Ingredients Definitions
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from fruit and milk sugars. Glycolic and lactic acid, the most commonly used, have a special ability to penetrate the skin. Used topically, alpha hydroxy acids work to exfoliate the skin and may stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, pigmentation, and photodamaged skin when used regularly.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that fight against oxidation damage in the body caused by free radicals. Free radicals are destructive and unstable oxygen molecules believed to cause aging. The skin expresses free radical damage as unsightly wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and loss of tone and moisture. Fortunately, topical antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, green tea, and other antioxidant compounds found in our products can help your skin retain its youthfulness. Regular application is highly recommended for protecting your skin against oxidation, as well as protection from environmental damage. Most skin care experts agree that topical antioxidants are an essential part of any successful anti-aging skin care regimen.
Arnica
A daisy-like perennial herb, arnica in skin care is used as a gel, cream, ointment, spray or salve; promoted for use on the skin to help soothe and heal wounds, sunburn, bruises, acne, eczema, and chapped lips. Arnica contains organic chemicals such as sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoid glycosides that have been known to reduce swelling, redness, and pain linked to inflammation. It is also touted to help heal bacterial infections.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic. It reduces the number of surface skin bacteria, but does not cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Benzoyl peroxide also reduces the number of yeasts on the surface of the skin. It is extremely useful in the treatment of mild to moderate acne; the anti-inflammatory properties will reduce swelling and the oxidizing factor dries out and drains the acne.
Caffeine
An alkaloid found in coffee, cocoa, tea and other beverages. Caffeine has been found to have some antioxidant activity. Caffeine acts as a vasoconstrictor, and topical application of caffeine may reduce the appearance of facial puffiness and redness.
Coenzyme-Q10
Co-Q10 is a naturally occurring nutrient found in human cells and is a powerful antioxidant. Co-Q10 works well with glycolic acid; while glycolic acid exfoliates the skin and as it helps aid in cellular renewal.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid belongs to the group commonly referred to as fruit or alpha hydroxy acids. It is derived from sugar cane, so it is considered a natural product. In skin care products it works as a hydrating and exfoliating agent because of its high acidity and easy solubility; it helps to gently slough, or exfoliate, the dead cell layer which manifests fine lines and uneven skin tone. Glycolic acid penetrates well because of its small molecular size, and when the dead skin cells are removed, newer, fresher, skin is revealed. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance.
Green Tea
The medicinal properties of tea are attributed to flavonoid phytochemicals called polyphenols. Studies have shown that tea polyphenols have protective effects against free radicals, cardiovascular damage, some cancers, infections, and toxins. Additionally, green tea has been shown to minimize the appearance of fine lines, reduce pore size, and to reduce redness and inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid
This ingredient is key for more moisture and less wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a component of the body’s connective tissues and is known to “cushion” and “lubricate”. However, as you age levels of this vital skin component decline. When hyaluronic acid is depleted, skin may become dehydrated, in-turn accentuating fine lines and wrinkles. Skin care products containing hyaluronic acid are used to help the skin retain moisture and as an added bonus have a temporary “plumping” effect.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound that decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color. Topically it is used to lighten areas of darkened skin.
Marine Extracts
Marine extracts rejuvenate cells at the molecular level. They enhance the thickness of the skin, tightening, while softening and hydrating the skin. Marine extracts also have very good anti-inflammatory properties.
Peptides
Peptides are small chains of amino acids, and amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. Peptides are created by the digestion of proteins in the body, and many types of peptides are readily and rapidly absorbed by the bloodstream. For this reason, peptides are particularly effective as skin care ingredients. Peptides revive skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production, thus reducing the wrinkles and improving skin’s softness.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid naturally occurring in sweet birch and wintergreen leaves. It exfoliates the skin, penetrating oil-laden hair follicle openings, and can improve the texture and color of the skin.
Uric Acid (Urea)
Urea exists in the skin’s outermost layer. Skin care products which contain uric acid are used to hydrate, heal and moisturize the skin.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
The skin responds well to retinol because of its molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of the skin, where it finds collagen and elastin. Retinol is proven to improve pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, tone and color and your skin’s hydration level.
Vitamin C
An essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The body requires vitamin C to form and maintain bones, blood vessels, and skin. Studies suggest that it stimulates collagen and synthesis, and stays in the skin for up to 72 hours.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects your skin cells against the effects of free radicals; free radicals can cause damage to cells. By protecting the cell membrane, vitamin E may help to reduce the visible damage that has been caused.
White Tea
The ingredients in white tea have been proven to effectively boost the immune function of skin cells, this allows the cells to repair themselves and protect against the damaging effects of the sun. Additionally white tea helps to hydrate your skin.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide is used in a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products including makeup, sunscreen, nail products, baby lotions, bath soaps and foot powders. Zinc oxide is nearly insoluble in water and when used in sunscreen provides protection from both harmful UVA and UVB rays.