Viridian SPF Skin Pro-Factors

I can’t rave about this product any more. It is fantastic. I have been using the Viridian SPF Skin Pro-Factors for a few years now and it’s great. I inherited my grandmother’s fair Irish skin and I felt like I would burn just thinking about a beach holiday. I was recommended Astaxanthin, a supplement often derived from krill or algae, to stop this from happening. It acts as a kind of natural sun screen. The SPF Skin Pro-Factors contains a very good amount of Astaxanthin as well as other great skin ingredients so I gave it a go.

The results were incredible. Not only do I no longer burn when out in the sun but I also no longer get a”sun allergy” also known as polymorphic light eruption. This does not mean that I can lie in the sun for hours and not roast. You still need to be responsible and use that hat and sun cream but what once resulted in an angry red and sore complexion, even after slathering on sun cream now leaves me a healthy golden brown. I take the SPF Skin Pro-Factors throughout the summer months or 2 weeks before and throughout any winter sun breaks.

The Viridian SPF Skin Pro-Factors contain:

SOD – Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme found in all living cells. It is used by the body to break down harmful free radicles.  It has also been used in studies of cell repair, beneficial for anti ageing. In additional to sunscreen, protective clothing and good choices, such as not going into the sun when it is most intense, SOD may help with exposure to the sun. There have been several clinical studies that actually show better tolerance to sun exposure, particularly for the sun sensitive.

Astaxanthin – Shown to be more effective than than beta-carotene  and lutein at preventing UV light photo oxidation of lipids

Grape Seed Extract – Protect against free radical damage suggested to be a major cause of aging. The antioxidant effect of this is greater than Vitamin A, C or E. Studies have shown this to be effective in improving vision as well as flexibility of tissue such as joints and cardiovascular system

Beta Carotene mix – Beta carotenes naturally protect the skin from the sun but studies have shown that it is at best around and SPF4. Carotenoids are not meant to be used on their own but along side sun protection creams.

 

Sukin Super Greens Clay Mask

Green superfoods aren’t just for putting in smoothies. Sukin have a great range of skincare products packed with minerals and antioxidants to give your dull skin a radiant boost.

This product is a favourite of our Edgware store manager, Catalina. She says “Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Mask is an amazing blend of greens and superfood to promote a clean, healthy and glowing skin. I love it!”

The Super Greens Clay mask contains Kale, Goji Berry, and Bentonite and is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to detox and brighten the complexion, and minimise the appearance of fine lines.

Also containing Avocado, Baobab and Rosehip Oils, it promotes an even skin tone through intensive hydration leaving your skin replenished and helps maintain youthful, glowing skin.

 

REN Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish

Sandhya in our Muswell Hill store loves the REN Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish

This is a gentle exfoliating body polish that gently exfoliates leaving the skin polished, glowing and silky smooth.

This tub packs a powerful beauty punch using:

Cane Sugar to exfoliate the skin, boosts cell turn around and enhances skin renewal
Olive and Almond Oils replenish dry skin
Theophylline from Paraguay Tea and Caffeine from Kola Nut boost to microcirculation to energise, revive and tone the skin

The Rose Body Polish also leaves skin delicately scented with roses.

Sandhya: “I love how soft my skin feels after using it. Not only does it leave my skin luxuriously soft but removes all the dead skin, making it brighter and more radiant looking.”

 

Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm

Oana, our Watford store Manager, loves Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm. She says: Rescue your skin from everyday skin troubles with this extraordinary all-purpose balm. A premium antibacterial, antifungal, anti-microbial skin salve.

You can dramatically reduce dryness and address skin troubles with this all-purpose skin remedy for the whole family. Nature’s richest oils blend with the power-packed antibacterial properties of Australian tea tree and New Zealand totara, while antioxidant-rich Vinanza Grape from grape seeds optimises your skin’s appearance.

Antipodes recommend this product for many uses including to:

  • tend to grazes
  • rescue dry, cracked skin
  • save chapped lips
  • care for skin troubles
  • protect after shaving
  • care for baby naturally
  • erase blemishes
  • relieve sore muscles
  • hydrate skin in-flight
  • ease sunburn
  • treat feet

The Skin Saviour balm has also been scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of Type II collagen in human skin cells by more than 95%!

And if that’s not enough to convince you of how wonderful this product is, Antipodes have a beauty hackSaviour Skin Balm can be used as a hair wax to tame stray tendrils. Simply work the balm between your fingers then smooth through your hair.

Find out more about how the Antipodes roots in our interview with their founder

 

Female Hair Loss? Nourkrin® is here to help

Nourkrin® – A scientifically proven anagen (growth) inducer to help promote and maintain healthy hair growth

It is estimated that there are, on average, 8 million women in the UK experiencing some degree of hair loss/hair thinning at any given time – approximately 60% of women between 30 and 60 years of age.

A recent independent survey, commissioned by Nourkrin®, found that 46% of women suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn for advice. Others feel insecure, embarrassed and uncomfortable talking about this condition. Hair loss/hair thinning remains a taboo subject, something that needs to be addressed as soon and as genuinely as possible.

Nourkrin® is taking 
responsibility by working to increase the awareness of seriousness of this problem.

Nourkrin® has launched a major campaign to bridge the knowledge and communication gap between female hair loss/hair thinning sufferers and healthcare professionals. This is designed to further increase the knowledge and understanding of the condition, building on the vast experience and expertise acquired since Nourkrin® established the female hair loss category.

Women suffering from hair loss or hair thinning conditions need support so they understand that they are NOT alone and that help IS available. They can take effective action to improve their situation and take the first step towards receiving quality guidance.

For more than two decades Nourkrin® have worked hard to bring real and documented knowledge about hair loss and hair thinning to light, based on thorough in-house scientific research.

As the brand that established the hair loss supplement category Nourkrin® is proud, as well as humbled, to have restored confidence to hundreds of thousands of women.

Hair Health and the normal Hair Growth Cycle.

At any given time, 10-15% of your hair is shedding (falling out).

This is completely natural and part of a ‘Normal Hair Growth Cycle’. The Hair Growth Cycle has three phases:

Phase 1 – Anagen (Growth) Phase

The Growth Phase, in which 85- 90% of hair is actively growing at any given time. This phase lasts on average 3 years, but can be longer.

Phase 2 – Catagen (Transition) Phase

The Transition Phase in which the hair’s nutrient vessel (the dermal papilla) disconnects from the follicle as the Growth Phase comes to an end. Approximately 1% of hairs are in this phase for a period of 1-2 weeks only.

Phase 3 – Telogen (Dormant/ Resting) Phase

The Resting Phase in which 10-15% of the hair sits inactive in the follicle after reaching its full growth potential. The average duration of this phase is 3-4 months, after which the hair is released from the follicle and replaced by a new hair.

The follicle then returns to begin a new Growth Phase, thereby completing the cycle.

Female hair loss can be closely linked to serious health conditions.

More and more research is highlighting the link between hair loss/hair thinning and more serious health conditions, with sudden increases in shedding being a possible precursor to a physical illness.

These studies add to an increasing body of evidence identified by, among others, Nourkrin®, which has been reported in national media worldwide, and demonstrates that female hair loss is a possible indicator of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid problems.

Key factors that could be the cause of hair loss/hair thinning are, among others:

Stress, Genetics, Hormones, Pregnancy and childbirth, Health, Smoking, Diet, Medicine

If you are experiencing excessive hair shedding you should see a GP or Health Care Practitioner for further help.

The consequences of a disrupted Hair Growth Cycle One or more of the serious health conditions detailed above could result in a disrupted Hair Growth Cycle. What often occurs in a disrupted Hair Growth Cycle is:

Phase 1 – Anagen (Growth) Phase

The duration of the Growth Phase is reduced and as a consequence the entire Hair Growth Cycle is suddenly disrupted.

Phase 2 – Catagen (Transition) Phase

When the Growth Phase is reduced the Hair Growth Cycle enters the Transition Phase much too early.

Phase 3 – Telogen (Dormant/ Resting) Phase

As a consequence more hair strands then enter the Dormant/ Resting Phase too soon and start to extend the duration of the Dormant/Resting Phase, leading to increased hair shedding and weaker re-growth.

Following a prolonged Dormant/Resting Phase, fewer hair follicles are induced back into the Growth Phase, resulting in no re-growth.

This is known as dormant hair follicles. Regardless of the reason for the hair loss/hair thinning, the Hair Growth Cycle is always negatively affected. A disruption to the Normal Hair Growth Cycle is often the major contributor to hair shedding and weaker re- growth.

How Nourkrin® helps and what it does!

Nourkrin® is a scientifically proven hair re-growth programme that works! Nourkrin® is based on more than 28 years of research, development and clinical studies.

It is a specifically formulated programme with a proprietary blend of ingredients, including the unique, protected substance Marilex®, which can only be found in Nourkrin®.

What Nourkrin® does

Nourkrin is not just another multivitamin or hair, skin and nails formulation.

The active ingredient in all Nourkrin® tablets, Marilex® (a fractionated fish extract with specific lectican proteoglycans), contains specific components known to be structurally associated with the hair follicles and the functioning of these. Nourkrin® is proven to work in conjunction with the Hair Growth Cycle, to help normalise a disrupted cycle by stimulating dormant follicles back into the Growth Phase. At the same time, Nourkrin® also provides nutrition to improve the overall life and function of the hair follicles on the scalp.

The Nourkrin® effect

It is crucial that follicles stuck in a dormant state are stimulated to re-enter the Growth Phase. As more and more hairs re-enter the Growth Phase, the Resting Phase is pushed back to normal levels – reducing the amount of hair shedding. The prolonged Growth Phase sustains active follicles in producing healthy hair regrowth.

Nourkrin® should always be used as a first-line approach when dealing with hair loss in order to normalise the Hair Growth Cycle

This arcticle has been written by Nourkrin® for Panacea Health & Beauty. To find out more about their range of hair supplements visit us in store

Trilogy Everything Balm

Dipti in our Muswell Hill Store recommends Trilogy Everything Balm. She says:”It is literally good for everything and everyone, from babies to adults with dry skin. My hands have been really rough and dry recently, especially around my cuticles, so I had tried using Everything Balm for a couple of weeks and found that my dry hands where much better!  Better than any cuticle oil I have used.”

The Everything balm has been described as a multi-tasking beauty tool and will help cut your skincare kit in half. 

Trilogy Everything Balm has certified organic natural ingredients blended into a concentrated, healing, all-purpose balm rich in Omega 3 and 6, vitamins and antioxidants.  All these ingredients have proven and potent skin conditioning and healing properties.

 It combines antioxidant-rich Certified Organic Marula Oil and Rosehip Oil, both revered for their skin healing and preservative properties, as well as Jojoba, Olive, Honey and Vitamin E to deeply nourish your skin. 
Everything Balm can be used for: soothing dry skin, all over nourishing & protecting, healthy nails, massage oil, lip conditioning, multi-purpose moisturising, looking after baby.  It is perfect for travel and also can be used for a nourishing after sun soother when the skin feels parched.

 

Antipodes Apostle Serum

Maria in our Putney store says: “My favourite product in Panacea at the moment is Apostle Skin-Brightening and Tone Correcting Serum from Antipodes. It is a water-based serum to help target pigmentation, brighten your skin and restore even tone. I think it is a brilliant product. I have been using it for pigmentation caused by sun damage, and have only used it for few weeks and already have noticed some great improvements on my skin. The Apostle Serum is made with a great combination of extracts from pinot noir grapes and kiwi fruit skin grown in sustainable managed New Zealand orchards.”

Antipodes write that the Apostle Serum is a water-based serum to help target pigmentation, brighten your skin and restore even tone.
Waiwera mineral-blessed water – The water comes from deep within the earth and is blessed with a variety of beneficial minerals. Magnesium and calcium in particular are a valuable way to deliver beneficial nutrients and antioxidants to the skin’s epidermal layer. We use it to address the drying signs of ageing because it makes for a powerful boost to your skin’s own hydration levels, and it’s perfect for even sensitive or sensitised skin conditions.

Vinanza Performance Plus® combines extracts from kiwifruit seeds and antioxidant-packed grape seeds scientifically shown to decrease trans-epidermal water loss, leaving your skin moist and hydrated. It’s also shown to decrease the melanin production that causes freckling and pigmentation, and decrease undesirable redness or facial flushing.

Vinanza Oxifend® is a revolutionary antioxidant-packed extract from the skins of sustainably harvested New Zealand pinot noir red grapes defends skin cells from oxidative stress helping reduce skin redness. It’s scientifically proven to completely inhibit inflammatory activity in skin cells, helping reduce the redness in skin that comes from an inflammatory response to a product or environmental assault. Its potent antioxidant action helps keep cells healthy.

Your Skin and Collagen

The skin

Skin– your body’s largest organ!

Of all the body’s organs, none is more exposed to the elements than your skin, whose primary role it is to offer protection from the harsh outer environment. Its structure is quite complex, containing four main types of cell, all of which have their own important role to play in keeping the skin healthy – but where to start? Whilst topical products have a crucial role to play, the skin also needs to be nourished from within.

But first, some basic skin care tips…Start from the inside
  • Hydration is key. You need to be drinking around 6-8 glasses of water or beneficial herbal teas daily.
  • Include some skin ‘superfoods’ in your diet – dark berries, oily fish, leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, sweet potatoes, avocados, acerola cherries and green tea. They all contain nutrients that are of particular importance to long term skin health
  • Try to sleep for 7-8 hours each night. Lack of sleep quickly catches up with your face leading to lines and bags under the eyes
  • Excess alcohol contributes to ageing skin by dilating small blood vessels and increasing blood flow near the skin’s surface, so save the juice for special occasions!
  • Green Veg TipGreen smoothies! Whizz up some fresh spinach, half an avocado, some frozen berries and a banana with some filtered water – a cleansing and energising way to start the day
  • Boost your circulation by doing some exercise. Exercise also helps your mood and energy levels so do whatever works for you!
  • Don’t forget to remove make-up at night with gentle alcohol-free remover.
CollagenColl-loss

Collagen is the major protein that supports firm, youthful skin. It is found in the thickest layer of the skin called the dermis. It is the collagen in the dermis that determines the strength of the structural base for the skin and provides both support and elasticity. Unfortunately, the skin’s ability to replace damaged collagen reduces significantly with age. This can lead to easy bruising, reduced healing ability and the development of wrinkles. Taking a collagen supplement and using it topically can help its production, improving the structure and appearance of the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the body and has some very important functions. For example, it lubricates joints and muscles, moisturises eyes and is vital for maintaining moisture in the skin. Unfortunately, the body’s natural supply decreases with age, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dryness in the skin. HA is emerging as one of the most exciting ingredients in beauty products that can actually help ‘lift’ the face. Together collagen and hyaluronic acid, used both orally and topically, help to support the general function and appearance of the skin by aiding skin flexibility, smoothness, elasticity and water absorption.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man; a bold statement for a nutrient that is even more powerful than vitamin E – but what is it?

The richest source of astaxanthin is from Haematococcus pluvalis, a green micro-alga and part of the carotenoid family. When heated, it turns bright red and it is the pigment that gives fish and crustaceans their distinctive pink colour. It is an antioxidant that works throughout the whole body and is particularly protective of the skin against sun damage, which causes premature ageing. One study showed that significantly more ultraviolet energy was required to produce skin reddening, the first stage of sunburn, in people taking astaxanthin daily. Positive effects on skin hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles have also been demonstrated by supplementing a combination of astaxanthin and natural tocotrienols.

MSM

MSM, an asulphur-tipbbreviation for methylsulfonylmethane, is often added to skin creams and lotions and is also used as a food supplement. Thanks to its role in the production of collagen and keratin, it may help maintain youthful-looking skin. As the name suggests, it is an organic form of the mineral ‘sulphur’, known historically as ‘the beauty mineral’. This is because it is an integral component of keratin, the substance that makes up the outer layer of our skin. MSM is important for healthy skin, nails and luxuriant hair.

 

To find out more, visit one of our Panacea Stores, or if you’re already a fan of collagen, try out out Collagen Cake Bites recipe.

 

10 minutes with Antipodes

An Interview with Elizabeth Barbalich, CEO and Founder of Antipodes Skin Care

I first met Elizabeth 6 years ago when she visited London from New Zealand, after the products were introduced into UK stores. I was fortunate enough to have her explain the wonderful product range to me and once I tried the Antipodes Joyous Serum, I was hooked. Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Serum

Antipodes is a certified organic skincare brand, that bottles the best ingredients directly from New Zealand nature. The natural range includes ultra-hydrating skincare products made from avocado oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, macadamia nut oil and exotic New Zealand plant extracts including their star ingredient, Vinanza Grape®, a potent antioxidant extracted from the seeds of Marlborough Sauvignon blanc grapes that in an independent study in New Zealand, had scientifically shown to have the world’s highest level of antioxidants. We all know how great antioxidants are for us!

I recently caught up with Elizabeth, at the Natural and Organic Products Show just before she was given the Natural Beauty Award for best Body Cream for the Antipodes Joyful Hand and Body Cream.

Danielle: Antipodes is 10 this year! What inspired you to start your own skin care brand?

antipodes-elizabeth-barbalich

Elizabeth: I saw a gap in the market for a lifestyle brand that was natural, sustainable, organic and also had scientific validation. In New Zealand there were a lot of skin care brands that were cheaper looking but there was nothing that ticked all the boxes in terms of a really cool lifestyle brand. I was really inspired by Aesop which is a very strong Australian brand, so I wanted to create something that was a strong look and a distinctive style. It’s not for everyone, it’s not everyday beauty, it’s a real niche brand.

I heard that you started in your kitchen?

I started with ideas because I’ve got a background in Chemistry and Biology so I started with concepts of how formulas would work but we never manufactured from home.

You have received many well deserved awards for your products (See them on Pinterest) What has been the most rewarding part of creating and developing Antipodes?

I think the most rewarding part is when you have someone come up to you and says the products are life changing and I absolutely love the brand. When it’s not a celebrity, but someone who’s put their hard earned money to buy the product, and for me that’s the most rewarding because that’s the person who I developed the products for. We get lots of people saying how much they love it and for me that’s the best thing because that was my vision. It’s nice to get the awards too but you find people can get emotionally attached to the products describe in detail the fragrance and how they use it. It’s great, that’s the most rewarding.

At Panacea, we love that Antipodes ingredients are organic, ethically sourced and use recyclable packaging. Why is “Green Beauty” so important to you?

Well in nature you have the answers to everything. All Pharmaceuticals and drugs are inspired by nature. I think the reason green beauty is important because you don’t need to use chemicals on your body. I’m not pro synthetic ingredients. I think if you want to be in the best possible health you need to eat natural raw foods and if you go back to cave men or paleo times they ate raw foods, and it’s the same in skincare, getting as close to the earth as possible.

So we have to look after the earth for it to look after us?

Absolutely. At Antipodes we source all of our ingredients through sustainable sources, we know where they come from, we work closely with suppliers, we’ve got great relationships, we understand what they’re doing and that’s part of the journey. So as a brand we’ve created a sort of eco community in terms of all our suppliers. Our key suppliers come from New Zealand. It’s cool. We’re growing, they’re growing, everyone is benefitting.

You mentioned raw foods – Besides skin care what other tips do you have for beautiful skin?

Raw juice is a big one, lots of sleep if you can get it. No alcohol. But Raw juice yes –  beetroot, ginger, carrot, parsnip, parsley all that kind of thing. My daughters are really big on juicing too. As little animal fats as possible, raw ingredients and be happy with what you’ve got.

We know you are against animal testing, but so much so you refused to sell in China because of their animal testing requirement. Antipodes also recently donated an amazing NZ$60,000 to WWF-New Zealand. How did you get involved with the WWF?

We were looking for an organisation who were aligned with our ethos. We’re very pro animals and the environment that they live in. We looked at lots of different organisations but we thought the WWF were the best in terms of alignment. They are the world’s best and largest independent conservation organisation, very altruistically focused, and they’ve been around for 50/60 years so quite reputable. I was quite lucky to have met the CEO of the WWF in Wellington where I live, so that gave me the opportunity to start talking to them, which is amazing because they are a giant organisation. We had to work really hard to get a licencing agreement with them though because they’ve got a brand to protect. They are very particular who they work with. They’ve never worked with a beauty brand before and they wanted to make sure everything we did was aligned with what they do. So it’s fantastic. We’ve donated a significant amount of money, well for us its significant, but for them it’s probably small, but in New Zealand it’s helping with native birds and the Maui dolphin, which is a rare species, so it contributes towards something that is meaningful.

Going back to animal testing in China, we don’t sell in stores in China because you have to test on animals to go in stores but we do sell online on an across border ecommerce company who don’t have to test on animals to sell there. A lot of brands have “sold out”, like Jurlique and L’Occitane* are in China. We’re waiting for those laws to change and there’s been talk for a few years. We tick all the boxes, but we’re not prepared to change our brand for that, animals don’t wear cosmetics.

You must have a busy life with your husband and 3 teenagers as well as running a successful company. What advice do you have for mums who are balancing a busy work and home schedule?

You can’t do everything. Get as much help as you can possibly get. You have to sacrifice something, so my focus is work and my home life. My kids and husband. I’ve got good friends but I don’t socialise that much, these women who think they can do it all and go to parties 5 times a week – you just can’t. You’ve got to look after what’s important first

What is your naughty (edible) indulgence?

Well the chocolate over here (there is a large selection of raw chocolate at the show today) That Booja Booja chocolate! Have you tried it? That stuff is amazing! And I really love Lamingtons. I do like cakes. Cakes and biscuits.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what Antipodes product could you not do without?

Hosanna Serum, Ananda Toner, Grapeseed Butter Cleanser, Avocado Night Cream. All of them.

Do you have any predictions for Natural Skincare in 2016/17?

It will become more high tech. A lot of brands will drop off. The market is too saturated and the consumer is too savvy. I think the good brands will get better and a lot of brands will fall by the wayside.

What’s next for Antipodes? Are you launching any new products for your 10th Birthday?
Yes, we are. We have 2 new products launching in July

Joyful

Panacea keeps a wide range of Antipodes skincare products including the Mineral Foundation. Visit our stores to try these luscious products and you too will be hooked on natural beauty

* the companies mentioned don’t personally do the testing, but they do allow their products to be tested on animals to be able to be sold in stores in China.

Proto-Col Collagen Shot

This drink is an innovative collagen shot that uses advanced technology to deliver a unique combination of VERISOL®, a bioactive collagen peptide, vitamins B6, C & E, Zinc, Biotin and Copper. Designed for both men and women, this drink acts as a daily food supplement that supports the body’s own collagen formation to help slow down and combat the visible signs of ageing.

As we age, it’s the loss of this protein that makes skin lose its firmness, and is directly linked to the signs of ageing, with the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and a reduction in skin elasticity. Proto-col’s collagen shot, uses VERISOL® type I and III bovine collagen hydrolysate which is the closest match to human DNA and is the only source of collagen scientifically proven to repair and restore levels within the body.

VERISOL® works at a deeper level, as it systemically affects the collagen metabolism in the dermis, rather than just reaching the outer layers of skin like creams and topical products do. As it is orally consumed it influences the skin’s co metabolism directly from the inside, to increase the skin moisture and slow down the formation of wrinkles.

Approved by FSE (Food Supplements Europe) recognised by EFSA (European Food Standards Agency) VERISOL® studies have confirmed that VERISOL® addresses the main concern of both men and women with regards to ageing skin, elasticity and firmness as well as wrinkles. People taking products containing natural Bioactive Peptide VERISOL® have reported noticeably firmer and smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.

Ingredients include:

Hydrolysed collagen – collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. We provide the highest concentrate 5000mg per 50ml bottle.

Vitamin C – contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and the normal function of skin.

Biotin – contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and necessary to maintain energy and general vitality.

Copper – contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues and the normal function of the immune system.

Vitamin B6 – contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the normal function of the immune system.

Zinc – contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

 

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