Category: Beauty

Renew Skin and Spirit in the Comfort of Your Home

Published on by Nikken

December is an ideal time to prepare for the new year. As the year winds down, there are some activities that are not only fun but also beneficial to overall health. Two such enjoyable activities are the renewal of your skin and your spirit. Rather than go to a spa or a retreat, skin and spirit can both be revived, renewed and regenerated in the comfort of your own home. Simply carve out a private area and make sure all electronic devices are off.

For skin renewal, the three basic steps are cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Be sure to choose products that are made with ingredients of the highest quality, such as the Kenzen True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care line, which is EcoCert® COSMOS certified, an international certification renowned for its strict guidelines and guarantees the highest organic integrity.

At the heart of the True Elements® range is a synergistic blend of sustainably harvested organic seaweeds and coastline plants. These natural ingredients are a source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and fatty acids.

For cleansing, regenerating and remineralizing, use Velvet Cleansing Milk and Radiance Scrub. The Velvet Cleansing Milk gently removes impurities while seaweed extracts provide trace elements and minerals that help boost the radiance of the skin and maintain its moisture content. Radiance Scrub is formulated to gently exfoliate the skin with natural perlite mineral so that its natural glow can shine through. Organic seaweed and sea fennel help to strengthen and protect, while organic aloe vera helps to renew damaged skin.

For toning, refreshing and brightening, use Refreshing Tonic Lotion and Youth Activ Serum. The tonic is perfect for the removal of makeup and grime. Seaweed extracts, spray-dried seawater, and aloe vera are combined to help soothe and tone the upper layers of the epidermis, leaving skin that looks fresh and bright. Youth Activ Serum is rich in marine extracts and hyaluronic acid to plump skin from within and supports skin’s elasticity, leaving the skin looking firmer and smoother. Organic ulva lactuta helps brighten skin and decrease the appearance of dark spots.

For moisturizing, protecting and restoring, use Moisturizing Face Cream and Revitalizing Serum. The Face Cream is smooth and light, enriched with marine extracts, shea butter and hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin. Organic sea fennel is packed with minerals to support skin cell regeneration. Revitalizing Serum is enriched with sea fennel, hyaluronic acid and marine magnesium to moisturize intensely and help transform dry, dull-looking skin into supple, youthful-looking skin.

Your complete skin regimen can be followed with spirit renewal, or you can set aside special time just for your soul. Again, find a dedicated space that feels peaceful and serene. This can be outdoors or indoors, depending on the environment you prefer. You can choose complete quiet or select soothing, meditative music—whatever promotes calmness within you.

You may choose to sit or lie on top of the KenkoGround® to feel connected to nature. Practice deep breathing and simply rest, or do some stretches to help your physical state be in tune with your relaxed state of mind.

Another way to practice mindfulness for renewal of your spirit is to write down your feelings and thoughts. Renewing your spirit does not have to involve goals and to-dos, only if writing those down feel beneficial during this private time. You can focus instead on your inner secrets, emotions and deepest reflections.

Enjoy your private time with yourself as you head towards the end of the year, and you might decide to to schedule skin renewal and spirit renewal regularly! It’s all part of empowered living and feeling good every day, both internally and externally.

What is the Foundation for Vitality?

Published on by Nikken

What’s the first thing you think of when it comes to vitality? What do you think provides you with that feel-good sense of being able to take on the world? Is it a healthy heart or a great set of lungs? Is it your clarity of mind?

It may be surprising to know that your digestive system plays a crucial role in how you feel! The microorganisms that live in your gut contribute to a balanced (or unbalanced) microbiome. When it’s balanced, nutrient absorption is working at optimal levels and the key to energy production. In other words, a digestive system that is breaking down food very well, is enabling the body to extract and absorb as many nutrients as possible, resulting in high energy levels.

The “feel good” neurotransmitter is serotonin, and it is vital to the connection between gut health and whole body energy, since about 95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. A healthy gut produces ample amounts of serotonin, which helps mood and sleep, two essential factors for maintaining high energy levels.1

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are all essential for energy production. Even if you eat balanced whole foods, if your digestive system is not functioning well, these nutrients cannot be absorbed efficiently. If your body does not absorb enough nutrients, you may feel tired, lethargic or have an overall feeling of fatigue.

What you eat plays a significant role in gut health and energy levels. Professional athletes adhere to a strict diet regimen because it directly impacts their performance. The same holds true for all of us—a poor diet that is high in processed foods with added sugars and unhealthy fats will disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. By choosing whole foods rich in fiber, you can actually create a healthy and balanced gut, which in turn produces high levels of energy that help you to feel good every day.

Eating naturally colorful foods, mostly found in fruit and vegetables, helps provide a broad range of nutrients that include antioxidants. Since fiber is so important for a healthy gut, incorporate whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa and oats. Fiber will help you stay regular, another important aspect of gut health. Include lean proteins found in fish, poultry and legumes, as they will help you maintain muscle mass and energy levels.

Probiotics and prebiotics are found in fermented foods and are known to promote balance in the gut. If you like the taste of yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi or garlic and onions, you can incorporate them into your daily food regimen. You can also supplement with Golden Gut Formula, an advanced, integrated nutrient source uniquely designed to support gut health. It not only helps to balance the microbiota in the gut, it provides prebiotic support to help the probiotics work more efficiently and to deter bad bacteria from growing. Always remember to drink lots of PiMag® water to stay hydrated, knowing that water helps digestion!

Good nutrition is key to gut health, but physical activity is also important. Regular exercise helps maintain digestive health and support gut motility. You don’t have to be a high-performing athlete to achieve an improved gut: simply choose an activity you can do consistently—whether it’s walking, biking, swimming, yoga, Pilates or chair exercises—your gut will feel the difference and your overall energy levels will improve, so that you can experience vitality—the essence of feeling good every day—and the empowered living lifestyle.

1 https://greaterorlandogi.com/2025/01/13/how-digestive-health-affects-your-energy-levels/

Gut Health Matters: Supporting Your Gut Barrier for Overall Wellness

Published on by Nikken

An Educational Look at Gut Permeability and Why It’s Worth Your Attention

Imagine pouring a glass of water from your tap and seeing it cloudy with debris. Would you drink it? Most of us wouldn’t. Instead, many rely on advanced water filtration systems to purify and enhance the quality of what we consume.

Now, think of your gut barrier as a filtration system for your body. It plays a key role in supporting digestion and overall wellness by selectively allowing nutrients to pass into your bloodstream while helping regulate exposure to other particles. Some researchers suggest that when this system is under stress, it may become more permeable—an area of growing scientific interest. While the term “leaky gut” is sometimes used to describe this phenomenon, it is not a recognized medical condition. Instead, ongoing research is exploring how gut permeability may be influenced by lifestyle factors and how maintaining gut health may contribute to overall well-being.

Just as you wouldn’t compromise on clean water, supporting your gut barrier could be a proactive step toward feeling your best.

What Influences Gut Barrier Health?

Think of your gut barrier as a tightly woven mesh, composed of specialized cells that regulate what enters the bloodstream. When functioning optimally, this barrier allows properly digested nutrients to be absorbed while maintaining balance in the digestive system. However, certain lifestyle factors may challenge this balance, according to some studies:

•Diets high in processed foods or unhealthy fats

•Ongoing stress or poor sleep quality

•Frequent use of antibiotics or certain medications

•High intake of alcohol or sugar

Some research suggests that these factors may affect proteins (such as Claudin-3 and Zonulin-1) that help maintain the gut lining’s integrity, potentially leading to increased permeability. While more studies are needed, maintaining a balanced diet and adopting healthy lifestyle habits may support gut function and digestive wellness.

Signs Your Gut Might Need Support

Gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being, but subtle signs of imbalance can sometimes go unnoticed. Consider the following:

Do you experience occasional bloating or digestive discomfort? Do you sometimes feel fatigued or experience brain fog? Are you finding it challenging to maintain energy levels and a balanced metabolism?

If you answered yes to any of these, your gut may benefit from extra care. While maintaining gut health through diet, lifestyle, and possibly supplements may help, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Final Thoughts: Caring for Your Gut Like You Care for Your Water

Would you knowingly drink unfiltered, contaminated water? Probably not. Similarly, prioritizing gut health may contribute to overall wellness, as it plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and digestion.

While research continues to explore gut permeability and its broader implications, one thing remains clear—a balanced diet, stress management, and mindful lifestyle choices can all contribute to gut health.

Explore ways to support your gut health today—because just as you wouldn’t compromise on clean drinking water, nurturing your gut barrier is a step toward feeling your best.

Suggested Further Reading: · Groschwitz KR, Hogan SP (July 2009). “Intestinal barrier function: molecular regulation and disease pathogenesis”. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 124 (1): 3–20, quiz 21–2.

· Bischoff SC, Barbara G, Buurman W, Ockhuizen T, Schulzke JD, Serino M, Tilg H, Watson A, Wells JM (Nov 18, 2014). “Intestinal permeability–a new target for disease prevention and therapy”. BMC Gastroenterology (Review). 14: 189. · Canakis, Andrew; Haroon, Mustafa; Weber, H. Christian (2020). “Irritable bowel syndrome and gut microbiota”. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity. 27: 28–35.

· Tsung-Ru Wu et al., 2019. Gut commensal Parabacteroides goldsteinii plays a predominant role in the anti-obesity effects of polysaccharides isolated from Hirsutella sinensis. Gut, 68(2):248-262

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided does not constitute medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

About the Author:

Dr. Rob is a nutrition and fitness expert with a PhD from The Ohio State University. He has led innovation in dietary supplements and functional foods for top wellness brands and now serves as Chief Science Officer for TCI BIOTECH US & Americas. An author of four books and over 100 research papers, he works globally with athletes and health professionals to optimize performance and well-being.

Do You Get the Right Amount of Rest to Feel Renewed?

Published on by Nikken

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, many people misinterpret the meaning of rest. She says that “anything that is not their normal work, they call rest.”1 She gives the example of people who go on vacation to rest. In reality, the vacationers do not actually get rest. Instead, they do a lot of fun activities, which leave them feeling tired rather than rested or restored. So, there is a difference between not working and resting versus not working and doing fun work.

How much rest you need in order to feel renewed or restored is an individual matter. There isn’t a magic formula; however, Dr. Dalton-Smith has identified seven types of rest that work together to provide the renewal every body and mind needs. Here is how they work in tandem:

1.         You can achieve mental rest by scheduling activities that do not require much thought throughout the day. This will have a grounding effect and truly give your brain a rest. You can take a short walk outside and breathe in some natural air. You can simply sit still for a few minutes and keep your mind blank.

2.         What Dr. Dalton-Smith calls spiritual rest is what the Japanese call ikigai. She says to “consider your life purpose and your connection to something bigger than yourself.” This can simply be achieved by soaking in some sunlight, smelling flowers that are in bloom, listening to the rain or anything in relation to nature. This is similar to the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing—soaking in the effects of being in nature, specifically the forest.

3.         Emotional rest occurs when you feel comfortable enough to let down your guard to be open and vulnerable. Find your inner circle of people with whom you can show your true emotions, whether it’s fear, joy or anything else.

4.         Finding your community of like-minded people can providesocial rest. This is the “no man is an island” type of rest as you need time to spend with others.

5.         In the digital world, many suffer from sensory overload. Sensory rest can be achieved by shutting off electronic devices, listening to calming music, and stimulating your sense of smell with aromas you enjoy.

6.         In Zen Buddhism, there is something called “beginner’s mind.” Dr. Dalton-Smith’s version is called creative rest. She says, “Go back to a beginner’s mind and experience something with a fresh new perspective to tap your creative juices.”2

7.         Every single body needs time to recover from work, play and everything in between. Physical rest is equated with sleep most often. Dr.Dalton-Smith defines physical rest as recovery time. She says, “Honor your body by stretching and taking breaks to breathe deeply and reboot. This practice will calm your body and lift your mood.”3

Proper rest is an important fuel for our human tanks. Productive people require enough mental, physical, creative, emotional and spiritual rest. Breathing clean air and staying grounded are two other ways to achieve proper rest. For the entire month of December, take advantage of 30% off the KenkoAir Purifier® and 20% off the KenkoGround®, and see how much it can help you get the rest you truly need!

1, 2, 3 https://mindfulhealthsolutions.com/embrace-these-7-types-of-rest/#:~:text=The%20seven%20types%20of%20rest%20are%20physical%2C%20mental%2C%20emotional%2C,prioritize%20our%20self%2Dcare%20accordingly.

Does Drinking Water Help Your Skin Stay Healthy?

Published on by Nikken

Drinking enough water is not the magic bullet for healthy skin, but it certainly plays an important role in maintaining it. Since skin is the body’s largest organ, keeping it healthy is critical for overall well-being. The skin protects your inner body, helps to store lipids and water, to prevent fluid loss and to balance body temperature. Even though skin covers the entire body and is exposed to the elements more than any other organ, sometimes we overlook how imperative it is to take care of it.

Our skin is made up of three layers. The subcutaneous fat layer is at the bottom; the middle layer is the dermis; the epidermis at the top layer. The stratum corneum is at the outermost layer of the epidermis and is an important membrane which keeps harmful things from entering the body, while also making sure that too much water doesn’t leave our bodies. In other words, it helps keep the skin hydrated by preventing water evaporation. This layer is not only a barrier against harm but also a conduit to absorb water. If you push against this outermost layer of skin and it doesn’t spring back right away, it means you are dehydrated. Once you rehydrate, the skin will bounce back.

With age, skin tends to lose density as collagen and elastin breakdown. The result is the sagging and wrinkling that is the target of so-called anti-aging products. Drinking more water really won’t help get rid of sagging or wrinkling but it will help prevent dehydration, especially during the hot summer months. Even if drinking ample amounts of water cannot prevent the signs of aging skin, it still helps skin to look and feel healthy.

Drinking sufficient amounts of water every day helps to flush out toxins in ther body. Water intake helps the digestive system to function efficiently when processing waste. Flushing out toxins helps to improve the skin’s health and overall health.

“Excessive hydration is unlikely to benefit the skin,” says Kathleen C. Suozzi, MD, director of aesthetic dermatology at Yale Medicine and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. “The skin is hydrated from the inside out by pulling fluid from the capillary blood flow in the skin, but if there isn’t enough water to pull from — say, if you’re dehydrated — skin can effectively dry out. Skin hydration is a reflection of total-body hydration. If a person is dehydrated, there is less water being transferred to the skin from the circulation.”1

In short, it’s important to drink enough water for the skin and body to stay hydrated. Dr. Suozzi says about 13 cups of water for men and 9 cups of water for women represent adequate fluid intake, but “if a person has a lot of transepidermal water loss from sweat or heat, then this requirement increases.”2

Through the month of August, Nikken replacement water and air filters are on sale at 20% of retail, so it’s a good time to make sure you have enough filters for all of your Nikken filtration systems!

1, 2 https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-skin/can-you-hydrate-your-way-to-healthy-skin/

Aging Well vs. Anti-Aging

Published on by Nikken

“Aging well” and “anti-aging” are different approaches to aging. Aging well focuses on the positive aspects of aging, such as a healthy diet and a fulfilling social life. Anti-aging focuses on preventative measures to slow down the appearance of aging, which also may involve a healthy diet and fulfilling social life but relies predominantly on external care and less on internal care.

The two perspectives on aging often depend on cultural biases. In many Asian countries such as Japan and China, age and signs of agingrepresent knowledge, wisdom, and respect. On the other hand, in some Western cultures, beauty is intertwined with youth—a factor that contributes to ageism. A report by the World Health organization (WHO) shows prejudice towards older people hinders the process of accepting old age.1

Skin care, personal care and other beauty products have been marketed over the years as ways to cover up the signs of aging. In fact, natural aspects of aging including wrinkles, less elastic skin, discoloration marks and so forth have been called “signs of premature aging.” The question is, when is aging considered “premature” vs. time-appropriate?

British scientist and researcher Aubrey de Grey, who studies aging from a biological standpoint, coined the terms “pro-aging” and “well-aging.” He is the author of The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging as well as Ending Aging, showcasing his embrace of aging as natural and positive.

Aging well calls for skin care, personal care and beauty products to serve as tools that celebrate each stage of life rather than attempting to disguise aging.2 Aging gracefully means different things to different people. Whether you’re looking to keep that youthful glow or just to take better care of yourself as you get older, here are some tips for aging well:

•  Help to regulate your nervous system. Nerves are the pathways that carry signals to and from your brain and the rest of your body, including skin cells.3 To help the nervous system operate smoothly, practice deep breathing, be in nature as much as possible, practice grounding, get plenty of restful sleep and maintain a positive state of mindfulness.

• Practice positive thinking. This seems like such a simple thing to do, but how many times do you catch yourself thinking poorly of yourself? Positive thinking begins with the self.

• Eat whole, nutrient-dense, mineral-rich foods focusing on antioxidants, fiber, greens, omega-3 fats and quality protein. Focus on foods that help to balance blood sugar levels, support a healthy and diverse microbiome and enhance efficient digestion. In other words, eat a wide range of colorful fruit and veggies with a healthy dose of lean protein.

• Drink filtered, mineral-rich water for effective hydration.

• Use natural skin care and personal care products as much as possible. This will help to decrease the number of chemicals you are exposed to. Try to incorporate natural alternatives to your cleaning products as well, for example, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and mineral salt.

• Your sense of touch helps keep you feeling youthful. This is why petting a dog or cat can help reduce blood pressure. Rocking a baby, hugging a family member or friend—these acts are sensory aids that tend to foster feelings of well-being—similarly to massage.

Nikken products are inspired by nature, so whether you need to supplement your diet through Kenzen® nutrition, stay hydrated with PiMag® water or pamper yourself with True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care, you can feel confident as you embrace aging well.

1, 2 https://shopsimpleorganic.com/blogs/simple-blog/pro-aging-well-aging-and-anti-aging-what-are-they-why-does-it-matter

3 https://sandythinnesbeautyflow.com

Skin Care From the Inside Out

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Healthy skin is often a sign of overall well-being—what you see on the outside can be a good indicator of what is on the inside—from a vigorous circulatory system to an efficient digestive system. In fact, what you eat and drink can affect not only your overall health, but it can also affect the appearance of your skin.

Here’s a sampler of what might prove beneficial not only to your nutritional intake but also to your skin:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring supply omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and help keep the skin supple. You can obtain a healthy dose of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids from Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA.

• Honey, walnuts, blueberries, nutritional yeast, kale, collard greens, spinach, sweet potatoes, organic root vegetables, and avocados help skin to function properly and may aid in healing wounds.1

• Eat fermented foods—such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, olives, sourdough bread—because they contain probiotics, vitamins, minerals and lactic acid in addition to breaking down food into small particles that are more easily absorbed.

• Reduce sugar in your diet. Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. Refined sugars and simple carbohydrates lead to insulin spikes that cause inflammation, and inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles.

• Cut back on alcohol. Excessive amounts of alcohol disrupt gut health, which in turn shows up directly on the face as dull, aging skin. If you choose to drink moderately, wine is made with fermented grapes, so that would be a better choice.

• Cut back on dairy. Dairy products are known to trigger acne. There are so many plant-based replacements for dairy products that it is now much easier to replace them. Try soy, nuts, oats, coconut and other non-dairy products.

• Drink green tea. It contains polyphenols that are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There have even been studies that show drinking green tea helps the skin retain moisture.2

• Take your vitamins. You can obtain them through food or you can take Kenzen® Mega Daily 4 with specific formulas for Women and for Men. Here are a few specific vitamins that are beneficial to overall health and the skin:

-Vitamin A is known to support skin cell regeneration while suppressing the oil-producing gland. Vitamin A is found in abundance in red and orange colored fruit and vegetables.

-Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports collagen production and tissue repair and growth. Eat plenty of citrus and leafy greens.

-Vitamin E is another antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage caused by free radicals that can lead to premature aging. It’s easy to get vitamin E from a variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds and plant-based oils.

-Vitamin D plays a role in determining your skin tone, as it helps create healthy cells. Salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms, tuna and mackerel are great sources of vitamin D.

• Collagen supports skin elasticity for a more youthful look. Include Pink Collagen Complex as part of your daily regimen!

Improve your diet, remember to include exercise daily, and get enough beauty sleep! See the difference in your skin within a few months or even earlier!

1 https://www.coloskin.com/dermatologists-in-denver/healing-your-skin-from-the-inside-out/

2 https://www.nutrisense.io/blog/green-tea-benefits-for-skin

Warm Weather Skin Care

Published on by Nikken

As you move into spring and soon, summer weather, you might notice some subtle or blatant changes to your skin. For people in general, cold weather requires more intense moisturization while low temperatures requires a bit less. Warm weather opens up the pores and produces more oil, so you may benefit from some adjustments to your skin care regimen.

The three main actions to keep in mind for warmer weather are exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate.

•            Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead skin cells that otherwise accumulate on the skin and dull your complexion.

•          Cleansing should be with a gentle cleanser, not one that is abrasive or stringent.

•          Hydrate with a light, non-greasy moisturizer. Even if you tend towards oily skin, not using a moisturizer because the weather is warm or hot, can dry out your skin, especially since you will tend to perspire more during spring and summer.

One particular type of skin care product that is beneficial to virtually every skin type in the warmer months is the hydrating serum. Serums tend to have a lighter texture than actual moisturizers and work especially well when used in tandem. You’ll receive the benefits of improved water levels in the skin, which help to increase the appearance of radiance. And, serums can provide this assistance without giving you an oily, greasy feeling. Most dermatologist will recommend using serums and moisturizers formulated with hyaluronic acid, because it is an ingredient that binds and locks in moisture to prevent dehydration in the skin.

Another recommended ingredient is glycerin, as it is known as an emollient that can soften skin and draw moisture to the dermal surface, which has the effect of filling in wrinkles.

If you have sensitive skin that becomes more irritated with the warm weather, try to stay with skin care that is fragrance-free or naturally-fragranced. Artificial fragrances are chemically-sourced, and the fewer chemicals your sensitive has to contend with, the calmer it will be.

Although the body naturally produces more collagen in the warmer months, one precaution to take is to decrease your risk of sun damage. Wearing sunscreen is helpful but exposure to sunlight tends to lower your collagen levels. If you are under natural sunlight a lot during spring and summer, taking a collagen supplement may help you maintain your collagen levels.

These are the last couple of days to benefit from our 20% off sale on True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care. Not only do we have a a gentle cleanser with Velvet Cleansing Cream, but we also have a Radiance Face Scrub to help get rid of dead skin cells without a harsh exfoliant. And, Youth Activ Face Serum, Revitalizing Face Serum and Moisturizing Face Cream all contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so your skin can stay hydrated and full.

If you feel a dip in your collagen levels or simply want to maintain consistency in your year-round regimen, our nature-inspired Pink Collagen Complex is a deliciously simple way to supplement your way to a younger-feeling, younger-looking you!

Bovine Collagen vs. Marine Collagen

Published on by Nikken

About 28 types of collagen have been identified, but the dominant collagen is collagen type I. Over 90% of the collagen in the human body is collagen type I because of its wide prevalence in almost all connective tissues.1 Collagen types I, II, and III are used for supplements. Collagen type I is mainly found in marine collagen. Collagen type II is from chicken collagen and bovine collagen. A mixture of collagen type I and type III can be obtained from porcine collagen and bovine collagen.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), collagen supplements originating from various sources such as marine, bovine, and porcine can improve skin integrity and lessen skin aging. They are effective in wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation, and skin aging reversal. Due to its high biocompatibility with the human body, collagen type I is the most used in beauty products. with collagen supplementation becoming prevalent in recent years.

Collagen of porcine and bovine origins come from cow and pig skins as well as their bones. Due to religious constraints concerning the avoidance of porcine and bovine products or other reasons such as the outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), the marine collagen source is being highly considered by the industry as an important alternative. In fact, marine collagens have the advantages of being highly sustainable as they can be obtained from invertebrate marine animals, such as jellyfish as well as a wide range of fish species.

Why would some manufacturers prefer bovine collagen when there is a risk of transmitting disease? Mammalian collagens have higher thermal stability than fish collagens. Thermal stability is related to body temperature and the low thermal stability of marine collagens restricts its applications.2 The mechanical strength of marine collagen is poorer than collagen extracted from bovine because it is less crosslinked. Cross-linking is a simple method known to improve degradability, biological and mechanical properties of biomaterials by enhancing chemical and physical interactions between polymers.3 After the crosslinking treatment, marine collagen can be used as a biomaterial in tissue engineering. Despite some limitations, the marine collagen is an appealing option for product developers because of its sustainability and there being no risk of BSE. In the latest 20 years, more than 175 chemical entities and 28 marine natural products were discovered. Marine organisms, as well as their wastes, are good sources of collagen.4

Marine resources of collagen have many advantages over land animals and other sources. Not only are they available in abundance, have no religious constraints and are easily accessible, there have been few reported toxic effects at effective doses. This is significant as a major source of collagen is from cattle, which have a risk of transmitting highly dangerous BSE and TSE. In addition to its promising safety profile, the use of marine collagen is environmentally friendly. Fish skin, bones, and scales are vast sources of collagen. By using marine collagen, useful waste is reduced, and no further organisms are harmed in the isolation of collagen. Furthermore, collagen has a variety of applications in many fields, such as drug delivery, wound healing, skin aging, and tissue regeneration.5

Marine collagen can be used as a biomaterial because it is water soluble, metabolically compatible, and highly accessible. Marine collagen and its derivatives also have proven beneficial and useful for both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis prevention and treatment. Marine collagen bioactive peptides are known to aid in the absorption of calcium and zinc, which are important components of bone and are beneficial for osteoporosis prevention. Other bone-related issues may also be targeted by collagen, as it is capable of increasing bone mineral density, mineral deposition, and importantly, osteoblast maturation and proliferation.6

Because marine collagen peptides carry a smaller molecular weight, they are more easily absorbed. They are therefore favored to help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and enhance the overall structure and appearance of skin.7

Bovine collagen or marine collagen: the choice is yours.

1, 2, 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620403/

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8902548/

5, 6, 7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8780088/

Feel Naturally Beautiful with the Right Statement Piece

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What we wear affects how we feel. Think about how you feel when you get “all dressed up” versus being in your favorite pair of denims. In both these cases, chances are you have a certain “attitude,” positive but in different ways. When you add the right statement piece in the form of jewelry, it can enhance that feeling of self-confidence and gratification.

Jewelry in ancient times were made from bone fragments and other things provided by nature: twigs, leaves, the pits of fruit, pebbles, vines, raw gemstones and so on. Even Neandertals wore jewelry! Although contemporary fashionistas use “Neandertal” in a derogatory way, new studies in the United Kingdom have identified a connection between ancient collagen protein and archaic artifacts, creating a portrait of Neandertals as beings who already knew how to adorn themselves to enhance their beauty.1

We’ve come a long way since ancient times! The Kenko line of jewelry is not only beautiful and beautifying, but it also imparts a sense of well-being. Limited editions that are currently in stock, there are the Serenity Duo, Universe Duo, Venus Set and the Nova Ring that comes in either silvertone or goldtone. Each of these pieces are also available individually.

The Universe Duo with necklace and matching bracelet aims to help you look great while reaching for your total balance. Made with abrasion-resistant Stainless Steel 316L, the rose goldtone necklace and bracelet are great accessories with restorative magnetic technology and the naturally calming effects of tourmaline.

If you prefer the subtle elegance of silver, the Serenity Duo with necklace and matching bracelet provide the same complementary magnetic and tourmaline technologies. Also made with abrasion-resistant Stainless Steel 316L, the silvertone duo matches virtually every outfit!

The Roman goddess Venus is the inspiration for the elegant Venus Set. Available in matching hematite faux pearl necklace and earrings, they are made with Stainless Steel 316L and nickel-free. The earrings are 8 mm while the necklace boasts 18 inches of the same high-quality craftsmanship—both with natural magnetic and calming tourmaline technologies.

The Kenko Nova magnetic rings are made with high-quality copper and zinc alloy. Nickel-free, both silvertone and goldtone versions have naturally calming tourmaline technology and 400 gauss magnets. Both rings adjust to fit sizes 5 through 8 and are comfortable to wear.

A gift of Kenko Jewelry is a gift from the heart.

1 https://www.science.org/content/article/neandertals-made-their-own-jewelry-new-method-confirms