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Skin care ingredients that really work

Look for ingredients that really work to improve our skin.
Look for ingredients that really work to improve our skin.
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When the right blend of nourishing and active ingredients are used we supply our skin with substances that are undeniably beneficial for its recovery and rejuvenation. Our skin will look smooth, feel soft to the touch, and appear rested and vibrant.

The most effective skin care products are those that have ingredients that will not only penetrate the skin, but are also there to support and protect our skin from free radicals that damage cell membranes and normal cellular metabolism systems. Many of us don't realize that free radicals also do harm to our DNA and RNA and contribute to the hardening of collagen and elastin cells. This damage can lead to premature aging, increased skin sensitivity, irritation, inflammation, age spots and dryness. By selecting products containing ingredients that work best to restore our skin, we can achieve a radiant and youthful complexion. 

Let's start with Vitamins A and E (fat soluble). They have properties that protect the phospholipid (a class of lipids that are a major part of all cell membranes) structure of the cell membrane.

  • Micronized Vitamin E (tocopherols) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that stops the production of reactive oxygen groups that are formed when fat undergoes oxidation. There are claims that it is the most important lipid-soluble antioxidant as it protects cell membranes against the attack of free radicals.
  • Vitamin A functions as an irreversibly oxidized form retinoic acid, which is an important hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells. It dramatically reduces the size and secretion of the sebaceous glands, bacteria at the skin's surface, and reduces inflammation.

Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals to prevent skin cell damage as it protects the inside of cells and DNA. Professional strength Vitamin C can give your skin the superior protection it needs to prevent premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C can also defend against future damage, stimulate collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin, and even lighten and brighten the skin for a more even skin tone. Active Vitamin C causes a brief tingling sensation when first applied to the skin, which eventually subsides.

Vitamin C Ester is formed from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid creating a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C which stimulates fibroblasts in the cells that produce collagen and elastin.

Niacin is a water-soluble organic compound of B vitamin and vitamin B3; common names for two very different compounds "nicotinic acid" and "niacinamide". Specialized niacin compounds are formulated to penetrate the layers of the epidermis enabling it to penetrate the stratum corneum (top layer) and enter the other layers of the epidermis where it is converted into nicotinic acid and ultimately it's active form called NAD, which plays an essential metabolic role in living cells, and is involved in DNA repair, as well as detoxification.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that increases cellular metabolism, is an anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, and influences the efficacy of other antioxidants!

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is an is an organic compound and antioxidant that stabilizes cell membranes, increases chemicals that control muscle tone to improve the appearance of sagging skin, and enhances the effectiveness of other antioxidants.

Squalane oil is a vegetable oil derived from green olives and is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, all of which have a positive effect on mature, sensitive skin and rosacea.

Ceramides are naturally occurring skin lipids (fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K) that are major structural components of the skin's outer structure and help to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). They also help to repair and to protect skin that is stressed, sensitive, scaly, rough, dry or showing signs of aging.

Phytohormones are derived from plant extracts and help to restore, invigorate, soothe, and hydrate our skin.

Other powerful ingredients are glycerin, peptides, hyaluronic acid, liquorice root, bearberry, mulberry, borage oil, olive oil, Panthenol or Vitamin B5, white and green teas , barley, tomato, sodium hyaluronate, jojoba, sunflower oil, copper, chamomile, oat, sage, Aloe Vera, shea butter, emu oil, ginseng, beech bud extract and seaweed.
 

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, NY Beautiful Skin Examiner

Lu Heaney is an Aesthetician, Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician and is recognized internationally as a Beauty Specialist. As skin care director at Gotham Skin Care in New York City, Lu is committed to total skin health and specializes in facial rejuvenation and acne treatments. She has also...

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