SKINCARE GLOSSARY
Vitamins are widely used as ingredients in natural skin care products, including ours. Here are the major functions of each in regards to the skin:
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Vitamin A - enhances elasticity and collagen synthesis.
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Vitamin B - assists in tissue repair and healing.
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Vitamin C - an excellent antioxidant, used for the production of collagen and to increase the protective action of sunscreens.
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Vitamin D - potent regulator of epithelial growth.
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Vitamin E - an excellent moisturizer and antioxidant (Neutralizes free radicals)
Other active ingredients and skin care terminology:
Antiseptic >
A chemical agent that inhibits or prevents the growth of microorganism microbes, particularly on the skin.
Astringents >
Substances or additives to products that tighten or close skin pores. The effect makes skin feel smoother.
Beta Carotene >
An antioxidant that can protect cells against cancer; this pigment, which the body converts to vitamin A, is found in orange fruits and vegetables.
Elasticity >
The tendency of skin to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed
Emollient >
A substance composed of fat or oil that soothes and softens the skin
Essential Fatty Acids >
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are extremely important for maintaining healthy skin and skin function. These fatty acids are “essential” because the body cannot manufacture these lipids’ they must be ingested or topically applied.
Free Radicals >
Highly reactive molecules, continuously produced by all cells of the human body, that are capable of causing damage to tissue. They are common, toxic by-products of normal chemical reactions occurring in cells.
Humectants >
Control the humidity of the product by absorbing and retaining moisture
Minerals >
Are very important as cofactors for enzymes to function efficiently. There are more than 20 elements identified as enzyme activation cofactors. Two of the most renowned minerals are calcium and zinc. Calcium is a potent regulator of skin cell differentiation and is involved in the initiation of the epidermal barrier and repair process. Zinc is critical for the immune process, peptide synthesis, DNA and RNA activity and injury repair. Other important minerals include iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium, nickel, and molybdenum. Topical application of the aforementioned is extremely effective.
Oxygen >
Skin-lacking oxygen has poor colour and lacks radiance and freshness. Increasing the oxygen content at skin level encourages cellular metabolism, promotes detoxification, stimulates epithelial growth, and improves barrier function and hydration.
Placental Extract >
Derived from vegetable kingdom, placental extract is the closest substance to human placenta, the heart of the plant is extracted and processed down into very fine molecules – this allows the absorption of the nutrients into the dermis
Propolis >
A mixture of beeswax, pollen and bee's bread used to protect honey and hives from bacterial infections and decay. Bee propolis is rich in vitamins and minerals and produces the strongest form of antibiotic in nature, 200 times stronger than penicillin.
Sebaceous Secretions >
Oils naturally secreted from the body, causing impurities of the skin.
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