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One of the hallmark mechanisms of aging is collagen decline. This happens in two ways: natural decreases in the body's production of collagen and increased collagen degradation. Experts estimate that by age 20, collagen stores decline by 1% each year and potentially at a more rapid rate later in life. At the same time, constant exposure to damaging elements - UV rays, pollution and certain diet and lifestyle factors - creates a type of oxidative stress that triggers collagen breakdown even faster. (Think leathery skin with deep wrinkles after too much unprotected sun exposure).
Collagens I and III are most commonly known and keep skin firm and elastic. Less widely known, but equally (if not more) important, is collagen IV. This collagen is present beneath the skin's surface, lining the inner layer and within hair follicles. As collagen IV degrades, not only is skin affected, so is hair health and strength. A diminished layer of collagen IV is at the base of deep wrinkles and weak hair follicles - resulting in excess hair shedding and weak strands.
Bare Beauty was thoughtfully designed around the science of collagen IV. As this type of collagen is not something typically found in the diet, Bare Beauty was formulated to boost the body's natural production of collagen IV. Along with antioxidant-rich supporting nutrients, Bare Beauty targets and restores the skin barrier and boosts protein structure of hair and nails.* Discover the science behind each of our ingredients below. 

 

  • DFK GLOW is a one of a kind keratin delivered in a form that the body is able to digest, absorb and convert into the right structural proteins for healthy hair, skin and nails. DFK GLOW triggers the body to produce collagen IV. It helps support stronger, thicker hair and reduces wrinkle appearance - targeting those layers beneath the skin's surface. DFK GLOW is rich in cysteine, an amino acid that's key to reinforcing the protein structure of nails, reducing breaking and keeping them strong. DFK GLOW also boosts glutathione synthesis, the body's master antioxidant, supporting protective responses to inflammation and external damage.*

    References:

    Quan, et al. Role of Age-Associated Alterations of the Dermal Extracellular Matrix Microenvironment in Human Skin Aging. Gerentology. 2015;61(5):427-434.

    Contet-Audonneau, et al. A histological study of human wrinkle structures: comparison between sun-exposed areas of the face, with or without wrinkles, and sun-protected areas. Br J Dermatology. 1999;140:1038-1047.

    Tang, et al. Wool-derived keratin stimulates human keratinocyte migration and types IV and VII collagen expression. Exp Dermatology. 2012;21:456-476.

    Roddick-Lanzilotta, et al. A Hold on Hair. Keratin Blend Anchors Follicles and Prevents Pollution-induced Hair Fall. Cosmetics and Toiletries. 2019;134(9):24-36.

  • Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin and is a primary molecule involved in skin hydration. Exposure to daily environmental stressors can compromise the skin barrier, resulting in loss of moisture - this leaves skin looking dull and lackluster. Hyaluronic acid has a strong water-binding affinity, so it helps lock in moisture and keep skin supple. A healthy, dewey glow can be attributed to the rich hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid.*

    References:

    Papakonstantinou, et al. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258.

    Kimura, et al. Absorption of Orally Administered Hyaluronan. J Med Food. 2016;19(12):1172-1179.

    Kawada, et al. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutr J. 2014;13:70.

  • Biotin is an essential B-vitamin and known as a nutrient for hair, skin and nails. Hair loss, brittle nails and skin inflammation are all major signs of biotin deficiency. The reality is: biotin deficiency is not very common. However, there are a number of circumstances where the body may deplete biotin faster than usual (or absorb less than usual), which can lead to some of these issues. Increased alcohol consumption, restrictive diets, during and post-pregnancy, certain medical conditions and taking medications are a few examples. Getting adequate biotin, especially under these circumstances, can help keep hair and nails strong and skin looking healthy.*

    References:

    Zempleni, et al. Biotin. Biofactors. 2009;35(1):36-46.

    Perry, et al. Pregnancy and lactation alter biomarkers of biotin metabolism in women consuming a controlled diet. J Nutrition. 2014;144(12):1977-1984.

    Yuasa, et al. Consumption of a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet (the ketogenic diet) exaggerates biotin deficiency in mice. Nutrition. 2013;29(10):1266-1270.

    Hochman, et al. Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation. Cutis. 1993;51(4):303-305.

  • Antioxidants act as the body's defense against free radical damage. Excess free radicals can wreak havoc on cells and DNA. Among many other issues, this can cause inflammation and skin damage. Antioxidants derived from colorful whole foods, particularly anthocyanins from berries, can protect against oxidative stress. These nutrients support the body's anti-inflammatory response and protect against signs of skin aging.*

    References:

    Nguyen, et al. Systemic antioxidants and skin health. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(9):e1-e4.

    Zafra-Stone, et al. Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007;51(6):675-683. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700002

    Rojo, et al. Role of Anthocyanins in Skin Aging and UV-induced Skin Damage. Anthocyanins in Health and Disease. 2013. 10.1201/b15554-12.

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