Featured Product
Firm Believer™
Firm Believer™
Supple Skin

Meet your new favorite blend for boosting skin elasticity and collagen production: Firm Believer™.

Firm Believer™ is carefully formulated by our in-house clinical herbalist to help feed the skin from within by stimulating natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production while providing the stress and inflammatory support the body needs to fend off early signs of aging. The formula tastes citrusy with bitter and earthy notes. Firm Believer™ is 100% plant-based and vegan.

As we get older, collagen and hyaluronic acid production1¹ are naturally reduced, which can lead to loss of skin elasticity (your skin’s ability to bounce back into place). Some may turn to cosmetic procedures like filler or other injectables, or adopt more rigorous skincare regimens, to regain the appearance of supple firmness. While skincare products can be effective topically, external products2² often cannot penetrate the lower layers of our skin where collagen and hyaluronic acid are mostly found. Herbs rich in vitamin C and silica can actually increase collagen and hyaluronic production in the body so you don’t have to use topical products with these ingredients. 

Additionally, when we are constantly stressed, our cortisol levels² are elevated and collagen and hyaluronic acid production can be inhibited. Topical formulas won’t touch those cortisol levels, but adaptogenic herbs (like schisandra berry, more on that below) can reduce stress and contribute to healthier skin. 

The great news is, we’ve formulated Firm Believer™ to include those skin-plumping powerhouses so all you have to worry about is taking your daily herbs.


The Herbs in Firm Believer


Horsetail

Horsetail is one of the oldest plants on the planet3³ with its first records dating back more than 300 million years ago. It is a nutrient powerhouse for all the structures of the body that utilize silica and collagen. It can contain up to 25% silica4⁴ which helps build healthy connective tissues as well as supporting collagen synthesis for bones, hair, skin, and nails. Increasing optimal collagen production and hyaluronic acid can improve skin elasticity and strength. Silica is also one of the key components for enhancing calcium absorption in the body. Calcium is not always readily absorbed by the body and often decreases with age so by incorporating additional silica in our diets we can further increase the levels of calcium we need for strong bones, connective tissues, hair, and skin. Traditional use of horsetail has reflected its use in supporting bone healing and modern studies5⁵ are proving its regeneration possibilities. A recent study6⁶ revealed horsetails' ability to increase terminal hair growth compared to a placebo. In addition, higher rates of silica content7⁷ in the hair can lower rates of hair loss and increase the overall luminosity of hair. 

Horsetail is rich in flavonoids which can have an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body and recent studies8⁸ are even considering its possibility to support cancer treatments, specifically melanoma. Lastly, horsetail is also a mild diuretic, making it beneficial for any water or sodium retention in the body.

Schisandra

Schisandra berry is an adaptogenic berry that has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. In TCM, it is considered a tonic9⁹ to address fatigue and impairments of the lungs, heart, and kidney channels. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels² can decrease hyaluronic acid and collagen production in the body. Adding an adaptogen like schisandra can help reduce our stress response while also benefiting the skin in several other ways. Many of its bioactive compounds are also valuable skin protectants. The flavorful berries can help improve skin moisture and tone10¹⁰, aid in wound healing, and soothe irritation. The high vitamin C content of the berries can help to stimulate collagen production in the body. Due to its high antioxidant properties, regular ingestion of schisandra berries can help inhibit premature aging in the skin due to preventative properties from the effects of oxidative stress in the body. In particular, the berries can be protective against photoaging associated with UV skin damage11¹¹. Schisandra can also improve digestive and liver function which further benefits the skin through assisting with the elimination process.


Camu Camu

The tropical fruit camu camu is one of the richest sources of vitamin C on the planet. Vitamin C12¹² is a key component for stimulating collagen synthesis in the skin and protecting against photodamage. A recent study13¹³ demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress reduction effects of the camu camu berry – specifically in high glucose-induced skin conditions. Therefore, the berry shows promising use for overall skin health and glow as well as anti-inflammatory skin conditions.

Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub that produces small, brilliant orange fruits that hold the majority of its medicinal properties. For centuries14¹⁴, the plant has been utilized in China as a cough suppressant, skin regeneration tonic, and externally to protect the skin against sun damage. Sea Buckthorn contains a higher concentration of omega-7 fatty acids15¹⁵ than any other plant on the planet. The rich amount of fatty acids in sea buckthorn can contribute to immune, heart, cognitive, and bone health. The omega-7 content in these tiny berries can help promote healthier hair, skin, and nails. In addition, it can help improve skin conditions¹⁵ such as acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. As we age, our skin naturally becomes more dry and is more sensitive to moisture loss. Increasing the amount of omega-7-rich plants in our diet can strengthen the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin).

Conclusion

Consider adding these incredible herbs into your daily routine for more supple skin—you just might become a Firm Believer™.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886

  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/fashion/this-is-your-skin-on-stress.html

  3. https://www2.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/slater-museum/exhibits/terrestrial-panel/common-horsetail

  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756348

  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22672309

  6. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1305313/hair-loss-treatment-horsetail-plant-extract-hair-growth

  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4938278

  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35392596

  9. https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/106/table-of-contents/hg106-herbpro-schisandra

  10. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/4/620/htm

  11. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/2/333/htm

  12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28805671

  13. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/11/3174/htm

  14. https://www.herbalgram.org/media/12021/issue78.pdf

  15. https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-019-1065-9

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Written by Casie G.

Clinical Herbalist