The Pros of Probiotics

Probiotics are the hero ingredient in the Nutrafy collagen powder range by The Harvest Table. Here’s how they play a vital role in achieving flawless skin…

As you all know, I’ve recently started including Nutrafy collagen powder into my daily routine. I noticed a change in my skin in August and decided to swap my usual dry, irritated collagen for the oily-prone skin variation and I’m so glad I did.

In the oily prone skin collagen powder, you’ll find the following:

*Blueberry extract: A must-have ingredient for inflammation and a brilliant antioxidant.

*Sea buckthorn extract: It helps with the reduction of breakouts by signaling the oil glands, stopping them from excess sebum production.

Top tip: If you’re experiencing regular flare-ups, want to improve your skin’s texture and the appearance of scarring, the oily-prone collagen powder will be the right choice out of the Nutrafy range for you.

My basic guide to probiotics (and why you should be including them everyday)

In layman’s terms, a probiotic is a good bacteria found mainly in your digestive system, on the surface layer of your skin and other areas. This live microorganism has a host of essential health benefits and can also be found in certain food or supplements to help enhance the good bacteria in your body. They play a vital role in your skin’s health too.

Here’s what a healthy gut can do for your skin:

- Strengthens its barrier.

- Reduces allergic inflammation and rosacea.

- Enhances its moisture levels.

- Promotes wound healing.

- Helps balance the its pH levels.

- Treats and prevents atopic dermatitis, eczema, acne and UV-induced skin damage.

- Assists in correcting skin hypersensitivity.

Some studies have shown that people with skin disorders also have imbalanced gut microbiomes. The gut microbiome reacts to various stimuli resulting in systemic responses. By altering the gut microbiome and adding a probiotic to your dailyroutine, it’s quite possible to decrease severe skin diseases linked to inflammation (like I’ve mentioned above).

Seeing as though probiotics are heat sensitive, include your Nutrafy collagen powder in a probiotic-rich food such as yogurt to get the full benefits of this good bacteria. It’s also a great excuse to whip up a delicious smoothie.

I love this combination:

1 x sliced banana

10 x blueberries

4 x strawberries

3 x tablespoons of plain, fat free yogurt

2 x tablespoons of my Nutrafy oily prone skin collagen powder

3 x blocks of ice to make it extra cold

Some good-to-know FAQs about Nutrafy’s probiotics

What probiotic blend is used in NutrafyTM:

Our probiotic blends are a specialised blend to optimize the gut-skin- axis.

The full range can be found on the product labels.

What is the difference between your normal Collagen Granules and Nutrafy?

The Nutrafy range is scientifically designed for the gut-skin-axis. It harnesses the 4 elements of skin care as a base to improve skin health.

When will I start noticing the effects of collagen?

According to clinical trials, a daily intake of 5-10g of collagen per day will help to maintain the skin's hydration, firmness and elasticity (i.e. its youth and beauty). Some studies have shown that skin's hydration improves after one to two months, and several communities have demonstrated the benefits of collagen peptides for preserving joint health. Most studies show effects within three months.

How do your probiotics last so long?

All of the ingredients included in our products are of the highest quality, so it makes sense that we would seek out a probiotic that will provide our customers with the benefits of the best, most stable probiotic we could find. At time of manufacture our range contains probiotics at a concentration of 15 billion CFU per serving.

What does CFU mean?

CFU stands for Colony Forming Units. What this means is the number of alive and active microorganisms in one serving of a probiotic dietary supplement. These are typically measured in CFUs per gram or per millilitre.

I leave you with this question – are you including probiotics in your daily routine? If you’d like to take your skincare routine up a notch, try any of the Nutrafy collagen powders and be prepared for long-lasting results.

Visit Nutrafy by The Harvest Table’s website www.harvesttable.co.za/shop/product-category/nutrafy for more information.

Follow Nutrafy on Instagram here.

*If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me directly: kelli@kelliclifton.co.za

*This article was sponsored by Nutrafy by The Harvest Table.

Avoid Adult Acne-Prone Skin with Eau Thermale Avène

Did you know that 40% of adult women are affected by acne-prone skin? Pioneer skincare brand Eau Thermale Avène introduces a new range aimed to beat blemishes while answering some of your most commonly asked questions about acne in collaboration with Dr Tarryn Jacobs, specialist dermatologist.

Q: What is the cause of adult acne?

A: Acne is caused by a complex interaction of factors whereby male sex hormones known as androgens stimulate the oil glands to secrete sebum which results in the blockage of pores. Bacteria that normally live on the skin surface can then multiply within the pores and drive inflammation.

Adult female acne is commonly referred to as “hormonal acne.” However, in reality, all acne is hormonally mediated. A more appropriate term for adult females would be “premenstrual” acne as monthly hormone fluctuations play a key role in acne flares. In addition to hormones, other factors such as stress, diet and environmental pollution may play a role in exacerbating acne for some people.

Q: What does adult female acne look like?

A: Acne in adult females tends to show up on the cheeks, around the mouth and lower chin areas (known as the U-zone). However recent studies have questioned this and show that adult female acne can occur on other areas on the face similar to adolescent acne. 

Q: What is the psychological impact associated with adult acne?

A: Acne has a large impact on appearance and those suffering from acne understand all too well its effects on confidence and self-esteem, while provoking feelings of inadequacy. Acne in adult females has been found to cause even greater distress than in teenagers which means finding a solution that works for you is important.

Q: What is a good skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

A: Choosing effective skincare products with the right ingredients is vital. 

1. Wash your face twice a day in the morning and evening. Cleansing is important to remove oil, dirt, and bacteria that have built up throughout the day. Choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne-prone skin.

2. After cleansing, use a “non-comedogenic” moisturiser as even oily or acne-prone skin needs moisturising which will help to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

3. Sunscreen should be part of everyone’s daily skincare routine. It is also useful to prevent the worsening of the dark spots that can be left behind from blemishes.

4. Avoid the use of facial oils and hair products that contain oil near the forehead.

GOOD TO KNOW: Don’t fall into the habit of trying new acne treatments every week or so as this can lead to irritation. Give your products time to work, as at least 6-8 weeks are needed to start seeing improvement.

Q: What are the best ingredients to look for in skincare products?

A: Preventing breakouts as opposed to just reacting to new blemishes is key. For this reason, if you have adult acne-prone skin, I like to recommend having a retinoid in your skincare “toolbox”.  Retinoids such as retinol or retinaldehyde are vitamin A derivatives that address and prevent clogged pores. They normalise the exfoliation of skin cells inside the pores whilst targeting the symptoms associated with inflammation. In addition, retinoids can help fade dark marks that can be left behind. Part of the conundrum of managing adult female acne-prone skin, is that women may simultaneously be dealing with concerns of skin aging as well. A great reassurance is that retinoids also have anti-aging benefits because it can stimulate collagen production. 

*Answers to questions above have been provided courtesy of Dr Tarryn Jacobs, specialist dermatologist. Visit her website here: www.pretoriadermatology.co.za

Introducing the new Cleanance Women range by Eau Thermale Avène…

The Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Women range consists of a powerful dynamic duo that helps reduce spots, boost radiance, achieve a refined, smooth skin texture, tighten pores, reduce acne scarring and combat the first signs of ageing.

Use the Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Women Corrective Serum each morning and night on cleansed skin before your moisturiser and sun protection. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin and leaves no residue. It contains Synovea™ HR which helps reduce blemishes and limits sebum oxidation. P-Refinyl (aka lentil seed extract) tightens the pores and mattifies the skin. Glycolic and Lactic Acids found within the Corrective Serum help smooth your skin texture and Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes irritation.

Before bedtime, apply the Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Women Smoothing Night Cream onto cleansed skin. I’ve tried it after the Corrective Serum and it works like a charm. The Smoothing Night Cream contains Synovea™ HR like the Corrective Serum as well as the signature Avène Thermal Spring Water ingredient to ease irritation. X-Pressin™ helps exfoliate the skin while Retinaldehyde (aka Pro-Vitamin A) makes you look more youthful and helps reduce residual marks.

THE VERDICT: My skin looks noticeably clearer (aka blemish-free) and the texture has certainly improved. And yes, of course, I’m still frequently wearing my mask each day so this twosome really is a skincare power couple in my personal opinion.

Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Women Corrective Serum: R369

Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Women Smoothing Night Cream: R349

Click here to shop the entire Cleanance Women range directly on Dermastore.

For more information, please check out the Eau Thermale Avène website:  www.eau-thermale-avene.co.za or leave your questions in the comments box below.

*This article was sponsored by Eau Thermale Avène South Africa.

#CleananceConfidence