So what do we use in our products?
Antioxidants:
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•Resveratrol -- There have been many research reports that have shown resveratrol can prevent or slow down a wide variety of illnesses from Cancer and Alzheimer’s to cardiovascular disease on animals. We use a Micronized Resveratrol powder. The particle size averages between 1 to 4 microns. Most resveratrol supplements currently average between 149 to 224 microns. Micronized Resveratrol powder is estimated to be up to 220% better than most of the regular resveratrol supplements.
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•Grapeseed Extract -- We use a very fine grapeseed extract powder. Grapeseed extract is a natural source of OPCs known as flavonoids. OPCs are 20 to 50 times more powerful than vitamin C and E in terms of bioavailable antioxidant activity. It also increases the effectiveness of vitamin C. Research has suggested that properties in grapeseed extract may protect against skin cancer and benefit over all health of skin.
•N-Acetyl Cysteine (or NAC)-- NAC is a sulfur containing amino acid that is needed to produce the free radical fighter glutathione and maintain it at adequate levels in cells. It helps to detoxify the body of chemicals and other poisons and slows the aging process.
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•Alpha Lipoic Acid -- Alpha lipoic acid has shown time and again in clinical trials to be successful for protecting cells from free-radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules caused from normal situations like metabolism to unhealthy activities like smoking, and are a major culprit of wrinkling and the loss of firmness associated with normal aging.
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•CoEnzyme Q 10 (CoQ10)-- Supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 is a treatment for some serious mitochondrial disorders and other metabolic disorders. It is also being investigated as a treatment for cancer, and as relief from cancer treatment side-effects.
•Vitamins:
E -- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that research has shown to have a variety of benefits for the skin. Studies have shown vitamin E may help decrease the effects if psoriasis and erythema, in the reduction of stretch marks, in the reduction of scarring from wounds, and it may help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
A -- The body used vitamin A for maintenance of healthy skin, good vision and a robust immune system. It is also a free radical fighting antioxidant and therefore is anti-aging.
D -- Vitamin D can help control the proliferation of skin cells that lead to psoriatic lesions. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to skin malignancies (skin cancer). Topically applied Vitamin D may reduce DNA damage in skin that leads to skin cancer.
C -- Vitamin C is one of the most common antioxidants. It recharges other antioxidants like vitamin E. It helps prevent premature aging and is is required for the synthesis of collagen in the skin. Collagen can be seen as the foundation of healthy and young looking skin. Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in humans making up about 25% of the total protein content.
Biotin-- Biotin is a B vitamin that is needed for healthy skin and hair.
Oils
•Grapeseed oil -- Light, odorless oil, derived from the seeds of Italian grapes with mild astringent properties that prevent it from clogging pores. It gives a silky feel to the skin that can soothe away dryness and irritation.
•Castor oil -- A pure, natural emollient that softens and nourishes skin, gives relief to join and muscle pain, and is therapeutic in massages.
•Sweet Almond -- An easily absorbed, natural vegetable derived extract dating back to Biblical times that promotes healthy skin. It moisturizes and nourishes skin without clogging pores.
•Extra virgin olive oil
•Peppermint oil
•Lemon oil
•Soy oil
•Rosemary oil
Beeswax -- We use beeswax instead of petroleum because it contains “wax esthers” that also exist in human skin. It is a natural hydrating agent that increases essential moisture in the skin. Beeswax has a very low irritation potential and promotes healing and softening of skin and is an antiseptic.
Liquids
•Pure aloe vera gel -- Aloe vera has been used since ancient times because of its benefits for dry and cracked skin, burns, blisters, frostbite, insect bites, and allergic reactions.
•Vegetable glycerin -- Vegetable glycerin is a skin-friendly humectant that attracts water into the skin as well as a binding agent that occurs naturally in vegetables. It is anti-bacterial and works to make the skin supple while fighting dryness and scaling.
•Pure Honey purchased directly from a honey farm -- Honey has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Herbs
•Cloves -- Cloves are a natural antiseptic that aid in the healing of wounds. Studies have shown that the oil in cloves can help kill several strains of staphylococcus and pseudomonas-organisms that can cause skin infections
•Dandelion -- Dandelions have been used in many different ways from detoxifying the body to removing warts.
•Plantain -- Studies have demonstrated that the juice of the plantain plant is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Plantain contains allantoin, an anti-inflammatory phytochemical that kills germs, speeds wound healing, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
•Yellow dock -- Yellow dock has been used for centuries for its astringent properties and for treating a variety of skin problems, which include rashes, blemishes, burns, and boils.