Health News

Do you remember being totally unaware that collagen matters in skin? Possibly when you were 20 years old and your collagen production was so high, 75% higher than it will be with age, you didn’t need to think twice about it. You heard the word collagen mentioned vaguely, you knew it was a protein, you knew it was somehow related to your skin’s structure.

The reality is it, like so many things, it’s only when you start to see the effects of it leaving that you start to care. When your skin begins to show signs of aging, understanding what collagen is, what it does, and how you can encourage it to stay, is where dermatology comes in.

Collagen is the main protein in the body.
It’s everywhere. In your bones, in your gut, in your teeth, in your muscles. Everywhere. And it’s produced by the body every single day. But its production slows as you age.

Collagen and water make up most of the skin. 
Collagen is also the main protein in skin. Collagen alone accounts for between 80% to 90% of skin’s dry weight, when you exclude water. It resembles a triple helix, that is a spiral structure, made of three chains of a hundred or so amino acids.

Collagen is what makes our skin firm.
Just as it is used by the body in building muscles, collagen gives our skin the resilience and firmness it was born with. Originating in the Greek word, kólla, meaning glue, collagen type I and type III bind together in the dermis, like a connective cushion.

It’s made by fibroblasts, cells in the dermis, the skin’s second layer, also responsible for secreting elastin. And together with elastin and other proteins called glycoproteins, collagen forms part of what’s called the Extracellular Matrix. This is the network that structures the skin itself, like a muscle, providing its actual physical properties, like tonicity, resilience and firmness.

Skin loses collagen at a pace of 1% a year. 
After our mid to late twenties and early thirties, skin loses approximately 1% of collagen every year. Collagen synthesis by fibroblasts decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity, firmness and suppleness. So between now and the next football World Cup in 2022, most of us will lose 4% of our collagen. This is why by the time we’re 80, our skin will produce 75% less collagen than it did when we were 20.

Collagen declines even faster depending on how we live. 
Collagen depletion can be accelerated: by photo-aging, by pollution, smoking and by diet. The associated free radicals and the process of glycation (the biological process whereby sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen) can wreak havoc, making existing collagen fibers hard and fuse together. Plus the enzymes which break down collagen (MMPs) are stimulated by UV rays. Also with age, collagen, typically a large protein, becomes thinner. Not surprisingly, given its major supporting role, this degradation of collagen is visible in skin, making it more rigid and less supple.

Collagen can be boosted inside-out and outside-in. 
Now that glycation is its own area of anti-aging research, mounting evidence suggests we can refill our skin with collagen – or at least slow its departure or destruction by eating our way to collagen health (going easy on sugar for starters) and avoiding overexposure to the sun. Collagen-protecting skincare can also work double-duty by defending the collagen in skin already, while simultaneously boosting skin to product more. 

It’s only natural that collagen declines with age. By making some very simple daily skincare decisions, we can, however, correct the signs of its loss on skin.

Elle est douce, elle est tendre, elle sent bon, on a envie de l’embrasser à longueur de journée et on résiste à celle de la croquer ! Quoi donc ? La peau de bébé bien-sûr ! Mais cette peau de bébé est fine et fragile : elle demande des soins particuliers et parfois, on a du mal à s’y retrouver… Comment prendre soin de la peau de bébé ? Quels produits utiliser ?

Attention, fragile. Pourquoi protéger la peau de bébé ? 

La peau de bébé est aussi douce que fragile, aussi irrésistible que fine. Encore en construction, elle ne devient mature qu’à partir de 2 ans ; elle a donc besoin de soins adaptés pour pouvoir se défendre contre les multiples agressions extérieures auxquelles elle est exposée : le frottement des couches, les changements de température, le soleil, la pollution, les textiles irritants, etc.

Des agressions qui peuvent provoquer des réactions épidermiques comme de l’eczéma, des croûtes de lait, des rougeurs, des érythèmes fessiers, etc. A ce stade de la vie, les glandes sébacées de la peau de bébé ne remplissent pas encore bien leurs fonctions et la barrière cutanée est d’autant plus vulnérable ! Il est donc nécessaire de l’hydrater quotidiennement afin d’aider l’épiderme à maintenir un taux d’hydratation satisfaisant.

Du fait de sa finesse (jusqu’à 30 % plus fine que celle d’un adulte), la peau de bébé est beaucoup plus réactive. Il est primordial d’utiliser des produits spécifiques et hypoallergéniques. Topicrem a mis son expertise dermo-cosmétique au service de la création d’une gamme de soins totalement pensée pour répondre aux exigences de la peau de bébé.

Peau de bébé : les bons soins et les bons gestes

Lorsque l’on est une toute jeune maman, on peut vite se sentir submergée par les innombrables questions que posent l’arrivée d’un bébé. Pour nous soulager, Topicrem partage sa routine pour soigner la peau de bébé sans que cela devienne une corvée. Au contraire ! Le moment de la toilette est un vrai moment de complicité à partager avec son enfant. C’est l’occasion de se retrouver, au calme, et de masser ses petits petons bien trop adorables.

Le massage est d’ailleurs une excellente façon d’apaiser les tensions, d’améliorer le sommeil, de soulager les problèmes digestifs et surtout, d’hydrater comme il se doit la peau de bébé. Mais revenons-en à cette routine, à quoi elle ressemble ?

• Nettoyer avec le gel nettoyant 2 en 1 Topicrem qui lave le corps et les cheveux en douceur. Sa formule a été élaborée en respectant de hauts standards de sécurité à partir d’ingrédients naturels et biologiques. Testé sous contrôle dermatologique, le Gel Nettoyant 2 en 1 Topicrem nettoie en même qu’il adoucit la peau de bébé ainsi prête à être hydratée ! Attention à ne pas trop prolonger le bain, ce qui aurait pour effet de déshydrater l’épiderme à cause de l’eau calcaire.

• Soignerentre deux changes à l’aide du lait de toilette Topicrem. C’est un produit parfait pour les nouveau-nés, les bébés et les jeunes enfants qui souffrent d’une peau sèche. Il débarrasse la peau de bébé des impuretés sans l’agresser grâce à une composition hautement tolérable à base d’ingrédients naturels et biologiques. On l’applique à l’aide d’un coton sur le corps et le visage : c’est notre sauveur en cas de compote qui aurait fait quelques détours autour de la bouche.

• Hydrater une fois par jour en n’oubliant pas les zones cachées telles que le cou, l’arrière des oreilles, les pieds, les mains, etc. C’est un geste important pour prendre soin de la peau de bébé et en ce sens, Topicrem a élaboré Mon 1er lait ultra-hydratant qui contient des actifs physiologiques – c’est-à-dire qui composent naturellement la peau : la glycérine et l’urée. Sa texture onctueuse ne colle pas et pénètre rapidement ; la peau de bébé est hydratée pendant 24 heures.

Prendre soin de la peau de bébé devient alors une évidence, un petit rituel que l’on met en place.

Your joints are your body’s support system – literally. Whether you’re doing day-to-day movements like walking, sitting, standing, or stretching, or more intense activities like weightlifting or rock climbing, your joints allow you to move freely. However, no matter how healthy you are, your joints will begin to show some changes in mobility after a lifetime of activity. If not addressed, decreased joint mobility can cause occasional discomfort.

Let’s look at how your joints change with age and what you can do with your routine to help promote joint health.

• The structure of joints

Before we address how aging affects joints, it’s important to understand the basic structure of joints. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones, allowing them to move smoothly and easily against each other. A membrane called the synovium surrounds the joints and is filled with synovial fluid – a thick substance that helps keep your cartilage healthy. The health of each of these things – bones, cartilage, and synovial fluid – all contribute to healthy joints.

• Age-related changes in bones 

Bone health is fundamental to maintaining healthy joints. Throughout your life, your body is continually engaging in a process called remodeling, during which old bone is removed and replaced with new, fresh bone. Up until about the age of 40, all bone is replaced. After age 40, however, less bone is replaced over time.

One of the best ways to promote healthy bones is to make sure you’re getting adequate calcium in your diet. Calcium is the main mineral found in bones, and it is the most important mineral for bone health. Because old bone cells are constantly being broken down and replaced with new ones, it’s important to consume calcium daily to maintain bone structure and strength.

Taking a calcium supplement is one of the easiest ways to get your daily dose of calcium in a form that your body can easily absorb. 

• Age-related changes in cartilage

Cartilage is your body’s natural shock absorber. As you age, your joints can occasionally become stiff and impact flexibility because the amount of lubricating fluid inside your joints decreases, and your cartilage can become thin.² This decreased cartilage can cause stiffness, especially after sitting or lying down for long periods of time.

Without cartilage, the bones wouldn’t have anything protecting them and may start to rub together, causing discomfort or stiffness.

HOW TO PROMOTE JOINT HEALTH

With bone mass and cartilage starting to decrease as you age, it may seem like maintaining healthy joints can be a losing battle. Thankfully, however, there are many ways that you can help promote healthy joints within your daily routine and continue the activities you love.

• STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLES

Strength training is great for building muscle, but did you know that it can also promote healthy joints? Strengthening the muscles stabilizes the joints and helps to take the pressure off weaker, worn-out joints. Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner before introducing new exercises to your routine.

• EAT A BALANCED DIET

What you eat affects every aspect of your health – including your joints. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, or other fatty fish, can help regulate the production of signaling molecules that can affect your joints.

• TAKE A JOINT HEALTH SUPPLEMENT

Exercise and a balanced diet are crucial but taking a supplement can also help support your joint health especially where there may be nutrient gaps in your diet.

Curcumin

Curcumin also offers a range of benefits, and joint health is one of them. Curcumin acts as an antioxidant, helping to fight free radicals that are naturally produced in the body. Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which is negatively associated with joint health.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a chemical compound naturally found in cartilage, the tough tissue that cushions your joints. Glucosamine can help support healthy joints by supporting cells called chondrocytes, which help maintain cartilage structure. Glucosamine is also found in some animal and other non-human tissues, including shellfish shells, animal bones, and fungi. However, one of the best ways to get glucosamine externally is through a supplement.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Your joint mobility and flexibility may be impacted as part of the normal aging process, but by taking the right steps, you can continue to do what you love. Exercising, eating a balanced diet, and taking supplements for joint health can help keep you moving with ease. And besides, age is just a number, right?

Vous rêvez d’une peau lisse, rebondie et fraîche à votre réveil ? Pour cela, il faut avoir les bons gestes !

LES GOLDEN HOURS, DES HEURES PRÉCIEUSES POUR VOTRE PEAU

La nuit, la peau active ses mécanismes naturels de récupération et de régénération. C’est notamment pendant les « golden hours », c’est-à-dire entre 23h et 2h, que la régénération de la peau atteint son pic maximum d’activité. Le stress, l’âge, les nuits plus courtes enrayent ce processus naturel de la peau. D’où l’importance d’adopter une bonne routine du soir pour booster ce phénomène de récupération.

4 ASTUCES POUR BOOSTER LA RECUPERATION DE LA PEAU !

• GOMMEZ POUR OXYGÉNER LA PEAU DU VISAGE

Gommer permet de débarrasser des cellules mortes et des traces de maquillage qui « asphyxient » la peau, provoquant un phénomène d’oxydation prématuré. Grâce aux micro-grains qu’il contient combiné au massage lors de l’application, le gommage contribue à augmenter la régénération cellulaire.

• PRÉPAREZ VOTRE PEAU À RECEVOIR LES SOINS

Pour optimiser l’efficacité des soins hydratants* et régénérants, il est recommandé d’utiliser une lotion de soin.

• MASSEZ POUR ACTIVER LE PROCESSUS RÉGÉNÉRANT

Afin de booster la régénération des cellules, des massages faciaux quotidiens peuvent être réalisés pendant l’application du soin, pour gagner du temps !

Par exemple, commencez par déposer par effleurages légers votre soin régénérant au centre du visage : front, nez, menton. Activez la pénétration en décrivant à doigts plats et joints des balayages du centre du visage vers l’extérieur, du front jusqu’au cou. Enfin, relaxez les traits en effectuant des gestes circulaires autour des yeux, puis en effectuant des pressions le long des sourcils, sur les tempes, de la narine vers l’oreille et terminez par le menton.

• CRÉMEZ POUR BOOSTER LES MÉCANISMES NATURELS DE RÉCUPÉRATION

Pour subvenir aux besoins de la peau la nuit, privilégiez des soins adaptés à votre type de peau. Vous pouvez demander conseils à l’une de nos conseillères

L’argile verte est un actif connu depuis des siècles pour ses multiples vertus. Découvrez pourquoi l’intégrer dans votre routine de la rentrée.

Pure et naturelle, l’argile verte est une terre extraite de carrières puis séchée au soleil. Riche en minéraux et oligo-éléments, elle offre de nombreux bienfaits qui permettent de soigner divers maux (petits boutons, inflammations, cicatrices etc…).

Ses principales actions :

• Elle purifie la peau grâce à son rôle d’éponge naturelle. Elle absorbe et régule le sébum de la peau
• Elle possède des propriétés cicatrisantes et antiseptiques qui vont accélérer la guérison des boutons
• Elle est riche en silice et en minéraux essentiels (calcium,  fer, magnésium…).
• Elle apaise la peau en cas d’inflammation

L’argile est donc un incontournable pour le soin de l’épiderme et particulièrement pour les peaux mixtes à grasses.

When you’re pregnant, the needs of your baby come first. Because of that important change in your life, there are certain foods to avoid during pregnancy. Removing these foods from your diet can keep you and your baby happy and healthy through all three trimesters. Additionally, avoiding these foods can help you steer clear of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and listeria that can lead to illness and even miscarriage. Here are some foods we recommend you avoid during pregnancy.

• Unwashed Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a big part of the perfect pregnancy diet. We recommend that you wash all the fruits and vegetables you choose to eat. When you wash your fruits and vegetables, you reduce the risk that you’ll be exposed to the parasite toxoplasmosis that can be found in the soil where these foods are grown.

• Alcohol

When you find out you’re pregnant, it’s important to stop drinking alcohol immediately. Exposing your baby to alcohol in the womb—even at the earliest stages of development—can interfere with the healthy growth of the fetus. In extreme cases, it can even lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

• Caffeine

Though you may love the grande latte you get every day, your baby will not. The caffeine in that latte can be absorbed by your baby. And because caffeine is a stimulant, it can cause changes in your baby’s sleep and normal movement patterns. Studies on animals have even shown that caffeine consumption can lead to birth defects, premature labor, and increased risk of low-birth weight. We suggest being better safe than sorry—cut the caffeine from your diet and you and your baby will rest easy.

• Raw Eggs

Raw eggs may contain salmonella which can make you and your baby sick. Cooked eggs, and products that contain raw eggs but are cooked or baked at some point, are fine in moderation. But products like homemade ice cream, mayonnaise, and Hollandaise sauce should be avoided at all costs.

• Imported Soft Cheese

Many imported soft cheeses are made with unpasteurized milk and can contain the listeria bacteria. For that reason, we recommend avoiding imported cheeses like brie, feta, Camembert, and Roquefort. Check the ingredients label to be sure.

La sédentarité étant notre pire ennemie, toute activité sportive est bénéfique pour la santé. Elle renforce les muscles et les os, protège le cœur et les artères, limite la prise de poids, diminue le risque de certains cancers et notamment du cancer du sein, protège le cerveau ainsi mieux irrigué et améliore l’humeur.

Mais il arrive que ces instants, s’ils sont prolongés ou intenses, soient gâchés par des sensations de gêne intime voire des irritations. Quelques conseils pour limiter ces dernières :

Avant de pratiquer un sport (jogging, sport d’endurance…) qui fait transpirer, il faut tout faire pour éviter les conséquences de la macération et des frottements.

• Choisir des sous-vêtements blancs en coton 100% (si possible) et non en matière synthétique (comme le lycra ou le latex).

• Ne pas porter de pantalons ou de shorts trop serrés car ils favorisent l’humidité, la chaleur et la macération et risquent de comprimer la région vulvaire. Ils doivent être suffisamment amples pour que l’air circule et que l’humidité s’évapore.

Après le sport, il faut prendre une douche pour rafraichir et calmer les irritations créées par les frottements. Le gel douche habituel convient à tout le corps à l’exception de cette zone intime qui mérite des soins particuliers car son pH est plus acide et doit être respecté :

• Utiliser un soin lavant doux au pH physiologique. Il aura instantanément un effet apaisant et procurera une impression de fraîcheur bienvenue après l’effort.
• Ensuite il faut bien se rincer à l’eau pure et sécher sans frotter, juste en tamponnant.
• Puis changez de sous vêtement après la douche.

Pour celles qui pratiquent la natation en piscine, la douche est nécessaire au sortir du bain pour éliminer toute trace de chlore qui irrite les muqueuses. Si elle n’est pas possible, on peut utiliser des lingettes intimes apaisantes en les choisissant avec précaution. Il est fortement conseillé de ne pas garder trop longtemps un maillot de bain humide sur soi.

Le sport peut provisoirement, en l’absence de ces précautions, déséquilibrer la flore vulvo-vaginale. Afin de mieux vous équiper, ci-joint notre sélection de produits Rogé Cavaillès pour l’hygiène intime :

• Roge Cavailles Soin Toilette Intime Extra-Doux: Ce soin intime Extra-Doux procure jusqu’à 12 heures d’efficacité*. Avec ses actifs encapsulés, qui libèrent en continu des extraits de calendula adoucissant, il vous apporte douceur et fraîcheur toute la journée. Respectueux de la flore et de son équilibre fragile, il nettoie en douceur et préserve au quotidien l’équilibre des muqueuses, même les plus sensibles. 

• Roge Cavailles Soin Toilette Intime Gel Fraicheur : Ce soin apporte fraicheur et bien-être, tout en respectant l'équilibre intime. Formulé pour la toilette intime quotidienne, sa formule au Menthyl Lactate vous procure une réelle sensation de fraicheur. Son complexe physio-régulateur aide respecter votre équilibre intime. Il vous apporte aussi fraicheur et bien-être durablement.

Hydration is crucial to the wellbeing of your skin, no matter your age. Still, during menopause dryness is one of the most common issues and can occur regardless of the season. Below, you will see that during menopause the most important thing to treat your dry skin is to use the right products and to stick to a routine. 

Taking care of your skin during menopause is key

Hormone imbalance during menopause can decrease your skin's hydration levels. Sebaceous secretions decrease with age as well. If you have noticed that you are experiencing a dull complexion, roughness and your skin is more sensitive it means that you have to modify your skincare routine.

For once, sebum is a good thing, keep it coming!

Here are a few steps you can take to hydrate on a daily basis:

• Use gentle cleansers that protect your skin barrier function twice a day and try to avoid hot water
• Moisturise your face and body at least twice a day
• Choose products that contain water-attracting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine
• Flaky, rough skin needs regular exfoliation as well, because it may not absorb the hydrators that you are applying. The key is to remove the dead skin cells from the top layer. Either you can do it at home or you can also try in-office professional care like chemical peels, or microdermabrasion. Always use broad-spectrum sun protection products after exfoliation. Consult your dermatologist to determine the best treatment course for your skin needs. 
• Consider living a healthier life! Smoking, alcohol, and excessive tanning without sun protection can worsen your skin condition and cause dryness.
• Start using hydrating face mist or spray thermal water during the day and avoid the places where the air is dry. This extra dose of hydration can do a lot for your skin throughout the day.
• And, please, do not forget to eat well. Drink suitable amounts of water to provide enough hydration to your body. Try to include water-rich products and omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet.

Key elements to remember

Hydrating is a must do. It is the "how to" that matters the most. Keys to preventing dryness:

• No perfume
• Avoid hot water when you cleanse 
• Be sure to hydrate at least twice a day
• And maintain a healthy lifestyle

In order to help ensure crisp, clear vision, better eye health and maximum lens wearing comfort, consider these important tips for successful lens wear and care.

These tips will help guide you, but always follow the advice of your eye care professional.

Dos:

• Always wash your hands with a mild soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.
• Always clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses each time you remove them. Follow your eye care professional’s instructions.
• Always handle the same lens first to avoid confusing the right and left lenses.
• Always keep all solution bottles closed when not in use.
• Always clean your lens case daily and let air dry. Replace your lens case every three months.
• Always use solution before expiration date marked on bottle, or discard.
• Always remove contacts before you go swimming.
• Always keep your ReNu MultiPlus product with you at all times.
• Always carry your contact lens case along with a bottle of multi-purpose solution to have a safe place to store your lenses.
• Always schedule regular appointments with your eye care professional as he/she recommends.

Don’ts:

• Never allow soaps, cosmetics, or other substances to come into contact with your lenses.
• Never touch the tip of a lens care solution bottle to any surface, including your finger or the contact lens.
• Never re-use any lens care solution.
• Never use eye drops or solutions not intended for use with contact lenses.
• Never wear your contact lenses in the presence of harmful or irritating vapors or fumes.
• Never wear lenses for more than the prescribed time.
• Never swap contact lenses with anyone.
• Never apply hairspray after putting your contact lenses on.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Your optometrist will advise you whether this product is suitable for you.

Here are our tips on how to cope with sleep deprivation as a new mum:

Sleep when you can: Everyone will tell you to ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’ but you probably won’t! All mums know this is the only time you have to shower, eat, have a hot cut of tea or run around being excited about having a sleeping baby. However, it is important to try and recoup lost sleep and you will feel a lot better for it. Set aside at least a couple of nap times a week to sleep, the housework can wait. And if you have other children which makes naptime naps impossible, go to bed at the same time as them in the evening.

Drink lots of water: You’ll feel worse if you are dehydrated, so make sure you drink lots of  water. Reports are conflicting about caffeine, but have a coffee or tea if you think it will wake you up.

Make sure you eat properly: It’s easy to skip meals or survive on toast when you have no free hands, but eating a balanced meal and lots of fruit and veg will give you energy for the day. Try not to carb-load or have too many sugary snacks, as tempting as they are when you’re tired.

Get someone else to hold the baby: Have a nap when your partner is around. Or try and find time when a grandparent, or a visitor, is there and get them to look after the baby for an hour while you sleep.

If you can’t sleep, rest: When you’re really tired, try and down tools to do as little as possible, especially when you have another child. Have a movie day or TV afternoon. Set out some toys of the floor while you relax on the sofa. Let them play in the garden to burn off steam, where you can sit and watch. 

Take a break if you feel stressed: Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling foggy and probably more than a little bit grumpy. It’s easy to snap when you’re sleep deprived, especially when it seems like your children won’t listen and are demanding a lot. If you feel like you’re going to get angry, make sure they are all safe and leave the room to catch your breath and clear your head.

Accept all offers of help: Sleep deprivation is tough and it’s hard to operate as normal. Accept all offers of help, from meals through to letting someone else do the washing up.

Be kind to yourself! The most important tip of all for when you cope with sleep deprivation is to be kind to yourself. It’s hard to operate as normal, although everyone still expects you too, and sleep deprivation can make you snappy and grumpy with those around you. You’re doing the best job you can, and don’t forget that.