WHAT MAKES OUR ORGANIC SKINCARE DIFFERENT?
We are the only Organic Skincare Range to incorporate Birch Bark Extract (BBE): Everyday application of Poppy Organic creams & balms delivers BBE directly onto the skin, in a rich blend of organic oils and butters. We include a highly purified, powdered extract from the bark of Betula Alba (containing betulinic acid, betulin, oleanolic acid and lupeol) researched for their ability to:
- Act a beneficial aid for Actinic keratoses (i.e a precursor to skin cancer - skin carcinoma caused by sun damage).
- Prevent and help to treat UV-induced skin cancer.
- Prevent sunlight-caused signs of aging, wrinkles and blotches.
- Improve skin homogeneity and pigmentations to achieve skin lightening and improve skin tone and clarity.
- Reduce signs of cellulite and stimulate collagen synthesis.
The British Journal of Dermatology state that ‘Background Actinic keratoses (AKs) are among the most common cutaneous malignancies and have previously been classified as in situ squamous cell carcinoma with reported progression rates of up to 20% over 10 years.’ A study published in the Journal of the German Dermatological Society concluded. ‘In this pilot study, a standardized birch bark extract was effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. This therapy is easy to perform and it has no side effects. Birch bark ointment may be a new therapeutic option for actinic keratoses.’
Care for the Environment: We use minimal printing & packaging. Our packaging is either recyclable or re-useable and therefore has a minimal impact on the environment. Our environmental principles are also reflected in our business philosophy.which can be viewed in full at www.poppyorganic.co.uk
Further Reading
BBE offers incredible skin and health benefits. Below are some excerpts from research papers and newspapers. Many more are available simply by searching the internet.
Birch Used To Shrink Melanoma In Mice (28th March 1995)
‘A substance derived from birch bark shrank some human melanoma tumors that had been placed in mice and virtually eliminated others, a study has found. Indeed, the substance worked better than the drug most commonly used on people to treat melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, said the study's author, Dr. John Pezzuto, head of medicinal chemistry at the Pharmacy School of the University of Illinois at Chicago.’
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Journal of the German Society of Dermatology
Treatment of actinic keratoses with birch bark extract: a pilot study
Available online at www.Blackwells-Synergy.com: Volume 4 Issue 2 Page 132 - February 2006 - Journal of the German Society of Dermatology
Summary: Background: Birch bark contains a variety of apoptosis-inducing and anti-inflammatory substances such as betulinic acid, betulin, oleanolic acid and lupeol. Therefore, birch bark extract may be effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. To address this issue, a pilot study using a standardized birch bark ointment was performed. (The Skincare Foundation describe Actinic keratosis (AK) as follows ‘also known as solar keratosis, is the result of prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is a small crusty, scaly or crumbly bump or horn that arises on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination of these... or the same color as your skin (www.skincancer.org).
Methods: Twenty-eight patients with actinic keratoses were enrolled in this prospective, non-randomized pilot study. Fourteen patients were treated with birch bark ointment only; fourteen patients received a combination therapy with cryotherapy and birch bark ointment. Treatment response was assessed clinically after two months.
Results: Clearing of more than 75 % of the lesions was seen in 79 % of the patients treated with birch bark ointment monotherapy. The response rate of the combined treatment modality was 93 %. Therapy with birch bark ointment was well tolerated.
Conclusion: In this pilot study, a standardized birch bark extract was effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. This therapy is easy to perform and it has no side effects. Birch bark ointment may be a new therapeutic option for actinic keratoses.
*This study was presented at the 43rd meeting of the DDG from 20-23 April 2005.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.05906.x
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Birch bark research & development
Published by the Royal Society of Chemists (www.rsc.org) 18th September 2006
Pavel A Krasutsky
Received (in Cambridge) 15th May 2006
The review will detail progress made in the previous decade on the chemistry and bioactivity of birch bark extractive products. Current and future applications of birch bark natural products in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of cancer, HIV and other human pathogens are reviewed.
‘Birch bark extract is currently undergoing trials by the US National Institute of Health as an anti-cancer compound trialled as a compound to fight skin cancer (malignant melanoma) as well as having anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.’
‘Native Amercians and native Siberians used Birch Bark as a source of folk medicine. This historically recognised internal use of birch bark coupled with the scientifically measured low toxicity of triterpenoids support the use of birch bark chemicals not only in drugs, but as dietary supplements, cosmetics, biocides and washing materials. Source ‘Birch Bark Research & Development’
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White Birch (Silver Birch in UK)
Birch bark, buds, and leaves are used as folk medicines but have not been studied to find out if they are safe or effective for these uses. However, betulinic acid (found in birch bark) may hold promise as an anticancer agent. Some studies have reported antitumor activity in the lab and in some animal tests for betulinic acid. Additional studies are underway to determine its potential role in treating melanoma and certain brain cancers. Some researchers believe that betulinic acid, which can be extracted from birch bark and other sources, causes some types of tumor cells to start a process of self-destruction called apoptosis. They also believe that betulinic acid slows the growth of melanoma and other types of tumor cells, as well as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They also think that it has antibacterial properties. Clinical studies are now being done to test these claims. American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3x_White_Birch.asp?sitearea=ETO
OUR GREEN PHILOSOPHY
When reproducing the cream, it was important to us that we used only organic ingredients wherever possible. We also wanted to ensure that the packaging was as environmentally friendly as possible, an area that we felt many other cosmetic companies (organic and conventional alike) do not address. Therefore we have made our packaging and returns policy 100% environmentally friendly.
Organic Content
We have blended Birch Bark Extract (BBE) with carefully selected organic oils and butters to create a beautiful range of organic creams that are beneficial to your skin (they contain organic ingredients and therefore do not contain any pesticide residues or harsh chemicals) are not tested on animals, do not include synthetic fragrances, colorants, petrochemicals, parabens or unnecessary synthetic additives.
All Poppy Organic products are hand made, in small batches with care and passion using only the highest quality of pure and natural organic ingredients. Equally we are committed to ensuring that all of our packaging and production methods are both ethical and environmentally supportive.
We have tried to make our range as environmentally friendly as possible. All of the oils, essential oils and butters used in our range of products are certified organic; with exception to the Eye Serum, which sources oils from small scale indigenous farmers in Africa.
We have been unable to gain certification form the Soil Association as the two key ingredients Birch Bark Extract and Birch Bark Oil cannot be sourced as organic yet.
Emulsifiers are vegetable based. On advice of our Cosmetic Chemist we have used a synthetic preservative in the products that require water.
The ‘Head Office’ is our urban Wickford town-house built in the 70's and also home to our family of six, plus a cat, two chickens, a rabbit and a dog. We employ 'green sourcing' at work and at home where possible. We generate very little actual waste and recycle as much back into our own house and garden as possible (see our composters below).
Our green packaging and returns policy
- The logo on our boxes is printed by hand.
- The box is made from recycled card.
- Refill, Return & Re-use: When the bottle/jar is empty we encourage customers’ to return it to us. We make this easier by including a ‘return to’ label and the incentive of a voucher worth 20% off next purchase.
- The descriptive leaflet inside the box is made from recycled PCW paper.
- Even the sticky label is made from biodegradeble corn starch!
Travel
We were originally an office based organisation (i.e we rented offices) however we did not feel comfortable with the idea of driving to and from work. We therefore converted our garage into an office and reduced our carbon emissions and associated pollution of a car journey to and from work. We took this one step further in 2006 and converted our old Mercedes to run on LPG (LPG is far less polluting than either petrol or diesel).
Wildlife at Work
To create a wildlife haven 'at work' the 140ft by 20ft garden has been converted into a 'wildlife garden'. A pond (minus fish) was constructed in 2002 and is now home to breeding frogs, toads (not breeding) and newts (breeding since 2005). Combining some hard landscaping such as three decked areas (Yes we know that Bill Oddie doesn’t approve - but we do need somewhere to relax and entertain PLUS the amphibians love to feed & hibernate underneath them) and mixed planting consisting of mainly indigenous flora. We have planted 3 young birch trees (now over 25 foot high and pollarded each year), two oak trees of 6 & 10 feet high, 3 small Spruces, 3 Ash, 2 cherry and several fruit trees for the birds.
The plants are mainly lavenders, rosemary & heathers with annual bulbs in the spring and heavily scented annuals planted in the Summer. But mainly....mainly the garden is left to nature with brambles, nettles and teasel left to grow.
In all we are very pleased with the garden and have regular visitors of hummingbird hawk moths that feed on the buddleia and several species of dragonfly frequent the pond.
Slow-worms are regularly seen sunning themselves on the rockery at the end of the garden and stag beetle are breeding in the rotten logs that we leave in piles around the garden. No pesticides are used, relying instead on nature to try and create a balance. If the slugs and snails eat a plant - then we don’t plant that variety again - simple (hence the use of heavily oiled shrubs).
Our Composters & Recyclers
And finally onto the chickens and our compost. We have two chickens that live in a chicken house and run at the bottom of the garden. All paper and card generated at home and office are recycled in the compost heap/chicken run. Equally 'leftover' food scraps etc are food for the chickens and rabbits (there’s not a lot a chicken wont eat!).
It may look a little scruffy at times but the chickens and rabbit do a great job in breaking up the paper which then aids decomposition to a lovely compost........which becomes full of worms and creepy crawlies (some of which feed the chickens…but we do build-up the bottom of the compost pile with sticks and logs that create an unpenetrable barrier to the chickens and allows the majority of compost dwellers to survive). During the months that the froglets have left the pond the chickens are confined to their 'run' (chickens eat frogs!) and the invertebrates from the compost heap help fatten the frogs! And of course another bonus of having chickens - free range eggs!
Finally
‘We would just like to clarify that we do not contribute to the clearance of woodland with this product. The Silver Birch is infact regarded by conservationists as an ‘invasive’ species of tree and is routinely thinned and cleared from conservation areas due to its habit of ‘crowding-out’ other species of flora. The bark of the birch is a by-product of the timber trade and is either discarded or sold as a mulch. Infact our first batch of creams used BBE extracted from the bark of trees cut from local gardens and from our local Wildlife Trust.’
