Feel Skin Care

Burdock is a plant native to northern Asia and Europe, with the root having been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It can be consumed as a vegetable, in teas, tinctures and as a powder.

Research is being carried out on the potential benefits of this herb, but they primarily include helping our elimination system by supporting liver function and the elimination of toxins.

Burdock root has also been studied in relation to reducing oxidative stress⁵.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment, originally found in microalgae. It’s the pigment that gives flamingos, salmon and shrimp their characteristic pink colour as their diets are high in this algae species⁶! Astaxanthin has the highest antioxidant effects of all the carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene)⁷.

We have chosen to include this antioxidant pigment in our skin supplement as it has been studied for it’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects⁸, and shows promise for cosmetic benefits. Studies show when taken in supplement form it improves skin elasticity, texture, moisture and reduces oiliness⁹.

This is thought to be due to it’s ability to inhibit the conversion of testosterone¹⁰ to DHT, via reducing the action of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Multiple studies have also suggested it’s benefits on preventing skin from damage from UV light¹¹.

L-lysine is an essential amino acid, which we cannot manufacture in the body and therefore must obtain from our diet. This amino acid acts as a building block in the body; indeed studies have shown that lysine helps to build collagen in the skin¹², and lysine deficiencies impair wound healing¹³.

L-lysine is naturally found in many animal-based foods, and so with vegan or vegetarian diets, it’s important to ensure your intake is adequate. Lysine has also been studied for the additional effect of reducing cold sores, with an excellent safety record in supplements¹⁴.

Ashwagandha, also known as withania, is an ancient Ayurvedic herb, traditionally used for millennia to improve the body's resistance to stress, maintain emotional stability and support relaxation. High stress levels are known to worsen acne and inflammatory skin conditions¹⁵ and slow wound healing¹⁶.

Ashwagandha has been shown in studies to substantially reduce serum cortisol levels, our stress hormone¹⁷, and is thought to improve individuals resistance to stress. In this way, Ashwagandha helps maintain the health of the skin.

We have chosen to include the highest quality organic KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract; the world’s most studied form of ashwagandha. This has been evaluated in 22 gold-standard human clinical trials indicating improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, memory, cognition, athletic performance and libido¹⁸. What makes KSM-66 so special is it’s full-spectrum root extract, preserving the blend of natural constituents that is present in the root, extracted without using any chemical solvents or alcohol¹⁹.

Green tea is naturally high in many antioxidants called polyphenols, including Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Green tea extract, both topical and oral, has been shown to reduce oiliness and inflammation of skin²⁰, subsequently improving acne²¹.

It is also thought to reduce the activity of the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme, reducing the conversion to the hormone DHT²² which is proven to worsen acne²³. Green tea is also known to protect skin from UV and pollution-induced oxidative damage, helping to maintain healthy blood glucose levels and decrease cellular aging.

Caffeine is known to increase the stress response²⁴, which can worsen acne, and so we have only used decaffeinated green tea extract.