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.

The weather is warming up, spring and summer are around the corner and there is nothing more attractive than a trip to the beach and a few hours enjoying the sun particularly at this time when restrictions are lifting up and we can renew with a sense of healthy freedom many of us crave after months of reduced activities. While it may be wonderful for the soul, exposure to the sun for hours at a time is definitively not an ideal scenario for the skin, particularly under the harsh Australian sun.

Even if you use broad-spectrum sunscreens, cellular damage starts as soon as you get that extra bit too much of sun. Even without a sunburn, your skin barrier can still be affected and suffer from irritation or damages from the sun rays. Typical reactions include redness, feeling of heat and dryness. And, if this happens too often, today’s sun exposure will become tomorrow premature skin ageing.

Post-sun skin products are specifically formulated to soothe and repair the skin barrier. Although they look similar, the main difference between normal moisturisers and after-sun skin care is that the after-sun products are also cooling.

After-sun formulas contain ingredients that soothe, moisturise and repair the skin. They should not be too heavy as they may actually hold the heat into the skin and prevent skin from cooling. Post-sun skin care can make a huge difference to the look and condition of your skin in summer.

PHYT’S After-Sun Comfort Body Cream

This repairing body moisturiser offers instant freshness and restore comfort to the skin after sun exposure. Crème Après-Soleil provides rapid relief and rehydrates the skin which feels instantly refreshed.

Crème Après-Soleil formula has a high content of hydrating agents combined with healing and anti-inflammatory plant oils. Peppermint oil adds its cooling and refreshing feel to the blend. These are the main active ingredients of this soothing body cream:

Jojoba oil (Moisturising, anti-inflammatory)

Long used by Native Americans for its many benefits, Jojoba oil is produced from the seed of the Jojoba plant, a shrubby tree that is native to Southern Arizona and California. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help to tame chafing and chapping, reduce redness caused by drying, ease the effects of sun exposure and keep skin comfortable. Jojoba is full of nutrients like Vitamin E and B, as well as antioxidants and minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc. They all nourish and protect the skin and help with damage control after exposure to the sun and other elements.

Calendula oil (healing, regenerating)

Native to the Mediterranean, Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is an herbaceous plant commonly used in herbal and skincare products. Thought to bloom on the first of the month, this perennial’s name comes from the Latin “kalendae” which means “little calendar” or “the first day of every month”.

Calendula flowers are orange or gold with a strong, fresh aroma. A trusted herb for many centuries, Calendula is known to have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Calendula oil provides a lasting, continuous supply of discomfort-reducing compounds: oleanolic acid, lupeol, quercetin, amyrin. These efficacious compounds have been studied and are known to provide antioxidant protection, soothe skin and reduce discomfort.

Aloe vera (soothing, hydrating)
Aloe vera is a short dark green plant whose leaves have slightly serrated ridges. The aloe vera plant is native to Eastern Africa (notably Yemen, Sudan and Somalia), and is now cultivated around the world. Aloe vera extract is widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries. The earliest recorded mention of aloe vera goes as far back as ancient Egypt, 6000 years ago.

Aloe vera has a high content of water that acts as a cooling agent on skin that has been exposed to the sun. It is also rich in vitamins A, B, C D and E as well as minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc. These compounds are all known for their healing properties. Aloe vera contains   polysaccharides that have hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin. 

Peppermint oil (cooling, anti-inflammatory)
Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita). The use of mint plants for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient times.
The main chemical components of peppermint oil are menthol and menthone. Menthol is a cooling agent that can help relieve that hot feeling from minor sunburns by stimulating cold receptors on the skin. Its main benefits include:

  • anti-inflammatory
  • antibacterial
  • antiseptic

Hazelnut and Sunflower oils (keep skin hydrating, nourishing)
Hazelnut oil is full of elements that are great for your skin. The fatty acids found in hazelnuts leave your skin hydrated and with improved elasticity. These also have the benefits of helping keep that necessary moisture in. The high content of vitamin E also found in hazelnut oil is a natural antioxidant so it fights toxins in the environment while it supports the skin’s immune system and increases cell function. This oil contains calcium (good for eczema and overly dry skin), potassium (regulates water content) and magnesium (helpful in reducing and controlling acne.)     

The nutrient dense Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the large, sun loving flowers.  Sunflower oil has been used as a natural skincare ingredient for hundreds of years all over the world. Its nourishing and moisturising properties help your skin look softer and plumber, and it keeps it protected against the elements.
Shea butter (softening, hydrating)
Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii), which grows in the savannah of Western Africa. Growing up to 60 feet tall, the Shea tree does not flower before it is 20 years old and can live up to 200 years. For millennia people have used it to protect their skin from the drying winds and sun as well as to heal many skin problems, minor cuts and burns.
What makes Shea butter an extraordinary skin care and amazing body healer is its richness in precious constituents, which include unsaturated fats with a large proportion of “unsaponifiables” components, essential fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamin E and D, provitamin A and allantoin. All these are natural components that make Shea butter a powerful ally to renew, repair and protect the skin against ageing and harsh climate. Shea butter is known for its antioxidant, UV protecting and skin repairing and regenerating properties – an ideal ingredient for an after-sun care and/or body moisturiser.
Natural Vitamin E (antioxidant)
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. The primary role of vitamin E in the skin is to prevent damage induced by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Naturally occurring vitamin E is not a single compound; instead, vitamin E is a group of molecules with related structures, some of which may have unique properties in skin.

Vitamin E is normally provided to the skin through the sebum. Topical application can also supply the skin with vitamin E and may provide specific vitamin E forms that are not available from the diet.
The use of vitamin E in the prevention of UV-induced damage has been extensively studied. Although molecules in the vitamin E family can absorb light in the UVB spectrum, the “sunscreen” activity of vitamin E is considered limited since it cannot absorb UVA light or light in higher wavelengths of the UVB spectrum. Thus, the primary photoprotective effect of vitamin E is attributed to its role as an antioxidant. Vit E is also a strong anti-inflammatory agent when applied to the skin, so soothing and calming after sun exposure.
Results
The skin feels significantly refreshed, more elastic, nourished and smooth.
3 Hours after application of Crème Après-Soleil on their legs, women who tested this cream were still experiencing an 83% increase in skin hydration.

How to use
As to the best time to apply it, we suggest right after you shower when the skin is still slightly damp. Pat your skin dry, as opposed to rubbing which can be irritating, then apply a generous quantity to areas that feel hot. When the skin is wet, ingredients penetrate more easily in the epidermis.
Because of its cooling effect on the skin, Phyt’s Après-Soleil cream can be used any time in summer to refresh and moisturise your skin. 

Tip: If you need a chilly hit after a day in the sun, keep your after-sun in the fridge… 

 

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. 

Skin is the largest organ of our body. It acts as a physical barrier between us and the environment, protecting internal organs, and regulating metabolic activity such as temperature and water balance. It is subject to ageing, just like every other organ system of the body. Skin ageing includes the loss of elasticity, a reduction in epidermal thickness and collagen content, elastic fibre degeneration, increased wrinkling, and dryness. This is particularly obvious at the time of the fast hormonal changes in women: menopause. 

Can skincare really help?

We know how estrogen affects the skin structure and how low levels of this hormone are connected to skin ageing. Estrogen receptors have been detected in the skin, so it seems logical to think that the application of a product containing compounds that mimic estrogen would be effective in treating ageing skin. Phytoestrogens are such ingredients. They are mainly derived from natural plants and foods. They are tiny structures, easily absorbed with a delivery system already built into receptor sites in the dermis and epidermis of the skin. In recent years, phytoestrogens have become a research hotspot in the fight against skin ageing. Phytoestrogens are found in the reproductive parts of plants such as yucca root, soybean, clary sage, flaxseed, red clover, and grape extracts. 

Hydration is another factor that needs to be increased for skin firmness and elasticity. A hydrating agent such as hyaluronic acid can help increase hydration level. It’s a water-binding agent meant to capture and retain moisture levels in the skin. Adding in this key element is a great way to get instant plumping effects. 

Phyt’s Phytonagre: a time-tested, 100% natural and certified organic skincare support for pre and post-menopausal skin. 

A treatment cream formulated for menopausal skin lacking in vital elements. Phytonagre is rich in Evening Primrose Oil, Borage, Soybean bean extracts, Clary Sage and a synergy of other phytoestrogen-rich active ingredients. These helpful compounds help minimise the appearance of pores, boost the skin’s repair function, and increase the production of hyaluronic acid. Phytoestrogens also suppress sebum production to decrease breakout activity and offer an overall calming effect on the skin.

This anti-ageing balancing, rich and firming moisturiser helps to calm hormonal imbalances such as sensitivity, especially showing across cheeks and nose. This is achieved through the expertly formulated combination of powerful actives indispensable for hormonal balance and the fight against the effects of inflammation. 

Evening Primrose

The main chemical constituents of Evening Primrose Oil are Linoleic Acids (Omega-6), γ-Linolenic Acid (Omega-6), Oleic Acid (Omega-9), Palmitic Acid, and Stearic Acid – each one of these acids being proven to help slow the look of ageing by sustaining skin elasticity and softness. Evening Primrose oil is an ideal ingredient in formulations for mature skin. With astringent and softening properties, it promotes the look of a healthy, clear, rejuvenated complexion with enhanced radiance, while reducing premature wrinkles and fine lines.

Borage oil

Borage oil is an extract made from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant. The oil is prized for its high gamma linoleic acid (GLA) content. This substance acts like a hormone in the body, helping reduce inflammation tied to skin diseases and cardiovascular issues. Borage oil is said to have the highest GLA content compared with other essential oils. Effective on skin elasticity, it combats dryness and reinforces the barrier function thus preventing dehydration. It is also rich in essential fatty acids.

Soybean Extract
A natural potent antioxidant, restoring, and soothing agent for the skin, derived from soybeans. What makes this extract a powerful ally with pre and post-menopausal skin is genistein, which is an isoflavone found in low concentrations in soybeans. Genistein has been recently considered an ideal natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Researchers have explored the mechanism by which genistein delays skin ageing, and it was found that it significantly increases skin thickness.

Clary Sage
For centuries, Clary Sage essential oil has been revered for its benefits to women’s health. Clary Sage oil is estrogenic and can have significant effects in balancing female hormones, especially in relation to menstruation and the menopause. Clary Sage essential oil contains an ester called linalyl acetate. Essentially, this powerful compound works to reduce skin inflammation, heal the epidermis and soothe skin.

Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which help in promoting skin health. These vitamins act as antioxidants. Sunflower oil is an excellent source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid with regenerating and restructuring properties. The linoleic acid in sunflower oil makes it useful for protecting skin against bacteria and germs. Studies have shown sunflower oil to be effective at improving skin hydration and maintaining the integrity of the skin’s outer layer.

Vanilla extract
The aromatic component of vanilla is known as vanillin. It is a significant source of catechins (also known as polyphenols) that help stop the oxidation of proteins and lipids in the skin. Despite vanilla’s unique, familiar scent, it is one of the few such plants considered non-sensitising which makes it well-tolerated by all skin types.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E fights off free radicals on the skin. In fighting off free radicals, vitamin E helps protect the skin from damage. Additionally, vitamin E has moisturising and healing benefits and helps to strengthen the skin barrier function. It is also strongly anti-inflammatory so it is soothing and helps calm pre and post-menopausal skin. 

Lavender
In a 2007 study, researchers found that massage treatments with various oils, including lavender, helped reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, and heart palpitations in some people. The researchers suggested the lavender may help reduce hot flashes by lowering stress levels. The subtle aroma of lavender in Phytonagre is adding on the relaxation properties we all need in today chaotic and stressful environments.

Ho Wood
Ho Wood essential oil comes from Cinnamomum camphora, otherwise known as Camphor Laurel or true Camphor. The strong camphor content contained in Ho Wood oil makes it suitable for use as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Why are hormones so important in skin ageing?

Hormones interact within the body and, most importantly, the skin. They are secreted by the glands of the endocrine system. Hormones control and regulate many of the body functions such as sexual function and reproduction, appetite, body temperature, blood pressure, etc. They prepare the body for changes in puberty, pregnancy and menopause. 

What are some of the effects of hormones on women’s skin? The skin has receptors that are influenced by hormones. An example of these receptors in the sebaceous glands which produce sebum (oily substance) to help moisturise and protect the skin. 

One of the main hormones affecting women is estrogen, (produced mainly in the ovaries). It has a profound influence on the skin by maintaining its integrity and functions. 

Estrogen boosts collagen and elastin production that affects the skin structure and acts as a “mattress”  responsible for the skin firmness, suppleness and elasticity.
With age, hormones lose their ability to send messages putting the body under physical and emotional stress. There is also a decrease in the production of hormones, and lower levels of estrogen are particularly important for the skin as it leads to significant physical changes and ageing:

  • More fine lines and deeper wrinkles  
  • Skin gets thinner and less supple because of the decrease in elastin and collagen levels
  • Larger skin pores due to lowering elastin levels that stop skin bouncing back
  • Acne and increased facial hair growth 
  • Uneven skin tone because cell turnover slows down creating dullness and pigmentation issues
  • Dehydration because a thinner skin structure means increases in trans-epidermal water loss
  • Sensitivity, easier bruising, and poor wound healing due to the thinning of the skin structure making it more fragile

 

 

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.

All skin types can be prone to diffuse redness which usually manifest itself by  small pink patches on cheeks (rosy cheeks), nose and chin – very often with visible micro-capillaries.

There is a network of delicate veins, under the skin of the face, responsible for blood circulation – they are called capillaries. These very thin vessels are fragile and can be damaged easily. Diffuse redness appears when the capillaries walls weaken and get damaged. Normally capillaries dilate when there is a rush of blood to the skin, then contract afterwards. Damaged capillaries do not contract – and can also break – resulting in blood stagnation within these vessels. When this happens, the capillaries become more visible and look like tiny red lines under the skin. The thinner your skin, the more noticeable the capillaries will be.

Diffuse redness can occur for several reasons: heredity, environment, sun exposure, menopause, alcohol, medical conditions, stress. Ageing is also a cause of broken capillaries as the skin becomes thinner and more sensitive.

It is important to remember that this kind of skin redness is not a skin type but a skin condition. Broken capillaries are difficult to erase, so it’s important to try to prevent the weakening of the walls of the capillaries to avoid their excess dilation or breakage. 

Phyt’s Capyl Cream to reinforce capillaries walls

Capyl is a localised treatment cream that has been specially formulated to decongest capillaries and reinforce their walls – it is not a moisturiser, so its use should be followed by the application of a moisturiser.

Phyt’s Laboratories developed the Capyl formula with plant-based ingredients well known for their decongesting and toning properties. We will have a closer look at three of them:

  • Centella Asiatica 
  • Red Vine
  • Horse Chestnut

Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola or Indian pennywort, is a herb that’s been traditionally used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
One of the first known skin benefits of Centella Asiatica was its ability to promote wound healing. In fact, this is one of the plants most widely studied benefits, with a large number of both in vitro and in vivo scientific studies supporting the claim. It appears that the wound healing properties of Centella Asiatica extracts are largely due to the increased production of collagen and the reduction in inflammation.

The research into the wound-healing benefits of Centella Asiatica also identified its effectiveness at boosting collagen production, particularly type I collagen. As the production of collagen and the amount of collagen within the skin decreases with age, this research suggests that Centella Asiatica may have anti-ageing effects.

Red Vine (Grape Vine)

Who does not know the red vine? It is a climbing, woody plant belonging to the Vitaceae family. Its grape is famous around the world for its main purpose: the production of red wine. On the health side, you should know that red vine is particularly beneficial to support a healthy blood circulation.
The skin, leaves and seeds are used in various herbal medicine preparations and skincare ingredients to balance venous insufficiency, water retention and cardiovascular diseases. 

Grape Vine or Red Vine is packed with antioxidants like flavonoid, resveratrol, polyphenols and tannin, which help fight ageing by restoring collagen and elastin fibers.

Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut extract is derived from the seeds of the Horse Chestnut tree (Aesculus Hippocastanum). Horse chestnut is native to areas of Europe, but is now grown in many places around the world. Historically, horse chestnut has been used for purposes as diverse as a whitening agent for fabrics and as a soap. More recently, it has been found to be of benefit in disorders of the venous system, particularly chronic venous insufficiency.

Aescin (also spelt escin) is the most abundant active compound of horse chestnut extract.  It carries a powerful antioxidant called Proanthocyanidins which has  a role in the stabilisation of collagen and elastin in the skin, and acts as an anti-ageing compound. Aescin is also a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, and helps reduce capillaries fragility to prevent those thin vessels breaking and leaking fluids in the surrounding tissues.

Important: it must be noted that Capyl Cream is not a treatment for Rosacea which looks like couperose but is a skin disorder that needs different kinds of treatments.

If you have signs of diffuse redness (no matter your skin type), the best thing to do is to look after your skin with a daily skin care routine that includes:

  • Gentle skin cleansing with a cleanser that does not rip off all oil from your skin. Do not use overly hot or cold water. If you use a skin toner, make sure it does not contain alcohol (over-drying)
  • Capyl Cream applied on the red areas only, then followed with the application of a moisturiser. Do this morning and evening.
  • A skin corrector to hide the redness. Use a green corrector and apply it to the red areas only. Green being the complementary colour of red, it will neutralise that colour. Follow with a foundation and finish with loose powder for a mat finish that will last all day.

 

 

 

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

Most likely, you’ve heard about it… charcoal is the last buzz in the beauty world and is becoming a major component in the skincare industry. It’s no wonder oily skin is the first beneficiary of this ingredient if we consider the properties of charcoal. 

Vegetable charcoal goes back to ancient times

Although cosmetics manufacturers seem to have discovered this ingredient, it has been around for centuries, as far back as the ancient Egyptians, for a range of purposes from deodorising, to antibacterial and anti-fungal use and even to preserve wood constructions in wet and moist areas. Phoenician stored drinking water in charred wooden barrels to preserve and purify water during long sea journeys.
Charcoal is obtained from the calcination of plant materials (wood or bamboo) 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 adsorbing and absorption properties.

What’s the secret of charcoal’s effectiveness in cosmetics? 

This amazing ingredient provides deep pore cleaning due to its major adsorbing properties. Adsorbing by definition means the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact, or in short, acts as a glue or magnet to extremely small substances and brings them to the surface. This is why activated charcoal is so praised by people with oily and clogged skin. By sticking itself to impurities, excess sebum, toxins, heavy metals and some bacteria, charcoal makes detoxifying skin a breeze. 

Phyt’s uses charcoal powder in the Aromaclear exfoliating mask – Masque Gommant Pureté – for oily skin. Obtained from a Japanese oak tree (Ubame Oak), Binchotan charcoal has a micro-porous structure and is well known for its purity and finesse. Because the wood is burnt at a very high temperature, the charcoal is extremely dense and pure. The cosmetic quality and efficiency of this ingredient have been recognised by COSMOS and received their certification.

We love how this ingredient in Phyt’s Aromaclear Mask provides these 5 amazing benefits: antibacterial, anti-fungal, deep pore cleansing, oil-balancing and gentle exfoliation which gives the skin a more smooth and refined appearance. 

Phyt’s Aromaclear Facial Mask: an innovative product with vegetable charcoal – and certified organic!

Phyt’s Laboratories have created a retail and a professional product of high quality formulated with vegetable charcoal. The new Aromaclear Facial Mask has a triple action on the skin:

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

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. Remove the mask thoroughly   with warm water. Pat skin dry then follow with one of the moisturisers of the Aromaclear range.

Aromaclear facial mask reduces skin imperfections and gives the skin a new glow. The skin texture is smoother, refined and pores are instantly tightened. 

Aromaclear is a certified organic range for oily skin with a tendency to acne. It helps to fight breakouts and reduce sebum production for a clearer brighter complexion – gently and naturally!

 

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.

Hydration is a crucial component if we want our skin to look plumb and burst with vitality. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an essential ingredient to help moisturise your skin.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at hyaluronic acid: what it is and where it’s found.

Hyaluronic acid is a linear insoluble polymer – mucopolysaccharide. It is one of the most common mucopolysaccharides in nature and is synthesised by all living organisms except algae. It is found in heart valves, in vitreous and synovial fluid, in connective, epithelial and nerve tissue. It is an essential skin component as more than 50% of this acid is contained in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for the smoothness of the skin due to its ability to retain large amounts of water molecules. It can bind to water in a ratio of a thousand times its weight.

A few facts:

  • Hyaluronic acid has been isolated for the first time in the vitreous of calf eyes. Its name is derived from the Greek word “hyalos”, meaning glass.
  • A 70 kg person has approximately 15 g of hyaluronic acid in the body. Hyaluronic acid builds up the intracellular substance in mammals. It can be found in a variety of human organs and tissues including the skin (50%), the eyes and the synovial liquids between the joints.
  • Hyaluronic acid is produced daily and has a rapid turnover rate: 3 to 5 min in the blood, less than a day in the skin and 1 to 3 weeks in the cartilage. It can also be degraded by free-radicals.
  • Hyaluronic acid in the dermis is associated with tissue repair. As we age, there is a dramatic decrease in hyaluronic acid within our body. This affects skin tissues with the visible loss of hydration in the epidermis.  

How does it work when applied topically?

HA is a magnet for moisture, it is a brilliant humectant (a substance, used to reduce the loss of moisture).

  • As a moisturiser, HA acts differently to lipids and other humectants. Due to its size and molecular weight, it is a remarkable short term barrier replacement. And, it works synergistically with other key moisturising ingredients found in our moisturisers to increase hydration.
  • In skincare, HA has been shown to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin, helping to plump the skin as it attracts and holds moisture into the top layers of the skin
  • It is fantastic to re-balance oily or acne-prone skin. It is  non-comedogenic, meaning that it does not cause blackheads by blocking the pores of the skin, and helps to keep oily skin hydrated
  • In wounded skin, HA is involved in the granulation of tissue formation and re-epithelialization – critical to the healing process. Fabulous if you have experienced any sun damage

What hyaluronic acid is NOT

It is not a miracle worker, it is not a magic anti-ageing ingredient – it is an ingredient that supports skin hydration and healing.

How to include hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine?

  • Choose a toner, a serum or a moisturiser that contains this fabulous little ingredient.
  • As you would do with substances that may potentially affect your health, check where the HA and other ingredients are coming from. Phyt’s choose to use a vegan hyaluronic acid synthesised from a plant fermentation process (no animal products). The finished product is vegan-friendly, like the vast majority of Phyt’s products.

Hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient of the certified organic AquaPhyt’s range.
Phyt’s Laboratories have used green chemistry to include two types of hyaluronic acid in the AquaPhyt’s products. One acid has a high molecular weight and is used to re-hydrate and smooth the surface layer of the skin, while the other one with low molecular weight penetrates deeper into the skin layers to help plump the skin. The range is complemented by a professional facial treatment.

 

 

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!

 

 

 

The cold dry winter season always sees an increase in chapped lips. This is because your lips do not have oil glands, so they’re almost always exposed to the elements. People have chapped lips throughout the year, but in winter, dry air indoors, wind and cold weather outside contribute to worsening conditions and chapped lips end up sore, inflamed and at times can lead to infection. This can easily be prevented by taking care of your lips in the same way you take care of your face. 

A simple routine is to apply a lip balm daily, especially at night, when you start to experience dry lips. Most lip balms have petroleum gel, mineral oil or dimethicone as their base and some people can be irritated by these, more so when additives or known irritants like eucalyptus oil, camphor and menthol are added to the mix. Be cautious of using lip balms with a lot of additives.

If you have dry, irritated lips and are noticing a sting when applying your lip balm, it might be one of these additives in the product that is aggravating your condition. In this case, you can either choose to make your own or buy a product that is 100% natural and certified organic such as Phyt’ssima Lip Balm.

Do you want to make your own? It is effortless and here are the steps and ingredients to do a beautiful balm in less than 15 minutes. 

The following formula will take less than 15 minutes to make and will last you a whole winter season. 

• 5 ml (1 tsp)shea or cocoa butter
• 15 ml (1 Tbsp) avocado or jojoba oil
• 15 ml (1 Tbsp) local beeswax (grated or pastilles) or soy wax
• 1 drop vitamin E oil (optional)
• 5 drops essential oil — peppermint (optional)

Melt first three ingredients in a metal bowl over a pot with 50 ml (1/5-cup) water. Let the mixture melt on low heat. Stir. Remove from heat. Stir in optional ingredients. Cool. Store in an air-tight container.

Note: For fragrance, best is to avoid lemon, lime, grapefruit or bergamot essential oils which can react with sunlight. 

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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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!

Skin redness for some, pimples or pressure ulcers for others… These are some of the issues that can appear as the result of wearing a protective face mask for long periods.

Our skin is not used to being covered for an extended period. The reactions are often the same: redness, especially on the cheekbones, and small pimples on cheeks or chin. There are also bruises, irritations and sometimes scarrings caused by constant friction on the nose and cheeks near the ears. These symptoms are not a sign of allergy but irritation.

Why?

While the masks themselves may not be heavy, the pressure they create is concentrated on a small area of skin due to the small surface area of the mask’s edge.

Nurses and healthcare professionals wearing an N-95 mask, for instance, can also develop ulcers around the mouth or under the nose because of its very tight facial fit which forms a seal around these areas.

Vapour and sweat are trapped inside the mask modifying the skin pH. This permanent humidity creates the perfect environment to develop skin problems such as pimples or pustules.

Pre-existing acne or rosacea can be aggravated by the rubbing of the mask against the skin and the lack of air circulation.

Some skin will react differently and become too dry or inflamed because of the constant irritation.

What to do?

Wearing a mask is an essential step in protecting you and the people around you, so keep using it when necessary. To minimise skin reactions:

1)   Clean your face morning and evening with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat and debris. Use lukewarm water, not hot or icy. Pat dry the skin (rubbing could add to the irritation). Avoid using harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliators.

2)   Because the skin barrier has been compromised, soothe and protect your skin with a moisturiser formulated for the particular skin issues that you have. Apply your skincare at least 30 minutes before wearing your mask to let the products penetrate.

  • Dry skin could use products containing hyaluronic acid to increase hydration.
  • People with pimples or aggravated acne should use moisturisers with a lighter texture.
  • Irritated skin will be better off with products formulated to soothe and calm the skin. Try applying a barrier cream on the areas most irritated before you start wearing your mask.

3)   If you are using a moisturiser with added sunscreen,  it is best that you only apply it on areas of the face that are not covered by the mask.

4)   Make-up: if you want to use foundations or powders, keep it very light to avoid clogged pores or pimples. Use preferably non-comedogenic products to prevent blackheads and let your skin breathe when you don’t have to wear a mask.

If you develop permanent severe skin irritations, seek the help of your doctor.

We may have to wear a mask for an undetermined period. Still, we should remember that the benefits of wearing this facial protection when shopping or in crowded environments outweigh the risks of not wearing one.
Looking for naturality in products? Check Phyt’s organic face skincare – all made with 100% ingredients of natural origin for healthier skin.

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.  

 

 

Autumn brings different colours to our life; the temperature becomes colder, the days grow shorter, and everything in nature seems to slow down. The most visible and universal sign that winter is upon us is that trees shed their leaves.

Skin is a biological system and its rhythm follows the seasons. Where most people find that summer skin glowed from natural sunlight and increased Vit D, they also report that autumn skin is often rougher and dryer. Autumn is an ideal time for adopting a gentle but thorough skin exfoliation routine.

For those unfamiliar with biological processes, here is a little bit of background on exfoliation. Your skin is continually producing new, healthy skin cells to replace the old, damaged and dead cells. As we age, the skin natural exfoliating process slows down, resulting in a rougher, dryer complexion. The good news is that with little effort, we can accelerate this natural biological process. We can help increase cellular turnover, which in turn will result in a glowing, younger-looking complexion.

Phyt’s face exfoliants are a gentle yet effective part of a healthy cleansing routine. They help free the upper skin layers from impurities and dead cells and help moisturisers or serums penetrate deeper for maximum effectiveness. Different skin types may require a different intensity in this mechanical exfoliation process, and that is possible thanks to 2 products: Gommage Contact+ and Activ’Peel Scrub.

PHYT’S EXFOLIANTS:

1 Gommage Contact+ – this exfoliant is particularly gentle. So gentle in fact that it can be used on all skin types but it is particularly recommended for dry skin or skin that is slightly sensitive. The main exfoliating ingredient is plant cellulose with added Ylang-Ylang and Clove essential oils.

ABOUT GOMMAGE CONTACT+

Gently removes impurities & dead skin cells. This creamy texture is applied like a mask: a thin layer that you let dry up for a few minutes before rubbing it away with small circular motions. The result: a smoother, brighter & refined complexion without stripping the skin.

Main active ingredients:
Exfoliating ingredient: Plant cellulose. This ingredient adheres to dead skin cells. When you rub the exfoliant away, the dead cells are lifted and removed. The pores are decongested & impurities are drawn out without causing irritation. Your complexion is smoother and brighter.

Ylang-Ylang essential oil – This oil is extracted from the flower of the Cananga tree. It aids in reducing inflammation and has antiseptic properties. It helps brighten the skin for a more radiant look.

Clove Oil – Extracted from dried flower buds of clove. This oil has potent antimicrobial properties. Eugenol, found in clove oil, has also rejuvenating and stimulating properties, which help increase blood flow to the skin and make it look radiant. It is known to lessen the effects of ageing, like wrinkles, sagging skin, and blemishes.

Sunflower oil: Oil extracted from the seeds of sunflowers. A great source of Vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and is useful for combating skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin. Sunflower oil has also emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture.

2 – Activ’Peel – This exfoliant presents a different texture and is more like a gentle scrub. It can be used on all skin types and is particularly great for combination skin or those with a tendency to oily skin, or those who like to exfoliate under the shower. The main exfoliating ingredient is Bamboo extract with added Aloe Vera and Grapefruit, Rose Geranium and Lemon essential oils.

ABOUT ACTIV’PEEL SCRUB

A gentle exfoliant to remove impurities & dead skin cells. Best used under the shower as it needs to be applied on wet skin and removed with water. The result: a smoother, brighter & refined complexion.

Main active ingredients: 
Exfoliating ingredient: Bamboo extract. A finely powdered ingredient mixed with Aloe Vera leaf extract helps lift and remove impurities and dead skin cells. The pores are gently decongested for a smoother and brighter complexion.

Aloe Vera: Extracted from the leaves of the Aloe Barbadensis plant. Well-known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to help alleviate skin dryness and irritation. Aloe vera contains vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Perfect ingredient to hydrate and soothe the skin.

Grapefruit and Lemon essential oils – These oils are extracted from the peel of the grapefruit and Lemon. They have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the management of oily skin issues. They are astringents and help minimise pore size. Also, perfect to brighten the skin for a more radiant look.

Rose Geranium Oil – Extracted from dried geranium flowers. Thanks to its qualities as an astringent and all-round healer, Geranium Essential Oil is a highly active anti-ageing ingredient with potent cellular regeneration properties. It is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial to help purify and soothe the skin.

Exfoliation is best done once or twice a week. There is no need for more as over-use of exfoliants can weaken or damage the skin’s barrier and cause sensitivity as well as increased sebum production. Finish your ritual with one of our moisturisers. For a more in-depth treatment, use a serum in combination with the moisturiser.

Enjoy the experience and feel confident about your skin feeling fresh, healthy and ready to meet the colder months ahead.

Phyt’s offers a complete range of certified organic skincare of natural origin

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

Stretch marks are quite a challenge to treat as they are a form of scar tissue. They occur when skin is abnormally stretched and expanded quicker than normal. When this happens, collagen and elastin fibres which are part of the skin’s support structure, break down or rupture, leaving “tears” in the dermis (the middle layer) of the skin. 

Once formed stretch marks are very difficult to treat, so prevention is definitely better than cure.

The best way to prevent any stretch mark is to maintain or improve the elasticity of the skin so that the collagen and elastin fibres do not break.

Stretch marks creams are designed to improve firmness and skin elasticity. They also top up skin hydration levels and by applying these creams with a massage you increase blood circulation too. To resume, we need to help the skin help itself.

PHYT’S EXPERT VERGETURES

3-in-1 treatment formulated with active ingredients that work on the prevention of stretch marks: 

  • Boosts collagen synthesis
  • Keeps skin smooth and supple
  • Reduces emerging stretch marks

Let’s look more closely at the active ingredients:

Manilkara leaf extract: improves skin firmness, increases the skin’s regenerative and renewal process, stimulates collagen production, strengthens the skin extracellular matrix network.

Centella asiatica extract: rich in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals Centella improves circulation as well as the synthesis of collagen and skin tissue. It is especially beneficial for improving skin elasticity. It also boosts antioxidant activity at the site of wounds, speeds healing and helps prevent scarring such as stretch marks.

Alpha-bisabolol: an active component of chamomile; it has anti-inflammatory and healing properties

Aloe vera: healing, rejuvenating, hydrating – perfect to soften skin

Argan oil: rich in Vit A & E and essential fatty acids to encourage the growth of healthy skin cells, to nourish, to soften and to protect skin

Sunflower oil: rich in linoleic acid and omega 6, both of which are excellent at repairing skin, also in Vit A, E & D that are great at nourishing the skin

How to apply Expert Vergetures?

Thoroughly massage the cream into problem areas (hips, tummy, breasts) morning and evening.

Tips: Knead the skin to break the collagen fibres and force them to realign themselves. If your skin is dry, follow with a rich moisturiser to add more nourishment and hydration.

You will get better results if you use Expert Vergetures for 3 consecutive months. Lines will start to fade and the overall texture of the skin will change, becoming smoother and more supple to the touch.

 

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.

Which face cleanser is the best for you?

Removing makeup, dirt, and grime from the day might not seem to be the most significant step in a skin-care routine, but it is actually the most important. Facial cleansing is not ‘just’ about removing particles from the skin, it is about preparing it for the products that follow – as a painter would work from a fresh canvas.  In the morning, cleansing allows toxins expelled overnight to be removed so that the skin benefits from your moisturising and protecting routine. At night, that same step helps the skin profits from serum and more nourishing products.

Just like you choose your skin care according to your skin type, you should select a facial cleanser that suits the needs of your skin.
Phyt’s offers a wide range of facial cleansers to let you choose the one most suited to your skin, and also the texture you like best, from gel, to milky or creamy. 

Lait Nettoyant – Creamy Cleansing Milk for dry skin
This creamy cleanser gently and effectively removes makeup and cleanses the skin leaving it smooth and soft. Use cotton pads to remove it (you do not need to use water).

Lait Hydro Nettoyant – Cleansing Milk for normal to combination skin
This water soluble light creamy cleanser dissolves make-up and cleanses the face leaving it soft, smooth and refreshed. Rinse off with water.

Gel Pureté Visage – Cleansing Gel for all skin types
Light gel cleanser that gently eliminates impurities and cleanses the skin, leaving it freshened, purified and radiant. Great for normal, combination or oily skin. Perfect if you prefer to wash your face while you shower.

Aromaclear Mousse Nettoyante Pureté – Cleansing Purifying Foam for oily skin prone to acne
Blemishes, excess sebum, shine are all characteristics of oily skin. Aromaclear Foaming Cleanser is a soap-free product that eliminates impurities and excess sebum gently. Purifying essential oils, gentle surfactants and natural astringents are at the heart of this formulation. Mousse Nettoyante Pureté is perfect if you have oily skin with blemishes, or tendency to acne. Needs to be rinsed off with water.   

Gelée Nettoyante Anti-Pollution – Anti-pollution Cleansing Gel
This gentle cleanser belongs to Phyt’s Anti-Pollution range. Its 3-step texture  turns from gel to oily emulsion on application, and finally to milk that needs to be rinsed off with water. The perfect tool to remove pollution particles from the skin.

Aqua Phyt’s Eau Micellaire – Micellar Water for Dehydrated Skin
Gentle 3-in-1 lotion to cleanse, hydrate and tone the skin at the same time – no need to rinse. Micelle molecules work together to attract impurities and make-up leaving the skin cleansed, hydrated and refreshed. 

Sensi Eau Lactée Apaisante – Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin
Another 3-in-1 micellar solution especially formulated for sensitive skin. With a texture halfway between milk and water, this hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cleanser-toner leaves the skin softer and smoother.

White Bio-Active Lotion Eclat – Micellar Water for Brightening Treatments
Micellar lotion to cleanse, tone and brighten the skin. It belongs to Phyt’s White Bio-Active range – a comprehensive series of products that should be used together to brighten the skin. 

Men’s Gel Nettoyant Désincrustant – Exfoliating Cleanser for Men
Formulated for men’s skin. A refreshing cleansing gel to eliminate impurities and limit the formation of ingrown hair thanks to exfoliating Bamboo extract. 

Men’s Gel Nettoyant Oxygénant – Oxygenating Cleansing Gel for Men
Very gentle cleanser formulated with refreshing and revitalising essential oils of Mint, Ginseng and Tea Tree. A boost for the skin!