By Casie Giroux

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

Firm Believer is an upgraded version of our former blend “Better Than Botox,” with three of the same skin nourishing plants plus an additional nutrient-packed herb – horsetail! Firm Believer is formulated to feed the skin from within, stimulate natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production, and address stress and inflammation in the body that can contribute to early signs of aging. The blend tastes citrusy with some bitter and green earthiness, and since it’s made entirely from plants, it’s also vegan.

As we get older, collagen and hyaluronic acid production is 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 products 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 that you don’t have to use topical products with these ingredients. 

Additionally, when we are constantly stressed, our cortisol levels 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 Dose™. 

Meet the herbs below: 

Horsetail
Horsetail is one of the oldest plants on the planet 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% silica 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 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 research is proving its regeneration possibilities. A recent study revealed horsetails' ability to increase terminal hair growth compared to a placebo. In addition, higher rates of silica content in the hair can lower rates of hair loss and increase overall luminosity of hair. 

Horsetail is rich in flavonoids which can have an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body and recent studies 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 tonic to address fatigue and impairments of the lungs, heart, and kidney channels. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels 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 tone, 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 preventative properties from the effects of oxidative stress in the body. In particular, the berries can be protective against photoaging associated with UV skin damage. 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 C is a key component for stimulating collagen synthesis in skin and protection against photodamage. A recent study 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 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 centuries, 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 acids 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 conditions 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 (outermost layer of skin).  

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

About Casie Giroux
Casie Giroux is a Clinical Herbalist with a background in communication sciences, herbal product formulation and creation, sustainable wildcrafting, teaching, and organic farming. She earned her certification through the California School of Herbal Studies in Forestville, CA. On the weekends, you can find her playing in the garden, foraging for abundant plants, and camping by the water.