Frequently Asked Questions

GUT GLOW is a gut health supplement designed to work with your body to support your individual needs. It delivers clinically studied soluble fibers, Sunfiber® (partially hydrolyzed guar gum) and inavea™ (acacia gum), as well as tremella (also known as, silver ear) (Tremella fuciformis) mushroom extract to support healthy gastrointestinal function, improve regularity, and aid in immune system regulation.  

GUT GLOW delivers clinically studied soluble fibers, Sunfiber® (partially hydrolyzed guar gum) and inavea™ (acacia gum), as well as tremella (also known as, silver ear) (Tremella fuciformis) mushroom extract to support healthy gastrointestinal function, and improve regularity, and aid in immune system regulation. The unique addition of tremella mushroom extract, a mushroom traditionally used to enhance beauty, provides polysaccharides with immunomodulating effects, simply meaning the ability to adjust the immune system, supporting its regulation. The gut and skin are barriers that help defend against foreign pathogens and a healthy gut is essential for maintaining overall wellness.   
 
Unlike many other fibers, partially hydrolyzed guar gum and acacia gum are well tolerated and are not likely to cause increased bloating and gas. Taking a 3-scoop dose of GUT GLOW provides 5.25 g of partially hydrolyzed guar gum, which helps reduce symptoms associated with IBS, including bloating and mild GI discomfort.   
 
As part of Bend Beauty’s commitment to the environment, we’ve formulated GUT GLOW with the first carbon-neutral acacia gum – inavea™; not only is it carbon neutral, it’s also organic. GUT GLOW was consciously formulated with ingredients that help support your overall health while reducing impact on the planet.   

Simply, the gut-skin axis is the connection, or inter-relationship, between the gastrointestinal system and the skin, and how this relationship impacts the health and functioning of each.  

At first glance, the gut and skin appear to be separate, however, they are connected via bi-directional communication through the circulation of signaling molecules (such as metabolites, nutrients, hormones, and neurotransmitters) throughout the body by the blood and lymph – through the circulatory and lymphatic systems (O’Neill 2016; De Pessemier 2021). These signaling molecules are produced by the gut, and its microbiota, and the skin and its residing microbiota (O’Neill 2016) – therefore, the gut microbiota is a key aspect of the gut-skin axis. On a broader scale, the body’s microbiome (all of the microorganisms that live in and on the body) is a pivotal regulator of the immune system (De Pessemier 2021). Its goal is to maintain a normal, and healthy balance, known as homeostasis, within the body through communication via signaling molecules, as mentioned earlier. In turn, the tissues and organs communicate with the body’s microbiome. The impact of the gut and skin’s microbiome on the body’s immune response is a particularly interesting aspect of the gut-skin axis since both the skin and gut are integral parts of the body’s immune system.  

This is why it is we specifically formulated GUT GLOW with well tolerated, clinically studied soluble fibers to support GI function and the maintenance of good health, along with tremella mushroom extract, to provide immune system regulation, through immunomodulation.   
 
See our Gut-Skin-Axis blog for more details!

GUT GLOW contains partially hydrolyzed guar gum, acacia gum and tremella (Tremella fuciformis) mushroom extract (also known as silver ear mushroom).  

The two serving options allow GUT GLOW to be customized according to your personal needs or desired outcome. Individuals with specific gastrointestinal concerns related to symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – including bloating, or bowel regulation, may choose to take 3 scoops daily, while others looking to increase their fiber intake as part of their wellness routine may choose to take 2 scoops daily.  
 
Both serving sizes provide the immune regulating benefits of tremella (silver ear) mushroom.  

GUT GLOW contains 45 x 2 scoop servings or 30 x 3 scoop servings.  

GUT GLOW can be added to both hot and cold beverages, making it very versatile.

Partially hydrolysed guar gum is a soluble, galactomannan-based, fiber made from guar beans. Hydrolyzed means the guar gum is broken in to smaller units through an enzymatic process. This decreases the viscosity and improves guar gum’s solubility while maintaining the fiber content.  
 
Soluble fibers are water soluble, polysaccharides (long chain carbohydrate molecules) that can be fermented in the colon. While some fibers may cause gastrointestinal upset or discomfort, partially hydrolyzed guar gum is gentle on the gut and is well tolerated at the dose included in GUT GLOW.  

Acacia, also called acacia gum, is a complex, highly branched polysaccharide, soluble fiber derived from the gum (sap) of acacia trees.  
 
Soluble fibers are water soluble, polysaccharides (long chain carbohydrate molecules) that can be fermented in the colon. While some fibers may cause gastrointestinal upset or discomfort, acacia is gentle on the gut and is well tolerated at the dose included in GUT GLOW.   

Immunomodulating properties means the ability of a substance to help adjust and regulate the body’s immune system in response to its particular needs.  

As with all supplements, we recommend you consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to make sure the product is right for you.  

Yes, Gut Glow is vegan friendly. It does not contain any materials derived from animals.  

All of the ingredients in GUT GLOW are organic.   

None of the ingredients are sources of any of the major allergens including, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, eggs, dairy, sesame products, fish, crustaceans, or shellfish.    

GUT GLOW should be taken 2 hours before or after taking other medications and/or natural health products (including Bend Beauty’s other products).  

GUT GLOW should be taken 2 hours before or after taking other medications and/or natural health products (including Bend Beauty’s other We recommend speaking with your health care practitioner prior to making changes to your current supplement regime.  

GUT GLOW can be taken consistently, or you may choose to take it periodically. 

RESET aids your body’s detoxification process by supporting liver function and providing antioxidants to protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by exposure to free radicals. In addition to supporting your body’s natural cleansing system, RESET helps relieve digestive disturbances. The liver is an essential organ responsible for processing most everything you consume, inhaled and absorbed by your skin – it’s your body’s main defense against toxins and aids in digestion.

RESET aids your body’s detoxification process by supporting liver function and providing antioxidants to protect your cells from oxidative dOur bodies have natural detoxification pathways, but with the increased toxic exposure we face in today’s world, those pathways can become overburdened. Therefore, RESET was formulated for adults, who could all benefit from including RESET, which provides 2 medicinal ingredients to protect and support your liver, in your supplement routine.  

RESET aids your body’s detoxification process by supporting liver function and providing antioxidants to protect your cells from oxidative damage. Our bodies have natural detoxification pathways, but with the increased toxic exposure we face in today’s world, those pathways can become overburdened. Therefore, RESET was formulated for adults, who could all benefit from including RESET, which provides 2 medicinal ingredients to protect and support your liver. Milk thistle extract is a well established ingredient that supports liver function and has liver protectant activities. We stand behind its use for these purposes. In addition, RESET contains broccoli sprout powder which contains antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. Exposure to the toxins can increase your body’s free radical load. Therefore, supporting liver function while reducing oxidative damage caused by free radicals is how RESET uniquely supports your body’s natural detoxification.  

Yes, RESET is our first vegan product!

Our finished products are not tested for the presence of gluten. However, the input ingredients used in RESET do not contain any known sources of gluten.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a healthcare practitioner prior to taking RESET to ensure it’s right for you.

Yes, RESET is a great addition to Bend Beauty’s family of products. In addition, It optimizes Skin Climate through mechanisms different than the Renew + Protect and Marine Collagen + Co-Factors – through the liver-skin-axis. The liver is a multifunctional organ that is involved in maintaining your body’s nutrient and hormonal balance, and detoxification. Poor liver function can lead to imbalances in your body’s physiology, including a build up of toxins and reduced ability to metabolize nutrients. Since your skin obtains its nutrients from the bloodstream, reduced liver function often first appears in the skin. Therefore, providing your body with nutrients proven to support healthy skin, protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals as well as aid liver function act together to optimize your Skin Climate.   

Renew + Protect contains ingredients derived from animals, and therefore, it is not vegan. Both the soft gel and liquid formulations contain fish oil and vitamin D derived from sheep wool. The soft gels contain beeswax, and their capsule shell is made of bovine gelatin.

No. We do not conduct animal testing or engage any third parties to do so.

Renew + Protect does not have any known contraindications. However, as with any dietary supplement, we recommend that you consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, to make sure the product is right for you. You can find more info on this question on our blog here.

Typically, people first notice some results after two weeks and full benefits after three to four months of supplementation. This is based on the amount of time the active ingredients tend to take to saturate your cells.

Both the liquid and soft gel products contain tocopherols derived from refined soybean oil. These tocopherols are highly refined, which puts them at low risk of causing a reaction. You may see “tocopherols (derived from non-GMO soy)” in the ingredient list; this is disclosed in case of extreme allergies.

It is unlikely that Renew + Protect will interact with medications. However, as with any dietary supplement, we recommend that you consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking any medications, or if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition.

Yes. A few of the ingredients found in Renew + Protect are sparingly soluble or insoluble in oil, so they settle out over time. Please shake the liquid product before use, to ensure that you get the right dose of active ingredients. If the product has recently been agitated or disturbed, the sparingly soluble ingredients (lutein and zeaxanthin, and the oil-insoluble monk fruit extract) are lifted from the bottom of the bottle, causing a hazy or opaque appearance. It is normal to see some sediment at the bottom of the bottle.

We encourage individuals with allergies to read our product labels prior to use to make sure they are right for their individual needs. Ingredients found in Renew + Protect do not contain the major allergens: milk, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, or wheat. It does contain fish oil and tocopherols derived from highly refined soybean oil. Highly refined oils, such as soybean, are exempt from allergen labeling due to their low allergen risk. We do disclose the source material of tocopherols in case of extreme soy allergies. Our fish oil input is free from shellfish (which encompasses both mollusks and crustaceans), however, it may pose an allergen risk for those with fish allergies.

Since Renew + Protect is an oil-based product, some people may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Our Marine Collagen + Co-Factors may also cause these symptoms.

Fish oil by itself is a great supplement for overall health. It would not, however, provide the skin-related benefits associated with Renew + Protect.

Renew + Protect differs from fish oil supplements in a few ways. Firstly, it combines several synergistic ingredients into one supplement. The fish oil in Renew + Protect provides a 3:1 ratio of EPA: DHA. Borage oil is a powerful skin health ingredient that supports skin barrier properties and is very effective (along with EPA) in treating skin inflammation. Zeaxanthin (from paprika) and lutein (from marigold flowers) are powerful skin antioxidants that also work alongside EPA to protect against UV-related skin damage and aging. It also contains vitamin D, which offers a myriad of skin health and longevity benefits.

The active ingredients in Renew + Protect, particularly the fatty acids GLA, EPA, and DHA, have been shown to help improve symptoms such as roughness and redness associated with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema).

We cannot guarantee the quality of our products beyond the expiry date.

We have not done any clinical studies to determine if there is a difference in absorption or speed of delivery between our liquid and capsule versions of Renew + Protect. However, gelatin capsules are easily digested in the stomach, where they release the active ingredients. So, whether you decide to take our liquid or capsules comes down to preference and lifestyle. (The liquid must be refrigerated after opening, making capsules the ideal choice for travel.)

There are a few differences in the non-medicinal ingredients. Sunflower lecithin and beeswax are added to the capsule to thicken the material inside and ensure each capsule contains a homogeneous mixture. The capsules are also mint flavored, making them a suitable alternative for people with citrus sensitivities. And they don’t contain the naturally derived sweetener, monk fruit extract, which the liquid does.

There are a few other differences between the two products that may help you choose.

Each bottle of capsules contains 30 servings, whereas the liquid contains 40 servings. The liquid must be refrigerated after opening and should be used within 100 days. Capsules do not need to be refrigerated and are convenient to travel with. When stored appropriately, they can be used until the listed expiry date.

Yes, our Renew & Protect Formula contains fish oil, which is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It contains. 1050 mg of EPA and 350 mg DHA. In addition to these omega-3 fatty acids, Renew + Protect contains the omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, and vitamin D3. Together these ingredients work synergistically to produce clinically proven skin health and longevity benefits.

Our finished products are not tested for the presence of gluten. However, the input ingredients used in Renew + Protect liquid and capsules, as well as our Marine Collagen + Co-Factors product, do not contain any known sources of gluten.

This product is not intended for children. Please consult with a healthcare practitioner if you would like to pursue using Renew + Protect outside of our label recommendations, including use by children.

Many of the medicinal ingredients, including the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, and the omega-6 GLA, in Renew + Protect are susceptible to degradation. Therefore, we take precautions during manufacturing and bottling to protect the integrity of the product. Once the bottle of the liquid formulation is opened, the product is exposed to oxygen, which initiates degradation reactions, and increases oxidation. Refrigeration helps slow these breakdown reactions, and is one of the protective measures that maintain the product’s potency over its open shelf life. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the concentration of the medicinal ingredients or the oxidative stability of Renew + Protect liquid if it has not been refrigerated after opening. We don’t recommend using any product that has not been stored as directed.

Our products can be taken anytime. Some people prefer to take Renew + Protect with food.

This product is not intended for children. Please consult with a healthcare practitioner if you would like to pursue using Marine Collagen + Co-Factors outside of our label recommendations, including use by children.

The various sources differ in how they are processed. The thick hides of cows and pigs require 2-3 weeks of soaking in an acid or alkaline chemical to break down the tissue. Fish sources require no pretreatment, and take approximately 36 hours to process into refined collagen peptide powder.

Cow and pig-sourced peptides may not be suitable for certain populations of people due to cultural or religious beliefs. Fish sources are typically consumed without such restrictions.

Lastly, cow and pig-sourced peptides have a significantly higher environmental footprint compared to wild fisheries, such as the Icelandic cod fishery. Moreover, the Icelandic cod fishery is sustainably managed, and regarded as a gold standard for responsible fishing.

Our hydrolyzed marine collagen is primarily derived from the skin of cod from Icelandic fisheries, with smaller amounts from the skin of haddock and pollock. The hydrolyzed collagen is manufactured in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Renew + Protect and Marine Collagen + Co-Factors work well together, since they target different areas of skin health. Renew + Protect is the foundational product for delivering the overall greatest benefit to your skin. It targets skin inflammation, hydration, firmness, and elasticity, helping to optimize your internal skin climate. It also helps in reducing your skin’s sensitivity to UV- induced sunburn. Our Marine Collagen + Co-Factors is an ideal add-on. It is specially formulated with synergistic ingredients to help build and maintain collagen levels, supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails. This product provides a boost to your skincare regime.

The products can be taken together or alone, depending on your personal needs. However, the most benefit is seen when they are taken together.

We encourage individuals with allergies to read our product labels prior to use to make sure they are right for their individual needs. Ingredients found in Bend Beauty’s Marine Collagen + Co-Factors (Strawberry, Coconut and Unflavoured) do not contain the major allergens: milk, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat or soybean. The hydrolyzed collagen is derived from fish skin (cod, haddock, and/or pollock), and therefore, it is not recommended for individuals with fish allergies, however, it is free from shellfish including mollusks and crustaceans.

Certain medications and over-the-counter supplements can interfere with the absorption or the actions of other products. Therefore, you should consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking any medications, other supplements, or are undergoing treatment for a medical condition.

Yes, this product can be added to tea or other hot beverages. We recommend that you add the Marine Collagen + Co-Factors just before consuming the tea because vitamin C can degrade with long exposure to heat. However, heat exposure for the time it takes to consume a cup of tea or coffee is fine!

Here are the mixing instructions we’ve found work best:

1) Measure 2.5 tsp of Marine Collagen + Co-Factors into a clean, dry glass
2) Pour 250 ml of your beverage of choice into the glass (overtop of the Marine Collagen + Co-Factors). Room temperature beverages work best. If you prefer to drink a cold beverage, simply add ice once the product has dissolved. As mentioned above, the product can be added to hot beverages, just make sure to add them just before consuming as the vitamin C can degrade with long exposure to heat.
3) Stir to dissolve