Ever wondered what all those really long words mean listed on the label of your skin care products? It's important to understand what you are putting on your skin so that you are sure the products you use are targeting your skin care needs and not making them worse. The list below is not a complete list of everything contained in skin care ingredients, but it is a good start and certainly includes many of the ingredients used in todays anti-aging products.
Allantoin - A botanical extract from comfrey root. Medical grade
allantoin, is a proven cell-healing agent that stimulates healthy tissue
formation. It also helps promote the repair of photo damage and reduces UV
induced inflammation.
Antioxidants - Ingredients which help the body
resist free radicals that damage the body and prematurely age the skin.
Different antioxidants target different areas of the skin to accomplish
different tasks. It is believed that some antioxidants may hold the key to
stimulating fibroblast activity to repair the dermis.
Avobenzone - This synthetic sunscreen
ingredient (also known as Parsol 1789 and Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) can
protect against the entire range of the sun's UVA rays.
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract (Bamboo Extract) - A highly
effective antioxidant complex that helps minimize and control wrinkles, with
natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Bisabolol - A botanical extract derived from
Chamomile or Yarrow known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.
Caffeine - Topical application results in
mild constriction of blood vessels and subsequent decreases in blood flow,
which aids in diminishing dark circles under the eye area.
Carrot Polypeptides (Daucus Carota Sativa Root) - A
naturally derived form of Vitamin A. Promotes rapid utilization and absorption
of Vitamin A. Supports Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition to protect
against collagen destruction. Potent antioxidant.
Cucumber Fruit Extract (Cucumis Sativus) - Cools and
refreshes the skin and has anti-inflammatory and skin tightening properties.
Crosslinked Sodium Hyaluronate - Purified,
highly potent form of Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring substance found in
the fluids surrounding cells and tissues. Hyaluronic Acid is found in abundance
in young skin, and becomes depleted with age. Loss of Hyaluronic Acid
contributes to loss of elasticity, sagging and wrinkling of the dermis and
epidermis. Crosslinked Sodium Hyaluronate is topical version of one of the most
widely acclaimed wrinkle fillers. It delivers 4-5 times more hydration than Hyaluronic
Acid, and represents a true breakthrough in technology. Combined with other
actives, it is unparalleled in both attracting and binding humectants and
moisture to the skin. It ´s extremely potent in adding volume lost by the aging
process - temporarily smoothing out facial lines and wrinkles. The inclusion of
this ingredient will have an immediate and visible effect on the skin.
Dimethicone - OTC ingredient with a breathable
barrier bolsters skin´s natural defenses. Creates a two-way “zone of inhibition”
that prevents the entry of harmful external irritants and potential
environmental skin-agers and prevents the exit of vital moisture. Due to its
ability to remain present, active and effective for extended periods of time,
Dimethicone puts skin in heightened state of preparedness against unexpected
factors that can compromise skin´s health and well-being. It also smoothes and
heals.
Emu Oil (Dromiceius Oil) - ALSO POTENT SOURCE OF EFA´S
- This highly moisturizing, natural skin softener has rejuvenating properties
and has been shown to help reduce the depth and length of fine lines and
wrinkles. It is non-greasy and highly penetrating. It is also non-comedogenic
(does not clog pores), non-irritating and gentle for all skin types. It is also
an effective anti-inflammatory.
Essential Fatty Acids - EFAs - Natural
components of skin which help to make up the outer layer. They help protect the
body against oxidative damage. EFA´s form basic building blocks of body fats
and cellular membranes. Topical EFA´s improve skin´s water retention and help
“water-proof” the skin. If your skin is dry, prone to inflammation, and
frequently dotted with white heads and black heads, you may be lacking
essential fatty acids, nutrients that are crucial to the production of skin´s
natural oil barrier. Without an adequate supply of EFA´s, the skin produces a
more irritating form of sebum, or oil, which can result in skin problems.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) - The
ultimate cell regenerators. These marine-derived complex proteins help support
collagen structure and increase skin´s elasticity.
Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia Sinensis) - A super
antioxidant with many health and healing benefits.
Homosalate - A recognized sunscreen that
filters out UVB rays, which do their damage at the cellular level.
Licorice Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) - Extracted
from the roots of the Licorice plant, it is used topically as a natural skin
lightener and anti-inflammatory.
Evening Primrose Root Extract - One of
the family of essential fatty acids, which form the basic building blocks of
cell membranes. When used as a topical ingredient, Evening Primrose Oil has
moisturizing and softening effects.
Octinoxate and Octisalate -
Sunscreens used to protect skin primarily from the sun´s UVB rays: the longer
wavelength “burning” rays.
Peptides - Proteins are long chains of amino
acids. Peptides are short chains of amino acids which serve as “messengers”
that regulate various functions in the body and on the skin. Different peptides
have different functions: some activate hormonal activity, others antibiotic
activity, still others activate wound healing and skin repair.
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Ceramide-2) -
Independent studies have shown that Ceramide-2 enhances the production of
collagen and GAGs and supports the growth of matrix and connective tissues.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide 7 - A powerful anti-inflammatory
that helps promote tissue regeneration resulting in normalization of damaged
skin. Skin looks and “acts” younger renewing its strength against photo aging
and environmental damage.
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract - Contains
vital amino acids and proteins necessary for the production of collagen and
elastin. It also fights free radicals, thus helping to prevent new wrinkles
from forming.
Punica Granatum Extract (Pomegranate) - An
excellent external astringent for oily complexions. In addition, recent studies
cite it as a potent antioxidant. Pomegranate Extract contains several
polyphenols and anthocyanidins (pigment that gives certain fruits their dark
red colors) that are said to have a higher antioxidant activity than that of
red wine and green tea.
Resveratrol - A plant extract from the stalks
and stems of the vine. It provides a natural defense mechanism and is a leading
anti-oxidant. 100% of the benefits are released into the skin helping to defend
against UVA/UVB exposure. It also reduces irritation and puffiness.
Retinol - This is a derivative of vitamin A
and is the active ingredient in found in several important prescription
skincare products such as Retin-A and Renova. Retinol is proven to improve
mottled skin pigmentation, skin texture, tone and color, enhance skin hydration
and help decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract - A
derivative of yeast, this ingredient helps foster cell respiration.
Salicylic Acid – Often referred as beta hydroxy acid (BHA) - A
multifunctional ingredient with a multitude of properties - including
anti-microbial -- that address many systemic causes of blemishes. It also
improves collagen production.
Sodium Dehydroacetate - Made from organic salt. It
is used to fight bacteria and fungi on the skin.
Sorbitol - A humectant found in berries,
grapes, plums, and pears. Often used in place of glycerin as a moisturizing
agent in topical skincare.
Tricontanyl PVP - A film-forming agent used to
improve water resistance properties and enhance SPF properties.
Vitamin B (Panthenyl and Panthenyl Ethyl Ether) - A
moisturizing agent for skin care. Also aids in tissue repair.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Magnesium
Ascorbyl Phosphate and Sodium Ascrobyl Phosphate) - Vitamin C
is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals, humans do not have the ability
to make their own vitamin C. Therefore, we must obtain vitamin C through our
diet. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important
structural component of skin. Vitamin C is also a highly effective antioxidant.
Even in small amounts vitamin C can protect indispensable molecules in the
body. Vitamin C also helps promote healing and minimizes hyperpigmentation by
reducing melanin production. Researchers attribute Vitamin C to helping reverse
existing damage deep within the skin and may also give the skin a boost in
natural resistance to UVA/UVB damage. In addition, Vitamin C helps regenerate
Vitamin E in the skin, enabling it to sustain its antioxidant protection.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate - Stable
form of super potent Vitamin C. Shown to increase collagen by 50% in vitro
studies. Promotes whitening/lightening of dark circles and counteracts hyperpigmentation.
Offers extremely potent antioxidant protection.
Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) - Considered
an antioxidant superstar. Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble vitamin (meaning it
likes fat better than water) that when applied topically to skin provides
significant antioxidant protection against ultraviolet rays. It combats free
radical damage and protects from the adverse effects of oxidative stress
including photo aging. Vitamin E also enhances moisturization and minimizes
cell damage caused by inflammation.
Vitamin F (Linoleic Acid) - An
essential fatty acid (EFA) which has emollient, water binding, and antioxidant
properties for skin.
Yeast Extract - Comprised of a complex mixture of
proteins, sugars and amino acids, it is an excellent humectant which may
enhance the rate of cell turnover. It also helps reduce the appearance of
hyperpigmentation by working to block melanin synthesis, revitalizes skin with
moisture while it fights dryness and restores elasticity to skin.
