I'm confined alone in my house. My 21-year-old twins are together, a few kilometers away. I'm having lots of virtual happy hours with friends I adore. We're adapting to work, grocery shopping, Zoom apps, and the like.

But I can't adapt to the lack of physical contact. A hug. Just one…

So, to satisfy this need to hold a human being in my arms,I'm writing you a few lines about skin. (Sorry Kiwee, affectionate little kitty, you can't compete with a real hug from a biped).

Do you know how much your skin saves your life?

Your skin is your first line of defense against viruses and bacteria. You're alive because it absorbs UV rays, acts as a protective barrier, regulates your body temperature, produces vitamin D, and heals itself when you get injured. Furthermore, without skin, the sense of touch would lose… all meaning!

Over the years, cell regeneration decreases, fine lines appear and the skin loses its elasticity.

Skin aging is accelerated by environmental factors (pollution and UV rays), but it is largely caused by free radicals and enzymes that destroy collagen.

Antioxidants against free radicals

You already know this. You need to consume antioxidants to fight free radicals. You can eat them (fruits, vegetables) and/or drink them. High-quality teas and herbal infusions contain a high concentration of polyphenols and catechins (which are antioxidants) that inhibit the damaging effects of free radicals.

White tea (closely followed by green tea) contains many antioxidants. It protects the skin against UV rays and can undoubtedly be called the "anti-aging" tea.

And what about collagen in all of this?

Studies have shown that the polyphenols and catechins in white tea, combined with the antioxidant effect of vitamin C, inhibit the enzymes responsible for the loss of collagen and therefore, the elasticity of your skin.

I offer two blends that combine herbs and white tea to provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. In addition to feeling the benefits on your skin, your immune system will also benefit from the extra vitamin C.

There Divine Beauty herbal tea Contains roses, hibiscus petals and rosehips. These plants are anti-inflammatory and very rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Herbal tea THE EMPRESS Because beauty comes from within! 😊 This delicious herbal tea contains ingredients to aid digestion and pamper your skin.

These 2 HERBANICA blends contain very little caffeine (less than 10mg) and can be drunk at any time of day.

Something you need to know or have told again...

Stay hydrated! Drink water, tea, herbal teas, or spritzers; eat cucumbers or soup—it's up to you. At least 1.5 liters of water (in any form) daily helps your skin become more elastic and softer, giving it a smoother appearance. Not sure you're drinking enough? Go to the bathroom! If your urine is clear and light yellow, you're good to go! If it's darker than that, well, you know what to do.