provide these amino acids:
  • Glycine – found in meat and fowl (particularly the skin), fish bones, and dairy products
  • Proline – found in meat, fish, gelatin and egg yolks
  • Arginine- meats, dairy, pumpkin seeds, beans, peanuts
  • Hydroxyproline – Found in meats and sometimes used in skincare products

Clearly, by eating a healthy, varied diet, you can provide your body with all of the building blocks that it needs. Vitamin C is needed in order for the body to produce collagen. It also helps prevent free-radical damage. Zinc and copper are also nutrients essential for collagen synthesis. Citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, fish and other foods will boost your body’s store of these nutrients.

  • Collagen Fillers – If you have decided to visit a dermatologist, they will sometimes recommend collagen or hyaluronic acid fillers to fill in deep wrinkle lines or to address other skin issues. This is a pricey commitment, as these fillers are temporary fixes. However, a visit to the dermatologist can help you pinpoint what your skin’s needs are so that you can make an educated decision as to which treatments are effective.
  • Skincare Products – Collagen-boosting skincare products are big business, with many people swearing that they are effective at plumping up the skin. And for vegans who cannot find a suitable collagen supplement, it may be a viable method that avoids animal products. Whether or not they are actually causing a significant increase in collagen is up for debate. However, there are a few ingredients that have been shown to stimulate collagen production in the dermal skin layer:
  • Vitamin C – At the right concentration (10-20%), Vitamin C, or Ascorbic Acid, has been shown to encourage collagen production. In fact, it cannot form without it. This vitamin is also involved in tissue repair and protection via its antioxidant activity. It is highly unstable in solution, however, so including it in your diet is always a good idea. There are also more stable forms of Vitamin C. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, found in our Age-Defying Vitamin C Crème, allows us to use less thereby minimizing sensitive skin reactions.
  • Vitamin B3 – Niacinamide has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting collagen production, as well as ceramide and keratin (found in hair, nails and skin). A 5% solution has been found effective at stimulating collagen production, resulting in less wrinkled, more supple skin.
  • Keratin – Many haircare products contain keratin, which when combined with collagen forms strong, supple hair strands. It is generally derived from animal products like sheep wool and silk.

Skincare products also utilize ingredients that work with these to exfoliate, brighten and plump up skin. For example, AHAs like lactic, malic and glycolic acids are used to help exfoliate and brighten skin. (Choose pure glycolic acid, not a combination product.) Hyaluronic acid and glycerin work by drawing moisture into cells, thereby plumping them up. Some experimentation is required in order for you to find which ingredients work for you and whether or not your skin is sensitive to them. Try them one at a time so that you will know which one works and which one you should eliminate. With a little trial and error, you can find the product(s) that provide your skin with desired benefits.

Want to check out our Age Defying Face Creme? Click here.

References:

WEBA Natural Products Consumer Survey Results

Consumer Survey Results

Posted on by Editorial Team

Consumer Survey Results Are In!

Earlier this year, we sent out a /Consumer Survey to customers and Facebook follwers, and the results are in. We’re going to share them here.

Why A Survey?

We know that our customers and fans can provide us with lots of valuable feedback regarding their skincare needs. By checking in with them, we hope to continue to meet their needs, as well as learning what is on their most-wanted list.

We asked four simple questions. The results are indicated below:

  1. Which product category are you most interested in?
    Skincare – 100%
    Haircare – 80%
    Color Cosmetics – 50%
  2. What Are Your Skin Concerns? Dry – 90% Oily – 20% Acne – 20% Eczema – 10% Rosacea – 10% Sensitive Skin – 50%
  3. When Choosing Products What Criteria Do You Use? Price – 50% Natural Ingredients – 90% Made in USA – 60% Effectiveness – 100% Vegan – 30% Cruelty-Free – 10%
  4. Where Do You Prefer To Shop? Amazon – 50% Etsy – 10% Drugstore – 20% Healthfood Store – 20% Company Website – 50%

What We Loved About The Results

The results of the survey told us that:

  • We were reaching our target customer; people with dry, sensitive skin who are looking for natural products that are effective and are made in the U.S.A.
  • We are focusing on products that consumers are looking for.

We are thankful to our consumer survey participants. We hope that we will be able to count on them to provide feedback as we strive to improve and expand our line of natural products.

Acids and Skincare Blog Post

Acids and Skincare

Posted on by Editorial Team

A variety of acids are commonly used as part of a customer’s skincare routine. Science has demonstrated that alpha and beta-hydroxy acids, for example, confer a number of benefits to the skin when used regularly and appropriately. Here, I will dive into what makes these acids so beneficial and why it’s important to tailor products containing acids to your skin’s particular needs.

What Are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids?

Alpha Hydroxy acids are water-soluble compounds that have two functioning groups separated by one carbon atom. They can be either naturally occurring or synthetic; they are very popular in skincare products. Well-known examples include citric, lactic, mandelic and glycolic acid. Citric and mandelic acid are known as fruit acids. There are many other fruit acids that have been used (tartaric, benzoic, etc.)

Alpha Hydroxy acids primarily work by loosening the “glue” that holds cells together, which enhances exfoliation. They can also help thicken underlying layers of skin, which promotes smoothness. Some are more penetrating than others, impacting their effectiveness. For example, glycolic acid molecules are very small; its enhanced penetrating ability means that it is highly effective at exfoliating and hydrating. However, susceptible individuals my have a reaction to it.

They are also found at varying concentrations of anywhere from 2-15% or more. The best products will tell you what concentrations they are using. They are used in over-the-counter and commercial peels, which can also cause irritation. If in doubt about the strength of a product, always consult with a dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive or problem skin. In addition, AHAs like citric acid can be unstable when exposed to the air, so which type is used and how the product is formulated is key to its effectiveness.

Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil-soluble organic compounds with two functional groups separated by two carbon atoms. The most well-known is salicylic acid, derived from white willow bark. These acids penetrate well and are more suited to individuals with problem skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They can also be found in varying concentrations, so always check labels before using.

Both Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy acids can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light, so it’s always a good idea to use a sunscreen during the day or to apply them only at night. And always discontinue use if redness, itching and other forms of irritation develop, as you may need to adjust the concentration or you may be developing an allergic reaction to an ingredient.

These organic acids can be very effective skincare tools, providing many benefits that maintain healthy skin and enhance appearance. What you use is dependent on your skincare goals and your skin type. Feel free to experiment with different products and formulations, or consult a dermatologist for a custom-tailored regimen that will leave your skin healthy and glowing.

References:

Staying Healthy During Air Travel Blog Post

Staying Healthy During Air Travel

Posted on by Editorial Team

Staying Healthy During Air Travel

Air Travel is a fact of life for most of us. It has made it easy for us to travel around the world in record time and in relative safety. But many worry about staying healthy during air travel; after all, pathogens can travel around the world, too. With the advent of diseases like MRSA and norovirus, airline passengers want to protect themselves from contracting potentially deadly diseases.

Air Travel Facts and Myths

  • It’s been said that airplane air, being recirculated, can carry pathogens from one part of the plane to the other. This is only partly true. Some air is recirculated, but fresh air is also pulled in on a regular basis. The fact is that airplanes carry high-grade filters designed to keep air clean.
  • Airplane washrooms are never cleaned – the fact is that the washrooms are cleaned after every flight. There are portions of the plane that don’t get cleaned regularly, which I’ll go into later.

Here’s What You Can Do on Airplane Flights

  • Be prepared – don’t assume that things like blankets, pillows, headphones and other items are brand new and/or cleaned. Bring your own. There are many travel accessories like noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks, pillows, travel blankets, compression socks, breath mints and healthy snack packs that fit easily into a carry-on bag.
  • Carry sanitizing wipes for those surfaces that are used all the time, like seat belt buckles, headrests, tray tables and washroom door handles. If you can, avoid touching surfaces directly; use a tissue or paper towel. Unscented wipes like these are effective against airborne pathogens while keeping strong scents to a minimum. Wipe surfaces more than once, especially during long flights.
  • Airplane air is extremely dry at about 20% humidity, which can quickly dry out mucous membranes and make you more susceptible to infections. To avoid this, hydrate regularly with plain water or seltzer. Carry a small multi-purpose lotion with you. A lip balm like our Cucumber Melon Lip Balm will keep lips happy. One of our Body Balms is an easy solution for keeping nails, hair, etc. moisturized. Sealed ampules of preservative-free eye drops can be tossed in a bag or pocket to keep dry eye away. Cough drops with ingredients like eucalyptus oil, zinc and Vitamin C are great, too.
  • Avoid the aisle seat – while convenient, people using the aisle seat have been found to be more susceptible to airborne pathogens. If you do get the window seat, be sure to apply sunscreen before boarding the plane.
  • As far as meals go, avoid raw foods, deli meats, shellfish, dairy and ice cubes. These tend to be more problematic on busy flights. Bottled or canned drinks, fruits with thick rinds, and individually wrapped items are generally safe. Always go by smell; it if smells off, give it a pass.
  • Wear slip-on shoes and layer your clothing; airplane temperatures can vary widely.

With a little advance planning, you can make air travel a relatively pleasant experience. Staying healthy during air travel is really achievable.

References:
Time article on the dirtiest places on airplanes
Tripsavvy.com article about air quality