APIVITA, oriented to perfect coverage, professional color, safety in use and naturalness, created nature’s hair color; the only permanent hair dye which:

• • Offers perfect coverage, shiny, uniform color that lasts.
• • Protects hair and helps maintain its elasticity with organic sunflower and olive oils, honey and rosemary organic extracts.
• • It is the only hair dye that does not contain substances in its formula often accused for causing allergies, irritations and other side effects such as PPD, AMMONIA, REZORCINOL, ALCOHOL, PARABENS, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SLS, thus minimizing the risk of allergies and other side effects during the application.

APIVITA’s natural hair dye is free of:

• PPD (para-phenylenediamine): basic color-precursor for most hair coloring products. It is the main allergen^1,2 in hair dye products.
• Ammonia: alkali agent used to open the hair cuticle and let the hair colorant penetrate. Irritating for the respiratory system.
• Resorcinol: basic color-precursor for most hair coloring products. It has been implicated in disruption of the thyroid.
• Alcohol: sensitizes the hair and irritates the scalp.
• Parabens, Propylene Glycol, SLS, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Fragrance of 26 identified allergens: substances often accused for allergies, irritations and other side effects or for polluting the environment.

APIVITA’s natural hair dye, inspired by art movements, offers a rich palette of 30 natural shades:

Naturalism (hydrogen peroxide 20 vol): 8 natural shades
Romanticism (hydrogen peroxide 20 vol): 5 shades of beige, cold
Expressionism (hydrogen peroxide 20 vol): 3 shades of red, high intensity
Impressionism (hydrogen peroxide 20 vol): 2 shades of copper, high intensity
Realism (hydrogen peroxide 20 vol): 6 warm shades, high intensity
Ιlluminism (hydrogen peroxide 30 vol): 6 cold shades, with metallic tinge

4 QUESTIONS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOUR SHADE

1. Is your hair natural or colored?

If hair has natural color, choose one color 1-2 levels lighter or darker than the natural one (hair color with hydrogen peroxide 20 vol.) or 3 levels lighter than the hair color shade with hydrogen peroxide 30 vol.

In case your hair is already colored, choose a shade at the same tone level as the colored one, because colored hair cannot become lighter just with a hair color. Special techniques should be applied in the hairdresser.

2. Do you prefer a lighter or a darker color shade than your natural color?

Hair becomes 1-2 levels lighter with shades that have hydrogen peroxide 20 vol, while it becomes 3 levels lighter with shades that have hydrogen peroxide 30 vol. First, look at the color of the root and then choose a basic tone (number before the dot).

3. Which result do you want to have regarding the color shade?

Check the color palette and decide whether you want a warm or a cold color (the number after dot). Cold shades are ash-cendre (X.1). Warm shades are all other shades except of basic tones (X.0) and beige shades(X.7).

4. What is the percentage of white hair?

If the percentage of white hair is higher than 50%, mix of a basic tone (naturalism) with a color shade so as to achieve a better result. For example, mix 7.0 and 7.35 (for more information, read the following tips for professional results).

TIPS FOR A PROFESSIONAL RESULT

1. Touch up applications – avoid carbon effect phenomenon (settling of color):

Apply the mixture to the roots and leave it for 20-30- minutes. Apply the remaining mixture on the rest of the hair and leave it for another 5-10 minutes. When the processing time is up, massage hair for 2-3 minutes, using a small amount of lukewarm water allowing the mixture to turn into lather and then rinse thoroughly.
ATTENTION: If the existing color on the rest of your hair has not fade out, it is recommended to apply the remaining mixture for 5 minutes maximum for a shiny and uniform result.

2. Root application:

For root application, maybe half of permanent hair color cream is enough, depending on hair density. The rest of the cream could be kept for the next use. In this case, pay attention to the mixing ratio with color developer, which is 1:1,5.
For example: If 25g of hair color is used (1/2 tube), the suggested ratio from color developer is 25x1,5=37,5ml (by calibration on the bottle). If the mixing ratio is not precise, you will not have the preferable result and white hair will not be covered.

3. Difficult white hair or white more tahn 50% white hair:

In case of “difficult white hair” or when more than 50% of the hair is white, we suggest a mixing ratio with the corresponding basic tone (naturalism).
For example: color shade 7.35 will be combined with basic tone 7.0.
Suggested mixing ratio: ½ of basic tone 7.0 and ½ of shade 7.35 for 20-30 minutes only in roots. Apply to the rest of hair color shade 7.35 for 5-10 minutes.

4. For a more light hair color – basic condition is correct volume of hydrogen peroxide:

The ability of decoloration of natural tone of one shade doesn’t depend on how light the selected shade is, but on the volume of hydrogen peroxide, since it is the key for hair oxidation and consequently, for hair decoloration.
The most probable for a very light color (8.0, 20Vol) is not to change a natural brown color, but just to bring a red natural color. So in order to achieve a higher decoloration (up to 3 tones), choose shades that have 30 volume hydrogen peroxide.

5. Hair with highlights:

It is likely that more than one application will be needed in order for the highlights to be covered. Nevertheless, highlights will appear again after some shampoos. This is the case for every hair color. If the highlights have been made with decoloration products, then the shade of the selected color may differentiate. For better coverage, choose a color shade from the basic tone Χ.0 (naturalism) or beige shades Χ.7 (romanticism). Moreover, ash-cendre shades should be avoided.

6. Darker root for a natural result:

The correct touch-up application (apply the mixture to the roots for 20-30 minutes and the remaining mixture on the rest of the hair for 5-10 minutes maximum, possibly not every month) has darker roots as a result. If you prefer even darker roots, combine ? of the more dark tone mixture only on roots. For example (Χ-1).0=6.0 and ? of the mixture that we use. For example Χ.YΖ=7.35. Do not apply basic color tone on the rest of the hair at all (Χ-1).0 because the shade will have a carbon effect and will be, most probably, darker.

7. After hair color:

APIVITA suggests to wash hair with shampoo for colored hair with sunflower and honey and then to apply post color hair conditioner(included in the packaging), which closes the scales of the cuticle and locks the color. Do not forget to use conditioner and mask for colored hair with sunflower and honey.
Ideal to use during summer or before styling is the leave in conditioner (no need to rinse) with olive and honey which moisturize hair and protect color against the sun.
Rinse hair with lukewarm water, instead of hot water for glowing hair. Finally, it is very important to dry hair with patted towel movements in order to avoid hair damage.

1. Katsarou A., Koufou B., Takou K., Kalogeromitros D., Panayiotou G., Vareltzidis A., Patch Tests Results in hairdressers with contact dermatitis in Greece (1985-1994), Contact dermatitis 1995; 33: 347-361
2. Schnuch A, Geier J, Uter PJ. National rates and regional and regional differences in sensitization to allergens of the standard series. Contact dermatitis 1997; 37:200-209

Sea lavender is a halophyte, also known as Statice, or Immortal Blue and is of exceptional longevity, never fades. Sea Lavender bears the Latin name Limonium gerberi.

This marine plant is mainly found in salt water marshes and flowers from July to September in carpets of a magnificent blue. It has many flowers grouped out of unilateral spikes. It has the particularity to reject the salt by the lower face of its leaves so forming small crystals which we can easily observe. The genus Limonium is found in all over the world. The greatest diversity is recorded in the area stretching from the Canary Islands through the Mediterranean region.

Mythology

Immortal blue or Sea lavender the meaning of which is "always there for you", possesses a long glorious past. Indeed Immortal blue symbolizes the beauty through ages, the immortal beauty. Homer in the Odyssey refers to Immortal blue or Sea lavender, with which the gods strewed Estran to create an immortal link between the kingdoms of the sky and the sea when these were separated. It is also the immortal blue which gave Circe, the magician, her supreme beauty due to which Odysseus fell desperately in love.

Properties and uses

The antioxidant properties of the plant are known and used in medicine.

Sea Lavender, a real everlasting deep blue plant of the seaside, provides a significant response to skin ageing and photo-ageing problems.

Because of its original composition, complex lipids glycolipids and sulpholipids, sitosterol and vitamin E, Sea Lavender has proved its efficacy on moisturization, softening and regulation of the skin. Because of its anti-free radical and antioxidant effect , Sea Lavender fights against UVB and UVA radiation by protecting the skin tissue components. It also stimulates the formation of hyaluronic acid. Through its dynamic action on the prevention of manifestations of skin ageing and photoageing, Sea Lavender appears to be a key ingredient in the formulation of anti-aging, firmness and after-sun cosmetic products.

Sea Lavender could be considered a complete anti-ageing active, a cutaneous barrier restorer and protector of the skin physiology. Sea Lavender boosts collagen production and protects against collagen degradation induced by UVA. Overall it maintains skin young and healthy since it contributes to better skin cohesion, it helps increase the defence of the skin and it has anti-ageing and nourishing properties.

Uses… by APIVITA

APIVITA uses Sea Lavender in the new, innovative SUNCARE range to enhance skin defence against solar radiation and irritations, as well as to maintain skin’s natural moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss. Moreover, it protects against photo-ageing and enhances collagen production.

Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.

Do you have questions regarding proper sun protection? Is it difficult to choose the right sunscreen? Read our following article in an effort to reveal all secrets regarding sun protection. As for APIVITA’s lovers, we have great news: our new APIVITA SUNCARE line, with patent against photo-ageing.

Secret No. 1: Do you know that from childhood until the age of 21 our greatest exposure to the sunlight is realized?

If these years we do not protect ourselves properly, even the best skin care then does not completely eliminate the risk of developing skin problems. Many people do not realize that every time we are exposed to the sun unprotected during puberty, we increase dramatically the chances of dangerous skin problems as adults.

Secret No. 2: The brunette skins need the same sun protection

Those who are brunette and have dark skin wrongly feel that they are not threatened by skin problems as they do not easily face the risk of sunburn. This leads not to use sunscreen against the harmful sun rays. That is totally wrong! Although really pale skin is most at risk, this does not mean that the risk does not exist for darker skins as well.

Secret No. 3: The sun's rays have great power

The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage. Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

• • UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays as well as UVB rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun.
• • UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and effects on the immune system. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.
• • UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

Secret No. 4: What is sun protection?

Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Secret No. 5: Which are the best ways to avoid sunburn?

Limit time in the sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• • wear protective clothing, including
• • a broad-brimmed hat
• • use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays
• • use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or perspiring heavily

Secret No. 6: What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a lotion, spray, gel or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and thus helps protect against sunburn. Skin-lightening products have sunscreen to protect lightened skin because light skin is more susceptible to sun damage than darker skin. A number of sunscreens have tanning powder to help the skin to darken or tan, however tanning powder does not provide protection from UV rays.

Sunscreens contain one or more of the following ingredients:

• • Organic chemical compounds that absorb ultraviolet light
• • Inorganic particulates that reflect, scatter, and absorb UV light
• • Organic particulates that mostly absorb light like organic chemical compounds, but contain multiple chromophores, may reflect and scatter a fraction of light like inorganic particulates, and behave differently in formulations than organic chemical compounds.

Depending on the mode of action sunscreens can be classified into physical sunscreens (i.e., those that reflect the sunlight) or chemical sunscreens (i.e., those that absorb the UV light).

Secret No.7: What is meant by SPF?

SPF, an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. It is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for a person to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.A common mistake is applying too little sunscreen which can drastically reduce the effective SPF of the product. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Sunscreen should also be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. People with sensitive skin who burn quickly and must spend a lot of time outdoors should always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.

A major limitation of the SPF value is that these numbers are determined from a test that measures protection against sunburn caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Therefore, SPF values only indicate a sunscreen's UVB protection and do not provide any information on the product's effectiveness in blocking the ultraviolet A (UVA) rays that contribute to the development of skin cancers.

Secret No.8: Are all sunscreens equally effective against UV radiation?

No. Some sunscreens protect against only one type of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet-B (UVB). Others protect against both types of ultraviolet radiation that reach earth's atmosphere from the sun: ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-A (UVA). Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB , and are thus classified as "broad spectrum" are recommended for everyone.

Secret No.9: How should skin sunscreens be applied?

It's a good general rule to apply a sunscreen very liberally. Anyone who skimps won't receive full protection. The sunscreen should be applied about a half hour before going outside to allow time for the sunscreen to soak in and take effect.

Secret No.10: Do water or perspiration wash off sunscreen?

Yes. Therefore, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period and after swimming, bathing, perspiring heavily, or drying off with a towel or handkerchief. Water and perspiration resistant sunscreens are available. However, even their protection will not last indefinitely.

Secret No.11: Do you check the sunscreen's expiration date?

Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Secret No.12: Do children need suncare?

Especially children need more attention in the sun , because they have less melanin than adults and their skin is more sensitive. It is a fact that the amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by a child under six years old is three times the amount absorbed by an adult.

For an effective, therefore, protection of children from the sun, the parents should be aware that:

• • Avoid sun exposure from 11a.m - 4p.m
• • Do not expose directly to sunlight as infants age 6 months
• • Use sunscreen with SPF of 15 or more
• • Apply the first layer of sunscreen half an hour before going to the sun (always on clean and dry skin) and then sunscreen every 1-2 hours
• • After each dive to wipe well, because it has been shown that wet skin absorbs more radiation, and the sunscreen
• • Do not forget to protect children’s face and lips equally with specialized sunscreens
• • Often give them water and juices, which contain valuable nutrients and vitamins
• • Necessarily make them wear sunglasses, a hat and light, light-colored clothing

Our natural proposal

APIVITA has unveiled the secrets of sun protection to provide us with an innovative, thus natural and effective solution to protect ourselves against the sun’s harmful effects.

The new APIVITA SUNCARE line, with patent against photo-ageing:

• • Offers effective protection against UVA and UVB radiation with photostable combination of natural and organic sun filters and sea lavender
• • Protects against photo-ageing and free radicals with patented propolis
• • Enhances skin defence and maintains its natural moisture with active extract of sea lavender

APIVITA's new SUNCARE line includes a wide range of products to cover your specialized needs:

For face:

• • Light Texture Face Cream for Oily-Combination Skin SPF 30, UVA 17 : Helps regulate skin oiliness and offers matte effect. Suggested for oily-combination skins. Ideal for men’s skin.
• • Light Texture Face Cream for Normal-Dry Skin SPF 30, UVA 16 : Helps hydrate and restore skin’s natural moisture. Suggested for normal-dry skins. Ideal for mature skin.
• • Light Texture Tinted Face Cream SPF 30, UVA 21 : Offers even skin tone and healthy matte effect. Suggested for all skin types. It can substitute make up during summer months.
• • Antispot Face Cream SPF 50, UVA 26 : Prevents and helps reduce brown spots. Suggested for skins with brown spots, discolorations and freckles. Ideal to use during pregnancy or menopause.
• • Antispot Tinted Face Cream SPF 50, UVA 34 : Prevents and helps reduce brown spots. Offers even skin tone and healthy radiance. Suggested for skins with brown spots, discolorations and freckles. Ideal to use during pregnancy or menopause.
• • Face Cream for Sensitive Skin SPF 50+, UVA 35 : Prevents irritations due to sun exposure. Suggested for light and sensitive skins. Ideal to use after laser.

For face & body:

• • Sunscreen Face and Body Milk SPF 50, UVA 29 : Helps hydrate, nourish and maintain skin’s natural elasticity. Suggested for light and sensitive skin types. Ideal for the first days at the beach and for those involved in water sports and exposed to the sun for many hours.
• • Sunscreen Face and Body Milk SPF 30, UVA 16 : Helps hydrate, nourish and maintain skin’s natural elasticity. Suggested for medium skin types which get burned rarely and tan easily.
• • Sunscreen Face and Body Milk SPF 20, UVA 9 : Helps hydrate, nourish and maintain skin’s natural elasticity. Suggested for skin types that tan easily or already tanned skins.
• • Suntan Body Oil SPF, 15 UVA 11 : Helps deep tanning thanks while hydrates and maintain skin’s natural elasticity. It has non-oily texture and is easily absorbed. Suggested for skins which tan easily.

For babies & kids:

• • Eco-Bio Face and Body Milk for Baby and Kids SPF 30, UVA 10 : Certified organic product, especially formulated for babies’ and kids’ sensitive skin, moisturizes the skin and protects against skin irritations. With natural filters only. Suggested to parents who want an ECO-BIO certified product for babies and kids.
• • Face and Body Milk for Kids SPF 50, UVA 29: Especially formulated for kids’ sensitive skin, moisturizes the skin and protects against skin irritations. Suggested to parents who want a natural sun care face and body milk for a kid’s skin.

After sun:

• • Moisturizing and Cooling After Sun Cream-Gel for Face and Body : Soothes irritations caused by sun exposure. Hydrates and offers cooling sensation. Suggested after sun exposure for all skin types. Ideal to use as body moisturized during the summer.

This summer face the sun naturally with APIVITA SUNCARE!

As years add up, ageing is inevitable and time can take a toll on our face and body… Skin becomes thinner, drier and loses its suppleness giving way to wrinkles. Seeing fine lines and wrinkles appearing here and there is a normal part of life. While we can't stop the natural ageing process, we can prevent the signs of premature ageing and maintain a radiant, youthful looking skin for longer!

But why can’t we stop the ageing process?

Ageing is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid 20s. Over the time, collagen production slows and elastin fibers decrease, thus skin loses its elasticity and sagging and wrinkles appear.

The ageing process can be affected and enhanced by several factors:

• • external factors such as sun exposure and environmental pollution, use of medicines and cosmetics
• • internal factors such as heredity and hormones
• • individual factors like smoking, lifestyle habits, unbalanced diet, stress and lack of sleep

Which are the signs that determine the appearance of ageing on face?

As we age, skin’s structure and functions change causing several changes on our skin. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of ageing are typically not visible for decades. There are 7 common signs that can determine the appearance of ageing on our face:

• 1. the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• 2. the loss of firmness
• 3. skin discolorations and age spots
• 4. the increased number and pore size
• 5. decreased radiance
• 6. decreased softness
• 7. decreased hydration

How to prevent the signs of ageing?

While genes play a huge role in how we age, there are lifestyle choices that can help slow the signs of ageing. But what do we have to do to keep our skin radiant and youthful looking for longer? Well, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle and proper skin care!

Let’s start with incorporating 5 basic steps in our skin care routine:

Step 1: Daily cleansing. Use a gentle cleanser day and night to effectively remove dust, dirt and makeup. Follow with a toner to prepare your skin absorb the maximum nutrients and hydration from your moisturizer.

APIVITA offers a complete cleansing line, with high percentages of natural compositions from 89% up to 100%, to effectively cleanse respecting the physiology of your skin.

Step 2: Daily moisturizing. Apply moisturizing cream twice daily, morning and night. Choose a moisturizer rich in antioxidants to help prevent signs of ageing. Also remember that your skin is most receptive to extra care during the night.

To protect from premature ageing and prevent the signs of ageing, APIVITA has created three innovative product lines that meet the specialized needs of even the most demanding customers:

• • The Queen Bee line helps diminish deep wrinkles and boosts skin elasticity. Contains royal jelly, encapsulated in liposomes to transfer its restoring action to the deepest layers of the epidermis and firm mature skin. Ideal for ages 45+.
• • The Wine Elixir line helps reduce and prevent lines and wrinkles while increasing skin firmness. Resveratrol, the basic ingredient of red wine, activates the synthesis of sirtuins (youth proteins), which prolong the life of fibroblasts in cells, increasing the production of collagen and elastin. Ideal for ages 35+.
• • The First Line products are specially designed to prevent and combat first wrinkles and expression lines. Myrtle leaf extract and forest beech reduce the number and depth of wrinkles and enhance the production of collagen and elastin. Contains antioxidants, olive polyphenols and fumitory, to protect skin from the ravages of the environment. Ideal for ages 25+.

Step 3: Daily sun protection. Never leave the house without first putting on a daily sunscreen. This will protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun and prevent premature ageing. Use sunscreens that have a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15 and that offer UVA and UVB coverage. Apply sunscreen all year round at least 15 to 30 minutes before going out.

APIVITA offers an innovative SUNCARE product line with patent against photo-ageing:

• • photostable combination of natural and organic filters effectively protects against UVA and UVB radiation
• • patented propolis extract protects the skin against photo-ageing
• • active extract of sea lavender enhances skin defence and maintains its natural moisture

Step 4: Daily eye care. Care for the delicate skin around your eyes choosing an anti-wrinkle product specially designed for this very delicate area.

APIVITA offers tree specialized products to reduce and prevent eye wrinkles:

• • Queen Bee Anti-Wrinkle and Restoring Eye Cream with royal jelly & honey, ideal for ages +45
• • Wine Elixir Anti-wrinkle Eye and Lip Cream with red wine & beeswax, ideal for ages 35+
• • First Line Eye Cream Fine Line Reducer SPF 15 with myrtle & jasmine, ideal for ages 25+

Step 5: Face Masks. Twice a week, treat yourself to a face mask rich in nutrients and antioxidants to relax, hydrate and regenerate your skin.

APIVITA proposes the Express Beauty and Express Gold lines to give your skin an extra boost! Try and alternate our anti-ageing and regenerating masks:

• • express beauty anti-wrinkle & firming mask with grape
• • express beauty instant lifting mask with red wine
• • express gold firming and regenerating mask with royal jelly
• • express beauty nourishing and regenerating mask with carrot
• • express beauty anti-wrinkle eye mask with grape

But remember, anti-ageing is also a matter of healthy lifestyle! Consider a few tips to get spectacular results:

• • Follow a healthy diet, rich in nutrients and vitamins, to enhance the natural process of skin renewal and slow the ageing process. For glowing and moisturized skin, enrich your daily diet with fruits and vegetables.
• • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. When your body is properly hydrated, your skin looks healthy and radiant and has more elasticity.
• • Exercise to help enhance your metabolism and improve blood flow keeping your skin firm and radiant.
• • Stop smoking to prevent wrinkles around the lips and eyes. Smoking may also rob skin of nutrients leaving it dull and dry.
• • Relax! Stress may leave its mark on your face.

The answer is simple if we realize that our organism consists of water 70%! This means that hydration is necessary for our face functioning and for this reason we have to care about hydrating and retaining high levels of moisture. Nowadays, due to the evolution of both the medicine science and technology a variety of products are offered to us, which means that we can choose whatever product is suitable for us concerning some factors such as skin type and age.

As for the skin type:

• • Dry Skin has a tendency toward dryness and often feels uncomfortably tight and rough. Overly dry skin has lost some of its oil content and needs to have this balance restored to normal levels. The use of hydrators is crucial in order to help maintain the skin’s oil content.
• • Oily Skin may be shiny, with dilated pores and occasional or frequent blackheads. Oily skin often needs extra hydration because it tends to strip the oil from the skin and dehydrate it in the process. As oily skin is acne-prone, a hydrating product should be chosen that does not clog acne-prone skin.
• • Combination Skin has dry areas and oily areas - the nose, forehead, and chin tend to be oily. Combination skin needs to have its dry areas hydrated and its oily areas cared for.
• • Normal Skin exhibits a pinkish, glowing complexion with hard-to-see pores. This type of skin must maintain a balance between dryness and oiliness, i.e., between water and oil balance.

As for the skin type:

Mature Skin has slowed in its natural processes, including deposits of water in the dermis. All mature skin, no matter what type or condition, must be treated generously with hydrating products. Moreover we should point out the positive effect of anti-aging.

How to properly moisturize

A good moisturizer is an essential part of every skin care system, even if you have an oily or acne-prone complexion as we said. The right moisturizer, specifically formulated for your skin type, will provide vital nutrients to help repair and protect against daytime damage.

Moisturizers should always be applied after skin has been washed and is still slightly damp, to help seal in hydration. This protective layer not only plumps skin to make it look and feel softer and smoother, it also prevents moisture loss throughout the day.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Cleanse. Moisturizer should always be applied to a clean face. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry with a clean towel and apply toner. A good toner will prepare your skin to absorb the maximum nutrients and hydration from your moisturizer.

2. Apply. Begin with the center of your face, and use your fingers to dab the product on your skin and gently sweep up and out toward the edge of your face. Don't forget your neck. Use gentle, upward strokes.

3. Protect. Wait a few minutes before applying sunscreen or makeup to give your moisturizer a chance to soak into the skin.

Our natural proposal

Many facial skincare products contain harmful synthetic ingredients that may damage your skin over the long term. Instead, treat your skin to all-natural, skin-nourishing products that help protect, hydrate or enhance the appearance of your skin without relying on such synthetic ingredients.

APIVITA offers a variety of moisturizing natural products, giving an innovation solution to hydration as our products have adapted to the needs and requirements of customers. We propose a complete line of Natural, Effective and Holistic products offering 24h hydration; the Aqua Vita line.

Benefits of Aqua Vita products:

• • Restores skin hydration and reduces skin’s transepidermal water loss
• • Tones the skin, rejuvenates and provides well being
• • Protects against harmful environmental agents and the sun
• • Offers anti-ageing action

Proposed products:

• • Aqua Vita 24h moisturizing cream for oily/ combination skin with chaste tree & propolis
• • Aqua Vita 24h moisturizing day cream for oily/ combination skin SPF10 with chaste tree & propolis
• • Aqua Vita 24h moisturizing cream for normal/dry skin with chaste tree & honey
• • Aqua Vita 24h moisturizing cream for normal/dry skin SPF 10 with chaste tree & honey
• • Aqua Vita 24h moisturizing cream for very dry skin with chaste tree & almond
• • Aqua Vita 24h moisturizing & revitalization eye cream with chaste tree & ruscus

Last but not least

APIVITA proposes the Express Beauty and Express Gold lines to give your skin an extra blast of hydration!

Benefits of Express Beauty products:

• • Natural compositions up to 99%
• • Based on the concept of the "Balanced Mediterranean diet of the Skin"
• • Rich in fruits and vegetables, in minerals and trace elements
• • Full range of face care masks (cleansing, hydration, anti-ageing, firming, glow and radiance)
• • Unique monodose format, mix and match concept to cover all needs
• • Fresh product used at the time that it is opened
• • Easy to carry along when travelling
• • A unique Ηοme SPA experience that offers instant and visible results to the skin, in ten minutes

Proposed products:

• • Express Beauty Intensive Hydration Mask with cucumber
• • Express Beauty Moisturizing Mask with aloe
• • Express Beauty Moisturizing and Nourishing Mask with honey
• • Express Gold Moisturizing and Revitalizing Mask with prickly pear
• • Express Gold Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Eye Patches with rose

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as Tea tree, is a native evergreen shrub of the north coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales in Australia. It grows as high as six meters along streams and on swampy flats. It is in leaf in January and in flower in June. The flowers have both male and female organs and are pollinated by insects. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils and cannot grow in the shade.

Origins and traditions

Some people think that the narrow-leafed paper bark tree was named Tea tree because of Captain Cook, who sailed from England in the 17th Century, and used the leaves to make a tea. Captain Cook found that it was good at combating scurvy that many of his crew suffered from due to the lack of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables from their daily diet.

Tea tree, and in particular its essential oil, is a very powerful natural antiseptic. Tea tree essential oil is derived from the leaves and twigs of the plant and is one of the most useful products in nature. It has been used by Aboriginal people in Australia for many centuries as one of their most useful medicines. Australia has more than 300 different kinds of Tea tree, but only one of them is used to make the oil which is now world renowned.

Tea tree oil first came to the forefront during the World War II. An outbreak of foot-fungus became so bad that they had to hospitalize hundreds of Australian soldiers but no treatment seemed to work. One day, a medic who was an aborigine from Australia, recalled the Tea tree properties and sourced the essential oil. The doctors treated the soldiers effected feet with the Tea tree essential oil, and the fungus was gone within a few days. Tea tree oil was more effective than any basic antiseptic, that in World War II soldiers were issued a bottle along with their first aid kit. They found it effective on all sorts of cuts, burns, scratches, and infections. Therefore during World War II, Tea tree oil growers were exempt from serving the army in Australia as their contribution to the war was to produce Tea tree oil for the troops.

Properties and uses in the 21st century

Tea tree oil has a number of properties making it an excellent treatment for many conditions. It has been shown to be effective against fungi, bacteria and viruses. The essential oil is extracted by steam or water distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Tea tree. The oil is a water-white liquid or pale yellow-green and has a fresh, spicy and slightly camphor like smell.

The essential oil is useful for treating stings, burns, wounds and skin infections of all kind. It is strongly antiseptic, diaphoretic and expectorant. Stimulates the immune system and is effective against a broad range of bacterial and fungal infections. It is used externally in the treatment of vaginal infections, acne, athlete's foot, warts, insect bites and cold sores. The oil is non-irritant and it is usually applied diluted with carrier oil such as almond. It is also widely used in aromatherapy. Internally, it is used in the treatment of chronic and some acute infections, notably cystitis, glandular fever and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The quality and effectiveness of the essential oil is largely based on the concentration of terpinen-4-ol and cineole. The minimum standard requires that Tea tree oil contains at least 30 percent terpinen-4-ol and less than 15 percent cineole. Oils containing as much as 47 percent terpinen-4-ol and as little as 2.5 percent cineole are rare but considered to be the best; those high in terpinen-4-ol and low in cineole appear to produce the greatest and most predictable bactericidal activity, but cineole-rich oils (higher than 15 percent) are more likely to cause skin irritations.

Uses... by APIVITA

At APIVITA we screen and choose the best available organic Tea tree essential oil from Australia and the content of terpinen-4-ol is between 40-42 percent and of cineole between 3.5-4.5 percent. Offers strong antiseptic and antifungal properties and can be used in the treatment of oily skin, acne, dandruff and greasy hair, minor cuts, insect bites and fungal infections around the nails. Also acts as an air cleaner to protect from influenza and colds.

PROPOLINE Shampoo for Dry Scalp with tea tree & honey contains tea tree essential oil to help eliminate dry dandruff and remove dead cells.

Intimate plus Gentle Cleansing Gel for the Intimate Area with tea tree & propolis prevents pathogenic microorganisms’ growth and small irritations respecting the natural flora of the intimate area.

Tea tree essential oil is also included in face cleansing products for oily and combination skin types to help regulate oil secretion and offer antiseptic action.

Eucalyptus line and Propolis Organic Spray for the Throat contain tea tree essential oil to offer antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic action and help treat respiratory infections.

Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.

You can now visit APIVITA’s YouTube channel to learn more about APIVITA natural cosmetics with some quick video tutorials and trainings featuring product actions, ingredient properties and useful usage tips. Dive into APIVITA’s secrets and find the products that best fit your needs!

Find our quick video tutorials on YouTube for the following lines and range of products:

APIVITA presents Aqua Vita

Hydration is the secret to maintain a healthy glowing skin! APIVITA created aqua vita, a complete line for 24-hour moisturizing for all skin types. Thanks to its main natural ingredients, chaste tree, oat and lecithin, increases skin moisture while helps skin to retain water and reinforces the natural defensive mechanism of the skin. Learn aqua vita’s secrets and useful usage tips with this video!

APIVITA presents Wine Elixir

In the wine elixir line APIVITA has captured the power of red wine, resveratrol, to reduce the signs of ageing, the face wrinkle. Learn wine elixir’s secrets and useful usage tips with this video!

APIVITA presents Queen Bee

APIVITA offers your skin a touch of luxury with Queen Bee, a complete face care line with royal jelly, which diminishes deep wrinkles and boosts skin elasticity. For better results, APIVITA has captured royal jelly in liposomes so that its beneficial effects can penetrate into the deeper skin layers. Learn Queen Bee’s secrets and useful usage tips with this video!

APIVITA presents PROPOLINE Shampoos

APIVITA PROPOLINE hair care line treats all hair and scalp problems in a holistic and entirely natural way. The line comprises of natural organic extracts that offer the most safe and natural solution to any problem whilst also offering extra specialized cosmetic treatment. The biodiversity of Greek nature, the invaluable products of the bee such us honey and propolis together with our scientific innovations, such Bio Cotton Protection System are the renowned star ingredients of the PROPOLINE line. Learn PROPOLINE’s secrets and useful usage tips with this video!

APIVITA presents Body Care

Body's skin may be dry, sensitive, oily or in need of revitalization, invigoration, relaxation during a delightful moment of well-being. The APIVITA complete body care product line provides unique and specialized solutions for all needs and skin types. APIVITA body cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating products boast up to 99% natural ingredients. Soapwort, olive and almond oils, honey and fig extracts instantly moisturize skin and restore its elasticity. Organic hamamelis extract provides antioxidant protection against premature ageing. Learn APIVITA body care’s secrets and useful usage tips with this video!

How clean do you think your skin is at the end of the day? Moving around in dust, smoke and traffic makes skin dry, dull and lifeless. Moreover, dirt of physiological origin, like sweat, sebum, dead skin cells and microbes may affect skin’s health. Regular exposure to all these factors aggravates skin and permanently damages its texture.

To preserve a healthy looking, radiant skin, we should constantly take care of it. Regular cleansing removes impurities, leaving skin clean and refreshed. Thus, helps our skin absorb the beneficial ingredients of other face care products more easily.

How to choose the right face cleansers?

Choosing the right facial cleanser is not so easy. We would suggest keeping the following in mind when choosing a cleanser:

• • Choose a gentle facial cleanser to remove impurities without over-drying and stripping skin of its natural moisture.
• • Choose a PH-balanced cleanser to maintain skin’s natural balance.
• • Choose a natural face cleanser, excluding harmful synthetic ingredients, to avoid allergies.
• • Choose a cleanser suitable for your skin type; a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a gel, foamy cleanser if you have oily skin.

3 steps for a clean and radiant skin

Give yourself a few minutes daily to follow 3 simple steps and get your skin clean and glowing!

Step 1: cleansing. Use a mild cleanser day and night to effectively remove dust, dirt and makeup.

Step 2: exfoliating. Once you have done cleansing, you can go for light scrubbing. This will help you get rid of blackheads and dead skin cells. Repeat twice a week.

Step 3: toning. Use a toner to remove any residual dirt or cleanser on the face. It also helps restoring the natural pH level of the skin, making it ready for being hydrated.

Offer your skin a deep cleansing treatment twice a week to deeply cleanse pores removing excess oil and dirt and preventing blackheads.

Our natural proposal

APIVITA has created the cleansing line, with high percentages of natural compositions from 89% up to 100% to offer:

• • Effective cleansing respecting the physiology of the skin, containing mild cleansing agents and saponaria
• • Toning, rejuvenation and antiseptic action, with 7 organic essential oils and propolis
• • Antioxidant protection, by replacing plain water with organic green tea water
• • Moisturizing action, with honey, olive and almond oils

Discover APIVITA cleansing and get your way to a healthy, glowing skin!

Chaste tree, also known as Monk's pepper, is a native plant of the Mediterranean basin. In Greece it is widely found in riparian (lake shores and riverbeds) and coastal areas. Chaste tree is a deciduous shrub that grows as high as 3 meters. Its leaves are dark green on one side and grayish felted on the other side. Its sweet scented small flowers, which range in color from white and pink-lilac to deep blue, bloom June to September. It has purple black fruits that ripen in autumn. The plant is very tolerant to high and low temperatures.

Name etymology

The Latin name agnus derives from the Greek word agnos (Theophrastus referred to the plant as agnos in his Enquiry into Plants) meaning pure-virgin, because the plant was considered to limit sexual desire (anaphrodisiac). For the same reason, the name castus given to the plant, means pure in Latin. Vitex is derived from the Latin vieo meaning to weave referring to the use of the plant wickers in basket weaving.

Mythology and rituals

Chaste tree was the sister of Oleander and they had one brother that died. Chaste tree was in such deep mourning that her flowers turned from white to lilac, whereas Oleander’s flowers continued to be pink and Chaste tree wondered why her sister was still in happy colours. Oleander simply told her that she should not judge by one's appearance but by his heart and soul. Truly Oleander's entire "soul and body" was dark and bitter.

Chaste tree was associated with the ancient Greek festival Thesmophoria, held in honour of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility and marriage. During the festival women remained "chaste" and chaste tree blossoms were used for adornment, while bows of twigs and leaves, were strewn around Demeter's temple.

Furthermore, chaste tree is considered the sacred tree of goddess Hera because according to myth she was born under it.

Uses according to Hippocrates and other ancient physicians

The plant has been recognized for its medicinal value since antiquity and has been specifically described in the works of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Theophrastus. Hippocrates used the plant to treat wounds, inflammations and swellings and also in treating gynecological issues such as menstrual cycle problems. In De Materia Medica, Dioscorides has described the soothing properties of chaste tree seeds.

Uses according to tradition

The chaste tree wicker due to its pliability was traditionally used in basket weaving since ancient times. Homer describes in the Iliad, how Achilles had tied King Priam's sons with chaste tree wickers and in the Odyssey, how Odysseus escaped from the blinded Cyclop Polyphemus by tying himself to the bellies of sheep with chaste tree wickers.

Ancient Greeks noticed the ability of the plant to suppress sexual desire. Later on it was used by monks in monasteries in order to help them with abstinence. Therefore the plant is also known as monk’s pepper. Moreover, the seeds were used to treat colds and snake bites. It was also believed to be capable of warding off evil.

Properties and uses in the 21st century

Chaste tree is very effective in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It also regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves of menstrual pains. Chaste tree is taken internally as a decoction (herb tea) or as a tincture in cases of female conditions. The infusion of leaves helps against diarrhoea. The seed and leaf infusion is calming and relaxing, easing anxiety and helping sleep.

Chaste tree is rich in phyto-endorphins, the plant analogue of the human body b-endorphins. B-endorphins are secreted in a mood of happiness, providing a sense of euphoria. Topical application of phyto-endorphins moisturizes firms and sooths the skin. Clinical studies have shown that chaste tree increases the moisture of the skin up to 28%.

Uses... by APIVITA

APIVITA uses chaste tree in the aqua vita range to increase skin's moisture levels while firming and smoothing skin.

Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.

Applying a night cream should be an integral part of your everyday skin care routine. The time our bodies are sleeping is a time for healing, re-energizing and promoting good health. Rich in nourishing, moisturizing active ingredients, night creams work while you are sleeping to rejuvenate your skin.

What science says

Scientific researches show that skin cell regeneration almost doubles at night, peaking between 12:00am to 4:00am, and collagen production is enhanced. Provide your skin with extra energy using the appropriate night cream to get a healthy and youthful look in the morning.

3 things to know about night creams

1. Why should I use a night cream?

While you sleep your skin is working hard to regenerate itself, fighting against free radicals, soothing minor irritations caused during the day and restoring damages. In this effort, trans-epidermal water loss is increased. Enhance your skin's natural processes and provide necessary hydration by applying a night cream.

Moreover, active ingredients, such as salicylic acid and vitamin C, which rejuvenate and reinvigorate the skin, cannot be used during the day as the sunlight may trigger photosensitivity.

2. How to choose the best night cream for my skin?

Our advice is to choose a night cream according to your age and skin needs.

• • In your 20s look for a light textured, moisturizing night cream rich in antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals.
• • In your 30s choose a richer anti-ageing night cream to help regenerate the skin and reduce wrinkles.
• • In your 40s use a firming, anti-wrinkle night cream to restore skin and treat deeper wrinkles, lines and sagging.

3. How to apply a night cream properly?

To get the beneficial actions of your night cream and see actual results, you should prepare your skin properly. Skin cleansing is the first step in facial care. Ensures a healthy looking, radiant skin and helps adsorb the beneficial ingredients of the night cream more easily. After using the appropriate cleanser, apply night cream on dry skin with gentle circular motions until absorbed.

Our natural proposal

APIVITA night creams contain natural active ingredients to enhance skin's natural processes and help restore damages:

• • Queen Bee Firming and Restoring Night Cream with royal jelly & honey offers firming, restoring and moisturizing action while gently exfoliates the skin giving a healthy glowing look in the morning. Contains royal jelly, encapsulated in liposomes to transfer its restoring action to the deepest layers of the epidermis and firm mature skin. Ideal for ages 45+.
• • Wine Elixir Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Night Cream with red wine & beeswax treats and regenerates the skin at night while reducing even the deepest wrinkles. Contains a salicylic acid derivative to stimulate cell renewal and smooth the skin leaving it soft and with a natural glow. Ideal for ages 35+.
• • First Line Day & Night Emulsion Fine Line Reducer with myrtle & jasmine moisturizes and softens skin helping reduce and prevent wrinkles. Contains antioxidants, olive polyphenols and fumitory, to protect skin from the ravages of the environment. Ideal for ages 25+.

Myrtle is native to southern Europe and northern Africa. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing up to 5 meters high. The leaves, 3-5cm long, are very fragrant thanks to their high essential oil content. The plant has star-like white flowers and round blue black berries. The common myrtle (Myrtus communis), also known as true myrtle, is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean basin as an ornamental shrub, for its fragrant white flowers in late summer.

Mythology and rituals

According to myth, Aphrodite, the daughter of Uranus, was born of the sea foam on the island of Cyprus and covered herself behind a myrtle bush. Ever since, the myrtle was devoted to Aphrodite of Pafos and became the symbol of beauty and youth. Aphrodite was the goddess of marriage and myrtle was linked to the wedding ceremony and for this reason brides to be, wore myrtle wreaths. In the Mediterranean culture, myrtle was symbolic of love and immortality.

Ancients also called it myrrine. At the ancient market of Athens there was a designated area called "the Myrrines", where they made and sold wreaths of myrtle for the champions and nobles. The goldsmiths of antiquity had a special preference in myrtle depictions. The most known article is the golden myrtle wreath that was found at the royal tombs of Vergina.

Uses according to Hippocrates and other ancient physicians

There are numerous references of Myrtle in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galen. Hippocrates used it for cleansing the sensitive areas, easing childbirth and the decoction of the berries for the heavily ill.

Medicinal and cosmetic uses

In most Mediterranean countries, myrtle extract is used to enhance hair growth. Recent scientific research has proven the positive effect for myrtle compounds in the treatment of sinusitis confirming the traditional use in Europe and China for sinus infections.

The leaves are aromatic, balsamic, haemostatic and tonic. Recent research has revealed a substance in the plant that has an antibiotic action. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of urinary infections, digestive problems, bronchial congestion, sinusitis and dry coughs. Externally, it is used in the treatment of acne, wounds, gum infections and haemorrhoids. Myrtol (active ingredient of the essential oil derived from the myrtle) is used as a remedy for gingivitis. The oil is used as a local application in the treatment of rheumatism.

Modern scientific research has revealed that myrtle has tonic, antiseptic and astringent action on the skin due to the high myrtol content. Myrtle also affects the molecular mechanisms related to the longevity of cells and tissues. It enhances the synthesis of sirtuins, known as longevity proteins, at the cellular level triggering a highly effective anti-wrinkle mechanism.

Other uses

The essential oil from the bark, leaves and flowers is used in perfumery, soaps and skin-care products. Perfumed water, known as "eau d'ange", is obtained from the flowers. A high quality charcoal is made from the wood. Wood - hard, elastic, very fine grained - is used for walking sticks, tool handles, furniture, etc.

Uses... by APIVITA

APIVITA uses myrtle in the first line range to diminish the first signs of ageing as it helps reduce the number and depth of wrinkles and enhances the production of collagen and elastine.

Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.

The olive tree is an evergreen tree, native to the Mediterranean basin. It lives over 100 years. The leathery leaves are dark green on the top side and silvery on the bottom. The small white scentless flowers blossom April to May. The olive fruit is harvested in the green to deep purple stage late autumn beginning of winter.

The first word for Olea appeared in Linear B on clay tablets found in Greece and is derived from the Greek word elaa or, according to Theophrastus, elaia directly correlated to the Greek word eleon meaning oil.

Mythology and traditions

According to myth there was a competition between the goddess Athena and Poseidon in regards to the naming of the city of Athens. The two competitors met with the rest of the Olympian Gods on the Acropolis rock. Poseidon stood on the centre of the rock and with his trident struck the ground and water sprung up that was salty, therefore not potable. Athena planted an olive-fruit bearing-tree that offered wood, oil and food. The Gods and the Athenians chose Athena’s gift as the most useful and therefore the name «Αθήνα» in honor of the goddess was given to the city. The sacred olive tree remained there for many years to come.

During the ancient Olympic Games, the winner of each event was crowned with an olive wreath also known as kotinos, made of wild-olive leaves from a sacred tree near the temple of Zeus at Olympia. The winners were respected and graced by the gods.

In Greek tradition it is the symbol of peace. The offering of an olive tree branch marked the end of the war. Truce messengers always arrived with an olive tree branch.

Uses according to Hippocrates

Hippocrates describes in his writings more than 60 pharmaceutical uses of olive oil, the most prominent being the use for skin conditions. There is a clear reference of olive oil combined with wheat and wine as the basis of Hippocratic diet. Other uses according to Hippocrates are against fever, wound healing, irritated gums and whitening of teeth.

Uses according to tradition

Olive oil was used since the 40th century BC until today as lighting fuel due to the fact that on liter can burn in a lamp for 200 hours. The wood and the olive pit burn slow producing significant heat. The olive oil, the leaves, the flowers and the ashes of the tree were used as medicine by ancient therapists. Olives and olive oil remain till today the most characteristic and valuable ingredient of the Mediterranean diet. The olive tree has very hard wood that is processed with difficulty but rather easy to smoothen. Many mythological and legendary objects, such as Heracles’ club, the wedding bed of Odysseus and Athena’s image in the Parthenon, are made of olive tree wood.

Properties and uses in the 21st century

Modern pharmacological studies have shown the cholesterol regulating, vasodilatory, hypotensive, and antimicrobial properties of olive oil and olive leaf extract. Recent research has proven the therapeutic effect of olive oil in gastrointestinal conditions. The vitamin E content of olive oil is very effective in skin conditions and protects against the harmful effects of solar radiation.

Studies showed that the digestion rate of olive oil by the human body can reach as high as 98%. Therefore, the absorbance of fat-soluble vitamins contained in olive oil is highly facilitated. Furthermore, it has been determined that olive oil helps the digestion of other fatty acids, because it enhances the secretions of the peptic system.

The high nutritional value of olive oil is due to the following characteristics:

• • good correlation between Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids [oleic (ω-9), linoleic (ω-6) and a-linolenic (ω-3) acid]
• • high concentration of natural antioxidants.
• • 10% concentration of linoleic acid, which covers the recommended daily intake in basic fatty acids, even if olive oil is the sole source.
• • high concentration of squalene (carbohydrate), which plays a significant role in metabolism.

Uses... by APIVITA

APIVITA uses olive in a wide range of products for its great antioxidant, moisturizing and nourishing properties.

PROPOLINE Moisturizing Color Protecting Leave In Conditioner for All Hair Types with honey & olive moisturizes hair, making it easier to comb and protects against the damaging effects of the environment and styling products.

Cleansing Creamy Face & Eye Foam Cleanser with lavender & olive removes dirt and make-up from the face and eyes, while olive moisturizes and nourishes skin.

Cleansing Exfoliating Face Cream Deep Cleansing with lavender & olive and Express Beauty Intensive Exfoliating Cream with olive contain olive seeds to help remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanse pores.

Wine Elixir Anti-Wrinkle and Restoring Face Oil with grape & olive contains organic olive oil to moisturize and provide antioxidant protection.

The Body Calm line contains olive oil to hydrate, nourish and help preserve healthy skin.

Natural Soap with Olive gently cleanses skin and helps maintain its natural hydration leaving it smooth and soft.

Olive oil contained in hand care products, moisturizes the skin, maintaining its natural softness and elasticity.

Footcare Cracked Heel Cream with olive & fruit acids contains olive oil to intensively moisturize and nourish skin aiding in cell regeneration.

Personal range of products contains olive to gently care for the skin while moisturizing and nourishing.

Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.

Thyme is a very important plant for beekeeping in Greece. The common thyme (usually cultivated) is the species Thymus vulgaris L. which is a small woody aromatic evergreen shrub 20-40cm high. It lives around 7 years and has small, narrow, gray-green oval shaped leaves. Its pink, lilac and white flowers bloom in June and July. It is a very drought resistant plant as it needs very little water to grow and survive. It grows well in pots when placed in a sunny spot. 23 species of thyme are found in Greece. Thymus vulgaris is native to all countries of the Mediterranean basin and cultivated in countries such as China, Russia and the USA. The fresh partially dried leaves and flowering tops are steam distilled to produce thyme essential oil.

Mythology and legend

Thymus comes from one of two Greek words; "thyo" meaning to fumigate or perfume or "thymus" meaning courage. According to Plato "thymus" is one of three essential parts of the soul and is the motivating power of bravery and courage. According to Greek mythology thyme was created by the teardrops of Helen of Troy and the intervention of the Gods of Mt. Olympus. Thyme was also dedicated to the goddess of love Aphrodite due to the belief that thyme enhanced passion. According to legend the tyrant of Syracuse Dionysus the Elder renowned for his festive symposiums, he used to sprinkle freshly cut thyme in the halls and the guests were overwhelmed with erotic passion.

Uses according to Hippocrates and other ancient physicians

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used thyme for its therapeutic properties (laxative, diuretic, expectorant, etc). Dioscorides, the father of pharmacognosy, describes in detail 3 species of thyme. According to Homer thyme was a symbol of strength and bravery. The elderly consumed regularly thyme infusions to maintain their mental strength. Soldiers bathed in thyme to prepare for battle. It was widely known to the ancients because it was an herb the bees loved and honey was favoured by the gods. It was used as an aromatic herb and also rubbed on the tables to clean them for food. It was traditionally used to preserve meat and in general used to enhance foods with its flavour and digestive properties. Thyme was also used internally and externally as an antiseptic.

Uses according to tradition

The Romans spread the use of thyme through Europe as they used it to purify their rooms and give an aromatic flavor to foods such as cheese and liqueurs.

In the Middle Ages the herb was placed under the pillow to help sleep and keep nightmares away. Furthermore, during the Middle Ages thyme was used against melancholy and depression.

It was very common for warriors to either have fresh thyme leaves, or handkerchiefs and shields with thyme on them in order to give them courage. Thyme accompanied the dead as it was believed to assure safe passage into the after life.

Properties and uses in the 21st century

Thyme is a major spice in the food industry as it is widely used to flavor fish, meat and poultry, sauces and soups, etc. It is also a main ingredient of the liqueur Benedictine.

For centuries and until today, thyme is used in products that treat colds, coughing, and sore throat and against the common flu. It has proven strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It enhances the immune system. It is also used to soothe toothaches.

Uses... by APIVITA

APIVITA uses organic thyme essential oil for its excellent antiseptic, antibacterial and toning properties. Thyme also helps fight infections of the respiratory system, relieves the symptoms of common cold and headaches.

Thyme is also used on anti-dandruff and hair loss treatment products as it helps regulate oiliness and maintain scalp’s health.

Pastilles for Sore Throat with honey & thyme, as well as Propolis and Eucalyptus lines, contain thyme to help soothe the symptoms of common cold, sore throat and cough.

Natural Soap with Propolis deeply cleanses pores and regulates oiliness due to the inclusion of propolis extract and thyme essential oil.

Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.

The Mastic tree is a perennial shrub usually 2-3 meters high but can grow up to 5 meters. It is the only variety that produces the aromatic ivory colored resin known as "mastiha" or mastic gum. It reaches full development in 40-50 years and lives up to 100 years. The unique soil and climate conditions favored the production of the mastic resin on Chios, a Greek island in North-Eastern Aegean Sea.

According to historical references the Mastic tree was cultivated on Chios since the 1st century and was used for pharmaceutical purposes. The name Chios in the Phoenician language means mastic (mastiha) due to the fact that the resin was only produced by the particular variety which grows only on the island.

The mastiha resin legend

Legend has it that the Romans in 250 AD tried to force Saint Isidore to change his faith. In his attempt to escape he went to the south of Chios. When he saw his prosecutors closing up on him he prayed to God for help and then the trees lowered their branches hiding the saint. This did not save him so his prosecutors caught and decapitated him. The Mastic tree touched by the martyrdom of Saint Isidore started shedding aromatic tears. These tears became the mastic resin.

Uses according to Hippocrates and other ancient physicians

The first historical record is by Herodotus in the 5th century BC. Hippocrates considered the mastic resin a medicine against gynecological conditions. The Greek physician and botanist Discorides, in his treatise "De Materia Medica", referred to the medicinal properties of mastic against conditions of the digestive system. Galen wrote: "the mastic enhances the blood condition, cures chronic coughing, bronchitis and haemoptysis". It is used against snake bites, scabies, stomach and intestinal inflammation and baldness. Pliny and Theophrastus refer to the toning, soothing and antiseptic properties of the mastic resin.

In the Roman era doctors prescribe mastiha in combination with other herbs as medicine.

In the Byzantine, the trade of mastic was a monopoly of the emperor that created high revenues estimated to be as high as 1/5 of the total revenues of the empire. The conquest of Chios by the Genoese (1346-1566) had the main purpose of controlling the mastic resin trade. During the Turkish domination the Mastihohoria villages enjoyed special privileges.

Uses according to tradition

The leaves are excellent food source for domestic animals. To date shepherds use the mastic wood to make crooks and other helpful tools. The flexible mastic ferules are used to make canes, wooden utensils for food while fishermen use the wood to make props for the oars and oarlocks and for the crown of their dip net.

Properties and uses in the 21st century

The mastiha oil is very aromatic with stimulating, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal properties and no toxic effects. Extensive research has been conducted in regards to the use of the mastic resin in medicine, dentistry, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It has been proven that the chewing of mastiha helps digestion. It prevents the formation of microbial plaque. Surgical stitching that is absorbed by the body is produced from mastic resin. It is extensively used in creams for the treatment of burns and skin conditions. In cosmetic products, when combined with plant oils, mastiha has hydrating, soothing, cooling and antiaging action. Mastic gum has also been used in clinical trials on patients with peptic ulcers; the administration of small doses relieved the pain and healed the stomach in the majority of the patients within 2 weeks. Moreover, there are culinary uses of mastic, for example, in the production of liqueurs and ouzo, biscuits, ice cream, and mastic "sweets of the spoon" served in water known in Greece as "submarine".

Uses... by APIVITA

APIVITA uses mastic in the Whitening Toothpaste with mastic & propolis to protect against caries and gingivitis, prevent the formation of plaque and add to the products flavor.

APIVITA handcare Cream for Dry-Chapped Hands with balsam & mastic helps restore dry and cracked skin, preserve its moisture and improve its texture and elasticity.

Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.

Valentine's Day, the 14th February, is love’s celebration day! And what would be the best way showing your love other than offering a unique gift to your beloved one?

For this special day we have created two special gift sets, one for her and one for him, to help you offer a natural and unique present.

A GIFT FOR HER

Treat her with a luxurious gift set full of jasmine scents to bring a euphoric and uplifting feeling! Check our JASMINE SET including:

• • Body Euphoria Bath & Shower Gel with jasmine & white tea, which gently cleanses skin without irritating. Contains jasmine and rosewood essential oils bringing a feeling of optimism and euphoria.
• • Body Euphoria Body Milk with jasmine & white tea, moisturizes skin and preserves its elasticity, leaving it soft and supple. Contains jasmine and rosewood essential oils bringing a feeling of optimism and euphoria.
• • Jasmine Natural Scent with its fresh scent brings a euphoric and uplifting feeling.
• • Jasmine Natural Candle releases fresh jasmine scents in the air and stimulates the senses. Helps to improve mood, tone the sense of optimism and provides a positive view.

This gift set comes pre-wrapped and ready for giving.

A GIFT FOR HIM

Why don’t you pamper him with a natural shave? MEN’S CARE SET includes:

• • Gentle Shaving Cream with balsam & propolis, which softens the beard and provides a close and easy shave without irritations.
• • After Shave Balm with balsam & propolis, that offers a unique sensation of freshness and helps soothe skin after shaving. Replenishes hydration and tones the skin.

This gift set comes pre-wrapped and ready for giving. Alternatively, you can make your own gift set by selecting products from our unique MEN’S CARE line.

For more gift ideas, check our ready-made GIFTS SETS or create your own unique and natural gift by browsing www.apivita.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day!