As we age, both our hyaluronic acid and collagen levels decline, and aging becomes visible in many ways, not least in the condition of our skin. We can slow the ageing process down a little through making good, healthy lifestyle choices; exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, smoking and pollution can accelerate the signs of ageing, and so avoiding these factors as much as possible is definitely beneficial. However, there are a few ingredients on the market today that can really have a significant impact on the condition of your skin as you age; collagen and HYALURONIC ACID.

While Dermashotz’ main active ingredient is marine collagen, it also contains 120mg of hyaluronic acid per sachet (this quantity is market leading for a collagen drink!). Hyaluronic Acid (a real ‘wonder ingredient’), works effectively alongside collagen to give your skin a youthful boost, but also help to prevent / slow down the ageing process in the first place. Hyaluronic acid is rapidly becoming one of the most popular anti-ageing supplements, and there are a number of reasons why…

For starters, hyaluronic acid is a water-binding molecule that can hold 1,000 times its own weight in water. This means that it plays a huge role in promoting super-hydration of the skin. It is also a glycosaminoglycan, which means it has widespread functions within the body and supports the most important structural proteins of the skin (collagen and elastin). Consequently, hyaluronic acid is amazing at moisturising the skin, helping it look and feel more supple AND reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

According to a 2017 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 60 people with ‘crow’s feet’ experienced a significant reduction in wrinkle depth and volume after taking a hyaluronic acid supplement for a period of 3 months. It improves skin elasticity, texture and hydration to provide radiant and dewier skin.

Hyaluronic acid can also help you retain the water that you drink, and can also help your skin to draw moisture in from.

Additionally, It plays a vital role in the regulation of cell growth and is known to speed wound healing. It regulates inflammation levels and pushes the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area. Hyaluronic acid is also beneficial for treating cold sores, ulcers and burns, because it keeps the damaged tissue moist to prevent cracking or bleeding. For this reason, it is also approved for use in some eye surgery to accelerate healing from surgery. Who doesn’t love a speedy recovery?

on the subject of eyes, hyaluronic acid can also be used to help treat dry eyes. The fluid inside the eye socket is formed mainly of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is used in some eye drops or contact lenses to moisten the eyes, help with tear production and improve eye health. Some studies have also discovered that hyaluronic acid helps suppress oxidative damage caused by UVB light within the cornea.

Naturally occurring hyaluronic acid is present in the gut and may help protect from and repair the body from inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Replenishing your hyaluronic acid levels before they decline will ensure your gut is well looked after.

Hyaluronic acid is also an essential component of the skin because it enhances the body’s ability to produce and synthesize collagen. By taking the powerful duo together, you’re increasing the efficacy of both ingredients, which leads to maximum benefits for your body. Collagen firms the skin while hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates in unison… hyaluronic acid retains the water, keeping the collagen moist and elastic.

Multiple studies on the use of collagen alongside hyaluronic acid have shown them to be effective natural moisturisers that balance the natural oils in your body. This can tackle problem skin internally. If you suffer from dry or acne-prone skin, this just might be your saviour.

Another reason we include hyaluronic acid in each Dermashotz sachet, is that hyaluronic acid enhances collagens positive impact on joint health. It acts as a lubricant for joints and has shown promising results at relieving joint pain. Joint pain becomes common with age but can also be as a result of injury.  Collagen and hyaluronic acid have shown to help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, and potentially prevent it. You’ll be a well-oiled machine!

Dermashotz combines both hyaluronic acid and collagen for the easiest, most effective way of maintaining their levels within your body. Their cohesive powers will not only improve hydration throughout your body but will give you that perfect, glowing complexion as well.

Menopause is an inevitable part of a woman’s life. And while the menopause can’t be stopped, the common symptoms that accompany it can be relieved.

There are three stages of menopause: peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause, all of which affect the body in different ways.  Many of us don’t realise just how early menopause can actually start, but 1 in every 100 women experience early menopause (peri-menopause) at or before the age of 40.

A woman reaches menopause once her period has stopped for 12 months. The symptoms a woman experiences prior to reaching menopause, is the peri-menopausal stage. Post-menopause, a woman will no longer have periods and some of the symptoms of menopause will have eased or stopped, but some women continue to experience the same symptoms for several years after.

There are many symptoms associated with menopause. With so many possible menopause symptoms, it is always best to seek advice from your GP on the most effective methods of menopause relief that best suit you.

Symptoms of perimenopause include sleep issues, brain ‘fog’, hot flushes, memory loss, mood swings, anxiety and also physical changes.

The primary driver of these symptoms is the progressive decline of the hormone oestrogen, which is produced by the ovaries. Science has long proven that oestrogen plays a vital role in support of total body collagen. And so, as oestrogen levels decline through menopause, so do our collagen levels. In fact, a massive 30% of dermal collagen can be lost in the first five years of menopause. This is the primary reason the development of wrinkles and lines accelerate as we age.

One of the most common symptoms of menopause is seen and felt in our skin. Skin can feel thinner and drier, and sometimes develop teenage acne-like symptoms. Skin cell renewal declines during this time, with a lower level of sebum which can cause skin to become dull and lack hydration. ‘Quick fixes’ and topical products can often aggravate menopausal skin as they can cause dryness, worsen symptoms and can be too harsh.

Alex Inge, co-founder and co-CEO of Cult beauty, writes “There are plenty of solutions out there to support and ease women through this period, but many GPs are not sufficiently trained to recognise or treat the symptoms”. She also adds that “most private insurance policies don’t even cover the menopause and most workplaces don’t have a menopause policy”, despite it affecting 51% of the population.

Taking supplements to rebuild and ‘top up’ the natural collagen in your body can ease many of the symptoms that go hand in hand with menopause. Where skin elasticity may decline, if collagen supplements are taken it will stimulate collagen production, improving wrinkle depth, elasticity and hydration. Not only is our skin affected during menopause, but our hair becomes more brittle and thins. Hair loss can prove to be a significant and hugely unwanted symptom of menopause. Collagen provides essential amino acids which can help to strengthen hair. Hair is made of keratin, a protein found in collagen, so when this is restored, hair will become healthier and can prevent breakage and shedding.

Another worrying symptom of menopause is reduced bone density post-menopause. Taking collagen orally can promote healthy tissue regeneration and healthy joints which can prevent and alleviate the pain associated with osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions.

Collagen supplements can be taken at any age, but if you want to keep your skin youthful and your joints feeling supple, you might want to consider adding collagen to your diet to help tackle some of the symptoms of menopause (even before they start!).

In the winter we tend to use less energy. As days get shorter and colder, we take more time to rest and replenish. As such, it’s a great opportunity to use the winter months to give our body some much-needed ‘TLC’ and to top up on essential nutrients.

DermaShotz are the best supplement for your body this winter and here’s why…

The key ingredient found in DermaShotz is a Hydrolysed Marine Collagen (11,000mg per serving to be precise… the most you’ll find in any single serve collagen drink at the time of writing!). After consumption, the absorbed collagen peptides remain in your body for around 14 days, where they support your tissue and boost your immune system to help you feeling (and looking!) your absolute best. Collagen helps improve skin elasticity and moisture levels and retention, so DermaShotz can combat dry, tired and irritated skin this winter.

Whether you stay inside or brave the cold to work out this winter, collagen aids in exercise recovery and promotes muscle growth, allowing your body to fully benefit from all that hard work!

Additionally, collagen supports your gut health and immunity. This is extremely important during the colder months when you’re more susceptible to viruses like colds and ‘the flu’.

Although collagen is the main ingredient, it isn’t the only one that’ll be your ‘saving grace’ this winter.

DermaShotz also contain 120mg of Hyaluronic Acid, which our skin naturally produces to help maintain hydration. However, the older we get, the less we produce. Therefore, it is essential you ‘top up’ the Hyaluronic Acid lost with age.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a humectant, which means it pulls moisture to the upper layer of the skin for an instant hydrating effect. During colder months, even when the air becomes drier, HA pulls moisture from deeper levels of the skin to hydrate the surface. In short, Hyaluronic Acid is the best way to achieve plump and hydrated skin, so say goodbye to chapped lips and dry cheeks this winter!

Another key ingredient perfect for the winter, is MSM, which is an easily absorbed and naturally occurring compound of sulphur. MSM increases the absorption of nutrients so that the energy expenditure on digestion is vastly reduced.

It is also a key supplement in treating Osteoarthritis and joint pain. Cold weather tends to exacerbate aches and pains, and MSM can really help to relieve this pain so that the winter months aren’t as gruelling.

Harsh winters can often create problems for your body such as respiratory illnesses, skin conditions and Arthritis. DermaShotz contains a full spectrum of  vitamins and minerals to help support your body in the ‘winter battle’.

Curcumin, present in each DermaShotz sachet, is proven to have a suppressive effect on ‘the flu’. It works as an antioxidant, and helps build immunity so that your body can recognise and destroy any ‘nasties’ that have previously attacked your body. Its anti-inflammatory effects are also useful in treating asthma, which can be worse during winter months.

Not only does it prevent physical illness, but Curcumin also helps to alleviate feelings of anxiety and seasonal depression. During the winter, it is easy to shut yourself away from the world and find yourself struggling to reconnect. DermaShotz provide you with that feel-good energy boost needed to help you push through the harder months.

Curcumin isn’t the only ingredient in DermaShotz that helps with feelings of anxiety and depression. DermaShotz are packed full of the ‘must-have’ vitamins for this winter, such as vitamin A, vitamin B (6,7 and 12), vitamin C and Vitamin D.

The B vitamins, otherwise known as the “anti-stress vitamins” create the feel-good neurotransmitters responsible for maintaining a positive mood.

Vitamin A is yet another defence against illness and infection, but it also helps vision in dim light. Perfect for those winter nights when it gets dark early.

For years vitamin C has been branded as the top home remedy for keeping colds at bay. Although it is not scientifically proven to prevent colds entirely, it does in fact lessen the severity of the symptoms of a cold, and shortens the duration of illness. If we can’t eradicate colds altogether, we might as well make them more manageable.

Vitamin D is created directly in sunlight. During winter, we have limited exposure to sunlight and therefore, benefit from less vitamin D. Several large studies have shown a direct link between a vitamin D deficiency and respiratory tract infections such as colds, Bronchitis and Pneumonia. Essentially, vitamin D acts as another preventative ingredient to winter illness.

There is not a single ingredient in Dermashotz that doesn’t help our bodies thrive during the colder winter months.

All of the ingredients listed above are blended together to create your perfect winter drink… so get sipping!