As a holistic company, THE SKIN CO. endeavours to achieve optimal wellness by integrating ingestible nutricosmetic supplements into our approach to health food and skincare. ERTH brings life to healthy, conscious food choices with numerous skin, health and wellness benefits from within. ERTH is the first nutricosmetic restaurant of its kind; with all menu items including doses of food grade skin loving actives and nutricosmetics. Welcome to the world of skin food, welcome to the future of skin.
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic Acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by the body. Its estimated that up to half of the hyaluronic acid in the body is present in our skin; where it binds to water to retain moisture helping the skin look and feel healthier and suppler. However, the natural aging process and exposure to aggressors like ultraviolet radiation (courtesy of the sun), tobacco smoke and pollution can lead to a decrease in HA levels present in our skin. Thankfully, studies have shown that taking hyaluronic acid supplements may help to prevent this decline as our bodies are able to absorb and incorporate these amounts into our skin. Hyaluronic acid supplements can be safely used and taken by most people. Since our bodies naturally produce it, allergic reactions are usually rare. It’s (HA) effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding have not been thoroughly studied so caution is advised. Anti-aging: If taken daily for at least one month, this ingredient has been shown to have significant anti-aging benefits in adults. Increased moisture levels (hydration) reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles making skin texture appear smoother and more youthful. Research suggests that collagen peptides may improve skin elasticity, in turn replenishing the irregular deposits of fat underneath the skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. Wound and skin trauma: Hyaluronic acid also plays a key role in wound healing. The natural levels present in the skin increase when there is damage in need of repair. The molecule speeds up the healing process by regulating inflammation levels and signalling the body to build more vessels in the affected area. Hyaluronic acid also has antibacterial properties; helping to combat and reduce infections such as gum disease. Relief in Joint Pain: Also found in our joints, Hyaluronic Acid maintains lubrication so that our bones are less likely to grind against each other which leads to pain. Hyaluronic Acid supplements are helpful for people suffering from osteoarthritis. Daily supplementation over a two-month period has been shown to significantly reduce joint pain related to osteoarthritis. Preserve Bone Health: Hyaluronic Acid has shown to have bone strengthening effects with regular supplementation. Some results have indicated a slowing down of bone loss in osteopenia related cases; the initial stages of bone loss which is followed by osteoporosis. Studies have also shown that high doses of hyaluronic acid can increase the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue.
COLLAGEN
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up an estimated third of our protein composition. The word ‘collagen’ is derived from the Greek word kólla, which means glue. You can think of collagen as the glue that holds us together. The vital protein provides structure to a large portion of the body including bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Collagen is also found in our blood vessels, corneas (eyes) and teeth. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen that is also of a lower quality. One of the visible signs of this occurs in our skin, which becomes dry and less supple; leading to the formation of wrinkles and skin sagging. Collagen is a major component of our skin, playing a role in strength, elasticity and hydration which means that regular supplementing can help prevent skin ageing. The wrinkle-reducing effects of collagen have been attributed to its stimulating ability; helping our bodies produce collagen on its own. How to supplement: Collagen peptide comes in powder form and can be easily incorporated into the food we eat. THE SKIN CO. uses Marine collagen that is made from fish skin and incorporated into the dishes, pressed juices, skin shots and smoothies available on our menu. This collagen is suitable for pescatarians. Hair Growth: The nutrients present in Collagen peptide promotes the growth of strong and healthy hair. Our body uses a variety of amino acids to build keratin – some of which can be found in collagen. Three amino acids make up collagen; proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. Proline is the most important of the three as it is the main component of keratin; aiding our bodies with the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth and longevity. Collagen has antioxidant properties that help fight hair follicle damage and greying caused by free radicals. Helps relieve joint pain: Collagen levels decrease as we age; giving way to degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis. Some studies have shown that collagen supplementation results in the ingredient accumulating and stimulating the body’s own natural collagen production in our tissue. As a result, osteoarthritis related symptoms and joint pain subsides. Could prevent bone loss: Our bones are mostly made up of collagen, which gives them structure and strength. The ageing process results in a deterioration of collagen, i.e.: bone mass. This may lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, a condition that is directly linked to the occurrence of bone fractures. Studies indicate that supplementing with collagen may affect the body in a way that inhibits the breakdown process that leads to osteoporosis. Could boost muscle mass: Up to 10% of our muscle tissue is made up of collagen; an essential protein in maintaining muscle strength and function. Collagen supplements are thought to boost our muscle mass and reduce the likelihood of Sarcopenia; age-related muscle loss. Promotes Heart Health: Collagen supplementation leads to a reduction in the risk of heart-related conditions. Collagen provides structure to your arteries. Collagen deficiency may lead to weakened arteries.
RESVERATROL
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant with great health and wellness potential. Derived from plant-based sources including red wine, grapes, some berries and peanuts this compound has been linked to many exciting benefits that help achieve Cancer: Studies have been conducted to test Resveratrol’s ability to prevent and treat cancer. Still in early stages, there are ways in which Resveratrol is thought to combat cancer cells, including; gastric, colon, skin, breast and prostate. It may inhibit cancer cell growth; preventing cells from replicating and spreading. Resveratrol may change gene expression: It can change the gene expression in cancer cells to inhibit their growth. It can have hormonal effects: Resveratrol may interfere with the way certain hormones are expressed, which may keep hormone-dependent cancers from spreading. However, since the studies so far have been carried out in test tubes, further research is required to determine if and how this compound might be used for human cancer therapy. Diabetes: Resveratrol has been positively linked with the having positive effects on people suffering from diabetes. Findings indicate that the natural compound plays a role in increasing insulin sensitivity and preventing disease related complications. It is thought that resveratrol works by inhibiting a certain enzyme from turning glucose into sorbitol; a sugar alcohol that when built up can create cell-damaging oxidative stress. Potential benefits of Resveratrol for people with Diabetes: May protect against oxidative stress: The antioxidant action may lead to protecting against oxidative effects responsible for causing some of the complications of diabetes. Helps decrease inflammation: Resveratrol is thought to lessen the body’s inflammation, a key contributor to chronic disease, including diabetes. Activates AMPK: This is a protein that helps the body metabolize glucose. Once activated, AMPK assists in keeping blood sugar levels low. The benefits of this powerful antioxidant imply that it may possess more benefits for people suffering from Diabetes than those who don’t have the disease. Blood Pressure: Because of the potent antioxidant properties, Resveratrol may lead to the significant reduction in the pressure exerted on the artery walls when the heart beats; known as systolic pressure. Systolic pressure is associated with the effects of ageing; the body’s arteries stiffen. When systolic pressure is high, it’s a risk factor for heart disease. Resveratrol aids the body in producing more nitric oxide which causes blood vessels to relax. Blood Fats: Resveratrol supplements may alter the fat levels present in our blood (cholesterol). This plant derived compound seems to influence these levels by reducing the effect of an enzyme that is responsible for the production of cholesterol. The potent antioxidant is also thought to decrease the oxidation of bad cholesterol which contributes to the unwanted plaque build-up in the body’s artery walls. Brain Condition: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this natural compound is thought to slow down age- related cognitive decline. While research is intriguing, scientists still have questions regarding the body’s ability to make use of supplemental resveratrol. These properties are also thought to assist in reducing joint inflammation and joint pain.
