You may have noticed something out of the ordinary on the shelf of your favourite spa or wellness centre that addresses skin health: a supplement called Bend Skincare. The idea is to treat skin from the outside in, as opposed to just solely using topical products.
Although the supplement is available across North America, the story behind Bend Skincare began in Halifax. Marc St-Onge, a local entrepreneur and researcher originally from Dartmouth, saw remarkable benefits from treating the skin from the inside. He has been researching essential fatty acids (a.k.a. EFAs) and antioxidants for nearly 20 years.
“Bend Beauty is transforming the way people think about skincare. Our vision is to become a new standard for skincare and beauty, whereby ingestible skincare is as foundational as creams and serums,” says St-Onge.
The main supplement, Bend Skincare Anti-Aging with UV Defense Formula, is a blend of ingredients that work together to promote skin health. The proof is in an eight-week clinical trial, where claims made by Bend Beauty have been approved by Health Canada. The trial tracked participants and, after eight weeks, they were able to stay in the sun 84 per cent longer than before taking the supplements, before turning red or beginning to burn. Bend Beauty doesn’t promote going out without SPF, but it does show the supplement helps to build the skin from the inside to protect from free radical and UV damage.
Besides the added protection from UV damage, consumers have noted a reduction in inflammation and Bend Skincare has an approved claim from Health Canada for treatment of atopic dermatitis (a.k.a. eczema), increased elasticity and increased moisture. Bend Beauty’s social media account on Instagram shows before and after photos from consumers seeing a difference in reduced redness, acne and dryness.
Last year, Bend Beauty released a booster product: Marine Collagen + Co-Factors. Working with the anti-aging formula, this product is aimed at increased collagen formation in the skin and increased strength in hair and nails.
So how long until you see a difference? Bend Beauty’s rule of thumb for optimal results is a 90-day period for “cell saturation,” where the supplements have had a chance to do their job. However, responses from consumers say differences can be seen in as little as two weeks, but it really depends on each individual and the state their skin is in when they begin the daily routine.
The anti-aging formula is $80 per bottle and lasts roughly one month, while the marine collagen is $44 per bottle and lasts the same amount of time. Although a bit more costly than some other supplements, the formula is specifically targeted for skin health for those looking for a significant boost. Bend Beauty is promoted as an additional part of your skincare routine, along with cleanser, moisturizer and serum, to be used every day. Just like topical ingredients, they only work as long as you use them.
For more information on the ingredients or where the products are sold locally, visit bendbeauty.com.
Denise Surette is a journalist, master esthetician and part-time instructor at the Hair Design Centre’s school of esthetics. She lives in Lawrencetown with her family and two cats.
