leading advice from Lamelle Research Laboratories
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Inflammaging and how to fight it with Lamelle Dermaheal

The last few years have been a wild ride. You’re working like a dog. You’re tired. You’re stressed. And you can see it all over your skin. And nope, it’s definitely not all in your head. One of the main triggers of inflammaging – aging that’s caused by chronic, low-grade inflammation – is stress. Many other lifestyle factors contribute too, including exposure to pollution, smoking, a poor diet and unprotected sun exposure. Aside from making tweaks where you can, (hello yoga, bye bye ciggies!), you can also protect your skin from imflammaging using the Dermaheal range by Lamelle Research Laboratories. We’ll get into how its innovative formulation can make the world of difference in a bit, but first, you should know exactly how inflammaging is wreaking havoc on your skin. Know thy enemy Inflammation isn’t always bad. In fact, it’s your body’s way of putting up a red flag that says “I’m hurt”, allowing for a chain reaction of healing to place. However, when your body is perpetually under attack from all the aggressors we mentioned before, it results in subtle yet chronic inflammation that “simmers” in your skin, creating a laundry list of unwanted effects. These include – brace yourself – a loss of collagen and elastin resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles as well as a nose dive in hyaluronic acid and GlycosAminoGlycans (GAGs) which means drier, thinner skin with a rougher texture. You’ll also get to “enjoy” an increase in MMPs, (enzymes that essentially destroy your collagen), an uptick in hyperpigmentation and the increased expression of PGE-2, an inflammatory hormone that’s linked to skin cancer and poor wound healing. So again, if you’re feeling the pressure and think it’s affecting your complexion, you’re 100-percent correct. Also, you should know that chronic low-level inflammation also has a negative effect on every tissue in your body, not just your skin. Can we get an “eek”? Turn down the heat As we said, there are things you can do to mitigate the triggers of chronic inflammation. But modern living and the fact that inflammaging is proven to increase as we get older means you also need to fight back. A great way to do it is with our Dermaheal line. Our most cutting-edge collection yet, it was specifically created to target the three root causes of aging – cell stagnation, damaging enzymes (here’s looking at you MMPs!) and – you guessed it – chronic inflammation. Each of our Dermaheal creams – Ultra Renewal, Renewal Cream ,Cellular Repair and Eye Regeneration Plus – contain a brilliant mix of anti-inflammatory growth factors, an MMP-inhibiting complex to zap those collagen-destroying enzymes in their tracks and an exclusive blend of inflammation-fighting cytokines. The latter are small proteins that essentially tell your skin to switch off inflammation, stopping the scourge of inflammaging in its tracks. Dermaheal products also contain Nobiletin, a botanical flavonoid that turns off chronic inflammation on a genetic level, in the nucleus of your cell. This way, your body can benefit from acute inflammation when it needs to heal from an injury, but the simmering kind that degrades your tissues gets nipped in the bud. Inflammation-fighting aside, the range is also formulated with a non-irritating form of collagen-stimulating retinol, mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid fragments and a slew of cell protecting antioxidants that will also go a long way towards tamping down chronic inflammation while protecting your cells from damaging free radicals. The bottom line Ultimately, inflammaging is difficult to avoid, regardless of what lifestyle changes you make. But you can take action to mitigate its damaging and ageing effects on your skin with Dermaheal. A potent inflammation-fighting anti-ageing line-up, it promises to tackle the main causes of ageing, including inflammaging, so you can enjoy a firmer, smoother, less lined, more radiant-looking complexion for longer – regardless of what your crazy schedule is looking like. Now go and take care of those deadlines and leave taking the very best care of your skin up to Lamelle. After all, it’s what they do best.  For more information or to find a stockist near you visit: www.lamelle.co.za  Follow us: @lamellersa

November 18, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Protect and repair – right down to the DNA level – with Lamelle Research Laboratories Nourish

We all know that sun exposure is bad news for our skin. It causes lines and wrinkles. It’s the fast track to sagging skin. It’s a free pass to pigmentation. You get it. We know you get it. But did you know that the sun also damages your DNA? (But here’s a spoiler alert for you – Lamelle’s Nourish range will help you prevent and repair that. Phew!) Not so fun in the sun When anything wreaks havoc on your DNA, this injury is referred to as a “dimer” and the sun can cause them in two ways. The first, known as “direct damage”, is caused when the UV rays directly penetrate your skin. The second type of damage – “indirect damage” – is more insidious. In this case, the sun’s energy causes the molecules in your cells’ nucleus to morph into free radicals. These unstable atoms, if left unchecked, can cause cell destruction, premature ageing and even dread diseases like cancer. We call this indirect damage because, in this instance, the sun isn’t directly destroying your skin, but triggering a dangerous reaction that most certainly will. You should also know that the sun isn’t the only culprit when it comes to the creation of free radicals. Pollution, smoking and even your own body in several conditions, be it a stressful time or exercising too much or too little, can all lead to the production of these potentially deadly molecules. Protect and repair  Knowing that sun damage and free radicals are very bad news for your skin, Lamelle Research Laboratories have created our bestselling Nourish collection to prevent the signs of ageing while protecting your skin from the damage that contributes to it. To protect your skin from the sun’s direct damage, you can rely on Nourish Multi-Active Sun 30, a hydrating sunscreen that can be worn in place of a moisturiser if you have an oilier skin type or layered over either of the Nourish day creams if you’re more on the dry side. Then, to take care of indirect damage, our moisturisers contain OGG-1, a form of photolyase with the ability to find and correct dimers. Better yet, this enzyme works fast, correcting up to 94% of damage within just 6 hours of application! Don’t let free radicals live rent free So, that’s dimers taken care of. But what about those pesky free radicals? Happily, our Nourish line, including the sunscreen, is jam-packed with potent and proven free radical slayers that mop up these unstable atoms like a sponge. One is Pycnogenol, a potent antioxidant derived from French Maritime Pine Bark. It protects your skin’s collagen and elastin, calms inflammation and increases your body’s natural hyaluronic acid (HA) content. (HA is a mega-moisturising water-binding molecule and a must for hydrated, plump-looking skin.)  The Nourish collection’s other heavyweight antioxidant is astaxanthin, a keto-carotenoid derived from Green Algae. It’s superpower is the ability to share multiple electrons, allowing it to neutralise a multitude of free radicals at once. It also bolsters your own army by protecting your skin’s first-line antioxidants and assists with their release. But that’s not all! It also lowers your MMP production rate (enzyme’s that can damage your collagen if they’re over expressed), calms inflammation and even boost your skin’s immune system.  The bottom line When it comes to taking the very best care of your skin, don’t mess around with anti-ageing skincare products that only treat the symptoms of ageing. Protect and repair your skin right down to the DNA level with Nourish by Lamelle Research Laboratories. This cutting-edge collection will unlock your body’s most powerful anti-aging strategies so you can confidently put your best face forward today, knowing your skin will also be taken care of in the future. 

November 11, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Introducing NEW Correctives AHA re-texture solution

Reveal instantly smoother, more radiant skin and target congested pores – for combination and oily skin types Regular exfoliation will always be one of the key pillars of healthy, youthful-looking skin. But, as it turns out, you can get too much of a good thing. Using a very abrasive, grainy scrub can aggravate existing acne; causing the type of inflammation that sees it thrive and can even create micro-tears in your skin. Fortunately, a chemical exfoliator containing a potent and proven alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like glycolic acid can help you speed up your skin’s cellular turnover – and serve up other great benefits too! Gently does it  NEW Correctives AHA re-texture solution by Lamelle Research Laboratories, available in a concentration of 5% AHA as well as 8% AHA, is an extremely effective yet very gentle way to shift dead, dry, superficial skin cells. Formulated for those with combination or oily skin, it reveals instantly smoother, brighter-looking, more evenly toned complexion. It also helps keep pores free of debris and excess oil – a plus for those struggling with congested skin. Still, the benefits don’t stop there. Many acids can help renew your skin’s surface but extensive research reveals that multi-tasking glycolic acid always goes the extra mile, stimulating your skin to produce more of its own collagen while increasing hydration. AHA aside, our brilliant new solution also contains Purslane extract, a super soothing succulent-derived botanical extract prized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating benefits.  Take your pick  Both of our Correctives AHA re-texture solutions can be used daily or intermittently. The 5% AHA formula is a good choice for anyone who’s just stepping their toes into the AHA product arena. It can be used every second or third night before switching to every night once you know your skin can tolerate it. The 8% AHA formulation is a top pick for those accustomed to using AHAs. To include either solution in your skincare routine, simply massage it to clean dry skin and, once it’s absorbed you can continue to apply your moisturiser. (Another great thing about AHA products is that they can help enhance the absorption of all your other active ingredients.) Just a word of caution, especially for those new to using AHAs – glycolic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun – and not just on the day’s your wear it, but for up to a week after discontinuing use. In short, don’t ever skip out on applying sunscreen. Ready to glow  If you’ve got a combination or oily skin type and would like to enjoy a smoother, more youthful-looking and radiant complexion, including Lamelle Correctives AHA re-texture solution in your skincare routine is a brilliant way to get glowing. To learn more about Lamelle Correctives AHA re-texture solution, visit  www.lamelle.co.za Tel: 011 465 2264

November 4, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum: Our most innovative hyaluronic acid serum

If you’re serious about skincare, chances are you’ve got a mega-moisturising hyaluronic acid serum (also referred to as HA) in your artillery. Still, it’s hard to believe there once was a time when few had even heard of it and many assumed it was an exfoliator. Thing is, HA isn’t acidic at all. In fact, it helps to replenish your skin with much-appreciated hydration, making it a must for every skin type and especially those that have dry skin. This is why Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum is such a loved and lauded product. However, there are many more reasons as to why it’s a hydrator above all others and we’ll get to that in a bit – but first – for those still unfamiliar with the skincare superstar, let’s get you up to speed fast. Why HA is here to stay   HA is a water-binding, lubricating molecule that occurs naturally in your body. Much of it resides in your skin where its job is to help it retain moisture. As it’s able to attract and hold up to a thousand times its weight in water – and then hold it deep within your skin – it does this extremely well. The result? Happy, hydrated skin that looks younger thanks to a plumping effect that can obliterate fine dehydration lines and soften the look of wrinkles. More good news? Research suggests that HA has antioxidant properties that can help mitigate the effects of sun damage. Not all HA serums are created equally Now that the world’s woken up to this moisture magnet’s seemingly miraculous ability to hydrate and plump, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding an HA-infused skincare product. Thing is, not all of them are created equally. As an example, some might only contain the teensiest smidge of HA and most will only contain one particular type. This is where Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum gets to shine. Thanks to years of research, we’ve created the most innovative HA product in the world – one that contains five different types of HA to help hydrate your skin on multiple levels. Ready to break it down? Cross-linked HA hydrates the surface of the skin  Hydrolysed HA penetrates the deeper layers  Acetyl HA lingers longer, for continued hydration over a longer period Phyto HA helps retain hydration by reducing water loss through the skin Lucky number five As for our fifth type of HA, it’s a bit of an overachiever. Say hello to HAFi fragments, a range of very specifically sized HA particles that stimulate your skin to make even more of your own natural HA. This is great because your skin’s natural HA content starts to dwindle as you age. (You can also speed up this process if you’re a smoker, skip out on sun protection and don’t protect your skin from the scourge of cell-damaging free radicals.) Also, as an added bonus, HAFi fragments help speed up your skin’s natural healing and cellular turnover process by regulating inflammation. But wait – there’s more! Thought we were done? Nope. Here’s the thing that makes Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum one of the most innovative in the world – it’s the first skincare product to contain TWO hyaluronidase inhibitors! Why is this a big deal? Hyaluronidase are enzymes that occur naturally in your body; increase with age and degrade the HA content in your skin. Keeping them in check is a must if you’re on a quest to enjoy hydrated, firm and plump-feeling skin for as long as possible.  Clearly, everyone can do with an HA serum in their skincare routine. But it’s only our Corrective HA+ Serum that, serves up a multi-pronged approach to hydration, the stimulation and protection of your own natural HA plus the ability to reverse the effects of ageing and sun damage. So, why settle for anything less when Lamelle has created the best? 

September 20, 2022
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Beat hot flashes naturally with Lady Prelox

When you hear about hot flashes, most women immediately think “menopause” and reckon it’s something they’d only have to worry about in their mid to late 40s. Thing is, this annoying, make-up ruining, life-interrupting symptom can affect you as early as your late 30s during perimenopause, the lead up to your final period. Even more annoying? While, on average, perimenopause lasts around 4 to 6 years, it can bother you for as long as 10. That’s a long time to want to walk around with a fan in your handbag but, happily, you don’t have to. Lady Prelox, an all-natural supplement developed especially for women, has been proven to help alleviate hot flashes. But before we get into why it’s a brilliant solution to an age-old problem, let’s first chat about why your body’s thermostat feels like it’s running wild and what you can do to temper it.  Hormones and hot flashes   When you enter perimenopause, a time when your ovaries start to run low on eggs, you can expect hormonal fluctuations that trigger a laundry list of symptoms. These include mood changes, a loss of libido, vaginal dryness, trouble concentrating, exhaustion, migraines, insomnia, night sweats and the aforementioned “super fun” hot flashes.  Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to improve your experience as you transition into the period-free part of your life. For starters, don’t underestimate the importance of a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. You also definitely don’t want to smoke. While the increased risk of cancer should be enough to put anyone off, studies have shown that female smokers are more likely to go into menopause earlier than non-smokers. They’re also more likely to experience more frequent as well as more intense symptoms, particularly hot flashes. So what’s a woman to do?   Lifestyle changes aside, you have several treatment options that include taking hormone therapy and medications like low-dose antidepressants. Still, many women prefer to go the natural route and this is where things can get murky. For example, black cohosh is a herb commonly used with the intention of improving the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. However, there’s not enough evidence to suggest it’s effective and there’s no guarantee you’re ever buying a product containing the very particular variant of herb proposed to suppress the flash. Fortunately, not every natural option is a gamble and this is where Lady Prelox fits in – a million miles ahead of the competition.  Patented and proven  A patented estrogen-free health supplement, Lady Prelox contains premium plant-based ingredients that include Pycnogenol® (a derivative of French maritime pine bark extract), Rosvita® (rosehip extract) and two amino acids – L-Arginine and L-Citrulline. Together, they’ve been clinically proven to significantly improve hot flashes and night sweats in peri-menopausal women in as little as four weeks! Better yet, it wasn’t just the study’s participants’ ability to beat the heat that improved. Lady Prelox also enhanced their ability to focus and reduced their feelings of anxiety.  But wait – there’s more!  As if these weren’t all the reasons you’d need to consider Lady Prelox a must for any woman entering the next phase of life, there’s another big benefit you’ll want to know about: Lady Prelox is also clinically proven to boost sexual function and satisfaction in women between 37 and 45 by a whopping 88%. It’s also proven to boost sexual satisfaction in menopausal and even post-menopausal women by 60% and more. Again, these improvements were all evident within just 30 days. Talk about a brilliant bonus! If you’re struggling with hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms – or simply want to enhance your sex life – Lady Prelox really is the obvious all-natural solution.  Visit: https://www.preloxrange.co.za/ for more information

June 28, 2022
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Irregular periods? Consider an all-natural solution like Ovaria

When life is busy, weeks fly by like days. Unless you’re tracking your period via an app or pay close attention to the calendar, you might not even notice should you miss a period. Also, if you’re dealing with a spotty cycle or taking birth control to actively “skip” a period, it can be even harder to keep track. Still, once you realise you’re not menstruating the way you expect to, it’s a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Why is my period irregular? First up, every woman is different and lots of things can affect the way they experience menstruation. However, your period could be considered irregular if the time between them starts to change or the duration begins to vary significantly. In this case, make an appointment to chat with your doctor or gynaecologist. The causes of a period gone astray really do run the gamut and can range from overdoing it in the exercise department to having fibroids (typically non-cancerous muscular tumours) growing in your uterus. Still, one of the most common conditions that can cause an irregular period is an all-too-common hormonal disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). According to the South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, it affects as many as 20% of our country’s women in their childbearing years and is linked to 40% of its cases of female infertility. The good news, however, is that it’s very treatable and the negative effect it can have on your fertility can, in many cases, be reversed. It’s all about your hormones To understand PCOS – as well as how to treat and beat it – realise that the root cause is unbalanced hormones. To start, sufferers typically produce more androgen (the male hormone). This causes the ovaries to not release an egg each month and other negative effects include oily skin, an increase in acne and excessive hair growth – often in unwanted places such as on your face! Another hormone that goes haywire when you’ve got PCOS? Insulin. In fact, as many as 70% of PCOS sufferers will also be insulin resistant. In this case, your body starts to produce an excessive amount of insulin because it’s stopped responding to the important message this hormone signals – that it’s time to use the sugar in your blood for energy. Instead, the glucose just languishes in your veins, elevating your bloody sugar levels, and eventually gets stored away as fat. This is why being insulin resistant and struggling to lose weight, particularly around the belly area, go hand in hand. It’s also why suffering from PCOS and not treating it can dramatically increase your risk of developing diabetes. Bring back the balance Clearly, having an irregular period isn’t something you want to ignore so chat with your doctor to get a diagnosis. If it turns out to be PCOS, get onto a treatment plan as soon as possible for the sake of your fertility and your health. This might involve making lifestyle changes, like scheduling more treadmill time and improving your diet, as well as taking prescription medication that will help balance your hormones. A proven all-natural solution Another way you can ease the symptoms of PCOS is via a proven supplement – Ovaria by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals A great tasting powder that can be added to any liquid, Ovaria contains a blend of all-natural ingredients including Myo-inositol. This naturally occurring carbohydrate won’t aggravate insulin resistance. Instead, it helps to regulate your body’s response to it, reducing your risk of developing diabetes as well as other PCOS-related complications. Better yet, when you manage your insulin levels, you’ll reduce your androgen levels. As a result, Ovaria can support weight loss while reducing the severity of acne as well as excessive hair growth. The other great thing about Ovaria is that it’s clinically proven. Studies show it can restore the regularity of your menstrual cycle and increase your ovulation rate to enhance your fertility in as little as 16 weeks! The bottom line If you discover your irregular period is being caused by PCOS, know that you’re not alone. There are lots of ways you can treat it and one of the most natural, non-prescription as well as proven solutions is Ovaria. It’s helped ease the PCOS symptoms of hundreds of woman around the globe so why shouldn’t you be one of them? 

June 17, 2022
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Bramley Cosmetics & Toiletries

5 Reasons why tissue oils are better than body lotions

When it comes to caring for our skin, there are plenty of formulas to consider. Body lotions, creams, butters and oils all strive to serve the same purpose: To moisturise, soften and nourish the skin. And while they all have merit, there is one specific type of body care product that outshines them all: tissue oil.  Tissue oil has been clinically proven to moisturise dry and dehydrated skin, to minimise the appearance of scars and stretch marks and to enhance the functionality of the skin’s moisture barrier. It has the ability to help speed up the healing of scars, improve the skin’s water holding capacity (which is essential to retain moisture) and increase its elasticity. But more than just a treatment, tissue oil is also an excellent everyday moisturizer.  All things considered, tissue oil is arguably a better option for everyday body care than a cream or lotion. In order to understand why, we need to consider the differences between the two. Both tissue oil and lotion / cream is meant to moisturize the skin, but they do so in different ways. Tissue oils help re-introduce lost moisture into the skin. Skin is lipid-loving, so when a tissue oil is massaged into it, the skin “drinks” it, absorbing it eagerly and quickly. It works as an emollient to seal in moisture, and in the process, help prevent water loss.  Lotions and creams are part water-based, and are used to increase the skin’s hydration by directly providing water to the skin. Essentially, they work to help prevent water from leaving the epidermis (the top layers of the skin) and provide water to hydrate and plump the outermost layers of skin cells.  What makes a tissue oil better than a body lotion? It provides a better protective barrier to dry skin. This is because its formula is more occlusive than that of a lotion. Lotions (especially those with lighter formulations) tend to evaporate after being applied to the skin and don’t offer the same deep nourishment and skin barrier protection you get from a tissue oil.  Tissue oil is usually “cleaner” and contains fewer ingredients. While the majority of lotions and creams contain a lot of additives, tissue oil is far less likely to contain questionable or potentially harmful ingredients. It usually comprises of no more than a handful of oils and naturally-derived ingredients. Skin loves oil. Our skin’s barrier is held together by fats (also known as lipids) and essentially, epidermal lipids are the cement that holds skin cells together. When tissue oil is absorbed by the skin, the top layers of our skin treats this oil as its own, resulting in an intensely moisturised effect.  Tissue oil is clinically proven to minimise the appearance of stretch marks. Global research suggests that up to 90% of people will develop stretch marks at some point in their lives. While body lotions go a long way in providing moisture, they’re not known for their ability to treat stretch marks. When applied regularly, tissue oil can help fade and minimise the appearance of stretch marks. It is more versatile. Tissue oil can be used all over the body, and offers more alternative uses than body lotions or creams. It functions as a cuticle oil, hair oil, lip treatment, massage oil, and more.  Bramley’s popular Lavender Tissue Oil has re-launched in a larger 250ml bottle, meaning you can enjoy this nourishing body treat for longer. Retailing at R39.99 for 250ml, this consumer favourite is not just effective at treating your skin’s needs, but it’s also ultra-affordable. Looking for a gift set? Shop the new limited edition Bramley Magnolia Sensitive Skin Gift Set for only R39.99. This promo is valid exclusively at Pep stores, until 15 May 2022 (while stocks last). Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Skin products are created using our exclusive Bio-Pharm Oil to intensely moisturise the skin, as well as Argan, Olive, Jojoba and Vitamin E oils. The products are formulated specially to suit the needs of sensitive skin, which includes intense moisturisation and nourishment. The gift set contains the following dermatologically tested products:  100ml Sensitive Skin Tissue Oil Spray  This convenient, easy-to-use spray is enriched with a variety of 100% natural oils, for intense nourishment. It’s non-greasy and easily absorbed and packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It can be used as a treatment for the improvement and appearance of scars, stretch marks, dehydrated skin, cuticles, hair and scalp, and also helps slow down skin ageing and improve skin tone.  50ml Sensitive Skin Tissue Oil Serum This silky touch, non-greasy and easily absorbed oil-serum has a thicker base compared to oils, lotions, creams and body butters, and penetrates deep into your skin and intensely absorbs deep to the dermis. Highly concentrated, this active oil-based gel is enriched with antioxidants, vitamins and 100% natural oils for intense nourishment. It restores firmness and elasticity, improving the skin’s health. Bramley’s luxurious scented tissue oils are the number one selling tissue oils in South Africa, and with good reason. Enriched with Bio-Pharm oil, their very own unique ceramide blend, Bramley Tissue Oils maintain a healthy appearance of the skin, assist in the treatment of scars and stretch marks, hydrate and keep skin smooth and supple. The ceramides improve the skin’s water holding capacity and provide structural integrity, ensuring healthier, happier skin. These oils also contain vitamin E, which is known for its healing, soothing and antioxidant properties.   Cosmetic-grade body oils such as Bramley’s Tissue Oils are not slippery or sticky, and have a light texture that is easily absorbed by skin. This means you don’t have to worry about an unwanted residue or oily feel on the skin. They’re lightly scented with delicate natural ingredients like lavender, magnolia and cocoa, to name a few, and are easy on the pocket. Shop Bramley Tissue Oil at Pep Stores nationwide. Learn more at https://bramleycosmetics.com/.  Instagram: @bramleycosmetics Facebook:  Bramley Cosmetics and Toiletries

June 10, 2022
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Struggling with infertility? Prelox for men can improve the health of your sperm

As a man, chances are you’ve spent a period of your life ensuring you don’t impregnate your partner. But what happens when the time is right to make a baby? Only couples trying to conceive without success will know the true frustration of fertility problems. However, they’re definitely not alone. According to the World Health Organization, data suggests that as many as 186 million individuals are affected by infertility. In the eyes of many, infertility is considered a “women’s problem” but this is hardly the case. In fact, global statistics suggest that just as many men experience fertility challenges. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved – sometimes with something as simple as making a few lifestyle changes. For example, heavy alcohol use, smoking cigarettes, abusing drugs and being overweight can all negatively impact the health of your sperm. Still, if you’re already living on the straight and narrow without any success in the baby making department, you might want to consider a science-backed supplement that could make a dramatic difference in as little as one month – Prelox by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. Potent and proven Created by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, Prelox is proven to deliver significant improvements in male fertility with no negative side effects. It does this by improving the health of your sperm and increasing its number as well as its motility. (The latter is important because it has a long way to travel, so it needs a healthy “tale”, allowing it to journey all the way to the ovaries. Your sperm also needs to have a well-formed head so that it can anchor itself in an egg.) One double-blind clinical trial revealed that, after taking Prelox for just 30 days, men generated a whopping 93% more healthy, well-formed sperm and saw a 55,5% improvement in motility. It also improved the concentration of healthy sperm by an amazing 83%. It’s all about oxidation We all know that consuming a range of antioxidants is vital for good health. This helps neutralise damaging free radicals that negatively affect every cell in our bodies, including those of your sperm. This is why Prelox contains Pycnogenol, a powerful antioxidant that can help you create strong, healthy sperm that’s up to the task of travelling as well as successful implanting. It also contains L-Arginine, an amino acid that stimulates your body to produce more endothelial nitric oxide (e-NOS). Studies have shown that e-NOS can have a significant effect when it comes to stimulating sperm motility. In a way, you could think of it as a pre-race triple espresso for a sluggish sperm! The bottom line In short, if you’ve been struggling with infertility, it’s always a good idea to chat to your doctor as many things can contribute to this all too common problem. However, in many cases, this can be rectified with the simple yet ingenious patented supplement, Prelox. You’d only need to take two capsules a day and there are no negative side effects to worry about – only the proven fact that it improves the health of every cell in your body, including that of your sperm. With nothing to lose and everything to gain – including a precious bundle of joy – it makes sense to want to reap the benefits.  www.preloxrange.co.za 

June 10, 2022
Fundamentals Skincare

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOISTURISER FOR YOUR SKIN

New generation skincare is smart, well-tested and researched, aimed at improving your skin concerns through using the right active ingredients. Looking like a glazed donut before bed is the new skincare ‘must-do’ with the idea of applying active ingredients on your skin at night letting them seep into your pores overnight leaving you glowing in the morning when you rise. Which is true – but you can get this by using one or even two products instead of your entire skincare vanity. It’s time to practice smart skincare.  A moisturiser by definition is used on the skin to prevent dryness. Then – how do you filter through the million different moisturisers on the market and choose the best one for your skin? The answer is simple – know your skin type and skin concerns. Once you know this, its as easy as hop skip and jump right onto the perfect formulation of moisturiser for you!  The ART of being SMART  There are two active ingredients you need in your moisturiser – Ceramide and Raspberry Extract. Here’s the tea on these two smart ingredients:  Ceramides are a class of fatty acids called lipids. They’re naturally found in skin cells and make up about 40 to 50 percent of the outer layer of your skin (epidermis). Ceramides are important for retaining your skin’s moisture and preventing the entry of germs into your body. Ceramides are produced naturally by the body in the sebaceous glands but sometimes our body can run short of of them – especially as we age. Therefore, we need this ingredient in our creams and moisturisers to help pick us up where needed. It’s a skincare fundamental and suitable for all skin types. Shop the Ultra Hydrating 1% Ceramide Cream. A ceramide cream can be used morning but recommended for night after your serums as a last step in your skincare routine. Remember to cleanse, tone and apply those serums before moisturising.  Raspberry Extract – yes you heard right! Extract from the raspberry plant has been studied and shown to promote skin hydration and cell protection as well as provide anti-oxidnt protection when used in skincare. The red extract from the raspberry plant prevents cells from losing excessive water, therefore providing anti-ageing properies and dryness prevention. It can also alleviate direct photodamage to the skin caused by UVB exposure in turn also protecting against inflammatory responses. Another skincare fundamental that is lightweight, moisturising, suitable for skin types and can be used day or night. Apply before your SPF and after your serums. Shop the 1% Rasberry Extract moisturiser.  Choose these active ingredients in your moisturisers and you won’t go wrong.  Tumi Lehutso at Fundamentals Skincare said: “Smart skincare is vegan, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, cosmeceutical grade and a fraction of the price with absolutely no compromise on formuation and ingredient quality. Skincare is for everyone and should be inclusive. The trick to effective skincare is knowing what type of skin you have and then using the correct products, with the correct ingredients and formulations to accurately treat your skin concerns that is also friendly to your specific skin type. When visiting the Fundamentals Skincare website you will have access to a skincare questionnaire that helps you figure out your skin type and further help is available through the Free consultation booking form. Its all about giving your skin the essentials it needs for good health.”  For more information:  Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za  Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 8, 2022
Parenting Hub

These are the changes you need to make to your beauty routine when the temperature drops

When it comes to beauty, there’s more to a season change than swapping out shades of eyeshadow and lipstick. As it gets colder, you need to take into account that changes in temperature can have a major effect on the skin. This affects not only the health and texture of the skin, but also your makeup application.  Make these small changes to your daily beauty routine to keep your skin soft, healthy and moisturised as we head into the colder months.  Increase hydration We typically associate dry and dehydrated skin with winter, but our skin can start to lose moisture from the beginning stages of autumn. If your summer skincare regime consisted of lighter lotions and gel cleansers, you might want to switch to richer creams and milky or creamy cleansers for the colder months. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, an excellent hydrator that helps add and lock moisture into the skin. We recommend Creightons H2O Boost Overnight Mask (R169.95). This nourishing cream with hyaluronic acid a works overnight to improve skin’s elasticity and intensely hydrate, so you can wake up to a dewy, revitalised complexion. Add a serum to your skincare regime If your regime doesn’t already include a serum, now is the time to add one. Applied after cleansing / toning and before your moisturiser, serums contain targeted ingredients that help address specific concerns, be it dryness, pigmentation or breakouts. For an added hydration boost, invest in a good quality serum and allow it to absorb for a minute or two before following with a hydrating moisturiser. If your complexion tends to get a little dull during winter, try a radiance-promoting serum like Creightons 2% Vitamin C Serum (R139.95). It melts into the skin releasing beneficial ingredients like vitamin C, natural fruit acids and enzymes, to hydrate and enhance your natural glow. If hydration is a bigger concern, try Creightons H2O Boost Hyaluronic Serum (R179.95). It helps instantly boost the skin’s hydration levels and renews dehydrated skin. Don’t forget to exfoliate Regular exfoliation is beneficial all year round, but it’s especially important in autumn and winter when skin gets drier and is more likely to experience clogged pores due to dry and dead skin cells accumulating on the surface on the skin. Instead of a physical scrub, we recommend using an exfoliating pad that contains a chemical or enzymatic exfoliating ingredient. It’s gentler on the skin and offers a deeper exfoliation. NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (R379.95) are soaked in 2.8% glycolic acid to retexture, resurface and exfoliate the skin for a smoother-looking appearance and increased radiance.  Switch to liquid makeup formulas Powder foundation, blush, bronzer and highlighter is great during summer, because the powder formula helps absorb some of the excess moisture and shine on the skin. It also stays in place better than liquid formulas do, as it doesn’t melt as easily when exposed to heat. In winter, you may want to swap out your powder formulas for liquid formulas, as they are more hydrating on drier winter skin. Plus, if your skin is already a little bit dry, a powdery texture will exaggerate the dryness, leaving your skin texture looking flaky. We recommend wet n wild PhotoFocus Dewy Foundation (R129.95) for a dewy finish that will enhance your skin’s radiance.  Replace your mattifying primer with an illuminating or hydrating one Mattifying primer formulas are great to control shine during summer, but in winter they can leave skin looking dull. Opt for a hydrating or illuminating formula instead. After all, skin needs a little bit of help when it comes to maintaining its luminosity in the colder months, plus the more hydration you can sneak into your regime, the better. Try wet n wild PrimeFocus Primer Serum (R149.95). This lightweight, ultra-hydrating water-based serum creates the perfect canvas for a smooth, even complexion, allowing your foundation to glide on effortlessly for a luminous, flawless finish.  Go for gloss Matte lipstick looks fantastic, but it can have a drying effect on even the most supple of lips. If your lips are prone to dryness, flaking or cracking during winter, swap out your matte lipstick for a glossy formula instead. Glossy lipsticks typically offer more hydration and don’t have a drying effect. Try wet n wild Megalast High Shine Lipstick (R99.95), a nourishing, luscious lipstick infused with lip-loving ingredients including murumuru butter, mango butter, and sunflower and watermelon seed oils. If lip gloss consistency is more your thing, try wet n wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Hi Shine Lipstick (R109.95). It combines the comfort and shine of a gloss with the high-pigment of a lipstick, giving your lips brilliant, high-shine and ultra-pigmented lip lacquer to deliver a mirror-like gloss finish. It’s infused with lip-loving ingredients to provide superior moisture.

June 3, 2022
Parenting Hub

NEW AUTUMN WINTER COLOUR COLLECTIONS – ICONIC & COLOR VIBE WITH ADDED SILICON

What is silicon (silicium)? Silicon is the chemical element with atomic number 14, symbol Si. It is the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, after oxygen (about 26%). It does not exist in nature in a free form, but in the formof silicon dioxide (SiO2) as amorphous silica (in sand), mineral silica (quartz, …) or other silicates (kaolinite, mica, …). Silicon is one of the beneficial minerals specifically absorbed by plants and is essential for their proper growth. It is present in human connective tissues (skin, aorta, bones, hair, tendons, …). The benefits of silicon Silicon plays a major role in the resistance and flexibility of connective tissues. In the skin, it has a protective effect by strengthening the skin barrier, accelerating the healing processes and improving the clinical signs associated with age as well as the quality of nails and hair. In the body, only organic silicon can be assimilated. Organic silicon derivatives are therefore of particular interest in cosmetic products, because they allow the bioavailability of silicon in the skin, hair andnails, in order to strengthen them. As a reminder, inorganic silicon (example: silica, talc, mica, …) only gives a mechanical protective effect as a mineral filler. Silicon at MAVALA Inorganic silicon is found in particular in Mava-White, Color-Matt and Ridge Filler. Organic silicon is now present in the two new nail polish collections – Iconic Color’s and Color Vibe Collection, in the form of an organic silicon derivative (INCI: Dimethyl Oxobenzo Dioxasilane). Byincreasing the level of silicon present in the nails, it thus contributes to improve their quality and resistance. THE ICONIC COLLECTION – R105 ex VAT ICONIC Color’s, iconic and timeless elegance, with a contemporary touch! The fashion of the Autumn/Winter 2022 catwalks gives pride of place to natural,comforting shades that inspire confidence and balance… A peaceful lull after the storm… We wander with delight through a universe of earthy hues. A minimal chromatic palette ofcream, ochre, cho- colate and caramel, mixed with terracotta and sand colour gradients, adds a few touches of light to a range of more neutral mineral shades, inspired by the wonders of nature. Timeless camel, warm and chic, is flirting with everlasting grey, which strikes out as the utmost charming asset of the season, while beige harmonizes this sweet symphony of classic colours. In this natural shelter of generous shades and fabrics, the woman of the moment finds thepower to recharge her batteries. Carried by this deliberately comforting lightness, she canexpress her personality in a chic and slightly sophisticated style, infused by contemporary city life. Like her, you will naturally let yourself be tempted by the ICONIC Color’s collection ofMAVALA, with its immi- nently iconic shades, which fully embodies this desire to combine comfort and elegance: Inverness: A deep slightly pearly grey, everlasting like a shimmering Scottish loch in the starry night  Detroit: An intense blue-grey, softened light through the winter clouds over an American metropolis  Manaus: A sultry deep red, voluptuous like the upbeat energy of a Brazilian night Muscat: A  woodsy tan red, rooted in an untouched nature of the Thousand and One Night’s realm Rangoon: A shiny burnt henna, endless splendour of an Asian treasure Salamanca: A delicate sandy beige, sweet invitation of wandering through the lanes of an Hispanic city THE COLOUR VIBE COLLECTION – R105.00 ex VAT Driven by the desire to challenge the status quo, the beauty artists are turning the runway shows of the Autumn/Winter 2022 into a striking kaleidoscopic firework. On the catwalks, a deluge of pop and colour block creates a fearless rainbow, under which transgression is the rule. Everything is permitted, thus everything is possible. Make way for bright, vibrant, explosive shades that convey an obvious thirst for life. Fiery and electric hues of blue, violet, pink and vermilion are on stage with fluorescent colours. Unusual greens, deep and powerful, invite themselves to this so colourful party and embody self-assurance and poise. Unusual forms and materials fusion with very expressive shades and dispense doses of joy in small dashes of colour, like these ultra-colourful and wacky accessories that add pop to any outfit. This 100% colour trend, emblematic of the digital generation, is divinely instagrammable. Making new experi- ments, daring dissonance, breaking codes: in this pop and clubhouse atmosphere, there is no half-measure. Dream or reality? It doesn’t matter! The lack of freedom and spontaneity during this too-long confined game has given birth to a liberating energy where diversity and positivity merge to metamorphose the world… It is up to you now to play and to invent your own codes, with the COLOR VIBE Collection of MAVALA, with its breathtaking and audacious flashy shades: Red Red: A dazzling red red, incarnation of life in full swing Grass Green: A deep and powerful green, reminiscence of nature saturated with water and light Pushy Purple  A luminous and joyful violet, the happiness of regained liberty Mellow Yellow: A soft mimosa yellow, magnificently sunny Bold Blue: An intense cerulean blue, the energy of wildest dreams Party Pink: A sparkling and luminous pink, euphoria of improvised parties STOCKISTS : Mavala is available online at  www.mavala.co.za, www.takealot.com, Dischem and Clicks stores nationwide

June 3, 2022
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Failure to ovulate? Ovaria by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals could be your simple fertility solution

As the creators of Ovaria, a leading ovarian-health nutritional supplement for women with PCOS, we know your ovaries are an amazing organ. While they’re merely the size of an almond, they can hold up to millions of eggs. Not all of these will mature to become – quite literally – ripe and ready for fertilisation but the average woman can expect to release around 300 to 400 of them. But what happens when you don’t? Many women experience regular periods, but they’re not necessarily producing eggs. It’s only when they start trying to get pregnant – and failing – that they realise they might be dealing with a fertility issue. If this is your situation, your doctor might diagnose you with failure to ovulate. While the term might sound scary, this condition is often reversible. It’s also extremely common. As many as 40% of all women dealing with fertility issues are failing to ovulate and it can be caused by several factors. These include gynaecological conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endocrine problems like a thyroid condition and even your weight. The one thing that all these conditions have in common is unregulated hormones. (Yep, it’s true. Having too little or too much body fat can affect your hormone levels to the point that they can’t help your body produce an egg.) Bring back the balance If you suspect you’re simply not ovulating, you should always chat to your doctor. They’ll be able to run a series of simple tests that will give them a clear idea of your hormonal profile and ovarian health. As far as treatment goes, this will always depend on what’s causing your hormonal imbalance. Potential options include taking oral medication or hormone injections. You might also need to make lifestyle changes to help you manage your stress levels and weight – two things that don’t require a prescription pad. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you might also want to consider a cutting-edge supplement like Ovaria. It’s clinically proven to increase the ovulation rate of PCOS sufferers in just 16 weeks! How does it work? Made from naturally-occurring ingredients, Ovaria contains Myo-inositol, a member of the vitamin B-complex vitamin group as well as the mineral Chromium. Together, they can activate the signalling pathways that regulate your thyroid hormones as well as how your body uses insulin. The latter is important as research shows that women with insulin resistance (an impaired response to insulin that results in high blood sugar) are at a much greater risk for fertility challenges. Also, by regulating your insulin levels, you’ll improve your ovaries function and this normalises your androgen carriers, thereby regulating the male hormones in your body. Ultimately, your hormones are always entwined in an intricate ballet. If one of them is off-kilter, it’s always going to have a knock-on effect on the other. This is why, by normalising your insulin, you can reduce your androgen levels. And the result? It’s often the normalisation of the menstrual cycle and enhanced fertility! Spotlight on insulin     For the record – an irregular period and a struggle with fertility – are both symptoms of PCOS, along with weight gain, acne and unwanted hair growth. This makes sense because 80% of women with PCOS also have insulin resistance. Still, even those who don’t have insulin resistance, will struggle with insulin resistant ovaries or ovaries that are challenged by how they use insulin – as well as well as higher than normal androgen levels. As Ovaria addresses all of these things, it’s become a leading supplement to help PCOS sufferers manage their condition.  The bottom line Ultimately, if you’ve been trying to get pregnant and find it to be an unexpected challenge, it’s time to see your doctor. Many things could be causing your problem and it might even be due to your partner’s health, not yours. But if you have been diagnosed with PCOS or insulin resistance, consider taking Ovaria. It’s natural, non-prescription and very safe – and has helped to change the lives of many women around the world. So why not yours?  www.ovaria.co.za 

June 3, 2022
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Nia-Sol by Lamelle: A proven way to reduce your risk of Actinic Keratosis

One of many great things about living in sunny South Africa is the weather. Each year, we get an average of 2 500 hours of sun! Alas, along with the beautiful braai weather comes the bad – a high incidence of actinic keratosis (AK), a pre-cancerous lesion caused by unprotected sun exposure. What makes this type of lesion especially worrisome is its inclination to convert to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of skin cancer. Within 10 years, as many as 10% of AK will convert to this potentially deadly disease. Know your risk Did you know that the diagnosis or treatment of AK is the third most typical reason people see a dermatologist? While it’s extremely common, those most at risk for an AK that could turn into cancer are fair-skinned and over the age of 50 with existing AKs or a history of a weakened immune system, such as transplant patients. Interestingly, men are more at risk than women.  While being diligent about sunscreen is vital, research has shown this isn’t enough to ensure the very best protection. This is why Lamelle Pharmaceuticals has developed Nia-Sol, an innovative inside-and-out protection system to significantly reduce the risk of actinic keratosis and pre-cancerous lesions. Get two-part protection The result of extensive research regarding sun protection, the Nia-Sol system is a two-part defence. Your first “weapon” is a capsule containing nicotinamide, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. This is important because both free radicals and inflammation are associated with the progression of AK to SCC. Thus, it’s little wonder that, when taken orally, nicotinamide is associated with a lower incidence of AK. It also helps increase your skin’s cellular energy, giving it the boost it needs to perform essential nucleotide excision repair (NER). While this sounds complicated, it’s a natural process that “snips” out dangerous dimers – kinks in your DNA that can morph into cancer. Another plus? Nicotinamide is proven to inhibit UV-related immunosuppression, essentially damage to your immune system caused by unprotected sun exposure.  The second part of the Nia-Sol system is to be applied topically and you can choose from a light textured Gel or the Lotion which is more suitable for larger areas of skin affected by AK’s and sun damage. It also contains that superstar antioxidant, nicotinamide, along with Photolyase, a DNA-repair enzyme with the ability to seek out and correct dimers by 93%! It also reduces MMP-1, an enzyme that damages your skin’s collagen, by 90% while minimising post-actinic damage. The bottom line At the end of the day, new Nia-Sol Lotion, Gel and Capsules by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals are a proven way to significantly reduce your risk of AK and conversion to nonmelanoma skin cancer. It’ll also improve the appearance of red, flaky, rough patches of skin and help maintain your skin’s elasticity while protecting and improving its internal structure. If you fit the risk profile, have been diagnosed with AK or have had a ‘sun damage’ related rough spot removed from your skin, don’t take a chance that could potentially result in deadly consequences. Rather use the very best protection – and pair it with our world-class sunscreen Lamelle Helase 50+ – so you can get back to making the most of your days in the sun. If you fit the risk profile, have been diagnosed with AK or have had a ‘sun damage’ related rough spot removed from your skin, don’t take a chance that could potentially result in deadly consequences. Rather use the very best protection – and pair it with our world-class sunscreen Lamelle Helase 50+ – so you can get back to making the most of your days in the sun. Available at Clicks and online www.lamellepharmaceuticals.co.za  www.niasol.co.za

June 3, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Smog & the city: Why protecting your skin from PMs is a must

We hear a lot about “anti-pollution” skincare but, if you’re living that glorious work-from-home life in the burbs as opposed to dashing around downtown, do you really need to worry about it? As it turns out, totally!  In 2021, not a single country met the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines. Also, over 90% of the population live in an urban areas that don’t make the grade. And when we say “urban” that includes the suburbs. Also, when dermatologists talk about “pollution” they’re not referring to the haze of inner city smog or billowing black clouds from a factory. The impurities you need to worry about are particulate matter (PM) – harmful contaminates suspended in the air and completely invisible to the human eye. Much like a virus or bacteria, just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean they’re not there, increasing the risk to your skin’s health while revving up the aging process.  PMs are not your friends  When last did you head out to run a few errands and forget to apply sunscreen? Most of us are guilty of this, but did you know that being exposed to PMs – along with unprotected sun exposure – puts you on the fast track to premature ageing and can even increase hyperpigmentation by as much as 20%?  The bad news doesn’t stop there. When PMs penetrate your skin, they can mess with its barrier function and that means dry, scaly skin; ramped up sensitivity, redness, itchiness and then some! They also increase your risk of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne and psoriasis and even influence the development of skin cancer.  The way PMs wreak havoc is two-fold. First, they trigger the formation of inflammation-causing free-radicals. (Unchecked inflammation is pretty much the root cause of just about everything you don’t want for skin – think acne, pigmentation, accelerated aging, the works!) Next, they trigger aryl hydrocarbon receptors that act as a “gene switch” in your cells, causing them to slow down the production of collagen while increasing an enzyme that damages your existing collagen. Talk about a “fun” two-for-one special!  Interestingly, a recent study has shown PM exposure has a much more profound effect on younger individuals than those who are older. While everyone should be wanting to protect their skin from their damaging effects, the younger generation literally has more to lose if they don’t take action right now.  Here comes your weapon of choice  Happily, this topic isn’t all doom and gloom. You CAN protect yourself from the scourge of PMs and, we reckon, Helase Urban Defence 30 by Lamelle is the smartest way to do it. Specifically developed with some of the planets most potent antioxidants, it does a brilliant job of mopping up free-radicals AND inhibiting the triggering of those collagen-blitzing aryl hydrocarbon receptors. This means powerful protection from PM cell injury as well as PM-driven ageing, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. In short, it’s your very best defence against the scourge of PMs. (As an added bonus, it also serves up an SPF rating of 30 and contains a DNA repair enzyme that seek out and correct dimers – DNA “kinks” that, if left untreated, can potentially cause skin cancer. So, not only are you investing in a kickass PM protector, but you’re getting a cutting-edge sunscreen too.)  Next time you step outside, be it in the burbs or the city, we hope you’ll be wearing Helase Urban Defence 30, your very best weapon of choice.

May 30, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Dry, sensitive skin? Lamelle can keep you glowing over winter! 


If you’ve got dry, sensitive skin, you’ll know that the winter months can be tough. Aside from becoming even drier, your complexion can end up looking dull and ashy. Fortunately, with a cutting-edge hydrator and a super star anti-ager, specially formulated for sensitive skin, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying plump, radiant-looking skin, regardless of the season. First things first To beat the winter “blahs”, your first step is to bump up your skin’s hydration levels. Many make the mistake of assuming they should swap out their lighter-textured moisturisers for those with a heavier, thicker formulation. However, instead of getting something gloopier, rather choose smarter – opting for the world’s most sophisticated hydrator, Lamelle Correctives HA+ Serum. Our groundbreaking serum contains several different types of hyaluronic acid (HA) to help hydrate your skin on multiple levels – from the surface all the way down to the deeper layers. One of these HA types is something we call HAFi fragments, hydrating micro particles that also stimulate your skin to make even more of your own natural HA while boosting your skin’s ability to rejuvenate and regulate inflammation. You can use this serum on its own or add it to your daily moisturiser to enjoy deeply moisturised, plumper-looking skin. Bye bye fine lines, hello lush hydration! Get your glow back! Right! That’s moisture sorted – how are we going to beat the winter “blahs” and get your glow back? When you have dry, sensitive skin, creating an anti-aging skincare routine can be tricky. Many of the golden standard anti-aging actives such as retinol, can irritate sensitive skin. The same can be true for vitamin C, one of the best collagen-encouraging ingredients on the block. (It stimulates your skin’s fibroblasts – essentially your skin’s “collagen factories”, to produce fresh, new collagen – the protein that gives your skin it’s youthful-looking firmness.) However, just because you have sensitive skin doesn’t mean you have to feel left out. Again, it just comes down to choosing smarter and a great pick is Lamelle Vita-C Lipid Serum. A high potency vitamin C serum, our lovely lightweight, oil-based elixir is suitable for all skin types including the sensitive sort as it contains a form of vitamin C that’s well tolerated by dry or sensitive skin. Better yet, because it’s lipid-soluble, it can penetrate much deeper into your dermis where it can get to work, delivering results that are comparable to ascorbic acid, one of the most potent forms of vitamin C. In short, you get all the benefits, but without stinging, redness or irritation!  A bit more about vitamin C As we said, vitamin C is one of the most hard-working skincare ingredients around. Sure, it’s an excellent collagen stimulator, but that’s hardly all it can do! It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin from the scourge of cell damaging free radicals. Last, but not least, there’s another reason why you really want to include vitamin C in your anti-ageing skincare routine – it’s a wonderful brightener! As it helps regulate your skin’s tyrosinase production (a chemical involved in melanin production), it can put the brakes on hyperpigmentation and help you create a more evenly-toned, radiant-looking complexion. Ready to glow?   Ultimately, if you’ve got dry, sensitive skin, there’s no reason why you can’t hydrate, plump, protect, rejuvenate and even create a more luminous-looking complexion. When you choose and use cutting-edge skincare, Lamelle Research Laboratories believes everyone can look and feel their very best, regardless of the season. To find a stockist near you – visit: www.lamelle.co.za , and follow us @lamellersa

May 26, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Why winter is a great time to peel with Lamelle

They say summer bodies are made in winter and the same can be said about great-looking skin. After all, the chilly months are the ideal ones to invest in a course of peels with Lamelle Research Laboratories. Peel and reveal   We all know unprotected sun exposure is bad news for our skin. After all, dermatologists will be quick to tell you that more than 80% of premature ageing is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, when you’ve had a peel or any other kind of treatment that removes the uppermost layers of your skin it will always become more sensitive to the sun. Not forever – but certainly while your skin is healing. So, ironically, you can undo months’ worth of improvements made via peeling with just a few minutes of unprotected time in the sun. Clearly, the winter months are ideal as a ‘peel season’. While you won’t be hiding away like a hibernating bear, it’s only natural that you’ll spend more time indoors. You also don’t have to worry about having to turn down invitations to sunny events like pool parties or tennis matches during those critical post-peel days when your skin is healing.  Do post-care like a pro  Not everyone’s post-peel journey will be alike and that means the type of products you’ll require to heal will vary. Happily, a highly-skilled Lamelle skincare professional can prescribe the best post-care regime. As an example, if your main concern was to soften fine lines, shift dull skin and improve mild pigmentation, you’d benefit from a series of our Alpha Peels. You might be a little red and sensitive after each treatment, but you wouldn’t experience any downtime. You could gently cleanse your skin using Lamelle Serra Cleansing Gel (our extra gentle soap-free cleanser) then hydrate and soothe using our Barrier Repair Cream. It speeds up recovery time thanks to medical-grade lanolin that mimics your skin’s natural lipids and creates a moist wound-healing environment. You can then protect your skin from the sun using our most innovative sunscreen to date, Lamelle Helase 50+.  Want to address deeper wrinkles or more severe sun damage lines? In this case, you’d have to improve the structure of your dermis and our retinol-based Retistore Plus Peel can deliver great results in exchange for a little downtime. While your skin might flake for a couple of days, you can apply our ‘bandage in a bottle’, Restorative Balm. It’s ideal to help your skin recover from ‘injuries’ that affect your skin and won’t sting when it’s applied. It’s also semi-occlusive so it can trap moisture within your skin but still allows it to breathe. During the peak ‘healing days’ when you’re using Restorative Balm you won’t want to go anywhere near the sun. But the day you do step aside, again, we recommend investing in Helase 50+. This way, you’ll get full-spectrum protection and can maintain your results and reveal a fresher, more radiant and evenly-toned skin – just in time for the party season! 

May 19, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Beat dry skin this winter with Serra by Lamelle Research Laboratories

If there’s one thing Lamelle knows all about it’s how to beat dry skin. After decades of research, we’ve created some of the world’s most innovative moisturisers and no you’re not imagining it – your skin really is drier and “thirstier” in winter. As the cold kicks in, the humidity levels drop and the air attempts to equalize by drawing moisture from whatever it can – including your skin. Indoor heating doesn’t help much either as that also reduces humidity and the result is often skin that doesn’t have enough of the moisture essential to a healthy barrier function. Worse yet, everyone’s favourite winter treat – a long, hot bath or shower with harsh, “strippy” soaps – can cause the type of inflammation that also messes with your skin’s barrier function. The result? Dry skin that, thanks to a damaged barrier, is vulnerable to becoming itchy and inflamed because its damaged “seal” lets irritants in and moisture out. This is why, if you’re prone to inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, winter is a prime time for flare-ups. Get your moisture back If you’d like to beat winter dryness and soothe irritated, inflamed skin, you’ll be glad to know you can do it with just a few clever skincare swaps. The first is to toss any highly fragranced soaps or cleansers that contain a high concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that can irritate dry, sensitive skin. Rather opt for our bestselling Serra Cleansing Gel. Specially created for dry, sensitive skin, it’s a soap- and fragrance-free formula that gently cleanses without drying out your skin. Next, you want to ensure you’re using a cutting-edge moisturiser. Many think beating winter dryness is as simple as switching from a light lotion to a thicker, creamier one is all it takes but they’d be wrong. Heavier doesn’t mean more hydrating. What you really need is the right ingredients – those that mimic the lipids in your skin’s bilayer – and you’ll find them in our skin hydrating hero, Serra Restore Cream. It hydrates and soothes like a boss because it doesn’t just add moisture but helps you lock it thanks to skin barrier-repairing lipids like our patented Ceramide-P. However, if you’ve got exceptionally dry and sensitive skin, we suggest you try Serra Soothing Cream. Some of its ingredients are encapsulated in extra lipids and it contains our unique anti-redness and anti-itch therapy. Ultimately, whichever you choose, to beat winter dryness as they hydrate, soothe and repair a weakened or damaged skin barrier – ensuring your newfound moisture is for keeps. A bit about your body Lastly, let’s not forget about the skin on your body. Just like the skin on your face, it can also become dry and irritated by winter weather. Happily, you’ve got a great weapon of choice in Serra Soothing Body Lotion. It also contains Ceramide-P along with a double whammy of mega hydrators – hyaluronic acid and urea. The latter provides relief from inflammatory skin conditions like eczema because it also gently exfoliates by softening the hard, dry cells on the surface of your skin. This makes it easier for them to naturally shed and reveal fresh, healthy, skin. Ultimately, if you’re wanting to beat winter dryness, switching to Serra by Lamelle is definitely the smartest way to do it. Visit: www.lamelle.co.za for more information Follow us @lamellersa 

May 13, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Winter sun safety: Why sunscreen is essential during the colder months

As South Africans we are accustomed to the harsh summer sun, and are used to applying SPF before heading down to the beach, or going for a run. But did you know that the sun’s UV rays are equally dangerous during the colder months? While you’re unlikely to experience a sunburn from UVB rays during winter, UVA rays (the ones that accelerate ageing) have the ability to wreak havoc on our skin, particularly on overcast days. “Even when it’s cold or overcast, UV rays that cause skin ageing and skin cancer are reaching your skin,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “In the right winter weather conditions, you can sustain sun damage just as easily as during the summer.” UVA rays have the ability to penetrate through clouds and fog, meaning your skin is vulnerable even on days when the sun isn’t shining. Did you know that UVA rays can also penetrate glass? That means it’s possible for the sun’s rays to harm your skin on a bright winters’ day, while you’re indoors!  UVA rays can accelerate ageing, meaning more fine lines and wrinkles, but they also make the skin vulnerable to skin cancer. Enter Lamelle Helase 50 – a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers full protection from UVA, UVB, blue light and infrared light. More than just a sunscreen, this DNA-correcting photo-protection product is in a class of its own.  Most people don’t realise that what we think of as the symptoms of ageing, are actually due to deep-seated damage inside our skin cells caused by years of sun exposure. Sunlight physically damages (breaks apart) or mutates skin DNA over time. To a large degree, preventing this damage is the reason we wear sunscreen.   Conventional sunscreens fall short The problem with currently available sunscreens is they have been developed to protect human skin from the most obvious of solar insults: ultraviolet A and B radiation. But our skin is susceptible to all five radiation subtypes, including visible light (radiation) and Infrared-A, B and C. If the only way to slow down the ageing process is to protect our skin against all these solar onslaughts, and conventional sunscreen is capable of protecting us from only two of the five, the case for more effective protection has never been stronger. That and the fact that the incidence of skin cancer still continues to climb! Recognising this unmet need, Lamelle Research Laboratories developed Helase 50. Unlike so many other cosmetic products available, this truly is a first to market one of a kind cosmetic; a breakthrough in ageing treatment and it’s being heralded as potentially the best photo-protection product available.  Until now, sunscreen and antioxidants have been our only defence against DNA damage; there’s been no means of reversing already existing damage. But now, with Helase 50, it’s possible to not only prevent, but also physically correct damaged DNA (dangerous DNA breaks and “kinks” such as dimers which left untreated, can produce more ‘abnormal’ cells. Correction is therefore essential to return cell function to normal).  Helase 50 – More than just a sunscreen Classified as a photo-protection product, Helase 50 is the only available product that can minimize the harmful effects of the full solar radiation spectrum. It includes several trailblazing technologies that set it apart from conventional sunscreens. The secret weapon in its formulation – that which is responsible for the correction process – is photolyase, a powerful DNA-repairing enzyme that’s missing in humans, but occurs naturally in most animals and plants. While we can’t produce our own photolyase, our body knows what to do with it when it’s introduced topically to the skin and the results are astounding. Another core ingredient often used in Lamelle products is Pycnogenol® (one of the most potent antioxidants available). Very simply, the inclusion of a Pycnogenol blend is what controls the inflammation typical from exposure and sunburn and it plays an important role in protecting the skin from damage.  There are several other enzymes, receptor inhibitors and filters that have been researched, tested, formulated and proven to deliver unprecedented protection.  Helase 50 – How to use it Helase 50 has sunscreen filters and an SPF of 50+.It’s not waterproof and should be applied 10 – 15 minutes before exposure and re-applied 3 – 4 hourly if possible. There is no need to use a “regular” sunscreen if you use Helase 50. It is fragrance free, and anyone over the age of six months is a candidate for Helase 50, but particularly those with fair skin, multiple sun-spots, or a history of skin cancer. It’s the ideal product to use after you have had a moderate peel (once re-epithelialised), and post-laser therapy and IPL.  Quite simply – a revolution in skincare has begun with the introduction of Helase 50! Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za 

May 4, 2022
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Win the war against acne with NEW ACleo

Are you battling with breakouts? Many things contribute to the formation of acne but, for the most part, we can thank our fluctuating hormones. These can cause our skin to become oily and shed in clumps as opposed to cell by cell, forming bumps and pimples. Fortunately, this type of inflammatory acne can be dramatically improved with Acleo. The hormone connection  When we’re in our teens our body is challenged with having to adjust to changing hormone levels. While these should eventually stabilise in time, in both males and females, the fluctuation can result in oily skin. In many, this might lead to skin that’s congested by blackheads and whiteheads. However, around 30% of teenagers, due to their genetics, will experience inflamed, painful red bumps called papules or those with yellow heads called pustules (pimples). While you’d think we’d leave acne behind by the time we reach adulthood, this isn’t always the case. For example, there are many times when a female will experience a hormonal flux that can trigger the increase of the male hormones that cause acne. Men will have the same trigger – an increase in their male hormones. ACleo to the rescue! Struggling with acne, be it in your teens or as an adult, will always be distressing. Fortunately, the new ACleo kit can help you win the war against breakouts and put you on the path to clear and radiant skin.  Each kit contains an oral supplement and a topical spot treatment. The supplement’s ingredients – zinc and vitamin B – will help calm the inflammation in your skin; allow existing pimples to heal faster and prevent the formation of further breakouts. This winning combination also helps regulate your body’s oil production. As far as the topical spot treatment goes, this calms inflammation, kills the bacteria that causes acne and prevents your skin from becoming congested.  When used in conjunction, the oral supplement and spot treatment will result in: Quicker healing of acne  A lessening in the formation of scars and dark marks  Prevention of more acne forming  Clearer skin with constant use  How do I use ACleo? Acleo supplement  Take two capsules each morning after breakfast. ACleo Spot Treatment  Twice a day: Cleanse and dry your skin. Apply a drop of the ACleo gel to every pimple or to the area of skin that has pimples. Massage lightly to assist in absorption then apply your moisturiser and a sunscreen during the day. Do I need to use a specific skincare range to use ACleo? No. Acleo can be used in combination with any skincare range.  It is important to cleans and moisturise your skin twice a day every day. Don’t forget your sunscreen. This can also help to prevent the formation of dark marks as well as the worsening of those that exist. Will ACleo affect my hormones? Not at all. It’s important to note that ACleo won’t affect your body’s hormone levels. For this, you’d need to visit a doctor and get a script. What ACleo will do, however, is change how your skin reacts to the fluctuating hormones in your blood and the result will be an improvement in acne. 

April 7, 2022
SOiL

Discover a Natural Boost from Nature’s Pharmacy to Bring Your New Year into Focus

Each start of a new year is a chance to reset our health, stay balanced and reach for new goals. It is also a busy time as we return to work, school, and our daily commitments for the months ahead. If you are reaching for clarity, calm, focus and motivation to get you tuned up for the year, consider a natural boost from Nature’s own pharmacy. The simple, yet effective, power of aromatherapy’s concentrated oils and fragrances will guide and support you through cranky mornings, midday stress , afternoon fatigue and late night lags without the need for caffeine or chemicals. The efficacy of natural aromatherapies to soothe our senses, calm our minds and refresh our outlook with renewed focus, among their many other natural health remedies, has been clinically proven by trusted scientific sources in studies dating back to 2013, but their effects as a natural everyday remedy have been celebrated by human beings since 3 500 BC. The beauty of aromatherapy is that just as each person is unique in mind, spirit, and physiology, so too is each scent from nature’s cornucopia of essences, herbs, flowers and plant extracts which make up the medicine cabinet of these aromatic medicines and treatments. SOiL Essential Oils provides a complete organic apothecary of fragrances and remedies to choose from which have been homegrown on the SOiL farm in South Africa and sourced from the best organic growers from around the world, for you to discover, enjoy and blend for your own personal remedy range in easy reach and which is guaranteed to be easier on your pocket. As we move into a greener and more sustainable world, discover natural health with the affordable benefits of SOIL Essential Oils which can be used as a scent on your skin, to fragrance a room using an ultrasonic diffuser or as a pure aromatherapy oil or roller which you can carry with you in a small bottle wherever you go. Since SOil Essential Oils are concentrated, you only need a few drops to receive their healing benefit, making them go a long way on your journey through school studies, work goals and family and home harmony throughout the year 2022. Brain Fog… or FOCUS? Organic Peppermint Oil (10ML – R60.00)refreshes and stimulates, to reduce stress and headaches. This essential oil is stem-distilled from a partially dried plant, with menthol as its primary constituent, for a powerful cooling and calming effect, whether inhaled or applied to your skin.  ORGANIC ROSEMARY OIL(10ML – R60.00)A well-known aromatic herb; Rosemary has been used medicinally for centuries. Considered a tonic for the central nervous system, Rosemary stimulates the brain, relieves headaches, and helps improve memory. FOCUS  (10ML – R60.00)Expertly formulated by SOiL’s certified aromatherapist, this certified organic blend of 100% PURE essential oils contains Lemongrass, Rosemary and Black Pepper essential oil to help invigorate and stimulate your mind. Fatigue… or ENERGY? ORGANIC REVIVE REMEDY ROLLER(11ML – R40.00) Geranium and Grapefruit balance and lifts the spirits while Rosemary and Basil refresh the mind, helping to boost your energy levels. Apply this revive remedy to your pulse points. ENERGY (10ML – R120.00) This organic blend of SOiL Clary Sage, Lime, Cypress and Black Pepper essential oil will support you to stimulate mental faculties and energise your body. Stress… or CENTERED CALM? ORGANIC RELAX REMEDY ROLLER (11ML – R40.00) Clary Sage, warming Marjoram, Lavender and Chamomile calm the nervous system, promote tranquility, and help relieve tension headaches. This remedy roller is ready to pop in your bag or briefcase for instant relief when you need to stay in your center. ORGANIC FRANKINCENSE OIL (10ML – R100.00) Obtained from steam distillation of the gum resin, Frankincense has been used for 1000’s of years as incense where its centering aroma slows the nervous system and promotes a feeling of calm and introspection. A few drops in an essential oil burner can aid concentration and meditation. Frankincense is also excellent for dry and mature skin and is said to preserve a youthful complexion and prevent wrinkles. From the SOiL farm to your family, experience natural and certified aromatherapy oils and skincare which is organically grown and bottled to be safe for the whole family.  ENDS/ SOiL is available at Dis-Chem, Wellness Warehouse and online at www.faithful-to-nature.co.za, www.takealot.com and www.soil.co.za. 

March 17, 2022
Parenting Hub

Summer skincare de-coded

A solid skincare routine will work for you all year round, but keeping your skin healthy during summer may require some small changes. Warmer weather means different skincare challenges, like avoiding sunburn, managing excess sebum and keeping sun spots at bay. But what should you be doing and which products do you really need? Here are the answers to some of the most commonly-asked summer skincare questions.  Does my skincare routine need to change in summer? Not necessarily. If you have a skincare regime that works for you, stick to it. Some people prefer switching out heavier moisturisers for lighter lotions, or rich milky cleansers for foaming gel cleansers, but this is entirely up to you. Try a refreshing facial cleanser like Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Wash (R69.95) which effectively removes dirt and impurities while invigorating the skin. You might also want to introduce some vitamin C skincare products to your regime, as they help brighten the complexion (sloughing away post-winter dullness) and protect against (and treat) sun-induced pigmentation. Try NIP+FAB Vitamin C Serum Fix (R295.00) which uses a powerhouse of antioxidants to leave skin brightened, refreshed and protected against environmental aggressors. Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits Skin Radiance Moisturiser (R89.95) works to enhance skin’s natural radiance, promoting a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.  While it’s important to wear a broad spectrum SPF all year, it’s absolutely essential that you include one in your skincare and body care regimes during summer. Not only will you likely spend more time outdoors, but your body will also be more exposed in summer clothing, increasing your risk of sunburn and skin damage. Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50 (R190.00) offers very high protection and contains a unique anti-irritant shield complex proven to help strengthen the skin’s resilience to the sun.  What does SPF number stand for and how many times a day should you reapply SPF? What Does the SPF Number Mean? The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen.  So ideally, with SPF 30 it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. We’d recommend rather being too cautious than too carefree. If you’re bad at reapplying SPF, opt for a higher SPF to protect you for longer. We love Piz Buin Ultra Light Hydrating Sun Spray SPF30 (R279.95) which has a light and non-sticky formula that is easily absorbed. Is it ever okay to sun tan without SPF? No, this is never ok, not ever. Even the slightest darkening of the skin indicates damage. When you tan, your body produces melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of your skin. When your skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, it triggers the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin. This results in the darkening of the skin, and serves as evidence of UV damage. Over time, sun tanning may lead to premature ageing of the skin and even skin cancer. Rather opt for a self-tan product that gives your skin a sun-kissed glow without any harm.  Australian Gold Instant Sunless Lotion (R380.00) helps your skin develop a rich, sun-kissed bronze colour in no time. It offers the perfect balance of caring and bronzing ingredients for summer-ready skin that’s healthy and nourished. If you want SPF protection while giving your skin a bronze shimmer, try Australian Gold SPF Lotion with Instant Bronzer (R280.00). It’s formulated with kona coffee-infused bronzers to leave your skin with an immediate sun-kissed glow while protecting it from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. For a soft and natural glow, try St Moriz Golden Glow Moisturiser (R150.00), which allows you to gradually build your glow by means of daily application.  Is it okay to self-tan your face? Yes, provided you use a self-tan product that is suitable for facial skin. Using self-tan on your face is a much better option than sun tanning, as it won’t put you at risk of sun burn or premature ageing. We recommend St Moriz Fast Tan Mousse (R150.00), because it allows you to control your shade. It can be washed off after an hour for a natural glow, after two hours for a medium tan and after three hours for a deeper tan. If it’s your first time using it, leave it on for an hour – you can always go darker next time round, and you won’t run the risk of going too dark the first time. Apply it using the St Moriz Tan Applicator Mitt (R99.99) to ensure your hands don’t get stained.   Can I wash my face more than twice a day in hot weather? Washing your face more than twice a day is not recommended, even in hot weather. Each time you cleanse, you remove some of the natural oils produced by your skin and cleansing too often can result in the skin being stripped of oil, leaving it dehydrated and irritable. Instead of cleansing, try spritzing your skin with some chilled water (you can keep a spritz bottle in the fridge and use it whenever necessary!).  Do I have to apply moisturiser twice a day even though my skin feels oilier? Here’s a little science lesson that might save your skin this summer: Oils moisturise, while water hydrates. Dry skin needs more oil, while dehydrated skin needs more water. If your skin does not get enough hydration, it will produce more sebum in an attempt to boost your moisture levels. The result? Oily skin with blackheads and breakouts due to an overproduction of oil. To avoid this, it’s essential to moisturise your skin twice a day, even if it feels like you don’t need it. If richer creams don’t work for you, apply a lightweight hydrating lotion instead. Try Creightons H2O Boost Hyaluronic Day Gel (R169.95), a refreshing light lotion that contains hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, and Creightons H2O Boost Overnight Mask (R169.95), a nourishing cream with hyaluronic acid which works overnight to improve the skin’s elasticity and intensely hydrate.  My skin gets oilier during summer, how

March 11, 2022
Creightons Skincare

Salicylic acid is the game changer that can transform your skin – here’s how

When it comes to breakouts and blackheads, there are a few key spot-busting ingredients you need to have in your skincare arsenal. Salicylic acid is top of the list. This game-changing ingredient is renowned among dermatologists and beauty experts for its ability to calm and heal existing blemishes, and to prevent new ones from forming. So renowned, in fact, that it’s often called acne’s biggest enemy. Here’s what you need to understand about this powerhouse ingredient. What is salicylic acid? Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (commonly referred to as BHA) and it belongs to a class of ingredients known as salicylates. Extracted from the bark of willow trees, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means that it can penetrate the skin’s sebum to get deep into the pores. Oil-soluble ingredients can penetrate the skin at a deeper level than water-soluble ingredients, allowing them to unclog pores and dissolve debris.  How does salicylic acid benefit the skin? Salicylic acid’s ability to penetrate deep into the skin to do its job is the characteristic that makes it such an effective treatment for acne, breakouts and blackheads. It dissolves the debris that clogs pores, ridding them of the dead skin cells and oil that leads to white-and blackheads.  It is also an effective exfoliator. Considered a keratolytic medication (agents that soften the skin’s keratin, and loosen and assist exfoliation of skin cells), it offers supreme exfoliation by removing dry and dead skin cells from the top layer of skin cells.  Salicylic also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help calm and heal existing breakouts.  How do you know if salicylic acid is right for you? The most common causes of breakouts and blackheads are excessive oiliness, a build-up of dry and dead skin cells and the presence of P. acnes bacteria, the leading cause of cystic acne. Because salicylic acid has the ability to dissolve the types of skin debris that lead to clogged pores and breakouts, is it highly effective in fighting whiteheads and blackheads. Because of its anti-bacterial properties, it may have some effectiveness against cystic acne, but less so than with blackheads and whiteheads. If you are struggling with cystic acne, it is best to consult your medical practitioner for advice, as underlying health conditions and hormonal irregularities may also contribute to the problem.  Is salicylic acid dangerous? Salicylic acid is not harmful or dangerous but it needs to be used correctly to ensure it does not irritate the skin. If you over-use it, or if your skin is very sensitive, it could lead to dryness or irritability. If you’ve never used it before, you may experience a slight tingling sensation upon application. It’s best to ease salicylic acid into your skincare regime, so start by using it a couple of times a week and slowly work your way up to every day. The concentration of salicylic acid in over-the-counter skincare products is low (think around 1 – 2%), so it is usually very well tolerated.  Which salicylic range is best for me? Creightons Skincare’s Salicylic Acid range offers safe and effective salicylic acid skincare products that help fight breakouts while nourishing the skin, at affordable prices. The range consists of: Creightons Salicylic Acid Foaming Clay Cleanser (R75.95) This cleanser combines kaolin clay with salicylic and lactic acids to help absorb excess oil and maintain healthier, clearer looking skin every day. Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic (R99.95) Maintain a healthier, clearer-looking complexion with this spot-busting tonic, which contains active ingredients suitable for blemish-prone skin. Salicylic acid and niacinamide are two key ingredients that will help to improve an uneven skin tone and texture, leaving skin brighter and healthier. Creightons Salicylic Acid 2% Salicylic Intense Serum (R104.95) Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, this serum helps reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes and enlarged pores for a clearer, more radiant complexion. Creightons Salicylic Acid Soothing Lotion (R69.95) This lightweight, moisturising lotion soothes and cares for angry, blemish-prone skin without clogging pores or feeling too heavy on the skin.  Creightons skincare products are available at Dis-Chem pharmacies. 

March 8, 2022
Parenting Hub

Hair care for active girls

Extremely active and love sports? This is how to care for your textured hair If you have natural, curly or kinky hair, chances are you probably have a complicated relationship with exercise. Textured-hair girls know that if you live a very active lifestyle and you love sports, it can be hard on your hair. Textured hair is prone to higher levels of moisture loss during workouts, which means you need to put in extra time to care for it, afterwards. And then there’s sweat. When you put a lot of time and effort into caring for your hair, the last thing you want is to ruin it after a sweaty exercise session… And for those who usually wash their hair once a week, how do you fit in multiple gym sessions? Some women avoid exercising simply because of the effect it has on their hair, and while we can understand the reasoning, we’re adamant to show women that you can lead an active lifestyle without ruining your hair. After all, exercise is one of the most important things you can do to keep your body and mind healthy.   Follow these tips to keep your natural hair protected and nourished without having to give up your workout. Wear your hair up This might seem like a really simple solution, but it works. Wear a bun, ponytail or pineapple to keep your hair out of your face and neck. This will reduce the amount of sweat your hair comes into contact with. You could also consider a protective hairstyle like Bantu knots or braids. Be practical about your workouts If sweat and frizz are a concern, try to exercise in cooler environments. If you like working out indoors, a gym is a great option as they have air conditioning to keep you cool. Prefer outdoor activities? Exercise first thing in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler. Wear light workout clothing that doesn’t cling to the body or trap heat, and remember to drink plenty of water to help regulate your body’s temperature.  Wear a satin-lined headband or scarf Satin is the perfect fabric to wear when you want to protect your hair or prevent frizz. A satin-lined headband or scarf will prevent your edges from getting frizzy, as well as reduce friction and breakage during your workout. Don’t tie it too tight though, or else you might trap sweat. Don’t shampoo your hair after every workout Sweat has the potential to dry out your hair, but so does shampoo. Over-shampooing can strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable to damage. Shampooing natural hair once a week is sufficient. To reduce moisture loss, we recommend using a sulphate-free shampoo like Cantu Shea Butter Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo(R195.95), weekly. It has a rich lather that removes heavy build-up and the gentle formula also helps prevent breakage and dehydration.   Refresh your hair in between workouts While you shouldn’t shampoo your hair after every workout, it’s still important to refresh it. This will eliminate odours and remove bacteria from sweat, which could lead to scalp irritation and itchiness. A co-wash is a good option as it’s much gentler than shampoo. Try Cantu Shea Butter Complete Conditioning Co-Wash (R215.00). It is infused with 14 natural butters and oils to deeply nourish hair. It gently cleanses hair and remove product build-up, while moisturising every strand.  Apply a moisturiser or leave-in conditioner every day to lock in moisture and help prevent breakage. Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturiser (R175.00) uses the nourishing power of shea butter to help replenish lost moisture in dry and damaged hair. It also helps prevent breakage, tangles and frizz.  Deep condition Using a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a month is essential, and even more so if you are exercising regularly. Not only does it replenish your hair’s moisture content, but it also helps protect it from damage and the effects of sweat. Cantu for Natural Hair Deep Treatment Hair Masque (R59.99) penetrates deep into the hair shaft for an intense treatment to repair, restore and strengthen dry, damaged hair.  Practice makes perfect If you’re new to your exercise regime, it may take some trial and error to find your groove, especially when it comes to finding a harmonious relationship between your activities and your hair. It might be tricky at first, but you’ll feel better once you’re settled into a coordinated regime, with products you know and trust. Exercise and hair care will probably always have a complicated relationship, but you needn’t sacrifice one for the other. It’s possible to keep your body healthy by taking part in all your favourite physical activities, without ruining your hairstyle, or the health of your hair.

March 4, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Lamelle manages the 4 triggers of acne -inside and out

Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, acne will always be a confidence crusher. Fortunately, Lamelle Research Laboratories has created Clarity, an effective acne management system, that addresses all of the four triggers that contribute to spotty skin. Something else we’ve learned from our extensive research? To get the very best results, you have to manage acne inside as well as out. More on that later, first it’s important that you know your enemy…  The Clarity difference  Many acne sufferers feel like their war with acne is like taking one step forward then two steps back. Often, this is because they’re using products that target only some of the triggers for acne, not all of them. This is the Clarity difference – we know what creates the perfect storm for a breakout as well as how to address all of them. First up, one of the biggest contributing factors to acne is impaired follicle differentiation and shedding. Simply put, your follicles don’t naturally exfoliate as well as it should. Next on the list is having an excessive amount of oil. This ties into the third trigger – infection – something that can happen easily when your pores and hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil. Lastly, the fourth major triggers many don’t address is inflammation. If left unchecked, even subtle low-level inflammation creates the perfect environment for P. acnes (the bacteria that causes acne) to thrive. Ironically, inflammation is also the result of a breakout, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to beat.  Tackle all the triggers   Clearly, if you want to treat acne effectively, you want a multipronged plan of action and this is where Lamelle’s Clarity skin care collection comes in. Each product contains active ingredients that, when used collectively, significantly address acne’s “big four” triggers. Your skin cells will begin to shed at a normal rate that won’t clog your pores; excess oil will be reduced, P. acnes are decreased and inflammation gets calmed.  To explain, we use gentle exfoliators to help normalise your skin’s rate of exfoliation. These include a retinoic acid analogue (proven to deliver all the benefits of retinol without the associated side-effects) and a water-soluble version of salicylic acid. This way, you can exfoliate without using a harsh scrub that will only trigger more inflammation. Speaking of which, Clarity’s powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients include soothing allantoin as well as nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B. As far as oil control goes, both our day and night lotions, Clarity Corrective AM and PM plus, contain epidermal growth factor (EGF) and nobiletin. Together, they’ll decrease the size of your skin’s sebaceous ducts and glands to help normalise oil production. Last, but not least, all our Clarity Correctives products contain a slew of anti-microbial actives, such as hinokitiol and azelaic acid. And yes, many of our actives are multi-taskers – our retinol derivative, as well as nicotinamide, are also brilliant bacteria-blitzers.  Inside-out protection  Want to turbo-boost your quest for clear skin? Acnevelle Plus by Lamelle Research Laboratories is an oral supplement proven to help manage acne. It contains very easy to digest form of zinc along with nicotinamide and copper. The latter is important because taking zinc long-term has the potential to cause a copper deficiency. Acnevelle Plus, when teamed with our Clarity skin care collection, has been shown to improve acne by up to 88% in just 8 weeks.  So, what are you waiting for? Together, we can help put you on the path to a clearer, more radiant complexion and killer confidence!  Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

March 3, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Is your teen struggling with spots? Lamelle Clarity and Acnevelle Plus stops them in their tracks

Just the other day they were enthralled by Peppa Pig. Then, before you can say “TikTok”, you’re dealing with a social media-obsessed teen. Something else you’re likely to be facing is a struggle with is acne. After all, around 85% of people will develop it in their lifetime and it usually starts around puberty going into the teen years. However, pre-teen acne and adult acne is becoming more common too thanks to drug-resistance. (The fall-out of having created so many antibacterial products is the evolution of new strains of drug-resistant bacteria!)  Still, regardless of which age you get them, spotty skin is always a confidence killer. Having to battle with pimples as an adult is awful. But having to endure acne in high school as an insecure teen is a nightmare. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to help your child beat breakouts and enjoy clear, healthy skin.  Say no to spots  When it comes to beating breakouts, you’ve got a bit of a checklist. First, you’ll want to keep oil production in check. Next, you have to ensure skin is exfoliating properly, then zap pimple-forming bacteria while calming inflammation. Happily, Clarity by Lamelle is a stream-lined, fuss-free skincare collection that can do all that, starting with Clarity Active Cleanse – a soap-free cleanser formulated with updated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients including a more gentle form of pore-exfoliating salicylic acid.   Next up, your teen can apply Clarity Corrective AM in the morning and Clarity Correctives PM Plus at night. Again, both of these products contain proven pimple-busting ingredients as well as super soothing anti-inflammatories. The night cream, however, is especially important as it contains a very gentle, form of retinoid that can help speed up the skin’s cellular turnover, blitz bacteria and even reduce the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). (These are the dark marks that can set up camp in the aftermath of a pimple – something that’s especially common in those with a darker skin tone.)  As far as active breakouts go, your child has a brilliant weapon in Clarity Active Spot Control. A targeted treatment that rapidly stop a spot in its tracks, it also contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate deep inside the pores, keeping them clean and clear.  It also boasts a trio of super soothers – panthenol, niacinamide and azelaic acid to calm inflammation and reduce redness – and a form of vitamin C that kills bacteria and prevents congestion.  Beating acne inside-out  Your teen might be glad to hear that there’s absolutely no truth to the rumour that chocolate causes pimples. However, eating a healthy balanced diet is important for great-looking skin. You can also take our supplement – Acnevelle Plus by Lamelle Research Laboratories. It contains zinc glycinate – a very easy to digest form of zinc – and nicotinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B. Together, they’ve been proven to help treat inflammatory skin conditions like acne. The supplement has also been reformulated to include an effective dose of copper to mitigate the potential to become copper deficient due to the long-term intake of zinc. When used in conjunction with our Clarity skincare collection, it can improve inflammatory, problematic skin by up to 88% in just 8 weeks!  Ultimately, if your child is struggling with spots, it’s time to take action with Lamelle Clarity and Acnevelle Plus. Together, they can help create a clear, radiant-looking complexion, giving them the confidence they need to face the world head-on. Suddenly, taking a family selfie can be fun again! (Can we get a “thanks mom!”?) 

February 22, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Acne myths busted with Lamelle Research Laboratories


Despite being one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions in the world, acne is still very misunderstood. So much so, that myths still abound. Fortunately, at Lamelle Research Laboratories, we’re acne experts that can help you sort the facts from the fiction. Myth 1: Only teenagers get acne Nope, not true! It would be great if acne was a problem you could simply outgrow, but this isn’t the case for everyone. Four main triggers that contribute to acne – skin that doesn’t naturally exfoliate the way it should, leading to a build-up of dead skin cells that can clog the pores; an excess of oil that also gets trapped in pores; infection and inflammation. These triggers can affect both adults and teens, but it’s true, teens are often most affected. This is due to their body’s creating more androgens during puberty, a hormone that can increase the production of oil. You should also know that, regardless of your age, the active ingredients proven to help clear up acne remain the same. This is why Clarity by Lamelle, our incredibly effective acne treatment range, is suitable for acne sufferers of any age. Myth 2: Chocolate causes pimples Chocoholics, you can breathe a sigh of relief! The idea that your favourite chocolate bar could be the baddie behind your breakout has persisted for decades, so much so that multiple studies have been performed to find out. The conclusion is now an extremely mixed bag with some saying that yes, eating chocolate could worsen acne and others saying it had no effect. What we do know, however, is that some research has found a correlation between low zinc levels and acne. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that acne is a sign of a zinc deficiency, but it does mean that, if you have acne, you’re more likely to not be getting enough zinc. Interestingly, the zinc-acne connection makes sense because zinc helps regulate our immune cell response in a way that helps control inflammation, one of the big triggers for a breakout. For this reason, we’ve created Lamelle Acnevelle Plus, an oral supplement that includes zinc glycinate and nicotinamide, a combination proven to help reduce the redness and sensitivity associated with inflammatory acne. Myth 3: You can scrub your way to clear skin Yes, a pimple is the result of a blocked pore, but the idea that you can “empty” these with a scrub is misguided. In fact, harsh, grainy scrubs are one of the worst things you can do to treat a breakout. More often than not, the particle is too big to get inside the pore and, worse yet, the friction will irritate your already inflamed skin, causing it to get even angrier. So, while acne sufferers will definitely want to up your exfoliation, they need to choose their weapons wisely. In this case, gentle chemical exfoliators will do a much better job of gently ridding your skin of the excess skin cells that can clog up your pores. This is why our Clarity collection doesn’t contain a scrub. Instead, it contains a mix of alpha hydroxy acids, non-irritating forms of retinol and salicylic acid to gently increase your skin’s cellular turnover. Myth 4: Getting a tan will help clear up my skin Yes, getting a tan may help temporarily minimise the look of redness associated with acne and, at first, it might feel like it’s helping to dry it up. Alas, all you’re doing is dehydrating and burning your skin causing it to produce even more oil and become inflamed. And guess what that leads to? Yep, a worsening of acne. If you want a golden glow, you might be better off using a self-tanning product. But something all acne sufferers definitely need in their artillery is a good sunscreen, especially since many of the active ingredients proven to help clear up acne, things like exfoliating acids and retinoids, will increase their skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Also, it’s not true that sunscreen will make acne worse – you just have to find one that’s lightweight and non-greasy. The bottom line Ultimately, the more you know about what really causes acne, the better equipped you’ll be to treat it. To learn more, chat with an experienced Lamelle skincare therapist who can help you create a skincare regime that’ll put you on the path to clear, healthy-looking skin. 

February 15, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Inflammaging and how Lamelle can help you beat it


We’ve all experienced inflammation, from the ache of a sprained ankle to the sting of a bad sunburn. While it can feel unpleasant, short-term inflammation is actually a good thing as it produces inflammatory cytokines (small proteins that trigger an even greater inflammatory response) that tell your body it’s time to get busy healing. Still, in the long term, inflammation isn’t your friend. In fact, if an injury repeatedly occurs to the same area, it eventually won’t heal as well and can result in scarring or abnormal healing. Interestingly, inflammation has the same effect on our skin. Short term, it can help you heal an injury, be it a pimple or a cut. Chronic inflammation, however, causes a chain of events that can damage your skin’s collagen – among other things – and accelerate the aging process. This is what’s known as “inflammaging”. Worse yet, this type of chronic inflammation isn’t even caused by a visible injury. The triggers include “every day”, often unavoidable things like UV rays and free-radicals. Fight that fire! Clearly, none of us are immune to the effects inflammaging but we can protect ourselves in ways that mitigate the damage. One is to invest in skincare that contains potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants. This is why Lamelle products are formulated using some of the most potent and proven, including the super antioxidant Pycnogenol. Now, remember how we mentioned cytokines? You should know that not all of them are “fire starters”. You get many different types and, while some can trigger inflammation, others do a brilliant job of deactivating it. Thus, you’ll find a patented complex of the latter in our anti-aging Dermaheal collection. Interestingly, preventing accelerated aging isn’t just the only reason you’d want to keep inflammation in check. Chronic inflammation also encourages hyperpigmentation and creates the ideal environment for acne to thrive. Other ways to prevent inflammaging While anti-inflammatory active ingredients are a great way to mitigate inflammaging, it’s not your only defense. One of the biggest triggers of inflammation is still unprotected sun exposure. This is why it’s vital to applying a sunscreen every time you set foot outdoors, our favourite being Lamelle Helase 50+. It protects you from the full spectrum of light and contains that potent, inflammation-busting antioxidant we mentioned earlier, Pycnogenol. It then takes thing a step further by addressing any damage that’s already occurred using photolyase. A powerful DNA-repairing enzyme that occurs naturally in animals and plants, photolyase can seek out and correct dangerous DNA kinks (known as “dimers”) that can lead to the mutations responsible for skin cancer. Remember, it’s never too late As with just about everything in life, the prevention of inflammaging is better than cure. But what if it’s too late? What if you’re already dealing with the resultant premature aging that includes fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness? In this case, you’ll be glad to know it’s never too late to take action. Lamelle’s Dermaheal range contains growth factors that help reverse the damage caused by inflammaging by optimizing the communication between your cells, instructing your skin to behave as though it were much younger. This encourages the creation of skin-firming collagen and elastin. You can also consider Lamelle in-office treatments such as peels and collagen-induction therapy (CIT) that can remove old, damaged tissue and encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue. The bottom line Ultimately, it’s very difficult to avoid the triggers of inflammaging. They’re literally everywhere – from free-radicals borne in the air to the sunlight streaming through your window. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t protect ourselves from their effects with powerful inflammation-fighting products such as those we’re proud to create at Lamelle Research Laboratories. Also, it’s never too late to start correcting the effects. Simply chat to a highly-skilled Lamelle skincare therapist who can help you prevent as well as treat so you can enjoy healthier, younger-looking skin for longer. 

February 8, 2022
Lamelle Research Laboratories

How to prevent acne scarring with Clarity by Lamelle

Struggling with acne is stressful enough, nobody also wants to deal with the aftermath – the scars it can leave behind. This is why it’s important to prevent as well as address spots the moment appear while managing inflammation, a major contributor to scarring. Happily, Lamelle’s Clarity collection can help you do all three! What causes an acne scar When a pimple strikes, it causes inflammation in your skin and your body perceives it as a “wound”. In a bid to repair the injury, your skin produces more collagen, the protein that gives your skin it’s structure. Just enough and you’ll get to enjoy fresh, healthy new skin. Too much, however, and you could be left with a raised scar. Too little it could create a depressed scar, like a little pit that’s left in your skin. In addition, how long it takes for the wound to heal as well as how deep it is will also influence the extent of scarring. This is because while your skin is healing, it’s structure, which includes collagen and elastin, gets broken down and rebuilt, sometimes haphazardly. It doesn’t care what the result looks like, only that the job gets done. This is why it’s so important not to pick at a pimple because you’ll only prolong the healing process and increase the odds of disorganised rebuilding that’s essentially scarring. There’s also another way acne can blemish your skin and that’s via post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH). Ever noticed how, sometimes, in the wake of a pimple, you’re left with a dark mark? People often mistake these for “scars” but they’re actually hyperpigmentation. This is because your melanocytes (the cell’s responsible for creating pigment) are triggered by any kind inflammation. They aren’t able to determine the cause, they just think they’re doing their job and protecting your skin. Again, this is yet another reason to not pick at pimples. The more you aggravate them, the more likely they’ll form PIH. How to prevent them Clearly, when it comes to beating acne scarring, the ideal is to prevent all breakouts. While that would be great, acne sufferers know that the reality of keeping spots in check can be a marathon, not a sprint. Still, Clarity by Lamelle, a cutting-edge skincare collection proven to clear up your skin by as much as 88% in as little as eight weeks. Aside from helping to control acne, all Clarity products are formulated with inflammation in mind. Our super-soothing ingredients include niacinamide, panthenol, tea tree oil, red cedar tea extract and salicylic acid. The latter is a great acne-blitzing multitasker as, aside from having inflammation-fighting properties, it also exfoliates deep inside your pores to keep them clean and clear. You’ll also find a patented retinoic acid ester in our Clarity Correctives PM Plus night lotion. A powerful form of vitamin A, it can serve up all the regenerative benefits of retinol but without the associated irritation. It’s a great way to help regulate your skin’s natural exfoliation process to keep your pores clean and clear. Also, studies show that retinoids and their analogues have direct anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Again, resist the urge to pick! Relying on Clarity by Lamelle to reduce breakouts and manage inflammation is one thing you can do to help prevent acne scars. But, as we’ve said, you should nevr pick at your pimples. While it might be very tempting to squeeze that monster on your chin, you’re only increasing the risk that your skin responds with a scar or PIH. Instead, we suggest you rely on our bestselling Clarity Active Spot Control treatment. Tiny enough to pop into your handbag for on-the-go treatment, it contains a mix of super-soothers to rapidly decrease the size and redness of the spot. We’ve also used a form of vitamin C proven to zap pimple-forming bacteria. Better yet, it also makes use of azelaic acid that inhibits the overproduction of melanin to help reduce your risk of developing PIH. Genius, right? We thought so too! 

February 2, 2022
Cosmetix

CATRICE Loose Banana Powder

We’re going bananas for this 3-in-1 loose powder! We’re about to get our bake on (don’t worry, not in the kitchen!) with CATRICE’s Loose Banana Powder. This multi-functional powder is a true powerhouse for your beauty routine. Not only will it set your makeup for a long-lasting and flawless finish, but it will also leave your makeup smooth and seamless with its mattifying properties. They say three’s a charm and that’s exactly what this powder is as it also functions as a colour corrector. We’re going to have our cake and eat it because with CATRICE Loose Banana Powder, we no longer have to worry about dreaded cakey and creased makeup throughout the day! It’s truly bananas how versatile this powder is and we’ve got the low-down as to why you need to add this powder to your beauty routine!  CATRICE Loose Banana Powder consists of an ultra-fine powder that instantly mattifies the skin leaving you with cake-free makeup and a super-smooth finish. Its slightly yellow tint is the perfect concealer for those prone to redness and blemishes, leaving you with bright and radiant skin. It’s easy to apply using the sponge included and can fit practically anywhere, making it perfect for when you are on-the-go and need a quick touch-up. Not only is the Banana Loose Powder a versatile 3-in-1 product but it’s also safe for the environment and animals with its vegan certification and is free from toxic ingredients such as microplastics, parabens, and perfume, meaning your skin is in safe and healthy hands. It just doesn’t get better than that!  You are probably wondering what we mean when we say we are baking with CATRICE Banana Loose Powder, right!? Well, baking is a common makeup term referring to the technique used to combat makeup that either disappears throughout the day or ends up creased, especially around the eye area and/or laugh and frown lines – yikes! Baking is especially beneficial to people with oily skin or who live in humid or warm climates as it helps to curb sweat and oil from interfering with your makeup. Once you have applied your primer, foundation and concealer, the baking can commence. When we refer to baking, it is the application of either a setting or translucent powder to targeted areas around the face that tend to crease over time. Common areas include under your eyes, chin, and the lines that form on the side of your mouth as well as your forehead. After application, let your product “bake” for 5-10 minutes whilst it locks in your makeup in conjunction with your body’s natural body heat. After baking, lightly dust off any remaining or excess powder and apply the rest of your makeup such as your blush, bronzer, highlighter and lips. Step out into the day with confidence knowing your makeup will remain locked-in and flawless throughout the day.   So what makes the CATRICE Loose Banana Powder different to your normal translucent loose powder used to set your makeup? Well, conventional translucent powder comes with a white tint that helps to mattify and absorb excess oil whilst setting your make-up but can leave you susceptible to a white, ghost-like finish if too much powder is used or if it is not applied correctly when baking. This is especially noticeable when images are taken with the camera flash on, which will unforgivingly highlight your makeup as chalky and powdery. With the Banana Loose Powder, the yellow tint helps to correct your colour and conceal blemishes and redness whilst still mattifying and setting your make-up in place for an all-day, flawless makeup look. Banana powders are commonly used for highlighting too as well as to brighten certain areas of the face (especially under the eyes), thus its very popular amongst individuals with darker skin tones. However, this powder is versatile and can work on any skin tone thanks to its subtle nature that works with your skin’s undertones to warm the skin up. With its natural tint and fine consistency, essence Banana Loose Powder also helps to achieve a natural and blended look whilst brightening areas of the face. Banana powders are also best used for baking when applying heavy or high coverage makeup.   Don’t let your makeup artistry go to waste with disappearing or creased make-up. Ensure flawless makeup that will last the entire day with CATRICE’s Banana Loose Powder. The Banana Powder retails for R125.95 and will be available at Dis-Chem, House of Cosmetics, Takealot, Superbalist and Skinmiles.  

January 12, 2022
Cosmetix

NEW essence Hello, Good Stuff! range

New must-have clean beauty essentials from essence to add to your skincare routine! essence cosmetics has just made ‘clean beauty’ a whole lot easier with seven brand new additions to their Hello, Good Stuff! range. They’re kicking added microplastics, parabens, PEGs (Polyethylene glycols), and mineral oil to the curb and saying Hello to only the Good Stuff! That means no more chemical ingredients that can cause irritation to the skin, disturb hormone function or trap bacteria on the surface of the skin. No more harmful and toxic ingredients that are non-biodegradable or trying to make sense of questionable ingredients in your cosmetic products. As strong advocates of beauty without cruelty and makeup with no harmful ingredients, essence’s Hello, Good Stuff! range is all about natural ingredients that are safe for beauty lovers and the environment! Their seven latest additions to the range all contain at least 92% natural ingredients, are vegan-certified, and free from added toxic ingredients. Come say hello with us to essence’s must-have clean beauty products:  essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! CICA FACE CREAM – R99.95  The perfect addition to your skin care routine, the Cica Face Cream is a versatile cream that not only keeps your skin hydrated and moisturised throughout the day but can also be used as a primer before applying foundation. The soothing texture of the face cream contains Centella Asiatic extract. This plant is also known as Indian Pennywort, Tiger Grass or Gotu Kola and is present in popular Korean skin care products due to its calming effect. Gentle and soothing on the skin, this face cream is perfect for a self-care routine in the comfort of your home and is free from alcohol, silicone and oil so your skin is in safe hands.   essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! FACE OIL – R119.95  Give yourself that confident glow with essence Hello, Good Stuff! Face Oil. This face oil is guaranteed to revive your skin with its intensive moisturising and nourishing qualities. Containing 2% squalene, your skin is instantly locked in with moisture as squalene mimics the skin’s natural oil production resulting in smooth, moisturised skin. With added rosehip oil, your skin is actively regenerated upon application, leaving you with healthy and supple skin. The perfect addition to your skin care routine or as a primer before applying makeup, this face oil will leave you with a gentle glow, that is not harsh or too oily on your delicate skin.  essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! MILKY FACE MOISTURIZER – R119.95  Your essential travel companion for some added freshness throughout the day or as a versatile primer, the essence Hello, Good Stuff! Milky Face Moisturiser is light in texture and quickly absorbed by the skin for that added on-the-go boost. They say what’s good for you is good for your skin! Containing turmeric, a super ingredient much loved by foodies, this milky face moisturiser’s turmeric and oat water formula is soothing on the skin and fast-acting to give your skin a healthy boost throughout the day.   essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! PRIMER SERUM HYDRATE & PLUMP – R119.95  Give yourself a youthful radiance with essence Hello, Good Stuff! Primer Serum. With blueberry extract, hyaluronic acid, and squalene, this combination of ingredients is sure to plump up your skin, whilst locking in moisture to give you that young, healthy, and glowing complexion. This serum is quick-absorbing and concentrated with nourishing ingredients to instantly brighten and hydrate your skin – a must-have addition to your daily skin care routine!  essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! DEPUFF EYE SERUM – R87.95  Are your eyes giving your late-night game away? Say goodbye to puffy eyes with essence Hello, Good Stuff! Depuff Eye Serum, that’s sure to give your tired eyes a boosted wake-up. Just a dab of its powerful formula of hyaluronic acid, caffeine, cucumber juice and vegan collagen replacement, will instantly revive the unavoidable bags under the eyes dilemma.   essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! HERBAL FACE MIST – R82.95  Stressful day got you down? Give your skin a calming spritz with the essence Hello, Good Stuff! Herbal Face Mist. With a nourishing combination of green tea, chamomile, and tea tree oil water, you may just achieve total zen after a few spritzes. This all-rounder face mist can be used both under or over makeup for a soothing and clean finish.  essence HELLO, GOOD STUFF! SLEEPING MASK – R113.95  End off your night time skin care ritual with some TLC for your skin. The essence Hello, Good Stuff! Sleeping Mask is an intensive skin renewal treatment that gently nourishes and revives the skin overnight. Free from alcohol and silicone, this sleeping mask is gentle on the skin and with its delicate lavender oil free from artificial perfume, you are guaranteed to fall into a deep slumber. Simply apply after removing your makeup and cleansing your face and let the sleeping mask do all the work. Its light gel texture contains active ingredients that will nourish and hydrate the skin overnight. The sleeping mask can also be used alone or with your night cream for some boosted skin care as the mask locks in the active ingredients of your night cream for a more intensive treatment. Sleep soundly and let the Hello, Good Stuff! Sleeping Mask work its magic!  Vegan-certified, natural ingredients and free from added microplastics, parabens, PEGs and mineral oil, the essence Hello, Good Stuff! range is a must-have to kick-start your clean beauty journey. Not only is this range safe for you and your delicate skin, it’s also non-harmful to the environment! Get your essence Hello, Good Stuff! must-have clean beauty products at Clicks (in store and online), Dis-Chem (in store and online), Woolworths (in store and online) and online at House of Cosmetics, Takealot, Superbalist and Skinmiles. Hello radiant, healthy, and glowing skin. Hello, Good Stuff! 

December 16, 2021
Parenting Hub

MAKE EVERY MOMENT IN THE SUN COUNT THIS SUMMER WHEN YOU TAN + PROTECT

Find your place in the sun this summer and transform sunburn and soreness to sun skincare health and achieve the perfect balance between your fastest and most naturally enhanced tan and serenely effective sun protection that will have everyone asking, ‘Where have you been this holiday?”.  It’s a fact that exposure to the sun’s UV rays is harmful to your skin, raising your risk of developing both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, as well as eye cancer and lip cancer. Even if the sun is not shining, harmful UV rays can still reach you to do their damage through clouds, fog, and haze. Providing sun lovers everywhere with innovative technologies which enhance your natural tanning abilities, PIZ BUIN® imparts protection from the sun’s most harmful rays, while delivering you with your most natural and effective summer tan yet.  This season, #Summer2021 heralds a standing ovation for PIZ BUIN’s Tan + Protect range, here to support you in your quest for a healthy and golden tan to boost your personal style while socialising all summer long.  THE TECHNOLOGY OF TANNING PIZ BUIN  Whether out hiking fynbos covered mountains, swimming in rivers, basking on the white sands of a beach or reading a book poolside, enjoy the sun safely with the PIZ BUIN’s advanced UVA/UVB sun filter systems which help to protect you from UVB (the skin burning rays) and UVA (the aging rays) penetrating your skin and at the same time allowing you to achieve a healthy golden glow, without harming your skin. PIZ BUIN’s powerful sun protection technology is proven to enhance your body’s natural tanning process by increasing the production of your skin’s natural tanning pigment (melanin) by as much as 70%. Included in the formulation, is Vitamin E, a powerful natural antioxidant that helps to protect you from free radicals which damage skin cells and cause premature skin ageing. All this technology comes together with the added benefits of a non-greasy and quickly absorbing sunscreen which not only protects your skin against UV rays but it hydrates it too, prevents peeling and causes a longer lasting, safer tan for every one of you lovers’ of the sun.   Active sunseekers will love how it is sweat and water-resistant too, allowing you to engage in all your favourite activities while remaining protected. Simply pop in your beach, overnight, sports or road tripping bag to ensure your skin protection while at play, all the while looking tanned and sophisticated. TAN + PROTECT INTENSIFYING SUN LOTION SPF 15 150ML (from RSP R209.95)As sun care specialists, PIZ BUIN uses innovative technologies to ensure you achieve the right balance of colour and protection whenever you enjoy the sun. This non-greasy and non-sticky formula will intensely moisturise your skin to help prevent peeling and contribute to a longer lasting tan.  TAN + PROTECT TAN INTENSIFYING SUN SPRAY SPF 30 150ML (from RSP R230.00) Establish and deepen your natural tanning colour with the sweat and water-resistant Tan Intensifying Sun Spray. Quick to absorb on your skin, it hydrates the surface of your skin exposed to the sun, helps prevent peeling and contributes to a longer lasting tan. It is available in SPF 6, 15 and 30. SUN LIPSTICK SPF 30 4.9g (from RSP R54.95)Moisturised lips are plump and rosy and the PIZ BUIN moisturing Sun Lipstick helps to protect your lips from the harmful effects of UVA/ UVB exposure while Aloe Vera, provides intense moisturisation and powerful soothing properties. Apply generously and evenly before sun exposure.  Energetic and expressive or relaxed and languorous, let your time out in the sun this summer meet the expectations of your lifestyle with Tan + Protect sun protection so you can live passionately and beautifully all season long.

December 16, 2021
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Sunscreen vs sunblock: What’s the difference?

Sunscreen or sunblock? Is there a difference? As it turns out, yes! To better understand which is best to use, let’s have a look at the differences and the similarities. Sunscreens (also called chemical sunscreens or organic sunscreens) are ingredients that need to penetrate your skin. This way, they can surround your cells in the upper layers of your skin to protect your skin from UVA and UVB frequencies. These sunscreens are designed to absorb the energy produced from these specific frequencies of light then convert them into other forms of energy to protect you.  Sunblock (also called in-organic sunscreens or physical sunscreens) were thought to reflect sunlight. However, research has shown that a lot of their protective action is also related to the fact that they absorb and convert sunlight energy. So, is one a better protector than the other? Not at all. They are both provide the same amount of protection from UVA and UVB frequencies of sunlight. The biggest difference between the two is that they will feel different on the skin. The absorption issue  Do you wear make-up or wear your sunscreen with other skincare products? In this case, organic sunscreens are a good choice as they absorb into the skin and leave less of an oily residue. You’d also have slightly better UVB protection with an organic sunscreen. Still, they’re not water-resistant, so they wouldn’t be an option if you were taking part in a Tri-Athlon or heading to the beach.  As for in-organic sunscreens, these will absorb to a smaller extent. They tend to lie on top of the skin and leave an oilier residue. They also tend to leave a white cast on darker skin tones.  For these reasons, those with oilier skin types or darker skin tones might prefer to use sunscreen rather than sunblock.  The bottom line At Lamelle, we use organic sunscreens in our products because they provide a broader percentage of protection (our critical wavelength with Lamelle Helase 50+ is 379nm where most sun protection products only protect up to 360 nm) .They also absorb into the corneum (the outer layers of your skin) and don’t leave a white cast on the skin. So, if you want superior protection that’s also picture-perfect, the better choice is an obvious one.  To learn more about Lamelle Helase 50, visit www.lamelle.co.za

December 10, 2021
Bramley Cosmetics & Toiletries

Summer Skin Protection for Sensitive Pockets

Summer is popularly associated with warm, radiant skin. Yet, what many people don’t understand is that the same sun that gives you your glow can also cause dehydration and damage to your skin. Therefore, ensuring that you have nutrient packed skincare products to keep your skin healthy is essential, and luckily, Bramley’s new Magnolia Range for sensitive and dehydrated skin is exactly what you need in these harsh summer conditions and it won’t cost you an arm or a leg either.  The sun travels to the Earth’s surface in two different forms: as UVA rays (longer, less harmful rays) and UVB rays (the infamous shorter waves responsible for sunburn and skin damage). Although your body does have protective measures to limit the damage done to it, such as producing melanin or peeling after severe burns, your skin still needs moisture and vital vitamins replenished daily. Bramley’s ultra-convenient Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Skin Spray(R26.99) packs a serious “pick me up” for slightly sun damaged or stressed skin. With a concentration of 100% natural Argan, Olive, Jajoba oils and vitamin E at its core, this spray has immense anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties, meaning it tackles free radicals found in your skin.  If you have a damaged skin barrier, your sunscreen is less likely to bind with and integrate into your skin, resulting in stressed skin being preyed on by UVB rays. Therefore, repairing your skin barrier should be your top priority when approaching the summer season. Repairing damaged skin cells requires a powerhouse of vitamins and active-ingredients that target damaged, dehydrated skin. With a cocktail of nourishing Vitamin E, soothing Jojoba oil and softening Argan oil, the Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Serum (R24.99) and the Magnolia Tissue Oil Gel (R26.99) offers intense moisture and nourishment for delicate skins. Easily absorbed and non-greasy, they have been dermatologically approved to treat dehydrated skin and return skin health to uneven skin tone, scars and stretch marks. Bramley’s doesn’t want to you forget about the rest of your body either when it comes to this sunny season. Created to specifically target dull appearances, rough skin spots and dehydration, Bramley’s Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Skin Body Lotion (R24.99) is a cream enriched body lotion packed with their signature Bio-pharm and other natural oils curated to leave you with smooth and stunning skin.   Yes, sun exposure is essential for many beneficial body functions – creating Vitamin D for collagen production; regulating sleeping patterns and giving us a mood boost – but overexposure can have long term negative effects on our skin. Get ahead of the sunbeams this summer by keeping your skin moisturised, protected, and packed fill of vital vitamins and antioxidants. With your skin’s health in mind, the sunny season is yours to enjoy stress-free and sun protected. 

December 9, 2021
Parenting Hub

Summer beauty and grooming problems, fixed!

Lazy days spent on the beach or next to the pool, braai’s with friends and sundowners with a view… Summer is our favourite time of year. But like all seasons, it comes with a unique set of beauty and grooming challenges. A shiny forehead, a sweaty scalp, green hair, runny mascara… Sound familiar?  Here, the solutions to fix summer’s most common beauty and grooming problems.  Makeup meltdown Because most foundations are liquid, they can literally melt and slide down your face when the humidity is very high, or when you sweat. Experts suggest ditching your HD or full-cover foundation in summer and opting for a light or dewy finish instead. We recommend wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation (R129.95). This weightless, super-nourishing foundation delivers natural all-day wear and has a moisturising formula that blends into the skin seamlessly.  Using a primer to prep your skin beforehand will help set your foundation and prevent it from sliding. It’s important to use a silicone-free primer, as silicone makes it difficult for skin to breathe and can result in sweating, which will worsen the problem. The newly-launched wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer (R189.95) is a first-of-its-kind silicone-free primer that is both mattifying and hydrating, making it the perfect primer for warmer weather.  Mascara doesn’t only run when you go for a swim – it can also leave you with panda eyes when you sweat. The best solution is a long-wearing waterproof mascara. Not only will it stay on when you go for a quick dip in the pool, but it will also last throughout the day, regardless of humidity and sweat. Try wet n wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara (R94.95). It visibly lifts and lengthens each and every lash for maximum, covetable length, and stays put all day. Shiny skin This is a major summer concern for both men and women. Our skins produce more sebum in summer to try counteract the drying effects of the sun. This can leave you looking shiny (think glazed doughnut rather than dewy) and if not managed properly, this excess sebum can clog pores and lead to breakouts. A few tweaks to your skincare regime will go a long way in managing shine and preventing breakouts. Use a good quality foaming cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil and impurities and follow with a lightweight moisturiser that provides adequate hydration without clogging pores. We recommend the new Nip+Fab Salicylic Fix Gel Cleanser (R219.95). Salicylic acid helps lift away dirt, impurities and excess oil whilst allantoin provides a moisture barrier and locks in hydration. The Salicylic Fix range also includes an Exfoliating Scrub (R219.95), a Lightweight Moisturiser (R219.95) and Blemish Fighting Spot Patches (R170.00) which may come in handy when the odd spot appears.  Pigmentation Our skin can develop sun-induced pigmentation all year round, but the fact that we spend more time outdoors in summer makes us more susceptible to it. Introduce vitamin C skincare products into your regime to help brighten the skin and make it more resilient to the effects of UV exposure. Vitamin C helps inhibit melanin production which reduces pigmentation and evens out your skin tone. Try Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits 2% Ultra Glow Serum (R139.95) and Skin Radiance Moisturiser (R89.95). These products work together to brighten skin, assist the regeneration process and protect against sun-induced pigmentation.  Green hair Ever heard that chlorine in swimming pools can turn blonde hair green? It’s not a myth! Chlorine oxidises the hard metals found in water. Because our hair is porous, it absorbs these oxidised metals, which results in a green tint. The number one tip is to never go into a pool with dry hair. Always drench your hair with fresh water from the shower before a swim. If your hair is already saturated when it comes into contact with chlorinated water, it won’t be able to absorb as much of the oxidised metals.  Shampoo and condition your hair straight after every swim to remove chlorine. Provoke Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo (R120.00) and Conditioner (R120.00) contains violet pigment to actively neutralise brassy, yellow tones and treat colour fading and dullness for instant, visible results. A weekly or bi-weekly hair mask is a great way to replenish the moisture that chlorine strips from the hair (and remember, hydrated, healthy hair is less susceptible to damage). Try Marc Anthony Complete Color Care Nourishing Hair Mask (R189.95). This hair mask nourishes hair and reduces colour fade, locking in nutrients and protecting against environmental damage.  Flaky scalp A flaky scalp is very common in summer. The skin on our scalps is delicate, and when exposed to the sun it can easily burn or become dry, and in both cases, it usually leads to flakiness. A flaky scalp can become itchy and sensitive and all-round uncomfortable. Keep your scalp healthy this summer by covering it up with a hat or scarf as much as possible. A weekly scalp scrub removes dead skin cells, bacteria and excess oils to prevent flakes. Try Umberto GianniniScalp Scrub Exfoliating Anti-Dandruff Treatment (R189.95). It’s packed with natural exfoliants from fruit enzymes and micro grains of natural walnut shell to keep your scalp healthy and flake-free. You might also want to apply a scalp mask from time to time as an added treat.  Umberto Giannini Banana Butter Nourishing Superfood Scalp + Hair Oil (R189.95) is packed with nature’s powerful oils. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula helps maintain a healthy scalp and combat dryness. For a scalp treatment that also works to nourish and moisturise hair, try Cantu’s Shea Butter Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil (R180.00) which not only helps support hair growth but also increases moisture, or Cantu’s Deep Nourishing Hair & Scalp Masque (R59.95) which helps combat dryness and flakiness.  Itchy beard If you have a beard, you’ll know that itchiness can be a major problem in summer. Beards are known to attract and hold bacteria, which is why a daily beard grooming regime is essential. Because you sweat more in summer, your beard can harbour more bacteria. The skin beneath the beard can become dry and sensitive, which in turn can cause itchiness. Cleanse your skin and beard thoroughly twice a

December 8, 2021
Lamelle Research Laboratories

Lamelle has just released their festive skincare gift promos

Each year Lamelle Research Laboratories celebrates their hero products in a festive promotion. You will receive a complimentary product with each gift set, specifically for the associated skin condition. Sera Silk Festive Promo Serra Cleansing Gel 125ml Serra Restore Cream Serra Lipid Recovery Mask  Serra Body Lotion Receive a complimentary Correctives HA+ Serum Recommended Selling Price: R1 382,61. Saving R705! Glow Bright Festive Promo Luminesce Brightening Cleanse 125ml Luminesce Brighter Day Corrective Brighter serum Receive a complimentary Corrective Vita C Lipid Serum Recommended Selling Price: R2 040,00. Saving R885! Youthful Nourish (Lite) Festive Promo Nourish Daily Cleanse 150ml Nourish Revitalise Lite Helase 50+ Receive a complimentary Corrective Recharge CE Complex Recommended Selling Price: R1 030,00. Saving R850,93! Youthful Nourish (Cream) Festive Promo Nourish Daily Cleanse 150ml Nourish Revitalise Cream Helase 50+ Receive a complimentary Corrective Recharge CE Complex Recommended Selling Price: R1 485,00. Saving R850,93! Timeless Festive Promo Dermaheal Foaming Cleanser 125ml Dermaheal Renewal Cream Helase 50+ Receive a complimentary Correctives RA 3.0 Serum Recommended Selling Price: R1 955,00. Saving R810! Crystal Clear Festive Promo Clarity Active Cleanse 125ml Clarity Corrective AM Clarity Corrective PM Plus Clarity Active Control Receive a complimentary Acnevelle Plus Recommended Selling Price: R1 380,00. Saving R605!

November 30, 2021
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