Codex Labs

A microbiome is composed of colonies of living microorganisms = bacteria + fungi + yeasts + molds + archaea.

The gut microbiome is found in our intestines and not only helps us digest and produce vitamins but is also a significant source of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

The gut microbiome constitutes the last human organ under active research. Like any other organ, the gut microbiome has physiology and pathology, and the individual/collective human health might be damaged when its collective population structure is altered.

The skin microbiome lives on the surface of our skin, our largest organ. Our skin microbiome is sometimes called the “acid mantle”, it is a key component of our skin barrier, which provides the first line of defense against infection from pathogens. It communicates with our immune system and gut via a complex signaling process, completing the chain of skin-gut-brain-microbiome.

Thank you for selecting Codex Shaant Foaming Cleanser, Toner, and Clay Mask for your top picks! 👏👏

We're excited that our Shaant collection - the first ever MyMicrobiome-certified product for acne-prone skin - is being recognized for its safety and efficacy! 💙

🌿 Functional medicine, a bridge between body and mind: Understanding the holistic approach to health

🌿 Functional medicine is like an intricate tapestry woven between medical science and ancestral indigenous wisdom. It considers the human being as an indivisible whole, considering not only physical symptoms, but also the emotional, mental, social, dietary, and spiritual aspects of health.

🌿Imagine your body as a complex symphony where every organ and every emotion play a specific role. Functional medicine aims to harmonize this symphony. It reminds us that our well-being isn't just about taking medicine to eliminate symptoms, but rather a balance between our body, our mind, and our environment.

🌿 One of the cornerstones of functional medicine is prevention. Rather than treating illnesses once they've occurred, it encourages adopting healthy lifestyles, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and cultivating positive emotions. It's like maintaining your car to avoid breakdowns, rather than repairing it on the roadside.

🌿 The other cornerstone of functional medicine is measurement. Key physical parameters such as hormones, inflammation, gut & skin microbiomes, genetics or allergies are measured and quantified to know. It's like checking your car’s oil level and tire pressure to avoid future breakdowns and accidents.

By managing stress, living a healthy lifestyle, and consciously choosing the right products we can positively influence our mental state to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

If you suffer from a skin condition, then you need to be aware of the effects of mental health on your skin health. For example, severe stress can lead to eczema or rosacea flare-ups and worsening of hormonal acne. Learn how this “skin-brain” connection works and how to take care of it.

DECODE yourself to have healthy skin by learning about your Skin-Gut-Brain-Microbiome systems.

If you are wondering why your skin flares up when you’re stressed or your lifestyle and diet are not as healthy as they should be, this is the explanation!

Our mission at Codex Labs is to develop clinically meaningful, sustainable products that are cruelty-free, plant-based and eco-friendly.

Thanks to biotechnology, we can produce plant stem cell ingredients thereby reducing our carbon and water footprints.

Thanks to biomedicine and medical technology, we can measure cytotoxicity with human cell models, ingredient functionality with human cell gene expression, and product pe*******on with optical spectroscopy on human tissue biopsies or 3D-printed skin models.

Thanks to human test subjects, we can perform clinically efficacy and allergy trials on our final formulations. This is why and how we are certain that our products truly work and are safe.

There are people who never stop to ask why. And there are those who never stop asking; developing ideas with a fierce
PASSION, WONDER, and CURIOSITY.

We call them VISIONARIES.

Courageous in nature, and uncompromising in spirit, they PUSH THE BOUNDARIES of what is possible. And through steely persistence turn seeds of ideas into creations that CHANGE THE WORLD.

We are no different.

We share the same RELENTLESS NATURE. The same BIGGER PICTURE thinking. The same drive to make the world a better place.

We work with Plant Biotech to pioneer CLINICALLY PROVDEN ,EFFECTIVE SKIN SOLUTIONS for ACNE, ECZEMA, PSORIASIS & ROSACEA.

We're excited to share our new dermatology publications with you soon because we believe in TRANSPARENCY and TRUST.

We are REIMAGINING SKIN-GUT-BRAIN SOLUTIONS.

WE ARE THE CODEX.

To quote the National Psoriasis Foundation:
“The National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition highlights and recognizes over-the-counter products that have been created or intended to be non-irritating and safe for those living with psoriatic disease, as well as for those with severe sensitive skin or joint mobility limitations.

The Seal of Recognition also recognizes products that are safe as a part of a daily skin care routine for sensitive skin to severely sensitive skin.”

Have you recently checked out the directory of products that have received the NPF Seal of Recognition? View the list of the Seal of Recognition partners. https://psoriasis.org/seal/product-directory

Help support the National Psoriasis Foundation. Come join the community and the movement to educate, advocate, inspire, and connect. Help raise critical funds and bring awareness to psoriasis, and support those impacted by psoriatic disease.

https://www.psoriasis.org/

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that attacks skin cells; eczema (generally not considered to be an autoimmune disorder) does not attack the skin in a specific way. Instead, eczema stems from an overactive immune system that over-responds to allergens or irritants by producing inflammation, which in turn causes the symptoms associated with eczema.

Psoriasis has a mild itch and an intense sting or burn – many people say it feels like being bitten by fire ants. Eczema is characterized by an intense itch – many people scratch so much they make themselves bleed.

Eczema and psoriasis both manifest as red and inflamed skin. Psoriasis patches are raised, scaly, silvery and may bleed as they are more inflamed; Eczema patches are rough, scaly, darker, leathery, crusty and may ooze.

Psoriasis may appear on the outer elbows and front of knees, lower back, palms of hands, soles of feet or lower back. Unlike eczema, psoriasis can also affect fingernails, toenails, lips, eyelids, ears and skin folds (armpits, underside of breasts). Eczema may appear on parts of your body that bend (inner elbow or back of knees) or the neck, wrists, hands, legs, ankles, and feet. Babies may get it on their chin, cheeks, scalp, chest, back, arms, and legs.

Psoriasis usually starts between the ages of 15 and 35 and is rare in babies. Psoriasis shares some triggers like stress and infection, but because it is an autoimmune disease, flare-ups can also result from vaccination, sunburn, scratches or even medications (e.g., lithium or malaria meds).

Eczema usually starts at birth or in young children, but symptoms typically improve in adulthood. It can be triggered by skin irritants like detergents or allergies (dust, pet dander, pollen, etc). Flare-ups can be caused by infections, stress, sweating, heat, or humidity. Eczema rarely appears in adulthood but may be triggered by thyroid disease, extreme stress, or hormonal changes.

Dermatologists form their diagnoses based on a review of symptoms, a physical exam and skin biopsy.

Psoriasis and folliculitis may look somewhat similar (rash or discoloration) and may even coexist but have very different causes and treatments.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. It has no cure, and symptoms will vary with season, stress, and routine. People with psoriasis are also more at risk for other inflammatory diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart or kidney disease from high blood pressure, or gut disorders like Crohn’s or celiac.

Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles, most often by S. aureus bacteria. Folliculitis may occur anywhere where hair follicles are abundant and is most common on the scalp. It starts as small, pimple-like bumps that spread and turn into crusty sores. Folliculitis is more likely in people with a suppressed immune system (leukemia, HIV), or with acne, dermatitis or skin injury.

Unlike psoriasis, folliculitis can often be treated effectively with self-care: gentle cleansing, warm compresses, colloidal soaks or lotions. If this fails, a medical professional may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics for bacteria or antifungal medication for fungus.

Acne is caused by overproduction of sebum and dead skin cells clogging pores that create an environment where C. acnes bacteria can multiply. Acne breakouts occur primarily on the face, but sometimes on the body (back and chest). Acne is a result of clogged pores and manifests blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory lesions (pimples/pustules). Inflammatory lesions typically are red or have a read area around the pus-filled clogged pores.

Guttate psoriasis (small, dry, scaly inflamed red spots on the trunk and limbs caused by a strep infection) or pustular psoriasis (small, pus-filled bumps on top of dry, scaly skin) can occasionally also affect the face and be confused with acne.

Classic psoriasis on the face results in thick, dry and scaly patches of skin and is usually also present on other parts of the body. These plaques can appear anywhere on the face (forehead, around eyes, cheeks, chin nose). Classic Psoriasis looks very different from acne.

If in doubt, a medical professional should be consulted to identify the skin condition accurately. Often, visual inspection may not be enough so the dermatologist will need to examine a small biopsy under a microscope.

The ANTU® M3 Skin Barrier dietary supplement with adaptogenic antioxidant M3+™ helps address inflammation (such as in psoriasis) which, if left unchecked, can lead to a further breakdown in skin barrier. The goal of this dietary supplement is to help scavenge the free radicals produced as well as repair and support the skin barrier from the inside out.

The Antü Skin Barrier Support Dietary Supplement powder is formulated to combine our potent M3+ antioxidant, plant-based active with l-histidine, an amino acid that is a key building block of the skin barrier protein, filaggrin, and the natural moisturization factor (NPF), a complex protein used by the skin to help attract and retain moisture. Both are key to supporting psoriasis-prone skin.

Compromised skin is very sensitive to the skin-brain connection. Psoriasis patients report that they are both physically and mentally stressed. Many say the disease makes them depressed or anxious, and report feeling isolated or shunned due to their condition, even though it is not contagious.

Psoriasis flare-ups and stress are closely related, and the relationship is often a vicious circle that can even affect treatment by making it less effective.

People with psoriasis seem to have lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that helps manage inflammation, and a disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system that controls their body's reaction to stress.

Reference https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/2/669:
“Stress acts via several pathways to exacerbate psoriasis, via the central and peripheral HPA axes, regulation of cytokine production, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. [...] Norepinephrine and cortisol can directly engage in regulation of various immune cells to modulate immune responses.

Direct action of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) induces inflammatory responses in psoriasis.

The increase in cortisol levels causes the exacerbation of psoriasis and the activation of Th-17 cells, which leads to an increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, TNF-α contributing to the development and intensification of depressive disorders.”

Vitamin D3 deficiency is linked to both psoriasis risk and anxiety. Some studies suggest that vitamin D3 can not only help treat inflammatory skin diseases but also improve mood and energy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Also key to avoiding flareups are stress relaxation techniques such as exercise, meditation or deep breathing. Also important is self-advocacy and support groups that can reduce stress by connecting with others who live with the same condition.

Effective treatment suppresses the inflammatory mediators causing psoriasis, depression, and anxiety, thereby reducing the patient burden.

Skin inflammation is involved in a variety of skin disorders and diseases that include eczema, psoriasis, and many other conditions. Eczema and psoriasis can lead to the formation of skin lesions as well as itching and burning sensations.

Eczema is more likely to begin in childhood and psoriasis later in life. Genetic screening can help distinguish between general skin sensitivity from dry skin or overuse of harsh cleansers and these inflammatory skin conditions.

Vitamin D helps control how often the body replaces old skin cells with new ones. It is also part of the immune system of the skin, helping to manage inflammation and telling the body to make a natural antimicrobial so that the skin can heal better.

Sun is important to ensure the body has enough vitamin D because, unlike other vitamins, most of the vitamin D comes from the sun, rather than foods. The sun influences our skin in more ways than just vitamin D production – for example, neurotransmitters like serotonin that improve our mood are also produced in the skin in response to UV exposure.

Vitamin D, in turn, can also help protect skin from UV damage. Sunscreen is important to prevent skin cancer, but too much can also lead to lower levels of vitamin D. Also, as the body ages, it becomes harder for the body to naturally make it.

Our DECODE.MYSKIN DNA test includes genes associated with skin sensitivity and inflammation in conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, so you can minimize flare-ups. Our DECODE.MYHEALTH Vitamins DNA test helps better understand how genes relate to the ability to absorb, deliver, convert, and metabolize vitamin D and what this means for skin health.

To quote from this 2023 educational article (full text found here)
https://journalce.powerpak.com/ce/neuropsychiatric-complications-of-psoriasis-a

“Although psoriasis is primarily considered a skin condition, it is increasingly considered a systemic disease. Patients often go undiagnosed or untreated given the general embarrassment over presenting their physical symptoms. “

“Psoriasis is an autoimmune, dermatologic condition that is highly visible, and the symptoms can diminish self-esteem and impact mental health and social life. A diagnosis of psoriasis can negatively influence a patient’s quality of life, with increased psychological morbidities that often go unrecognized.”

“In general, it is estimated that the prevalence of psychiatric conditions in psoriasis ranges from 24% to 90%.6 In a cohort study of 2,391 patients, depressive symptomatology was observed in 62% of patients with psoriasis, illustrating that over half of the population with this condition is predisposed to developing collateral depression.”

“Disease biology and medications can contribute to these psychological comorbidities. Managing the psychosocial part of the illness, along with its physical aspect, has been shown to result in improved patient outcomes.”

“Vitamin D deficiency is separately involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and depression. An important trigger for psoriasis flares is exposure to excessive sunlight. In return, reduced exposure of sunlight in patients with psoriasis increases the risk of a vitamin D deficiency. This is a critical connection given the pathological role of vitamin D and the integumentary.”

“Aside from disease-, lifestyle-, and comorbidity-related causes, medications used for the treatment of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis can contribute to or exacerbate neuropsychiatric conditions. Pharmacists play a critical role in identifying potential medications that can cause or worsen neuropsychiatric conditions and aid in optimization of pharmacotherapy for these patients.”

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and the ability of cells to neutralize them. ROS can be free radicals.

ROS can be very harmful and, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on not only the skin barrier but also deeper in the epidermis and dermis where collagen and other skin structuring compounds reside. If these reactions are numerous, they can result in extensive cellular damage. The extent of this damage depends on the availability of neutralizing antioxidant defenses.

The human body naturally produces antioxidant molecules that scavenge for and neutralize ROS. However, when the skin barrier becomes compromised, the body’s natural antioxidant defenses often prove to be inadequate against ROS overload. As we age, our bodies inherently produce fewer natural antioxidants, thereby further exacerbating the ROS situation.

What can you do to stop oxidative stress? In addition to adequate hydration (read drinking water!), consuming foods high in omegas (oily fatty fish, nuts, etc.) as well as beta carotene (sweet potato, carrots, etc.) helps repair and support your skin barrier. Antioxidants including fruits rich in Vitamin C or ECGC in green tea will also help reduce oxidative stress.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) found in berries, citrus fruits, and green vegetables is the most well-known antioxidant. It plays a key role in more than 300 functions related to tissue growth, cell repair, anti-stress hormones, and immune system defense.

Normal skin needs high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports the formation of the skin barrier and collagen, cell growth and differentiation, as well as the protection against UV-induced photodamage.

Our DECODE.MYSKIN DNA test includes genes associated with oxidative stress management so you can prevent skin damage or reduce flare-ups. Our DECODE.MYHEALTH Vitamins DNA test helps better understand how genes relate to the ability to absorb, deliver, convert, and metabolize vitamin C and what this means for skin health.

POST: 🌟 PSORIASIS AWARENESS MONTH GIVEAWAY!
🌟 Win a Psoriasis-Prone Skin Support Set including our Antu M3 Skin Barrier Supplement, Shaant Body Scrub, Bia Superfood, as well as a Antu Radiance Mist. Don't forget your SPF!

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There is no known cure for psoriasis, but a dermatologist can help manage the condition to improve symptoms. Oral treatment plans may include:

Biologics: Biotechnology biologic medications that may be prescribed to treat psoriasis. These include Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab), Simponi (golimumab), and Simponi Aria (golimumab).

Diet: Eating a balanced, whole-foods diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding fatty foods and red meat may help reduce inflammation and make symptoms less severe. Taking antioxidant supplements including vitamins C/D/E and polyphenols can help reduce chronic inflammation.

codexlabs

Are you worried about damage from phototherapy? This cream is ideal for overnight recovery after PUVA for psoriasis or laser treatment for hyperpigmentation.

This rich, nourishing night cream restores the skin barrier and locks in moisture while you sleep. Made with our patented, potent AntüComplex™ formula and black jack retinol equivalent, this night cream rehydrates your skin and is clinically proven to improve skin tone uniformity and soften skin overnight. It supports your microbiome too!

Antü Overnight Repair Cream is especially great for irritated skin post-treatment. It is also suitable for psoriasis-prone skin, having been awarded the seal of recognition by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Learn more about the ingredients and clinical results by swiping left!

Physalis Angulata is an active ingredient obtained from plant species native to Brazil, where it is called camapu. Camapu has been traditionally used by local healers for inflammatory diseases including fever, asthma, rheumatism, cancer, earache as well as liver and kidney diseases. Many modern clinical studies have confirmed its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities in asthma, dermatitis, and skin microcirculation. It is still being studied for cancer treatment.

Thanks to compounds called physalins that block pro-inflammatory cytokines, it is a natural substitute for corticosteroids in its immunomodulating properties. In addition, it has been shown to increase serine proteases, that help maintain and repair skin collagen (namely increase pro-collagen, collagen I and GAGs), which is useful for psoriasis.

The efficacy of camapu was compared to hydrocortisone with in vitro tests in 2019. The two compounds demonstrated similar efficacy as an antihistamine, with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1-alfa, TNF-alfa, IL6-alfa, IFN-γ), inflammation mediators and related enzymes (PGE2, LTB4, PA2, LOX and COX-2). However, camapu did not demonstrate immunosuppression (IL-10) or reduced tissue growth factor (TGF) that cortico-steroids (like hydrocortisone) do, leading to skin thinning and steroid withdrawal syndrome.

In addition, the capamu was shown to decrease intradermal microinflammation, help regulate intradermal temperature, and provide protection against radiation in general. Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30597728/

This anti-inflammatory capacity makes camapu an ideal ingredient for psoriasis moisturizers without the downsides of steroids.

Have a skin condition and worried about car exhaust, dust or other airborne pollutants irritating your skin? Trying to manage itch or burn? This product is your skin’s new best friend.

This protecting daytime moisturizer shields the skin barrier and provides a patented shield to defend against exposure to airborne particulate matter, airborne pollutants, before they even reach your skin! It also contains camapu and entadine, that help reduce redness and soothe inflammation. And it’s microbiome-friendly too.

Made with our patented, potent AntüComplex™ formula, this rapidly absorbing, light moisturizer re-hydrates your skin, works well under make-up and SPF, and is clinically proven to alleviate damage caused by UV light exposure.

Antü Daytime Defense Moisturizer is designed for all skin types and is especially great for irritated and psoriasis-prone skin. It is suitable for daily use under SPF.

Learn more about the ingredients and clinical results by swiping left!

Entadine from Entada Phaseoloides is a photo-protective agent against solar rand blue light (screen) radiation, that helps prevent blemishes, redness, and sensitivity. It works by providing antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-immunosuppression to reinforces the skin's natural protection.

Traditionally used by Chinese and Ayurvedic healers to treat inflammation, joint pain, lesions, hemorrhoids, and stomach aches, its ability for skin conditioning and protection has been recently demonstrated more scientifically. Specifically, certain active compounds in entadine reduce the expression of cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 and iNOS inflammation genes in UVB-irradiated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Drugs like Celebrex also works on COX-2 while Ibuprofen is considered “pan COX” inhibiting both COX-1 and COX-2.

COX-2 expression caused by UVB is linked to skin redness, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and pe*******on of inflammatory cells. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis and normal skin function, but excessive NO production such as caused by
overactivity of iNOS has been linked to redness, dermatosis, and psoriasis. So, the reduction of the gene expression of these two genes indicates photo-protection.

Entadine was shown to contain three key photoprotective compounds:
- protocatechuic acid (metabolite of polyphenols in green tea)
- epicatechin (like EGCG in green tea)
- kaempferol (polyphenol in fruit/veggies)
that reduce the expression of both COX-2 and iNOS genes, thereby reducing UVB-induced inflammation. In addition, protocatechuic acid and epicatechin also appear to potentially enhance wound closure by encouraging cell migration.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8781793/

Entadine is an ideal ingredient for psoriasis moisturizers and serums to apply *before* SPF.