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? 

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!!!

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