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Sep 18
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Taking a Systemic Approach to Skin & Body Wellbeing

By Essential Reading, Health, Skin No Comments

Skin ageing is a natural process, but it’s accelerated by internal and external factors such as UV exposure, poor nutrition, smoking, stress, and hormonal changes. Over time, these stressors contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dryness.

Healthy habits like balanced nutrition, hydration, daily SPF, and exercise all play a role. But increasingly, science shows that a systemic approach to nutrition, nourishing from the inside out, offers powerful benefits for skin health, joint flexibility, and overall wellbeing.

The global nutraceutical market reflects this trend, projected to reach $403 billion by 2024.

What Are Nutraceuticals?

Nutraceuticals are food-derived supplements with proven health benefits beyond basic nutrition. For skin and body health, nutraceuticals:

  • Combat free radical damage
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Support collagen and elastin production
  • Slow visible signs of ageing

The Science of Collagen Peptides

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, forming the structure of skin, joints, cartilage, and connective tissue. With age, natural collagen production declines.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are small, highly bioavailable molecules (2–3kDa) that are easily absorbed by the body – up to 95% within one hour of ingestion. Once in the bloodstream, they stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, supporting skin density, hydration, and elasticity.

Introducing Totally Derma® Collagen Drink Supplement

Totally Derma® is a premium nutraceutical collagen drink that works at a cellular level to rejuvenate skin, joints, bones, gut health, and menopausal wellbeing.

Unlike standard collagen powders, Totally Derma® combines:

  • 10,000mg bovine collagen peptides (Types I, II, and III)
  • Patented enzymatically hydrolysed hyaluronic acid
  • Synergistic antioxidants & minerals (Vitamin C, Zinc, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea Extract, Copper & Manganese)

Each ingredient is included at therapeutic dosages for clinically proven results.

Key Benefits of Totally Derma®

  • Improves skin hydration, elasticity, and density
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Supports joint health and flexibility
  • Enhances gut and bone health
  • Alleviates menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness
  • Strengthens hair and nails

Why Bovine Collagen Over Marine?

Totally Derma® uses Arthred® Bovine Collagen because of its close biochemical similarity to human collagen. This ensures excellent absorption and biocompatibility.

Marine and whey collagen sources have different structures and may increase allergy risk, making bovine the optimal choice.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hydration from Within

Totally Derma® contains patented 210mg, 50 kilodalton hyaluronic acid, clinically proven for 95% absorption.

HA is vital for maintaining hydrated, plump, and smooth skin while reinforcing collagen and elastin. Unlike most collagen supplements that stop at collagen, Totally Derma® also boosts hyaluronic acid levels for double the rejuvenation.

Antioxidants & Anti-Inflammatory Support

The addition of antioxidants and trace minerals enhances collagen activity and combats oxidative stress. This includes:

  • Vitamin C – co-factor for collagen synthesis
  • Zinc – supports tissue repair
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid, Grape Seed & Green Tea Extract – powerful antioxidants
  • Copper & Manganese – essential for enzymatic processes

Results Backed by Science

  • Results are typically felt in 3 weeks, with maximum efficacy at 90 days.
  • Originally formulated for osteoarthritis patients, Totally Derma® has been shown to improve joint mobility and simultaneously transform skin, hair, nails, gut health, and menopausal wellbeing.
  • Long-term use supports ongoing cellular repair and regeneration.

How to Take Totally Derma®

  • Mix 1 scoop daily with 250ml water, juice, or a smoothie (can also be stirred into yogurt).
  • Do not heat.
  • Pleasant vanilla-caramel flavour.
  • 360g tub = 30-day supply.
  • Price: £105 per month (£3.50/day). Equivalent of a daily cup of Coffee.

✔ Safe for diabetics
✘ Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

A Systemic Approach to Rejuvenation

Totally Derma® is more advanced than a usual collagen drink, it’s an integrated nutraceutical system for skin, joints, gut health, and whole-body wellbeing.

It can be taken alone or alongside:

  • Topical skincare
  • Cosmeceutical regimens
  • Aesthetic treatments (microneedling, PRP, energy-based devices, surgery)

By supporting the body at a cellular level, Totally Derma® delivers results that topical products alone cannot achieve.

Aug 20
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Collagen Myths Debunked: What Science Actually Reveals About Supplementation

By Essential Reading, Health, Skin No Comments

The global collagen supplement market has exploded in recent years, but with growth comes confusion. Conflicting information floods social media platforms, whilst medical opinions vary widely on efficacy and benefits. For consumers seeking genuine wellness solutions, navigating these contradictory messages proves increasingly challenging.

This comprehensive analysis examines the most persistent collagen myths through the lens of peer-reviewed research, revealing what science actually tells us about collagen supplementation and why product quality varies so dramatically across the market.

Understanding Collagen Bioavailability: The Absorption Question

One of the most contentious debates surrounding collagen centres on bioavailability. Critics argue that collagen proteins are too large for human absorption, rendering supplementation pointless. This perspective, whilst partially accurate for whole collagen proteins, overlooks crucial developments in collagen processing technology.

Modern hydrolysed collagen supplements utilise enzymatic pre-digestion to break down large collagen molecules into smaller, bioavailable peptides. These collagen peptides, typically ranging from 2-15 amino acids in length, can successfully traverse the intestinal barrier and enter systemic circulation.

Clinical pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that hydrolysed collagen peptides appear in plasma within 1-2 hours of oral consumption, with peak concentrations occurring between 4-6 hours post-ingestion. Notably, specific dipeptides like hydroxyproline-glycine and proline-hydroxyproline remain detectable in bloodstream for up to 12 hours, suggesting sustained bioavailability.

Totally Derma’s formulation utilises Arthred bovine collagen, a pharmaceutical-grade hydrolysed collagen with extensive clinical validation for bioavailability and tissue targeting.

The Multifaceted Role of Collagen: Beyond Cosmetic Applications

Popular media often portrays collagen supplementation as purely cosmetic, focusing exclusively on anti-ageing benefits. This narrow perspective significantly underestimates collagen’s diverse physiological functions and therapeutic potential.

Joint Health and Mobility

Collagen comprises approximately 60% of articular cartilage by dry weight. Clinical trials consistently demonstrate that collagen peptide supplementation can reduce joint discomfort, improve mobility, and support cartilage integrity in both athletes and individuals with joint concerns.

A landmark 24-week randomised controlled trial involving 147 participants showed significant improvements in joint pain and functionality with daily collagen peptide supplementation compared to placebo groups.

Gastrointestinal Wellness

Emerging research highlights collagen’s role in maintaining intestinal barrier function. The amino acid composition of collagen peptides, particularly glycine and proline, supports gut lining integrity and may benefit individuals with inflammatory bowel conditions or increased intestinal permeability.

Dermatological Benefits

Beyond surface-level improvements, collagen supplementation influences dermatological health through multiple mechanisms:

  • Enhanced hydration through improved moisture retention
  • Increased dermal density and elasticity
  • Accelerated wound healing and post-procedure recovery
  • Reduction in visible signs of photoaging

Hair and Nail Strength

Collagen provides essential amino acids required for keratin synthesis, the primary structural protein in hair and nails. Clinical studies report improved nail growth rates and reduced brittleness with consistent collagen supplementation.

Dietary Sources Versus Supplementation: A Practical Comparison

Advocates of whole-food nutrition often suggest that dietary collagen sources—primarily bone broth, gelatine, and collagen-rich cuts of meat—provide adequate collagen for health maintenance. Whilst these foods offer nutritional value, several factors limit their effectiveness compared to standardised supplementation.

Consistency and Dosage

Dietary collagen content varies enormously based on preparation methods, cooking duration, source animal, and processing techniques. A single serving of homemade bone broth might contain anywhere from 500mg to 3,000mg of collagen, making consistent therapeutic dosing virtually impossible.

Clinical studies demonstrating collagen benefits typically utilise doses of 10,000-15,000mg daily—quantities that would require consuming large volumes of bone broth or gelatine regularly.

Processing and Absorption

Dietary collagen often exists in partially denatured forms that may not provide optimal bioavailability compared to specifically processed collagen peptides designed for absorption.

Totally Derma delivers precisely 10,000mg of pharmaceutical-grade hydrolysed collagen peptides per serving, ensuring consistent therapeutic dosing that dietary sources cannot match.

Age-Related Collagen Decline: When Supplementation Becomes Critical

Collagen synthesis naturally decreases throughout adult life, with research indicating an approximate 1% annual decline beginning around age 25. This reduction accelerates significantly after age 40, particularly in women experiencing hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.

The Menopausal Connection

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis regulation. The dramatic hormonal shifts occurring during menopause can reduce collagen production by up to 30% in the first five years post-menopause, significantly impacting skin quality, joint comfort, and overall tissue integrity.

Clinical Evidence in Older Adults

Rather than becoming less effective with age, quality collagen supplementation demonstrates particular benefits in older populations. A 12-week study involving postmenopausal women showed significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and dermal density with daily collagen peptide supplementation.

Joint health studies consistently report greater benefits in participants over 50, suggesting that collagen supplementation becomes increasingly valuable as natural production declines.

Quality Disparities in Collagen Supplements: What Distinguishes Effective Products

The collagen supplement market encompasses a vast spectrum of product quality, from basic powder blends to pharmaceutical-grade formulations. Understanding these distinctions proves essential for consumers seeking genuine health benefits.

Critical Quality Factors

Hydrolysis Process: Effective collagen supplements utilise specific enzymatic hydrolysis to create peptides with optimal molecular weights for absorption. Many budget products contain non-hydrolysed collagen or inadequately processed proteins with limited bioavailability.

Dosage Adequacy: Clinical studies supporting collagen benefits typically use 10,000-15,000mg daily doses. Many popular products contain only 2,000-5,000mg per serving, falling well short of therapeutic thresholds.

Supporting Nutrients: Collagen synthesis requires specific cofactors, particularly vitamin C, zinc, and copper. Premium formulations include these essential nutrients, whilst basic products often omit them entirely.

Purity Standards: Pharmaceutical-grade products undergo rigorous testing for contaminants, heavy metals, and microbiological safety. Food-grade supplements may not meet these stringent standards.

The Totally Derma Advantage

Totally Derma’s formulation addresses each quality parameter through evidence-based ingredient selection:

  • Arthred Collagen: Clinically-validated bovine collagen with proven bioavailability
  • Synovoderma Hyaluronic Acid: Pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid for enhanced skin hydration
  • Essential Cofactors: Therapeutic doses of vitamin C, zinc, and copper
  • Synergistic Compounds: Green tea extract and additional antioxidants for comprehensive support
  • Purity Assurance: Sugar-free, allergen-free formulation meeting pharmaceutical standards

Realistic Expectations: Understanding Collagen Supplementation Timelines

Perhaps no aspect of collagen supplementation generates more confusion than expected timelines for visible results. Marketing claims suggesting overnight transformations conflict sharply with biological reality, creating unrealistic expectations that often lead to premature discontinuation.

The Science of Collagen Turnover

Collagen remodelling occurs through continuous synthesis and degradation processes. In skin tissue, complete collagen turnover requires approximately 4-6 months, though improvements in hydration and elasticity may become apparent within 4-8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Joint cartilage undergoes even slower remodelling, with meaningful improvements typically requiring 8-12 weeks of regular supplementation. Gastrointestinal benefits may appear more rapidly, with some individuals reporting improved digestive comfort within 2-4 weeks.

Clinical Study Timelines

The majority of published collagen research utilises 8-12 week supplementation periods, with many studies extending to 24 weeks for comprehensive assessment. This scientific precedent supports the recommendation for minimum 90-day supplementation periods to achieve optimal benefits.

The Evidence-Based Approach to Collagen Supplementation

In an industry often characterised by hyperbolic marketing claims and pseudoscientific assertions, evidence-based products like Totally Derma represent a commitment to scientific integrity and therapeutic efficacy.

Quality collagen supplementation, when properly formulated with adequate dosages and essential cofactors, offers genuine benefits for skin health, joint function, digestive wellness, and overall tissue integrity. The key lies in selecting products backed by clinical research rather than marketing rhetoric.

For consumers seeking authentic wellness solutions, the choice becomes clear: invest in pharmaceutical-grade formulations with proven efficacy, or risk disappointment with products that prioritise profit margins over therapeutic outcomes.

The science of collagen supplementation continues evolving, but current research provides compelling evidence for its role in comprehensive health maintenance—provided that quality, dosage, and realistic expectations align with scientific understanding rather than commercial promises.

Jul 08
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What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Collagen?

By Essential Reading, Health, Skin No Comments

Collagen supplements have become a staple in many wellness routines, offering benefits like smoother skin, stronger joints, and better gut health. But what if you stop taking collagen? Will your body hold on to the progress—or start slipping backward?

Here’s what really happens when you pause or stop collagen supplementation, and why consistency is the key to lasting results.

 What Collagen Does in Your Body

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It forms the foundation of your skin, joints, bones, hair, nails, and connective tissues. As you age, your natural collagen production declines—by around 1% per year starting in your mid-20s, and even faster during menopause.

That’s where supplementation comes in. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (like those found in Totally Derma) help replenish what your body can no longer make at the same rate.

So What Happens When You Stop?
 
Let’s break it down into what you may notice over time:
1. Skin May Lose Hydration and Elasticity
Collagen helps skin stay plump and firm. Without consistent intake, you may start to see:

  • Increased dryness

  • Loss of elasticity

  • More visible fine lines or wrinkles

 Note: These changes don’t happen overnight, but often within 4–8 weeks of stopping.

2. Joint Discomfort May Return
Many people take collagen to reduce stiffness or improve flexibility. Once you stop, those improvements can diminish gradually, especially if you’re active or aging.

Studies suggest that joint relief from collagen is most effective with long-term use, typically over 3+ months.

3. Gut Support May Decline

Collagen helps strengthen the intestinal lining and support overall digestive health. Without it, those with gut sensitivities (like bloating or inflammation) might notice a return of symptoms.
4. Nails and Hair Growth May Slow Down
Collagen can help support keratin production, which keeps your nails strong and hair shiny. Stopping may lead to:

  • More brittle nails

  • Increased hair thinning or slower growth

5. You May Lose the Momentum

A huge but often overlooked factor: habit disruption. Once you stop, it becomes easier to forget or delay restarting—especially if you don’t see instant side effects. Over time, your collagen stores continue to decline, making it harder to rebuild once lost.
The Case for Consistency
Collagen supplementation works gradually and cumulatively—think of it like brushing your teeth or going to the gym. You may not notice massive changes overnight, but consistency over time leads to real, visible, and functional improvements.

 Final Takeaway

Your body doesn’t suddenly collapse when you stop taking collagen—but over time, the benefits you’ve built up may fade. To maintain skin elasticity, joint mobility, gut integrity, and overall wellness, daily consistency matters.
Jun 26
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Why Collagen Types I, II & III Are Essential – And How to Get Them All in One Supplement

By Essential Reading, Health, Skin No Comments

In the world of health and beauty supplements, collagen is often celebrated as a go-to ingredient for youthful skin, strong joints, and overall vitality. But what many people don’t realise is that not all collagen is the same — and different types support different parts of the body.

The three most beneficial types for overall wellbeing are Type I, Type II, and Type III. Each plays a unique role, and together, they form a powerful foundation for looking and feeling your best.

So, what exactly does each type do — and why is it beneficial to take them together?

Collagen Type I: Supporting Skin, Bones, and Structure

Where it’s found: Skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and teeth
What it supports: Skin firmness, bone strength, and the reduction of visible fine lines

Type I collagen is the most prevalent form in the human body. It’s the primary building block of the skin’s structure, helping to keep it smooth and resilient. It’s also vital for maintaining healthy bones, nails, and connective tissue.

Best for: Those looking to address signs of ageing, improve bone density, or enhance skin tone post-menopause.

Collagen Type II: Keeping Joints Comfortable and Flexible

Where it’s found: Cartilage
What it supports: Joint mobility, cushioning, and overall comfort in movement

Type II collagen plays a key role in maintaining healthy cartilage — the tissue that allows our joints to move smoothly. As we age or increase physical activity, joint discomfort can rise, making Type II especially important for mobility and joint longevity.

Best for: Athletes, those with active lifestyles, or anyone experiencing joint stiffness or discomfort.

Collagen Type III: Promoting Elasticity and Internal Health

Where it’s found: Skin, muscles, blood vessels, and internal organs
What it supports: Skin elasticity, gut lining integrity, muscle tone, and vascular health

Often found alongside Type I, Type III collagen adds elasticity to tissues and supports the repair and regeneration of organs and muscles. It’s also a key player in maintaining a healthy digestive tract lining — making it beneficial for gut health and recovery from physical exertion.

Best for: People noticing skin laxity, working on gut health, or recovering from physical stress or training.

Why Combining All Three Collagen Types Matters

Many collagen products only include one or two types — typically Type I or Type III — which limits their benefits. Choosing a supplement that contains all three types ensures more comprehensive support across the body. Here’s why a multi-type approach works better:

  • Comprehensive support: Targets skin, joints, and internal health in one formula
  • Improved outcomes: More noticeable changes in skin tone, joint flexibility, and overall resilience
  • Whole-body synergy: The three types work together to support the body’s structure from the inside out

Choosing a Complete Collagen Supplement

For those looking to address multiple areas — from visible signs of ageing to joint health and gut wellness — a supplement that blends Types I, II, and III is the most efficient solution. Totally Derma, for instance, offers a premium formulation that includes all three, developed to deliver real, measurable results.

Conclusion

Collagen is far more than a beauty buzzword. Understanding the specific roles of Types I, II, and III helps you make smarter choices when selecting a supplement. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of health, look for a formulation that covers the full spectrum — for radiant skin, strong joints, and a resilient body that feels as good as it looks.

Jan 25
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New Year Tips for Feeling Calm

New Year Tips for Feeling More Calm

By Essential Reading, Health, Skin No Comments

For many of us, the beginning of a year, particularly one after such a rollercoaster of a year before, can be a refreshing yet stressful period. We often give ourselves a “resolution” that we feel we need to stick to, which more often than not, focuses on health & wellbeing.

For Totally Derma®, it’s all about caring for yourself from within, so to help you bring more calm into your world, and hopefully continue throughout the year, here are our tips to help you!

HOW CAN STRESS AFFECT US?

Stress can be an incredibly harmful factor in our lives that can give us more than just a headache. Stress can cause:

  • Inability to recover from illness
  • Inflammation
  • Low mood
  • Lack of sleep
  • Lack of motivation

Minimising inflammation is actually one of the key elements to boosting our inner health because it is the body’s natural defence and repair hub. When we hurt ourselves, our body reacts with swelling, redness and soreness in that area for a short amount of time while it heals. This response is not just for external injuries, it actually happens inside the body.

In our day to day lives, we are exposed to constant stress, which can trigger the inflammatory response inside the body and produces free radicals in response which, if untreated, can cause further damage and harm.

HOW TO MINIMISE INFLAMMATION AND FREE RADICAL DAMAGE

The first port of call to help reduce inflammation and free radicals within our bodies is to make sure the things we put into our body supports us in a healthy way.

One way to do this is through plant based foods – if you have already started your Veganuary challenge, then your body will be thanking you with a healthier digestive system, helping remove those toxins. It is recommended that you “eat the rainbow” with 7 portions of fruit and vegetables each day to bring vitamins, minerals and fibre into your body to help your body processes work optimally.

If you are not one to try out a plant-based diet, then why not swap one or two of your meat-based meals for a vegan option each week to help jump-start and care for your body?

Another dietary suggestion to help reduce inflammation within your body as a result of stress, is to reduce refined sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. When you consume these foods, your body reacts with a stress response as your blood sugar and insulin levels rise.

Foods such as oily fish, flaxseed nuts and seeds all contain sources of anti-inflammatory essential fats which are beneficial to your body’s response to stress. Adding these into your diet can be another way to manage and maintain your healthy body.

For a quick daily fix of anti-oxidants, add a daily supplement that you can take to help beat the harmful effects of stress on your body. For example, within our Totally Derma Collagen Drink supplement, we have added Vitamin C, grape seed extract, green tea extract, alpha lipoic acid, zinc, manganese and copper to ensure a healthy and happy body, and repair skin, hair and nails too.

Once you have developed a healthier diet and lifestyle to help your body’s reaction to stress internally, you can add other wellbeing and mindset boosters to your daily life. Whether it’s heading to the gym for a boost of energy, meeting with loved ones for conversation, or adding a relaxing bath to your night time routine while turning off screens at least an hour prior to bed, you’ll begin to create habits that help you manage your stress levels and encourage better health!

Ultimately, no matter what your plans for the year ahead, we hope you add some habits to your life to help you feel a better, healthier, and calmer self.

Sep 17
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Gut Skin Connection Acne

THE GUT-SKIN CONNECTION – 3 MONTH CYSTIC ACNE SKIN TRIAL – A PATIENT’S JOURNEY WITH TOTALLY DERMA®

By Skin No Comments

Maintaining healthy, blemish-free, and youthful skin can be challenging, as so many internal and environmental factors impact our skin on a daily basis. While many of us know that diet and nutrition play a big role in skin health, the effect that gut bacteria can have on one’s skin is widely underestimated. Many illnesses, including skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and more, can actually be traced back to inflammation or irritation stemming from an unhealthy gut. Therefore, addressing gut issues and healing from the inside can be the missing piece in the puzzle of clearing your skin!

For the gut to heal and rebalance itself, it needs amino acids to fuel and repair the damaged cells. Collagen is packed with huge servings of the types of amino acids our GI tract (gut wall) feeds on to repair itself. These super-nutrient amino acids help form connective tissue and therefore “seal and heal” the protective lining of the gut. Collagen has also been shown to reinforce the gut by making it more resistant to elastic stretching. This resistance is very important as excessive stretching makes the cells that comprise the gut lining misalign or sit further apart, which may eventually make the gut “leaky”. The fascinating blend of amino acids or protein building blocks in collagen also helps to regulate stomach acid levels, aids with digestion and bowel movements, and improves the bacterial balance in the gut microbiome. By keeping the gut healthy and balanced, collagen may help treat the causal issues of skin conditions, such as cystic acne from the inside.

Enzymatically processed, hydrolysed collagen, is the main ingredient in our Totally Derma® Nutraceutical Collagen Drink Supplement. It has been specially formulated to reduce inflammation in the body to improve skin, hair, nail, joint, gut, bone, and menopausal health. Totally Derma® uses hydrolysed collagen that is absorbed by our gut more easily as the large collagen molecules are broken down into smaller amino acid peptide form. We also use bovine collagen, which is best for leaky gut as it resembles the collagen found in our GI tract.

Inspired by the gut-skin communication and the role that collagen plays in it, we recruited a patient diagnosed with cystic acne to undergo a 3-month trial of ingesting Totally Derma® to see if it could help treat her skin. The candidate had tried using both oral and topical antibiotics as well as various acne treatments but didn’t notice any improvements. She kindly agreed to document her journey through pictures and a mini-journal, and the highlights of both can be found below:

Baseline (January 2021) photo

Week 1: “A drastic improvement after just one week! The infection is still there however the cysts were flatter than they had been in months. The swelling and redness had decreased as well as the pain. For the first time in months, I have hope that this will get better.”

Week 6: “I would say this is the best my skin has looked in a VERY long time and the happiest I have felt since being diagnosed with cystic acne. The largest and more problematic cyst on my lower right cheek is starting to shrink down drastically. I am noticing that I am getting far fewer new spots.”

Week 6 photo

Week 7/ Week 8: “My cysts have pretty much completely cleared up! I have had no drastic break outs in weeks. I have even treated myself to a ‘make up day’ here and there. My make-up is sitting smooth to my face now that my cysts aren’t raised, and the dry skin has cleared up.”

Week 11: “I feel like the infection itself is completely done and I am just left with scarring now. The scarring is getting better week by week. I am over the moon!”

Week 12: “Today marks the end of my 12-week course. I am so happy with the results. I am so relieved to have found the answer. My skin is clear of infection with just some scarring left, which is already starting to heal too. When I look back at the “before” pictures I honestly cannot believe that’s what I used to look like.”

Week 12 photo

After the trial had ended, the candidate reported that her skin remained clear for 2 months but 3 months after stopping Totally Derma® her acne had returned, however not nearly as aggressive as before the trial. While this pioneer clinical study is only based on the experience of one patient, it is a very exciting piece of research demonstrating the significance of the gut-skin connection and showing how the causal issues of cystic acne can be treated internally via the gut.

Mar 01
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Connection Vitamin C and Collagen

The connection between Vitamin C & Collagen

By Health, Skin No Comments

Vitamin C and Collagen are two words that often go hand in hand but the link between the two is not always apparent. After all Vitamin C is supposedly an important vitamin to stave of colds and bugs and collagen is something you find in a bone broth. Well, both of these are correct, but there’s another area where these two nutrients plays a crucial role; skin health, particularly when it comes to age management.

One effect of maturing skin is the loss of collagen (and elastin); two fibrous proteins that help form connective tissue in the skin. As we age, these proteins tend to lose their strength and become less elastic, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. This is why younger skin will appear more plump, taut and wrinkle free, whereas as we age, our skin integrity decreases.

The key to staving off the effects of ageing skin is to increase the production of collagen and effectively replace the natural loss and to do this, we need vitamin C. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, is found in high levels in the outer layers of the skin and is crucial for the collagen production process and without it, the body cannot make replace this collagen. With age, there is a decline in the levels of vitamin C found in these layers of the skin.

So how do we increase the levels of both vitamin C and collagen in the body?

In the first instance, eating foods that are rich in vitamin C will provide good levels. As vitamin C is water soluble, it cannot be stored in the body, so it is important to eat foods rich in vitamin C throughout the day. Foods rich in vitamin C include

  • Tomatoes
  • Kiwi
  • Oranges
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower

A good quality vitamin C supplement can also be considered in addition to good dietary sources.

Although collagen can be consumed by making a slow cooked bone broth, using left over bones from a meal or obtained from the butcher, a good quality collagen supplement is perhaps a more convenient form and will not only provide adequate levels to replenish the collagen loss but will also provide it in a bio-available form that the body “recognises” and can use effectively. It is important to choose a brand that contains pre-digested collagen, otherwise it will not survive the digestive process and will not reach the outer layers of the skin where it is needed.

Whilst intake of vitamin C and collagen will go a long way to ensuring healthy skin as we age, it is also important to consider other factors to prevent further skin damage.

  • Applying sunscreen lotion generously will help protect against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays which also contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin
  • Smoking can also cause sagging skin and wrinkles but encouraging premature breakdown of collagen
  • Some nutrients such as Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can also slow down the breakdown of collagen. ALA is found in foods such as broccoli, spinach and yeast extract but can also be taken in supplement form on its own or as part of a good quality collagen supplement.
Feb 08
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Great Skin Great Health

Why great skin mirrors inner health

By Health, Skin No Comments

Skin is the largest organ in the body and crucially the only organ we have ongoing visual access to. Your skin is a visible reflection of your health and an important indicator of your inner health, in particular, your gut health.

Many skin conditions such as eczema, dry skin, acne and rosacea can be linked to the gut health as their root cause.  As such, addressing gut health is perhaps the most effective starting point in achieving healthy glowing skin, particularly as we age.

So why is gut health so important for your skin?

We rub off millions of skin cells every day and create a whole new layer of skin every 17-42 days. With a healthy digestive tract and efficient digestion, the digestive process will deliver all the nutrients to effect this turnover.

The role of digestion is to break down the foods we eat, process them and consequently absorb the nutrients from these foods, so that our body has all the nutrients it needs to grow, repair and function optimally.  Compromised gut health will inhibit this process and your body will not receive sufficient nutrients. Whilst the body will prioritise life-threatening functions, hair, skin and nail health are considered less crucial and will not receive adequate nutrients if the nutrients are lacking. This is immediately noticeable visually with symptoms such as splitting nails, lack-lustre hair and dull skin.

Healing your gut is crucial to ensure optimal health. In the first instance, limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates and alcohol as well as eating a diet which includes plenty of colourful vegetables and fruits will provide a rich source of nutrients and fibre, as well as good fats found in nuts/seeds, oily fish, avocado.

However, if gut health has been allowed to deteriorate over time, the lining of the intestines can become damaged and inflamed. This allows undigested food proteins as well as toxic waste products to pass through the intestine barriers, which would otherwise be tight junctions in a healthy gut, directly into the blood stream. This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome and if not addressed, can wreak havoc throughout the body; causing an autoimmune response which can result in symptoms such as allergic reactions, food allergies, migraines and fatigue.

One of the most effective nutrients that can be used to help heal this damage is L-Glutamine, an amino acid that can repair and reverse these damaging effects. Alongside dietary changes, a daily supplement containing this nutrient can begin to rejuvenate the lining of the intestinal wall within 12 weeks.

With a healthy digestive system and a good diet, you can look forward to healthy fresh looking skin with renewed energy and vigour.

May 24
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What Happens to Skin When We Exercise

What Happens To Our Skin When We Exercise? – As Explained By Rajiv Grover, Consultant Plastic Surgeon

By Skin No Comments

“Exercise has really quite an important link to ageing. If you are performing a lot of cardiovascular exercise, then, for example, Triathlons, Marathon running, first, you are going to be burning a lot of calories. There seems to be a switch, that from the age of about 35-40 onwards, you tend to lose facial volume, as a consequence of doing this type of cardiovascular exercise. When you are younger, you seem to lose weight from the body, but the face maintains its fat compartments. High impact sports like marathon running, road running, have a secondary effect, which is that, there are ligaments within the cheek, that keep it in place. So, underneath the skin, we don’t just have a sea of fat, we have fibrous areas that are almost like Velcro, that keep the cheek in place, that keep the sides of the mouth in place; and if you are pounding the roads, those ligaments get stretched and as a consequence, actually you have more sagging of the face on top of the volume loss” The facial structure has bones a bit like a brick wall. In fact, what happens in the body, is that every organ and every tissue is in a state of being built and being broken down at the same time. So even something that looks as solid as bones, actually has cells that are destroying the bone, and then putting down new bone, almost at the same time.” Rajiv Grover, Consultant Plastic Surgeon.
Long distance running and endurance exercise can age your face prematurely. High-intensity internal training (HIIT) on the other hand, is better, as it releases growth hormones and helps with anti-ageing.

One Marathon Runner stated, “Marathon Runners DO have a gaunter look about their face and since I’ve taken up the long-distance running, people did start to mention that my face did look more gaunt and slimmer in the cheeks, not necessarily a compliment!”

As we age, the 14 bones in our face change both their shape and their volume. Eye sockets become wider and longer. In the mid face, the angles of the brow, nose and upper jaw bones all reduce. Teeth move around and sometimes fall out completely. With less bone to stretch across, skin becomes saggy and loose, the face becomes bottom-heavy. While the rate our bones changes is determined by genetics, our life choices in our latter years can still affect how old we look.