Use FIRST10 for 10% off your first purchase. Learn more.

FOCUS ON SCALP

Photo credit: thumblr

WHAT IS THE SCALP SKIN BARRIER AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Skin plays a vital role in the protection from the external environment, including oxidative stressors, allergens, pathogens and irritants, while serving as a thermal regulator for the body. The scalp barrier consists of the skin layers (the dermis and epidermis), the scalp micro-biome, and a higher than average level of sebaceous lipids. All of these parts play important roles in the scalp's health.

We could say that the scalp’s skin, sebum layer, and micro-biome constitute a closely interconnected protector for the body and “fertile soil” for healthy hair growth.

The scalp however, can become compromised with age and through exposure to environmental assaults such as ozone, UV and other oxidizing and irritating molecules.

Proper care of the scalp is important to minimize exposure to these irritating, pro-inflammatory molecules that can build-up over time, while also ensuring the maintenance of the scalp barriers integrity, a balanced sebum production and ideal conditions for long, strong, healthy hair growth.

Antioxidants and barrier supporting botanicals can play an essential role in reducing damage, especially as endogenous defenses decrease with age or become overwhelmed from environmental damage.

WHAT DAMAGES THE SCALP?

The impairment of the scalp barrier is associated with increased irritation, scalp dryness, and itchiness. To maintain a healthy scalp the barrier’s integrity is vital.

1. Ozone
• A gaseous pollutant, found indoors and outdoors, causes the oxidation of unsaturated lipids found on the scalp.
• Depletes the naturally occurring antioxidants on the scalp.
• Stimulates a cascade of pro-inflammatory events which, if prolonged, can cause damage to the barrier and scalp skin itself.

2. Microbial metabolites
• Metabolize and release free fatty acids, such as oleic acid, which can lead to inflammation, itching, and flaking of the scalp.
• Causes oxidation of lipids and other metabolites that are damaging to cells.

3. UV radiation
• Low doses (below doses that cause skin redness) of UVA have shown to generate damaging lipid metabolites.

4. Oxidative stress
• The skin & hair follicle is a highly oxidative environment (endogenous stress).
• Antioxidant defenses decrease as we age.
• Other pollutants, not listed above, particularly volatile molecules that can reach the scalp can induce oxidative stress and deplete endogenous antioxidants.

Here are some of the revitalizing ingredients in the Elixirs that promote scalp health and hair growth performance:

Botanical Hair Elixir No.1
• Argan Oil and Pomegranate Oil are rich in fatty acids both necessary to nourish and protect the lipids in the scalp and hair.
• Italian Red Mandarin Oil regulates sebum production.
• Rose Geranium Oil reduces inflammation and encourages an increase in scalp circulation.
• Vetiver Root supports a healthy strong hair follicle.
• Clary Sage addresses hormonal hair thinning.

 Botanical Hair Elixir No.2

• Jasmine Oil soothes dry, itchy and irritated scalp.
• Helichrysum is a gentle purifying oil that activates the follicle and strengthens the hair.
• Frankincense conditions the scalp, reduces hair fall and treats dandruff.
• Thyme increases blood flow to the scalp.
• Lavender Oil soothes and hydrates dry scalp and heals dry skin.

 Botanical Hair Elixir No.3

• Rosemary tones and unclogs follicles.
• Black Pepper Oil increases blood flow to the scalp and activates follicles.
• Sage balances sebum production.
• Marula and Jojoba carry healing lipids into the hair and scalp for paramount hydration.
• Red Mandarin gently cleanses the scalp, prevents dandruff and alleviates dryness.

This month's giveaway

Bio-hack your own gray hair


Are you 30 or maybe 40-something any want to slow down or reverse the graying process? Here are proven methods to slow down your hair's aging process.