The Immunity Special: How to Defend and Reinforce your Skin and Health this Winter
In today’s Love Letter we’re tapping into a hot topic, dear Muses. Not just because during the last two years we have heard the words “virus”, “bacteria”, “variant” in all their forms more than ever before (thanks, COVID!), but especially because as the temperatures drop, we have this immediate sense of fatigue on our shoulders. Our mood weakens and our skin gets dull, as we feel more and more rundown each day.
Immunity has been on the spotlight lately and the interest in boosting health defenses is rapidly increasing now that winter has come. Today we are delving deep into our immune system, how it works and how to build a strong barrier for our body and skin.
WELCOME TO THE IMMUNE SPECIAL: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BOOST, STRENGHTEN AND PROTECT YOUR WELLBEING
Let’s start from the basis. The immune system is a fascinating yet complex defense mechanism: a matrix of cells and organisms that work synergistically to protect against illnesses. The way you succumb to viruses is very subjective and it really depends to the current state of your body. But there are a few key factors that play a major role when it comes to weakening, or strengthening, our immune system, such as stress, tiredness and nutrition.
By immunity, we mean the body’s natural defense system against pathogens, aka viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms that cause diseases. In addition to that, the immune system also promotes effective cellular repair. However, the correct functioning of this complex mechanism also depends on the overall health and wellbeing. This system is not capable of working properly if all the other components are not in a good state. Therefore, in addition to boosting your immune system, it is also important to look at other deficiencies and problems and address them specifically.
To support your immune system from the inside there are some crucial steps that can help massively, such as an antioxidant-rich diet, good gut health, a little exercise to keep you moving and a good and restful night’s sleep.
However, when it comes to immunity, it is also important to address the skin, being this the first and most external shield against viruses, bacteria, microbiomes and toxins. The skin cells work as a barrier against germs, and they also protect your skin from air pollution, UV rays and other environmental stress. When exposed to external aggressors, like smog, radiation, pollution, heat, your skin reacts the same way as your body would when getting sick. If these irritants penetrate the skin, the complexion suffers as cells are fatigued.
And now, get ready to explore our highly curated selection of supplements and products to boost and reinforce your immune mechanism from the inside and from the outside!
IMMUNE-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS
ANIMA MUNDI – BLACK ELDERBERRY SYRUP
This very high potency extract combines elderberry, along with a high ratio of herbal antivirals such as Skullcap Baikalensis, Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake and Maiitake. These herbal antivirals are incredibly immune supportive while being renowned for being respiratory tonics.
ACTIVIST – RAW MANUKA HONEY 1000+ MGO
It’s rare, it’s tingly and it’s magical. The 1000+ MGO is thick and rich, it is made up of thousands of tiny molecules of crystallisation which gives this honey its raw texture. Each molecule of the Mānuka compound is full of enzymes, antibacterial properties and benefits.
Heal promotes a healthy gut flora which supports digestive health and overall wellness. Balancing your microbiomes - the microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi, and their collective genetic material present in your intestines - is associated with a flatter tummy, improved skin tone, a sunnier mood and overall improved immunity.
Graviola is your overall immune defense as it will help your body stay strong. It contributes to kill cancer cells, relieve depression, slow tumor growth, reduce spasms, reduce fevers, support in colds and flus, stimulate digestion, and detoxify the liver. It is also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic. Tribal uses for this supplement are to detoxify and fight cancer and diabetes.
Immun'Attune is a concentrated fluid extract blend harmonized with the energetic effects of flower essences for body, mind, and spirit integration. The formula comprises herbs of high nutritional content traditionally known for their tonifying capacities to replenish vital life force, fortify qi, reduce fatigue, and vitalize immune function.
VEGETAL PROGRESS – ASTRAGEN: THE IMMUNE BOOSTER
The plants that compose Astragen® are traditionally used as supportive food to the body’s natural defences. Astragalus favors an emollient and soothing action at the level of the oropharyngeal mucosa and of the digestive system.
WILD & THE MOON – SPIRULINE PILLS
Boost your immune system with the best of the best superfoods, an important source of protein. Spirulina is extremely rich in iron, proteins, minerals and trace elements, it is the best ally of athletes. It strengthens the immune system and purifies the blood.
A sweet and spicy immune tonic that will support busting bugs out of the system. A strong dose of the two infamous Echinacea's (Purpurea and Angustufolia) known for their ability to protect and support the immune system. This formula contains herbs that are studied for having potent anti-microbial, anti-viral and immune enhancing properties, like echinacea angustifolia and purpurea, along with a strong anti-microbial like Boldo leaf often used in the rainforest to expel bacteria.
Chaga helps to reduce oxidative stress, suppresses cancer progression, helps protect the immune system, reduced inflammation, increases physical endurance, can improve diabetic health, promotes cognitive function, can help relieve pain.
The Superstar is a multi-functional, full-spectrum supplement engineered for comprehensive wellness from within. Crafted from an adaptogenic formula made with a base of ceremonial-grade matcha and moringa leaf, along with the most abundant, nutrient-rich, bio-available superfoods. Clinical-strength and scientifically-backed, Superstar is designed to provide the ideal daily ratio of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, alkaline greens, and phytonutrients in a daily dose of just 2 teaspoons.
The immune tea helps the body to strengthen its own defences and supports the immune system in order to arm itself against colds. The tea blend contains diaphoretic ingredients as elderflower. The mucolytic, expectorant promoting and antibacterial properties of chamomille have proven to treat inflammation of the airways and cough.
IMMUNE-STRENGHTENING SKINCARE
TATA HARPER – SOFTENING CLEANSER
A supremely soothing, micro-foaming cleanser that’s non-stripping and works to gently dissolve buildup and impurities. Best for reactive, stressed, sensitive, or dry skin.
MACRENE ACTIVES – HIGH PERFORMANCE FACE SERUM
Soothe, hydrate, firm, and even skin tone with this highly active, lightweight serum that will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Proven to lift and tighten crepiness while reducing blotches and evening skin tone, this serum repairs skin barrier while assisting in DNA restoration.
SUSANNE KAUFMANN – ACTIVE AGENT CONCENTRATE
The active agent concentrate couperose contains an intensive active complex with extracts of brown algae, red algae and caffeine. The active agent concentrate couperose reduces irritation and skin redness, improves the structure of the vessels in the skin and makes the skin resistant to external irritations. It contains precious shea butter to care for dry and barrier-damaged skin.
Binds and retains moisture while strengthening the skin barrier. Nutrient-rich and lightweight, this intensive cream plumps and awakens fatigued skin that shows early signs of fatigue. With over 30 ingredients and proteins working together to optimize the skin’s ability to bind and retain moisture, Crème de Fleur provides long-lasting hydration. Consistent application will help refine texture and strengthen skin elasticity.
SUSANNE KAUFMANN – BLUE LIGHT DEFENCE & MOISTURIZING SPRAY
Developed to help protect the skin against daily oxidative stress caused by infrared radiation and blue light from our phones and screens, this highly effective mist is the perfect companion for our digital lives. A blend of anti-ageing Ectoin and Q10 help protect against damage, keeping skin hydrated and promoting collagen production, while silk extract regenerates and soothes the skin. In addition, butterfly bush flower extract helps reduce redness and pigmentation caused by blue light.
SEED TO SKIN – THE BIOM’SPHERE
Seed To Skin's new rebalancing night serum contains the essential food for your skin’s microbiota and is suitable for all skin types. A specially designed formula aids the recovery of the skin microflora to promote healthy and exceptionally clear skin by deeply hydrating, balancing and restoring the skin’s natural defence mechanism.
This essential-oil free nourishing balm is full of precious ingredients that protect skin and boost its glow. Hazelnut, rosehip seed, rare rose extracts, jasmine sambac and Indian tuberose fortify skin with essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B, C, and E, which stimulate regeneration, repair UV damage, and soften fine lines.