Bulletin 2022 - April - EU by iiaa Ltd

april 2022

NEW

Skin Collagen Synergy 32 Ingredients 4 Capsules 28 Day supply

ALSO THIS MONTH:

Hormones through the ages Environ® Focus On Skin Solutions

Hormones through the ages and the impact on skin What are hormones and why are they so important? Hormones are chemical messengers that send messages to the cells that they interact with. They are critical in innumerable processes in the body, including growth, reproduction and metabolism. Hormones can also influence the immune system, and our mood, causing changes in behaviour. The balance of hormones within our bodies fluctuates as we age – the amounts and types of hormones in a teenager will be vastly different to those in an adult, or a woman of post-menopausal age. Many of the characteristic changes that we associate with different stages of life, and with ageing, are tied in some way to hormones, and overall the numerous hormonal changes that occur as we age are reflected in the appearance and condition of skin.

Many of the skin conditions linked to hormones are already well known as common to specific age groups. Teen skin is thought to be more prone to problem skin conditions including acne, which has been linked to the dramatic hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty. Additionally, dryness, loss of collagen and elasticity, and reduced skin volume are noticed as women experience menopause, as is the return of hormonal breakouts. These two periods of immense hormonal change are mirrored by changes to skin. These skin changes are an inevitable part of ageing, but by understanding why these alterations occur and how to approach clients experiencing them, skincare professionals can help manage changes, and provide precisely tailored skin health plans.

“ The numerous hormonal changes that occur as we age are reflected in the appearance and condition of skin ” ©iiaa Ltd. For professional use only, not for redistribution. No aspect of this publication may be reproduced for any purpose, including photography of any of the pages for posting on social channels, websites or printed material.

APRIL 2022 3

Teens

20's & 30's

40's & 50's

TEENS – HORMONES & PUBERTY Acne can start at any age, but the hormonal changes during puberty are thought to be one factor that contributes to acne flare ups. Research shows that hormones including androgens, testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone are all linked to the occurrence of acne, and the levels of all these hormones fluctuate immensely during puberty1. According to the British Skin Foundation, acne affects around 80% of adolescents aged 13-18 years. During puberty, the hormones that promote normal development increase testosterone levels in both boys and girls. This

can lead to the overproduction of sebum which in turn can clog pores and contribute to the development of acne. Stress is an additional contributory factor. Exams, social pressures and dealing with puberty itself make the teenage years a stressful time, and can lead to an increase in adrenal hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol has been shown to trigger excess sebum production2, potentially clogging pores. When cortisol levels are too high for too long, inflammation in the body can increase, aggravating conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis3.

“ Acne can start at any age, but the hormonal changes during puberty are thought to be one factor that contributes to acne flare ups. ”

Tips for teen skin Always take a synergistic approach combining lifestyle factors, oral skin care, and topical products and treatments for maximum benefit. Lifestyle factors:

Nutrients, which have been shown to improve acne:

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Manage stress with good sleep and healthy exercise

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Eat a healthy balanced diet throughout the day

Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy skin. It supports the healthy growth of keratinocytes preventing excess keratinisation. It also improves the immune system and can help normalise sebum production, amongst numerous other benefits. High doses of vitamin A, both oral and topical, should always be monitored by a health care professional.

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Both Vitamin C and Zinc are anti-inflammatory, help to regulate sebum production and maintain an optimal skin microbiome.

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Excess Cutibacterium acnes has been found in acne. Probiotics help to maintain a healthy skin microbiome, as well as decrease inflammation.

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Omega 3 fatty acids decrease inflammation throughout the body and in skin.

Topical skin care: •

Keep the face clean, but avoid harsh scrubs or cleansers

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Use mineral based make-up to avoid artificial chemicals that can clog the skin further

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Peels provided by a skin health professional in salon can be beneficial in controlling excess keratinisation that clogs pores aggravating acne

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Teens

20's & 30's

40's & 50's

TWENTIES AND THIRTIES – HORMONES & PREGNANCY As women navigate adulthood, hormones continue to impact the skin. Many women may experience acne or skin breakouts regularly as part of the menstrual cycle. Typically, these breakouts will occur just before their monthly period. Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop during this phase, which can trigger sebaceous glands to secrete more oil. Hormonal acne can also present as deep, cystic bumps on the chin and jawline, as well as chest and back.

Similarly, hormonal contraception, which contains differing combinations of oestrogen and progesterone can lead to changes in the skin. Anecdotally, women may report that different forms or brands of contraception may cause skin to “improve”, while others may cause more spots, or could increase photo-sensitivity in some women.

Additional factors including pregnancy, hormonal contraception or conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) lead to hormonal changes, and related changes to skin. It has been suggested that the “glow” of pregnancy may be related to a slight increase in sebum production, triggered by a change in progesterone levels. These hormonal fluctuations can cause acne in some women, while in other women changes to progesterone and oestrogen levels can cause melasma – pigmentation changes also known as the “mask of pregnancy”. Skincare professionals should be aware of the impact that PCOS can have on skin. Around 10% of women experience PCOS, which is a hormonal condition that can interfere with women’s menstrual cycle, but might be missed by GPs. One symptom of the condition is higher levels of hormones such as testosterone, which can contribute to the development of acne. Problematic, excessively oily skin is one symptom of PCOS, alongside unusual body hair growth and weight gain. If you suspect your client may be experiencing this condition, they should always contact their GP for medical advice.

Tips for skin in our twenties and thirties: •

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This is when we should be thinking ahead. Collagen levels start to decrease in our twenties, long before we start to see wrinkles and sagging. This is accelerated by hormonal changes including increases in the stress hormone cortisol. Sun damage and pigmentation also start to increase. Vitamins A, C and antioxidants are extremely beneficial in both topical and oral forms. They help to produce and maintain healthy collagen and regulate melanin production and pigmentation. Sunscreen is also essential to protect skin from the damage of excess UV

Coming next month...

radiation, which accelerates both collagen degradation and pigmentation. •

Women suffering from acne, whether they have PCOS or not, would benefit from the tips described for teen skin above.

•

Vitamins C, D, E and omega 3 fatty acids may be beneficial in the management of PCOS. Remember that before supplementing large quantities of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D and E, you should have a blood test, as it is important not to overdose.

40's & 50's

©iiaa Ltd. For professional use only, not for redistribution. No aspect of this publication may be reproduced for any purpose, including photography of any of the pages for posting on social channels, websites or printed material.

A huge thank you, to our skincare professional network for completing the iiaa HUB registration process, we hope you are enjoying all the benefits. Registration is now closed. All orders must now be placed via the iiaa Hub only. If you have not received your registration details, please contact customerservices@iiaa.eu or call 0208 450 2020 to receive your login.

Therefore, we are pleased to share with you, that from the 1st April we will no longer send out monthly paper statements as part of our sustainability pledge. Instead this information can now be viewed and downloaded via the iiaa HUB by following the process below:

The Hub was developed not only as a business tool to manage your account, but one that enables us all to move towards the future in the most ecologically friendly way.

1. 2.

Go to your dashboard Select Transaction History or Account management dependant on the statement you wish to see.

Giving back with the iiaa – our Charitable Foundation

The foundation works in harmony with The iiaa Hub, fundraising to support the vital work of two, carefully chosen charity partners: The Katie Piper Foundation, supporting rehabilitation and recovery for serious burns survivors, and WildAid, working to end the illegal wildlife trade. These charities work on projects and causes close to our hearts as a company, and undertake incredible work supporting people and planet alike. When you place orders through The Hub, you can choose to support these charities. This money will be donated directly to the foundation, to provide invaluable funds for our charity partners’ vital work. We are keeping an eye on donations and will update you each month.

25K ©iiaa Ltd. For professional use only, not for redistribution. No aspect of this publication may be reproduced for any purpose, including photography of any of the pages for posting on social channels, websites or printed material.

50K

Activate your own collagen with our Smart Supplement System Supports collagen formation*. For fresh, youthful*, healthy-looking* skin.

RRP €69.00 W/S €34.50

New Skin Collagen Synergy Collagen makes up 75% of your skins support structure1. So, supporting and maintaining collagen is essential for skin health and reducing the signs of ageing. Skin Collagen Synergy from the skin researchers at Advanced Nutrition Programme™ is a unique, scienceled supplement system to help support your own internal collagen formation, delivering renewed resilience. A daily dose of four capsules contains 32 vegan-friendly ingredients to support healthy collagen production*, reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give a firmed and lifted look to the skin.

32 Ingredients 4 Capsules 28 Day supply

Skin Vitality Multivitamin with anti-ageing benefits

Skin Collagen Support x 2 For supple, younger- looking skin

Skin Vit C Brightens dull-looking skin

Benefits

Supports the science of collagen formation*

Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

For fresh, youthful-looking skin

PLEASE VISIT WWW.THEHUB.IIAA.EU TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MARKETING MATERIAL

Brightens complexion

Perfect Partners Optimal Anti-Ageing

Flawless Skin Texture

Glowing Summer Skin

Step 1

Skin Youth Biome™

Skin Clear Biome™

Skin Youth Biome™

Step 2

Skin Ultimate

Skin Accumax™

Skin Omegas+

Collagen Support

Skin Collagen Synergy

Visible results after two weeks

Before (right side)

After

Before (left side)

After

Taken with Skin Youth Biome after two weeks.

EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH OFFER BUY 6 X SKIN COLLAGEN SYNERGY = €207 (+VAT) TO RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING: 1x Pack of Product Cards

2x Tent Cards

1x Display

Digital Assets Available: •

Web page banner s

•

Client email template

•

Product images

•

Social Posts

•

Digital Posters

PLEASE VISIT©iiaa WWW.THEHUB.IIAA.EU TO PLACE YOUR ORDER Ltd. For professional use only, not for redistribution. No aspect of this publication may be reproduced for any purpose, including photography of any of the pages for posting on social channels, websites or printed material. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MARKETING MATERIAL

focus on SKIN SOLUTIONS

We are excited to unveil our new Focus on Skin Solutions launching today. Designed to help your clients conquer specific skin concerns and maintain their skin health from home. Four new, limited edition sets provide targeted solutions for specific skin concerns, including dehydration, problematic skin, pigmentation and anti-ageing. The sets feature products from Environ®’s best-selling Focus Care ranges, plus one complimentary full-sized product per set. Each set comes with an Environ® branded flat-pack box and corresponding belly-band, ready for you to easily assemble. Combining targeted skin solutions and excellent value for clients, the Focus on Skin Solutions sets are an ideal way to maintain skin health at home and are suited to loyal clients and new Environ® users alike.

Digital Assets Available: • • • • •

Web page banner Client email template Product images Social Posts Animated GIF for Social Media

focus on SKIN SOLUTIONS

INTRODUCING FOUR NEW LIMITED-EDITION SKIN SOLUTION SETS, EACH UNIQUELY DESIGNED TO TARGET YOUR INDIVIDUAL SKIN CONCERNS. Enjoy one COMPLIMENTARY FULL-SIZE product in each set.

FULL SIZE GIFT

Four new limited-edition sets to focus on your specific skin concerns at home. Includes one complimentary full-sized product.

Ts & Cs apply. While stocks last. Available from 1st February 2022. www.environskincare.com

PLEASE VISIT WWW.THEHUB.IIAA.EU TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MARKETING MATERIAL

skin solution:

CLEAN, HEALTHY-LOOKING SKIN

Receive a complimentary Focus Care Clarity+® Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser when you purchase the Skin Solution: Clean, Healthy-Looking Skin set.

Kit Includes: • Focus Care Clarity+® Sebu-Clear Masque •

Focus Care Clarity+® Sebu-Lac Lotion

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Focus Care Clarity+® Sebu-Ace Oil

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Complimentary Focus Care Clarity+® Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser

W/S: €72.50 RRP: €145.00 SAVING AT RRP €40.00

Bonus Tip: For best results, we recommend keeping your routine simple and following the Clarity+ steps until you have your desired results.

skin solution:

SOOMTH, RADIANT-LOOKING SKIN Receive a complimentary Skin EssentiA® Hydrating Clay Masque 50ml when you purchase the Skin Solution: Smooth, Radiant-Looking Skin set.

Kit Includes: • Focus Care™ Radiance+ Mela-Even Cream •

Skin EssentiA® AVST Moisturiser 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5

•

Complimentary Skin EssentiA® Hydrating Clay Masque 50ml

W/S: starting from €55.00 starting from €110.00 SAVING AT RRP €42.00

Bonus Tip: To intensify your at home treatment, add in the Cosmetic Focus-CIT® prior to using Focus Care Radiance+® Mela-Prep Lotion for maximum results.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.THEHUB.IIAA.EU TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MARKETING MATERIAL

skin solution:

HEALTHY, YOUTHFUL-LOOKING SKIN Receive a complimentary Skin EssentiA® AVST Moisturiser 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 when you purchase the Skin Solution: Healthy, Youthful-Looking Skin set.

Kit Includes: •

Youth EssentiA® Eye Gel

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Focus Care Youth+® Revival Masque

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Complimentary Skin EssentiA® AVST Moisturiser 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5

W/S: starting from €72.50 RRP: starting from €141.00 SAVING AT RRP €60.00-€68.00

Bonus Tip: To target specific lines and wrinkles use Environ®’s Focus-Care™ Skin Tech+ Electro-Sonic DF Mobile Skincare Device with Focus Care™ Youth+ Peptide Enriched Frown Serum on targeted areas.

skin solution:

PLUMPED, HYDRATED-LOOKING SKIN Receive a complimentary Skin EssentiA® Pre-Cleansing Oil when you purchase the Skin Solution: Plumped, Hydrated-Looking Skin set.

Kit Includes: •

Skin EssentiA® AVST Moisturiser 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5

•

Focus Care Moisture+® Hydrating Oil Capsules

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Complimentary Skin EssentiA® Pre-Cleansing Oil

W/S: starting from €60.50 RRP: starting from €121.00 SAVING AT RRP €29.00

Bonus Tip: For extra hydration, after toning but before your vitamin A, use Cosmetic Roll-CIT® followed with Focus Care™ Moisture+ HA Intensive Hydrating Serum. Make sure you allow the serum to dry fully before applying your vitamin A.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.THEHUB.IIAA.EU TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MARKETING MATERIAL

'I knew Louise's knowledge and commitment to results was needed. She took control of my routine, after each consultation she would follow up and keep me motivated. I felt completely supported and I couldn't be more pleased' Client Testimonial

Presenter Dr Adriana Marais, Head of Innovation, SAP Africa with Louise Sumner, Therapist of the Year 2019.

BEFORE

AFTER

Are you the iiaa Therapist of the Year 2021? Do you have an exceptional therapist who goes the extra mile to deliver truly inspiring skin transformations? Then why not enter them into the Therapist of the Year Category, it is a great way to boost confidence and make them feel truly valued. Whether you are a self-employed therapist, or a part of a multi-branch team, as long as you have submitted at least one compelling case study, you could be Therapist of the Year.

ENTRY CRITERIA •

The therapist is nominated by salon owner or the salon owner can nominate themselves

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Download entry form at www.iiaa.eu/salonoftheyear

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Submit a case study: Before and after pictures along with a client and therapist narrative (submission must include a signed client consent form)

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Correct iiaa protocol must be applied for consultation (in salon or Virtual) treatment and/or product plan

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Therapist Training must be up to date

•

No other branded products or treatment to be included

SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY:

Simply complete the entry form and send it along with your before/after photographs and signed client consent form to soty@iiaa.eu by 2nd May 2022. Winners will be announced at the Salon of The Year Awards 2022 in June.

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Green Salon the Year 2021 Enter before 2nd May 2022 Professional beauty can be a wasteful business. From cotton pads and single-use brushes to PPE – single-use, disposable items are commonplace in the salon environment. As a result, an estimated 1.3 million beauty tools are sent to landfill each month1. Tangible actions are necessary to set up your business and clients for a sustainable future, and how much waste you produce and what happens to it is an important consideration. Pursuing zero or low waste is a significant, but impactful business move. Are you making sustainable changes in your salon? Are you actively minimising the impact your business has on the environment? If so, we want to hear from you. Our Green Salon of The Year Award, has been introduced to recognise that stand out business, who is doing their upmost to make a difference to our planet. Send 300-500 words detailing the initiatives your salon is taking to minimise its impact on the enviroment. Entries should also be accompanied with photos of your salon and where possible the change(s) you've made. THE SALON MUST SHOW COMMITMENT TO ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY INITATIVES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

Recycling and reducing plastics, especially single use

Investing in eco friendly cleaning products

Adopting energy saving practices

Switching to electric vehicles

Promoting green initiatives through social media

Encouraging clients to take up similar practices

Registered for iiaa reycling inatiative SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY:

Submit your entry along with your photographs to green@iiaa.eu by 2nd May 2022. Winners will be announced at the Salon of The Year Awards 2022 in June.

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The Green Page

Sustainability FAQs On this month’s Green Page, we’re answering some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to sustainability, beauty and the eco-credentials of our own brands. Want to know more? Get in touch with us on social media with your questions. WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY ACTUALLY MEAN? Sustainability is a complicated concept, but at its heart sustainability refers to making sure that we are living in a way that is kind to the planet and to people, in a manner that preserves and protects our world for the future. Sustainability involved eco-friendly ideas, like recycling, renewable energy and conservation and ethical, human concepts like the right to safe, fair employment or encouraging global gender equality.

in sunscreen, are toxic to wildlife and eco-systems – and are thought to contribute to events such as coral bleaching. Scented products such as hairspray, perfume and deodorant, have been found to be as polluting as vehicle emissions1. Additionally, the global beauty industry generates 120 billion units of packaging each year2, and packaging forms 70% of all waste the industry produces, according to the British Beauty Council. In one year alone, Europe generates 25.8 million tonnes of plastic waste, much of which is comprised of discarded packaging. One discarded pot of moisturiser could take 1,000 years to decompose. Added to this, manufacturing facilities, transporting ingredients and air freight of products emits vast quantities of CO2. For beauty, these challenges are just the tip of the iceberg. All of this means it’s time for beauty to clean up its act. IS YOUR PACKAGING SUSTAINABLE?

WHAT DOES THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY HAVE TO DO WITH SUSTAINABILITY?

In our own brand, Advanced Nutrition Programme™, we are constantly striving to improve our packaging’s eco-credentials – and we’ve already made impressive progress. Our carboard pots are 100% recycleable, and use recycled cardboard, plus FSC certified paper. We also use vegetable based inks for all of our printing, which are produced in a way that is gentler on the planet than traditional inks.

Beauty is a key culprit generating CO2 emissions, plastic waste and chemical pollution. Unethically produced ingredients can exploit humans and nature in their production and can decimate wildlife habitats. Synthetic chemicals

Despite these attributes, there is still much to do, and we are working hard to develop new, sustainable packaging innovations to further minimise the impact of our products on the environment.

When we talk about sustainability today, it refers to the actions that people, groups, businesses or governments take to become better at protecting the planet and people.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOUR PACKAGING SAYS IT IS MADE FROM FSC CERTIFIED CARDBOARD? The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent organisation that monitors and certifies the sustainable management of forests used to produce materials such as paper and card. The organisation engages with local communities to make sure that forests adhere to certain strict guidelines, developed to conserve and protect eco-systems and communities. Some of these guidelines include ensuring the continued environmental value of a forest, maintaining high conservation values and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. IS YOUR OMEGA-3 FISH OIL SUSTAINABLY SOURCED? Advanced Nutrition Programme™ sources omega-3 fish oils from a specific supplier: Epax® which is a pioneering, sustainable name in the industry. It was the first ingredient company to be awarded Friend of the Sea (FOS) certification for “documented, traceable and sustainable operations”. In our oils is caught off the coast of Peru adhering to FOS standards. This prevents over-fishing and guarantees the fishing methods used are sustainable and in line with conservation efforts. Only certified boats can be used and must be declared, meaning we have full traceability. We even know the names of the boats our fish are landed on. Fishing nets used are all FOS approved and never reach the sea floor so cause no damage to the ocean beds. In addition, these standards ensure that accidental catches must not include animals listed in the red list of endangered species as “vulnerable” or “higher risk”. Epax® is also dedicated to superior standards in terms of purity of ingredients. All their oils are certified by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) standards which means not only compliance but also exceeding the strict targets set by governments in terms of contaminants, heavy metal levels (for example Mercury) and fishing practices. HOW CAN I RECYCLE MY PRODUCTS? You can recycle your professional and home care products as part of our recycling scheme. Simply sign up online, send us your empty

packaging, and we ensure that products are safely and correctly recycled. You can also recycle your Advanced Nutrition Programme pots with your home recycling. The Pots (Skin Accumax, Skin Omegas+, Skin Vit C and most of our other capsules) Lids: Made from FSC certified card, these can be recycled at home with your paper and card (Some councils may ask you to flatten to ease processing). Tubes (the bases): Using a tin opener, detach the tin base from the main pot and tear the aluminium seal from the inside of the pot. Recycling varies across the country, so check with your local council how best to recycle. In some areas you will be able to recycle curbside, in others you may need to drop off at a larger recycling bin next time you visit the supermarket. Once separated, the FSC certified paper shell can be recycled at home with your paper and card. Our Pods (Skin Ultimate, Skin Select, Skin Plus, Skin Aesthetic and Immunity Intelligence) Separate your pack into pods, paper and sleeve. Plastic pods: Made from PETG, these can be recycled at home alongside plastic bottles or containers. Paper trifold and sleeve: These paper components can be added to your home paper and card recycling. Our Biome Blister Packs (Skin Youth Biome and Skin Clear Biome) Blister packs: Recycle at home with plastic bottles and Boxes: These are carbon balanced (meaning any emissions are offset) and certified by the World Land Trust. Recycle at home with your paper and card. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BEING AN ECO-FRIENDLY SKINCARE PROFESSIONAL? Keep your eye on the Green Page in the bulletin for handy tips and tricks to help you start your journey to sustainability. You can also look to join sustainable salon networks on social media, and read about sustainable developments in professional beauty magazines.

1 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180430131828.htm 2 Mintel/TerraCycle

APRIL 2022 16

Educator insight

By Clare Muir, Director of training

To book a training workshop, email education@iiaa.eu or call 01 562 1444

The ultimate body treatment for Before and After worthy results Clients seeking a summer body confidence booster? As the summer months creep closer, and thoughts of beaches and warm-weather getaways become a reality, it’s likely clients will be looking for a special occasion treat to help them look and feel their best head to toe. Refresh your expertise on the Environ Focus on Body Profile treatment, to maximise the pre-summer opportunity, and deliver confidence boosting results for clients. Using powerful ingredients and innovative technologies to refine and tone targeted areas of the body – see the results for yourself. Book on to one of our treatment refresher courses, to ensure you and your team are ready to tap into the new demand.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR TRAINING WORKSHOPS OR TO BOOK A COURSE EMAIL EDUCATION@IIAA.EU OR CALL 01 562 1444

Anti-Ageing with Dr Gaby

Every month our medical director Dr Gaby Prinsloo shares her insights and expertise on health, wellbeing and anti-ageing topics. This month: dementia. One person develops dementia every three minutes. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. Three in ten people over age 70 have impaired memory. 80% of these will develop dementia within 5 years, and 66% of those with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease (a form of dementia). Dementia is one of the main causes of disability later in life, more common than cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. It doesn’t only affect the old. There are over 42,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK. The youngest person diagnosed was only 32 years old. Pharmaceutical companies have spent millions trying to develop drugs to reverse Alzheimer’s disease, without success. Fortunately, contrary to what many of us have been led to believe, dementia is mostly avoidable. Less than 1% of cases of Alzheimer’s are caused by genes, while 55% of all cases are caused by non-genetic modifiable risk factors. Of these modifiable risk factors, 22% of cases are related to high homocysteine levels, 22% to low omega 3 levels, 31% to smoking and 32% to lack of physical exercise. Patrick Holford from the Food for the Brain Foundation recently gave a talk on how to decrease these risk factors and prevent cognitive decline. Here are some changes we can make. B vitamins and homocysteine Homocysteine is an amino acid needed by the body to make proteins, reduce inflammation, improve the immune system and increase liver health. However, too much of it damages the brain leading to loss of brain matter. As people age, homocysteine levels tend to increase. The faster it increases, the faster the brain shrinks. B vitamins especially folic acid/folate, B6 and B12 are essential to lower homocysteine levels, decrease brain shrinkage and slow the decline in cognitive abilities. The best drug developed so far has decreased brain shrinkage by only 2%, while B vitamin supplements can lead to up to 73% less shrinkage. Many people are deficient in B vitamins. This deficiency increases as we get older, partly from poor vitamin B12 absorption, which is aggravated by numerous medications especially antacids.

We need to make sure we eat plenty of green vegetables, seeds, nuts and beans which are all high in folate, and fish and eggs which are high in B12, as well as limiting alcohol, cutting back on coffee and including vitamin B supplements if necessary. Brain fats About 60% of the brain is made of fat, and 90% of the structural fat is omega 3. These fatty acids are essential for the health and performance of our brains. Low levels of omega 3 fatty acids and phospholipids (a special type of fat) damage brain cells and increase homocysteine levels. We need omega 3 fatty acids to build a healthy brain. In addition, if levels of omega 3 are too low, then the B vitamins don’t work. Diet Both a Mediterranean style diet (including only small amounts of red meat and low-fat dairy) and a ketogenic diet have been shown to reduce cognitive decline, while diets high in sugar and refined foods increase deterioration. The more fruit and vegetables you eat, the lower the risk of memory loss, although this plateaus at about 6 servings per day. Other foods that reduce the risk of cognitive decline include green tea, chocolate (about 3 squares of dark chocolate per day) and red wine (only 125 ml per day). One study showed that people who ate the healthiest diet had 88% less risk of dementia and 92% less risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Other key nutrients Vitamins C, E and antioxidants have all been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. A healthy gut is also essential to improve the absorption and production of nutrients, and decrease inflammation. Eat a healthy diet, keep your intake of sugar and refined food low, and get enough B vitamins, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and phospholipids. Also make sure to keep your body and mind active, get a good night’s sleep, manage stress and avoid cigarette (and other) smoke. If there is any evidence of cognitive decline, consult your health care professional to test your blood homocysteine and B12 levels, and develop a personalised prevention plan.

You can test your cognitive function with an excellent free online test at www.foodforthebrain.org References: Alkozei et al. (2017), Beiersdorf (2021), Campbell et al. (2017), Coats et al. (2020) part 1, coats et al. (2020) part 2, Denda et al. (2008), Di Paolo et al. (2016), Dong et al. (2019), Duteil et al. (2014), Duteil et al. (2020), Freitas-Rodríguez et al. (2017), Kleinpenning et al. (2010), Liebel et al. (2012), Mahmoud et al. (2010), Nakasjoma et al. (2017), Pei et al. (2015), Ratnayake et al. (2018), Rodriguez-Morilla et al. (2018), Sushek et al. (2020), Zhang et al. (2018), Zhao et al. (2018).

APRIL 2022 18

press highlights & social buzz Advanced Nutrition Programme™ Skin Moisture IQ continues to be a seasonal favourite amongst press and influencers. Source: Instagram/ the_moments

Content creators, including celebrity and editorial MUA Alice Theobald continue sharing the importance of including cofactors with Advanced Nutrition Programme™ Skin Vitality into your routine. Source: Instagram/ wonderlandhairandmakeup

Press and influencers continue sharing the love for Advanced Nutrition Programme tumbler for hydration on the go. Source: Instagram/ emeraldxbeauty

Women’s Health UK featured Environ® Focus Care Youth+ Malachite-NP Complex Seriénce Night Serum in an article titled ‘How super is your serum?’ as one of the ‘biggest players in the serum game.’

Press and influencers received Environ® Focus Care Youth+ HydroLipidic 3DSynergè Filler Crème for trial and shared the excitement across their socials. Source: Instagram/ aartipmakeup

PBL Magazine online shared the launch of Environ® Focus Care Youth+ Hydro-Lipidic 3DSynergè Filler Crème across their site.

www.iiaa.eu | Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @iiaaLtd. ©iiaa Ltd. For professional use only, not for redistribution. No aspect of this publication may be reproduced for any purpose, including photography of any of the pages for posting on social channels, websites or printed material. Please note skin health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Printed on recyclable, sustainably sourced paper. Carbon balanced by Cambridge Printing Solutions in accordance with their environmentally responsible print programme. TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR IIAA STOCKISTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DECEMBER OCCASIONALLY BE UPDATED. FOR THE LATEST VERSION PLEASE VISIT WWW.IIAA.EU