Our hero ingredient-the organic hop issue

I was out and about visiting some of our stockists the past couple of weeks and one of the main questions i've been asked is, what makes us different from all the other natural skincare brands in New Zealand. This is such a valid question, the amount of time I have spent standing in stores wondering what to buy, asking myself why one brand would work better for me than another is crazy. 
(that was until my Mum created the Oxygen range of course)

So other than being an absolutely awesome range, free from chemicals and nasties, what does makes us different? 

Organic Hops - Oxygen Skincare

We are proud to say that our hero (yes, as in SUPER hero) ingredient in every single one of our Oxygen Skincare products is the Organic Hop Extract, Oxygen Skincare is the first and only company in New Zealand to use this extract in their skincare!
Hops are most commonly known for their contribution to the bitterness of the popular thirst quenching beverage, beer! Research shows us that it also happens to be extremely beneficial in hair and skin care products... we definitely agree with the mad scientists on this one! Every hop that makes its way into our skincare products is grown by us at Oxygen Skincare personally, ok so us ladies might leave the farming part to the lads of the family but this is totally a 'what's mine is yours babe' situation with our Husband Hop Farm - New Hoplands. Check out a little snippet of the growing process at our farm in Nelson in the pictures below.

New Hoplands - Organic Hop farm

I could reference some top scholars, throw down some great references and confuse you with the growth process & science behind the hop, but i'm not here to boggle you down with more info needed than that uni assignment or insurance claim you have sitting on your desk...
So lets stick with what matters - how does the hop benefit you and your skin?

The NZ Hop extract has properties that help protect, soothe, and revitalize our skin, while decreasing blood vessels. This extract aids in producing a softer and more supple skin through improving collagen production, delaying wrinkles and reducing dark spots while having a strong toning effect. The extract not only possesses two potent antibacterials but hops also contain anti-inflammatory tannins as well as natural plant estrogens that promote hormonal balance.  

Hops have a strong calming effect which is why you often have to wake Dad up to stop his snoring on the couch 5 minutes into Coro Street after a couple of brews!

Anti-inflammatory:
A bitter principle in the hop are the humulones - these can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and decrease surface blood vessels. We have seen this is particularly beneficial in our range for those of you with problematic skin conditions, the hop is helping to reduce the heat and redness in the base of acne and blemishes while also helping with conditions like rosacea.

Antiseptic properties:
The extracts of Hops are rich in several compounds that make it an effective cleanser and antiseptic, it has shown to prevent five of the major acne causing bacteria.
Whats better than getting rid of acne quickly? Preventing it in the first place!!!

oxygen skincare problem skin before and after

Age delaying properties:
The Xanthohumol found in the Hop is known to restrain elastase and matrixmetalloproteinases. (I promise you, I tried to google easier names to explain these enzymes to you all but these are their names and that would be like me trying to change your name - it would be just rude!)  Lets focus on the positives here, these enzymes in our skin are a significant cause of skin aging because they break down collagen and elastin fibres. 
When good ol' Xanthohumol comes along from our friend Mr Hop this decreases these enzymes defence, meaning that collagen and elastin levels go up to begin improving skin structure... GOODBYE WRINKLES

Suffering from problem skin? read more about how effective our range has been for others over on our relieving problem skin blog

2 comments

Thank you for the reference. Oxygen is currently new in Malaysia and by knowing more about hops, I am more confident in trying out your products.

Nurul Ain August 22, 2018

Very Good Livie

David June 02, 2017

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