Category: Beauty

Hydration and Moisturization: We Need Both for Healthy Skin

Published on by Nikken

The word “hydration” is connected to water. Hydrating the skin therefore means increasing its water content. Hydrated skin is smooth, glowing and has an even tone. When skin is dehydrated, it can appear flaky, dull and dry. However, people often tend to confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin. Although used synonymously, there is an underlying difference between the two. Dehydrated skin lacks water, whereas dry skin lacks a fair amount of sebum, which is the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands present in the skin. Dry skin can also be the result of certain medications or disorders.1

How can we tell the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin? The two have notably different indicators. Dry skin may present as itchy, red, flaky and irritated, while dehydrated skin may show up as dull, wrinkly, lined, puffiness and shadows around the eyes, dry mouth and increased sensitivity.2

There are ways to hydrate the skin but there are also ways to moisturize it. Hydration and moisturization actually involve two separate processes. Hydration of the skin occurs when we add water to it. It temporarily fills skin cells to give it a fuller feel. It’s temporary because skin releases water when there is nothing to help retain it—the most obvious way is through perspiration but exposure to wind, sun and other elements expedite the discharge of water.

Drinking a lot of water, in and of itself, cannot help hydrate skin unless you are actually dehydrated. Those who stay hydrated cannot drink copious amounts to help improve skin’s texture or radiance. Skin is actually the last part of the body that water reaches, as it flows to all the other organs first. However, drinking ample amounts of water does help rid the body and skin of toxins.

Moisturization is a necessary partner for hydration, because it involves adding ingredients into the skin to help prevent water loss. When moisture is retained by the skin, it enables skin’s natural ability to renew and repair to occur, improving texture and overall skin health.

Retaining the moisture in the skin is a complex science, but dermatologists generally agree that hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, ceramides and antioxidant vitamins A, C and E are among the most beneficial ingredients to add into creams and serums.3 These ingredients come in many variations and may be known by other “INCI”(International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) names; for example, tocopherol, sodium hyaluronate, ascorbic acid, lipids from oils and seaweeds and so forth.

The True Elements® Marine Organic Skincare range takes moisturization to a high level with its emphasis on sustainably farmed seaweeds that contain naturally-occurring antioxidants, beneficial acids, salts and oils. You can feel secure knowing that all True Elements® skincare products are COSMOS Organic certified by EcoCert, pH balanced and naturally fragranced. The range does not contain parabens, phenoxyethanol, PEGs, phthalates, EDTA, GMO ingredients or synthetic coloring.

Combining hydration, by drinking enough PiMag water, and moisturization, by using True Elements® Marine Organic skincare, is a bona fide way to maintain high energy levels and vibrant-looking skin. Tap into the power of hydration the entire month of March with our four Water Packs! Each pack has two state-of-the-art PiMag® products. You get one at the regular price and the second at 50% off! You have your choice of two PiMag MicroJet® Wall Mount Shower Systems or two PiMag MicroJet® Handheld Shower Systems, both of which help neutralize chemicals, two PiMag® Sport Bottles of 100% recyclable biogreen materials, or two PiMag Waterfalls® that can help reduce bacteria by 99.99%.

1,2,3,4 https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-hydrate-your-skin

Why We Wear Jewelry

Published on by Nikken

Jewelry was an early form of decorative art. The study of some primitive cultures shows that organic materials were used in the past. It was not until a later stage of human development that people chose precious and possibly scarce materials from far away to create jewelry.1

In many cases, jewelry was used as personal adornment, and also to convey the wearer’s social roles. Jewelry was also used to ward off disease and other evils, and sometimes even to work “magic” against opponents. In religious rituals, jewelry enhanced acts and signs of prayer and devotion to divinities.2

Jewelry that was made out of precious materials surfaced 5,000 years ago. In Mesopotamia, jewelry was fashioned from metals designed as leaves, spirals, and bunches of grapes and inlaid with brightly colored stones. The Ancient Chinese had high regard for jade and silver. Brooches made of precious metals were used in Ancient Greece and Rome to clasp clothes together. Mayan jewelry was generally made from jade, gold, bronze, silver, and copper. Gold was highly coveted in Ancient Egypt such as was displayed in artifacts from King Tut’s tomb. These ancient cultures considered jewelry as a status symbol and only the affluent wore it. In the Middle Ages, royalty and nobility wore jewelry made from gold, silver, and precious gems, while those from the lower classes wore ornaments made from base metals like copper and pewter.3

As times and traditions changed, the mindset about jewelry has also transformed. It has become a mode of self-expression and creativity that’s not limited to costly metals and stones. Jewelry can now also be made from textiles, leather, plastic, glass, or crystal. Fashionable and luxury jewelry is worn by people from all walks of life. These days, people wear jewelry to reflect their mood, style, and individuality.

Kenko Jewelry is the Nikken line, and whether it’s a pair of earrings, a necklace or a bracelet, each piece incorporates magnetic technology, comfort and style. Kenko means health or healthy in Japanese, and as with every Nikken product, our jewelry is made with the purpose of enhancing the Active Wellness lifestyle. Through the end of the year, there is special holiday jewelry, ideal for gifting, in addition to our regular year-round items. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide and get them while they last!

1, 2 https://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/fashion-accessories/history-jewelry-fashion

3 http://www.historyisnowmagazine.com/blog/2021/9/20/a-brief-history-of-jewelry

5 Tips for Balancing Your Immune System

Published on by Nikken

Immune health has been on the forefront of everyone’s mind, especially in the past year. People have tried to come up with a variety of ways to “boost” their immune system. But, is that really possible? It’s actually a common misconception that the more active our immune system is, the healthier we will be. The fact is, when it comes to our immune system, more is not necessarily better. While we don’t want an underactive immune system, an overactive immune system can cause problems, too. So, what we really want to achieve is a balanced immune system1. Here are five tips on how to get it!

 

1. Keep those vitamin D levels up!

Many people have low vitamin D levels, and studies show our levels drop in the fall and winter months (in the Northern hemisphere) when we begin to spend less time in the sun. This is bad news for our immune system. If our vitamin D blood levels fall rapidly – as often happens when the weather gets colder and our time in the sun decreases – our innate immunity suffers. So, to maintain optimal blood levels of vitamin D we need to get daily, moderate sun exposure and/or take a vitamin D supplement.

 

2. Sleep like a baby

For years, science has linked a good night’s sleep (6-8 consecutive hours) to a healthier immune system. That’s because during this regular time of rest, our immune system promotes a healthy inflammatory response. Stress hormones fall to the lowest levels at night, allowing our bodies to undo the physical stress exerted during the day. One of the best ways to improve the quality of sleep is to improve “sleep hygiene.” Create the right ambience in your bedroom by making it cool, dark, and quiet. You can even light some candles, take a bath, meditate, or just sit quietly. Sweet dreams!

 

3. Say sayonara to stress

Easier said than done, but it’s so important because stress takes a significant toll on our immune system. Physical, mental and emotional stress, especially when it’s ongoing, can impair our immune system’s ability do its job. Mindfulness-based activities like meditation, deep breathing and yoga are excellent tools for managing stress. Don’t forget exercise! It not only keeps us healthy, but it strengthens our immune system. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate activity is all it takes.

 

4. Feast on fermented foods

You may be thinking, “Fermented foods? What the heck is that?” Fermented foods consist of sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir and kombucha. Eating them is great for our immune system because 80 percent of the immune system is found in our gastrointestinal tract.  If these foods aren’t appealing to you, you can get the same benefits by taking probiotic supplements. Ingesting probiotics (friendly bacteria and yeasts) is an effective way to improve digestion and support immune health.

5. Add mushrooms to your diet

Did you know there are a few species of mushroom that contain some of the most powerful immune boosting compounds in nature? It’s true! Mushrooms such as shiitake, cordyceps, reishi, and maitake can reduce the negative stresses on our bodies. Not a fan of mushrooms? Consider adding a mushroom supplement to your diet such as the Kenzen® Immunity. It contains a combination of 14 different mushrooms, including rare varieties not available in conventional mushroom products.

Incorporating the active wellness tips described above to your lifestyle now will help you feel better and more balanced long-term.

1 https://www.objectivewellness.com/journal/posts/how-to-boost-your-immune-system-its-all-about-balance

Introducing KENZEN True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care

Published on by Nikken

Good for You and Sustainable for Nature

Sometimes it’s possible to make a good thing better. That’s what we’ve done with the KENZEN True Elements® range of skin care products. Not only have we upgraded the already advanced formulas, but we also have a higher level of organic certification and have changed our packaging to be more eco-friendly.

We’ve added ‘KENZEN’ to the brand – Kenzen means “healthy” in Japanese – we are tying together our nutritionals with our skin care. In fact, you’ll notice the new True elements® contains an even higher level of natural and organic ingredients – making it a great nutritional addition for your skin. 

KENZEN True Elements® was always certified organic by EcoCert®, but now we’ve added COSMOS ORGANIC to our certifications. Adding this gold standard in international certification, COSMOS Organic means the True Elements® range must comply with even more stringent guidelines. Complying with COSMOS Organic certification ensures responsible usage of natural resources and responsibility towards biodiversity and eco-friendly production with high-quality natural and organic ingredients via processes that respect people and the environment.

We take our commitment to the environment and to natural organic skin care seriously. 

Our KENZEN True Elements® formulations are formulated along the same ingredient guidelines as our nutritionals. That means no GMOS, pesticides, parabens, polyethylene glycol (PEG), silicone, dyes, aroma, controversial ingredients, gluten, alcohol or aluminum salts.

Because we respect the ocean and its precious inhabitants, the seaweeds used in KENZEN True Elements® are harvested by hand and by boat from the Iroise Sea in Brittany France, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Just as it’s important to fish sustainably, it’s equally crucial to harvest seaweed and other marine plants respectfully. Harvesting by hand and boat helps to preserve resources and maintain a low carbon footprint.  Another step towards our mission to be ‘in harmony with nature’ and sharing Active Wellness with the Global Wellness Community.

The first three new and improved products are: Moisturizing Face Cream (item 2044), Youth Activ Serum (item 2042) and brand new Revitalizing Serum (item 2062). The two serums are formulated to complement the Moisturizing Face Cream. To be applied on a clean face before applying the Moisturizing Face Cream, the Youth Activ Serum targets anti-aging and dark pigmentation spots. The Revitalizing Serum is formulated to energize dull, tired-looking skin with marine minerals . Both serums help decrease the appearance of fine lines and boost the hydration of the Moisturizing Face Cream. Depending on the needs of your skin, you can choose which serum best suits you; however, you can also use one in the morning and the other at night.

The key ingredients in these advanced formulas include three different types of seaweed extracts: Organic Chondrus, Organic Laminaria, Organic Ulva Lactuca and sea plant: Organic Sea Fennel. Along with High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid, Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Shea Butter and Marine Magnesium Concentrate. Take a look at the three new KENZEN True Elements® products in our Nikken shopping cart to read more about the features and benefits of each precious skin care product.

Nikken is committed to working in tandem with nature and Planet Earth, so KENZEN True Elements® are Good for You and Sustainable for Nature.

Use Both Shampoo and Conditioner for Best Hair Results

Published on by Nikken

Did you know it’s normal to lose 100 to 150 strands of hair a day?1 The good news is that we can help prevent excessive hair loss by taking care of both our hair and scalp. Contrary to popular belief, washing hair daily is not the best way to guarantee scalp and hair health. In fact, most hair care specialists will advise not washing daily unless you have unusually oily hair.

Here are some tips for growing and maintaining a healthy head of hair:

  • Don’t wash your hair everyday and whenever you do, apply some conditioner on the ends. Try and use the same brand of shampoo and conditioner.
  • Rinse the conditioner off with cold water, as it is good for both strength and shine.
  • Wash your hair every two to three days for proper regulation of natural hair oils. Not washing daily will help hair regain its natural body and luster and keep the scalp from drying out.
  • Comb wet hair gingerly to prevent breakage. Wet hair is fragile, so run a wide toothed comb from the roots to the ends of your hair as gently as possible.
  • There has been a lot of focus on sulfate in shampoos. Sulfates are the reason most shampoos lather the way they do. Some researchers also suggest that sulfates strip hair of essential oils.2 They’re also why your eye stings when shampoo accidentally gets in that area. If you feel any kind of irritation on the scalp or find your hair drying up over time, then try and buy a shampoo that’s sulfate-free.
  • Although conditioner is usually applied on hair to help detangle after shampooing hair, deep conditioning occurs when it’s applied to the roots and massaged down to the ends and left in for anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour. Then rinse thoroughly and enjoy silky smooth hair.
  • Heat and hair coloring both dry out hair and scalp. Conditioners are critical for protection against heat.3 If you tend towards dry hair to begin with, try to avoid coloring hair and when using a hair dryer, keep it on a cool setting. Removing as much water as possible with a towel and then air drying is even better.4

The Nikken True Elements® personal care line has two hair care products: Shampoo and Conditioner. If you’re used to hair care products with sulfates, you’ll notice right away that True Elements® Shampoo does not produce prodigious amounts of lather. That’s because it’s formulated without sulfates to help moisturize rather than dry out the hair and scalp.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. This adage holds true in many instances and from what Nikken can gather from those who of you who practice Active Wellness, the True Elements® Shampoo is going to be welcomed back with fanfare! For those who are new to the fold, get ready for a Nikken exclusive that contains magnetic particles that promote mechanical stimulation and movement for a deep clean! True Elements® Conditioner remains available and as experts suggest, it’s best to use the same brand of conditioner as shampoo.

Please join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89186004002 (meeting ID: 8918600 4002) on July 10, 2020 at 10 am PDT in the US and Canada to hear the details of the return of True Elements® Hair Care.

 

 

 

1,2 https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/how-to-maintain-healthy-hair-the-hacks-youve-been-missing-out-on-1217364

3,4 https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-have-healthy-hair

 

Take Care of Your Body’s Largest Organ

Published on by Nikken

We sometimes forget that skin is the body’s largest organ, and as such, it requires special care. Just as we exercise and eat right to improve heart health and our entire digestive system, we need to tend to the skin—it’s the protective layer that covers all the other precious organs and should not be taken for granted.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month and sun protection is a key factor in maintaining skin health. Both men and women are aware of wrinkling and other skin conditions that are part of aging; however, the most dangerous skin afflictions are various forms of cancer. In fact, more skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States each year than all other cancers combined.1

Most skin cancers are caused by too much sun exposure, specifically, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. As the Earth’s ozone layer gradually becomes thinner—known as ozone depletion—the amount of UV radiation that reaches us increases, leading to a higher risk for skin cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage. 2 Ozone depletion is caused by the release of chemical compounds that contain gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other human activities, and to counteract these effects, the Montreal Protocol was signed into effect in 1987. To date, global cooperation has successfully helped to gradually eliminate the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances. 3

Other sources of UV radiation are man-made, for example, tanning beds and sun lamps. As the public becomes more educated about the dangers of UV ray exposure, spray tans have become more popular. Whether the chemicals in spray tans have long-term effects on the skin are being studied.

Sunburn and tanning are the short-term results of too much exposure to UV rays, and are signs of skin damage. Long-term exposure can cause early skin aging, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, dark patches, and pre-cancerous skin changes (such as dry, scaly, rough patches). Frequent sunburns in childhood may increase the risk for some types of skin cancer many years or even decades later. 4

Staying out of the sun entirely is unrealistic and deprives the body of its ability to manufacture vitamin D. Fortunately, there are a few easy precautions to take when enjoying the sun and protecting our skin at the same time:

  • Wear a hat. Not only will it help shield your skin and scalp from UV rays but it will also protect your hair from drying out.
  • Wear shade-protective or SPF rated clothing to help protect your skin from UV rays. Proper clothing may include long-sleeved shirts and pants. (There are even thin sleeves that are popular with golfers to slip over arms to protect against sun exposure.)
  • Wear sunglasses for eye protection.
  • Stay in the shade when the sun is most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Remember that the sun can still damage your skin on cloudy days or in the winter.
  • Choose the right sunscreen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new regulations for sunscreen labeling recommend that your sunscreen have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and should protect against both UVA and UVB rays.5
  • Use the right amount of sunscreen. According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, most people apply only 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When out in the sun, it’s important to apply at least one ounce (a palmful) of sunscreen every two hours. Apply it more often if sweating or swimming, even if the sunscreen is waterproof. 6
  • When planning outdoor activities, information about how much sun protection is needed is available at the Environmental Protection Agency’s UV index, which measures the daily intensity of UV rays from the sun on a scale of 1–11. A low UV index requires minimal protection, whereas a high UV index requires maximum protection.7

Our True Elements® collection of organic skin care and hair care products is the perfect solution for long-term safe and healthy skin care.

1 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection.html

2 https://www.britannica.com/science/ozone-depletion

3 https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/international-actions-montreal-protocol-substances-deplete-ozone-layer

4 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/what-is-uv-radiation.html

5, 6 https://www.va.gov/QUALITYOFCARE/education/UV_Safety_Awareness_Month.asp

7 https://voice.ons.org/stories/raise-awareness-in-july-for-ultraviolet-safety-and-skin-cancer-risk

 

Active Aging is Part of Active Wellness

Published on by Nikken

The beauty industry has inundated the marketplace with a slew of “anti-aging” products. But “anti” means against and is also more than skin deep. A more positive approach to aging is with grace, discipline and common sense.

In the United States, baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are reshaping the population. The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million today to more than 98 million by 2060. That translates to nearly 24 percent of the population, a substantial increase from 15 percent today. 1

One of the key approaches to address the aging revolution is known as “active aging,” crystalized by the World Health Organization in 2002 by three pillars: participation, health, and security. The active aging policy has financial and economic aspects and affects both men and women as older adults are working longer. 2 As more people live to be centenarians, counteracting the onset of age-related degeneration becomes increasingly important.

Here are 10 head-to-toe tips for Active Wellness and active aging:

  1. Keep challenging your brain. Learn a new language, sport or anything out of your comfort zone. Do puzzles and crosswords.
  2. Play and listen to music. Branch out and try a different instrument if you already play one and listen to something new.
  3. Did you know leafy greens also deliver lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help the retina’s ability to break down harmful compounds from stressors such as sunlight, junk food and smoke? 3 Incorporate them into your daily diet together with carrots and other colorful fruits and vegetables.
  4. Use sunscreen on your face and all exposed areas of the body to protect from UV rays.
  5. Cut back on sugar. It contributes to wrinkles and dehydrated skin, as well as causing inflammation and pain. 4
  6. Hug people who welcome it. A University of North Caroline study found that those who got more frequent hugs had lower blood pressure and healthier resting heart rates compared to those who weren’t hugged often. Scientifically speaking, hugs trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, while lowering stress hormones like cortisol. 5
  7. Muscles become less pliable after age 40, so performing a stretching routine daily helps the body remain flexible and more able to prevent injuries and even rebuild atrophied cells. 6 A supple spine is key to being limber, so include forward and backward bends.
  8. Sleep well. Not only does it help keep you alert, but it also affects your skin. One study showed that women who reported sleeping well were found to have fewer fine lines and more even pigmentation and skin elasticity compared with those who reported sleeping poorly.7
  9. Stand up straight. Aging often causes posture to suffer in the form of breathing problems, joint pain and walking difficulties. Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that proper body alignment can help prevent excess strain on joints, muscles and spine, and can also boost mood. 8
  10. Soak your feet regularly in warm water and Epsom salts. Sore feet lead to inflammation and pain. Comfortable feet help you stand tall, walk and exercise consistently.Kenko Sleep Products, NikkenWellness nutritional supplements  and True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care help take care of your Active Wellness needs every day.

     

    1 https://www.prb.org/aging-unitedstates-fact-sheet/

    2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28368781

    3, 4, 5, 7 Taylor, Marygrace, Your Total Body Anti-Aging Plan, Spry Living, March 2017.

    6, 8 https://bestlifeonline.com/anti-aging-tips-for-men/

     

Support and Be Supported in Your Exercise Routine

Published on by Nikken

For those of us who love spending time outdoors under the warmth of the sun, now is the time to go barefoot and ground ourselves naturally! It’s also time to take advantage of the weather to exercise and practice Active Wellness outside! Many water sports come to mind—swimming, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, paddleboarding and windsurfing to name a few. Some exercises that are done inside a gym or studio can now be performed comfortably outdoors: walking, biking, yoga, tai chi and chi gung.

According to the American Heart Association, being more active can help us lower our blood pressure, boost levels of good cholesterol, improve blood flow (circulation), keep weight under control and prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis.1 At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is recommended for each week.2 This can be broken down to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Since every minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts, adding two or three short walks a day would help reach that goal.

Being a couch potato can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. One study showed that adults who watch more than four hours of television a day had an 80% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.3 If you’re not naturally active or need some motivation to get started, here are a few ways to become more active:

• Seek out people who will help keep you motivated and accountable for your Active Wellness regimen. Many communities have local workout events for you to attend. There are also local hiking groups, Silver Sneakers classes, kayaking circles, and many others for you to join.

• Get a workout buddy who is at about the same physical shape you’re in. You can help each other stay on course and progress together. Make it a social time, not just an exercise time.

• Choose activities you enjoy. For example, if you hate running, don’t try to become a jogger. Zumba, Pilates or yoga might suit you better. Not everyone has the same sense of balance—if you have sensitive joints, swimming may be your best choice.

• Don’t limit yourself to just one exercise activity. Mix it up to keep from getting bored or burned out.

• Although many people like to get their exercise out of the way first thing in the morning, you should choose your own best time. If you’re not a morning person, getting up earlier to exercise will only demotivate you.

Nikken has the perfect exercise support products to help you achieve Active Wellness. KenkoTherm® Support Wraps help secure your muscles and joints, so you feel confident during strenuous activities. They provide added support when your muscles feel achy or strained. KenkoTherm® wraps are crafted of soft yet durable material that provide the ideal amount of stretch. KenkoTherm DUK® tape is 100% cotton with hypoallergenic adhesive and water–resistant. It comes in peach, and when you purchase a 6-pack, you receive 10% off.

1,2, 3 https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing

 

Our Planet’s Most Important Living Plants are Tiny but Mighty

Published on by Nikken

Marine scientists and ecologists consider the most important living plants to be the most important living organisms on the planet. The almighty single cell alga produces about 50% of the oxygen used on Earth and our lives essentially depend on it.1 Algae (plural for alga) paved the way for the evolution of other single-celled organisms as well as those with multiple and/or complex cells, known as eukaryotes.2

Algae come in many forms and have an interesting array of uses. Because algae are susceptible to environmental change, they are excellent indicators of water quality and a component of sampling programs. For example, an overgrowth of algae (known as algal blooms) can clog water intake pipes and filters. Once algal blooms die off, a substantial amount of dissolved oxygen is used by bacteria to break down the organic matter, depleting oxygen levels in their water habitat; this condition is known as hypoxia.3 In other words, aquatic ecosystems depend on algae to provide oxygen.

Aside from its formidable environmental impact, different types of algae—often known as seaweed—are sources of sustainable biofuel and found in common food items as well as cosmetics. Algae are also a source of active pharmaceutical compounds that can be used against drug-resistant bacterial strains, viruses and cancers.4 Different forms of algae have varying commercial value—less known but economically important are algae used for fertilizer, feed for farm animals and fish. As a soil-binding agent, algae is important in the healthy formation of soil to protect against natural processes such as erosion..5

Algae are an important source of nourishment in numerous cultures around the world. Most of us are aware of nori, Japanese seaweed used to prepare sushi. Chinese incorporate kelp into cold dishes that are served as appetizers or sides and into hot soups. Irish, Scottish, French, German, Norwegian and Swedish cuisines also use seaweed as a culinary ingredient in salads, as a topping or as a side to meat dishes.

Not only is algae considered by many consumers worldwide to be a low cost source of protein, but it also provides a number of important minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and zinc. Algae also contain several healthy elements including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and vitamins A, B, C, and E.6 It is a perfect food to incorporate into an Active Wellness lifestyle.

Some specific types of algae are known for their skin conditioning attributes, such as promoting blood circulation, providing moisture and regulating the sebaceous gland function. They activate cell renewal and the metabolism, while having an anti-inflammatory effect.7 Chlorophyll contributes to the oxygen supply of the skin because it is similar in composition to hemoglobin. Especially effective in skin care products, green algae have an amino acid content similar to human collagen.8

The True Elements® Marine Organic Skincare line is formulated with various combinations of seaweed extracts, namely Chondrus Crispus (red algae or Irish moss), Laminaria Digitata (brown algae, Oarweed, Irish seaweed or kelp), Ulva Lactuca (sea lettuce) and Crithmum maritimum L. (sea fennel). Containing minerals, trace elements and marine micronutrients, these seaweed extracts in the True Elements® Ecocert certified skincare line help to gently cleanse, tone, hydrate and prevent signs of premature aging.

1,2, 4 https://scripps.ucsd.edu/biblio/algae-worlds-most-important-plants-introduction

3 https://www.in.gov/idem/files/factsheet_owq_sw_algae_aquatic.pdf

5, 6 https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-economic-importance-of-algae.html

7, 8 https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/4/68/pdf

 

Relax, Renew and Regenerate this Spring Season!

Published on by Nikken

In North America the official start of spring this year is on March 20. Even as the spring season is physically a time of rebirth and renewal, it’s also a challenging time for both the body and the mind.

Noted psychiatrist and substance abuse specialist Dr. McCance-Katz points out that researchers have discovered a greater incidence of depression and anxiety in the spring months. As it turns out, lengthening daylight may discombobulate people’s chemical regulatory system. “There are these different neurotransmitters that have been implicated in mood disorders,” she says. “It could be that people also have imbalances in serotonin, in melatonin, that are affected by day length and can also affect mood.”1 These imbalances are also suspected to cause that general feeling of lethargy, commonly referred to as spring fever.

In fact, “the suicide rate goes up in the spring.”2 Not only are taxes due, final exams take place in many universities and secondary schools, certain sports resume intense practice and stress levels increase during the season for filing taxes. Spring presents specific challenges, so here are a few tips for combating the basic three:

  1. As much as you look forward to the warmer spring weather, you also have to cope with the accompanying winds and sporadic rain, which can wreak havoc on the skin. Your skin may get dehydrated, itchy and red. Be particularly gentle while cleansing and conscientiously hydrate throughout the day and especially at night, because skin cells renew best during rest. Antioxidant-rich vitamins E, A and C are particularly helpful in regenerating the skin. 3
  2. Spring fever begone! Use your diet to help obtain that extra boost you need. Eat seasonal foods. They are fresher and therefore have higher nutritional value. 4 To make sure you aren’t eating or drinking anything that may cause inflammation (pesticides, artificial coloring, chemical preservatives), stay with organic fruits and vegetables.
  3. Stress can virtually be a killer, so exercise both physical and mental health care. Make sure to incorporate exercise into your busy spring days, as physical activity is a known stress reliever. Massage is also a way to practice Active Wellness as the muscles are coaxed into relaxation for sense of overall well-being.

Nikken can help you combat the three basic challenges of spring, so you can relax, renew and regenerate. KenkoTouch®  takes the “ouch” out of expensive massage sessions with a convenient hand-held device that is designed with patented DynaFlux® magnetic technology. Kenzen Ten4® Energy Drink Mix gives you 80 mg of natural caffeine from superior quality matcha green tea powder to supercharge your body and to keep your mind alert.  Since it is so important to keep skin moisturized during the spring season, we recommend using True Elements® Youthful Face Cream, as it may help all skin types replenish moisture.

 

1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/12/03/the-google-misery-index-the-times-of-year-were-most-depressed-anxious-and-stressed/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.1b1a48c48b1f

2 http://www.mharockland.org/springtime-challenge/

3 https://www.hl-labs.com/pro-info/springtime-challenges-for-our-skin.html

4 https://www.earthbalancenatural.com/lifestyle/6-tips-springtime-stress-relief/