our ingredients
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been used in traditional medicine and skincare since the ancient Egyptians called it the plant of immortality.
Aloe Vera has powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin. It acts as a protective layer and helps to replenish the skin’s moisture. Its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties help the skin to heal more quickly. Aloe Vera moisturises the skin without giving it a greasy feel. It’s even perfect for anyone with oily skin.
Aloe Vera contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellin. These two hormones support wound healing and reduce inflammation. Gibberellin in Aloe Vera, acts as a growth hormone, stimulating the regeneration of new cells.
As we age, everyone begins to worry about the appearance of fine lines and loss of elasticity in their skin. Aloe Vera leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including: beta-carotene and vitamin C and E that help to improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep it hydrated.
It contains high levels of:
· Polysaccarides give Aloe its hydrating, emollient and anti-inflammatory benefits, while creating a protective barrier on the skin
· Anthraquinone’s, provide antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics
· Flavones offer further protection from free-radical damage
· Phytosterols are anti-inflammatory, which calm and soothe itchy skin. They also moisturise and protect the skin from trans-epidermal water loss
· Glycosides promote healthy cell regeneration and offer anti-allergen properties, while vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids nourish the skin.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil comes from the seeds of the apricot that contain 40-50% oil. It is primarily composed of unsaturated fatty acids which include oleic acid (60%) and linoleic acid (30%). Other components of this precious oil are palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid and vitamins A, C, E and K.
It is very easily absorbed by the skin and is a light and non-greasy type of oil which makes it a prefect ingredient for any skin formula. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and it helps smooth skin and reduce redness. This may help to keep eczema and psoriasis patches moisturised.
The unsaturated fatty acids found in apricot kernel oil, combined with its high vitamin E content are excellent in promoting youthful skin and keeping wrinkles at bay.
Apricot kernel is rich in Vitamin K, which is known to reduce dark circles. Together with vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids, this oil nourishes the skin deeply allowing the nutrients to penetrate the surface of the skin.
Because Apricot kernel oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E, it means that it is an ideal oil for supporting skin healing and protecting the complexion against sun damage and the signs of ageing.
Balm of Gilead
Balm of Gilead is an aromatic resin from the Commiphora Gileadensis tree. The trees are native to Arabia and the Middle East.
The balsam, says Arab tradition, was originally carried from Yemen by the Queen of Sheba as a gift to Solomon and planted by him in the gardens of Jericho. It was brought to Egypt by Cleopatra and planted at Ain-Shemesh in a garden, which all the old travellers, Arab and Christian, mention with deep interest.
It was extracted, both as the volatile component of the sap of the tree and its buds and sometimes by boiling the stems and leaves. It was the only tropical tree to produce the most expensive spice in Israel. Balsam trees are also native to the Holy Land. An incision in the bark of the balsam tree, yields three or four drops a day from each and left to stand the balsam becomes a golden colour and pellucid as a gem.
It is now well known for its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may improve the appearance of troubled or mature skin.
Asides from the effects of soothing sunburn, the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Balm of Gilead also mean that it can quickly clear up skin infections or irritations and even eliminate the appearance of scars and blemishes.
At present, the tree (Commiphora Gileadensis) grows wild in the valley of Mecca where it is called Beshem.
Baobab Oil
Baobab Oil is obtained from the seeds of the Adansonia tree. This tree is one of the most characteristic trees of Africa and it is often called the upside-down tree because it looks as though it is growing its roots upwards. African women have used this oil for centuries to support skin beautification.
The oil is quite viscous with a rich, silky feel and mild aroma. It is an excellent moisturiser and one of the few oils that can be added in its raw state into cosmetic products.
This exotic oil is nutrient dense. It is rich in vitamins A, E, C, D and K plus it’s filled with omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. All these nutrients sink deep into the skin and nourish the skin cells, promoting optimal function. It has copious amounts of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is THE vitamin for antiaging, this is because it stimulates collagen production in the skin and promotes restoration of collagen in ageing skin.
Baobab Oil has the ability to rejuvenate damaged skin cells as it contains many nutrients. It also reduces inflammation and redness.
This enriching oil nourishes and improves the skin’s elasticity and soothes dry skin. It is quickly absorbed into the skin without making the skin feel greasy, making it beneficial for all skin types, even oily skins, as it doesn’t clog the pores.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol is a colourless oily liquid that is the main component of chamomile essential oil. Scientists isolated this compound specifically because it has proven to be extremely beneficial in cosmetic products. One of the reasons is that Bisabolol helps increase the penetration power of other ingredients in the creams or lotions. This is an important task, as sometimes skincare products may contain a lot of healthy ingredients, but if they just sit on top of the skin without penetrating into the deeper layers, they won’t benefit the skin.
Bisabolol has natural anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can help soothe and calm the skin, particularly acne, redness, rosacea and sunburn.
Bisabolol is a good source of panthenol, which is a form of vitamin B. This is a natural humectant, which means it helps skin hold onto moisture. It penetrates deep into the lower layers of the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Studies have shown that it can help speed up the healing time of mild burns and skin irritations. It has anti-microbial properties which reduces the risk of skin infections.
Bisabolol has been found to inhibit the enzymes in the skin that can break-down collagen, and at the same time stimulate collagen production.
Bisabolol can also help inhibit melanin synthesis, a pigment in the skin that can cause age spots and blotches as we get older. Hence it plays a vital role in fading hyperpigmentation.
CO2 Extracts
Hypercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is a relatively new process used to extract the essence of the plant.
When a certain amount of pressure is applied to CO2, this gas turns into liquid. This liquid CO2 can be used as a very inert, safe “liquid solvent”. CO2 is the gas we all breathe out of our lungs. It is also the gas that plants themselves thrive on. Essential oils extracted in this way have the added benefit of avoiding the thermal degradation associated with distillation at atmospheric pressure. This process, because it happens in a closed chamber, can collect the most volatile and most fragile fractions of the fragrance and plant. The end result; an extract as close to the natural essence of the plant that anyone has achieved. This process makes the extracts more potent and that’s why they are so effective in cosmetics.
Pomegranate CO2 Extract
Pomegranate CO2 extract can promote skin regeneration, stimulate self-repair mechanisms, improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. This extract has calming properties and is therefore useful in skin soothing formulas.
Raspberry Seed CO2 Extract
Raspberry Seed CO2 extract is rich in Ellagic acid which is a natural antioxidant renowned for its skincare benefits. The oil is highly moisturising, non greasy and easily absorbed into the skin. It has been shown to have anti-microbial properties and it possesses an exceptionally high proportion of alpha and gamma tocopherols (Vitamin E), Vitamin A, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Seabuckthorn Berry CO2 Extract
Seabuckthorn Berry CO2 extract is believed to have originated from the Himalayas and has a long history of use in folk medicine.
It is well known today for its healing and rejuvenating effects on the skin. It can help heal burns, cuts, wounds, rashes and other types of skin damage. It is extremely rich in vitamin E, vitamin A and superoxide dismutase (SOD), an important enzyme that helps prevent free radical damage. Plus it’s the only plant source that contains omega 3, 6, 9 and 7.
Rosehip CO2 Extract
Rosehip CO2 Extract is made up of high levels of several essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids. As a result, it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving an oily film. It creates a wonderful protective barrier that prevents dehydration. It also contains several antioxidants in high concentration, including a compound that is converted to vitamin A in the skin. These compounds increase cell turnover and help repair skin damage, reduce scars and wrinkles, and prevent the formation of new ones. Thanks to its high antioxidant content, Rosehip CO2 extract also helps reduce or even reverse UV damage that causes skin discolouration and a loss of skin tone. The result is youthful, radiant skin.
Carrot CO2 Extract
Carrot CO2 Extract is high in carotenes, vitamin E and vitamin A precursors. As a result it is a major help to many skin problems, particularly those that involve irritation and inflammation. Because of its high antioxidant content, Carrot CO2 is widely used to prevent skin damage caused by UV and to protect the skin from premature ageing.
Carrot CO2 tightens and rejuvenates the skin and contains natural healing properties. Because it contains moisturising vitamin E and protective vitamin C, it encourages rejuvenation of skin cells and brings new life to dull skin.
CoenzymE Q10
CoQ10 is known as ubiquinone, an enzyme occurring naturally in the human body, found in every cell and tissue. It is involved in a number of biological functions including helping to produce energy, neutralising free radicals and keeping cells in the skin healthy.
CoQ10 levels decrease as you get older. Indeed most women over 30, have below optimum levels of CoQ10 in the skin. This lack results in an impeded ability to produce collagen and elastin. Collagen is important because it makes your skin firm, while elastin gives your skin flexibility. The loss of collagen and elastin causes your skin to wrinkle and sag. Using CoQ10 can effectively help to fight the signs of ageing. It can penetrate deeply to provide antioxidants and help create new collagen and elastin.
CoQ10 also helps the skin by acting as a strong antioxidant. It helps to neutralise the harmful free radicals that are one of the major causes of ageing.
CoQ10 applied directly to the skin has been shown to reduce oxidative damage caused by UV rays and even decrease the depth of wrinkles.
Biochemical reactions cause the cells to regenerate and multiply and without CoQ10, there would be no growth of cells taking place.
Cucumber Extract
Cucumber Extract is great for reducing inflammation and irritation in general. It also reduces redness and hyperpigmentation as a result of acne. As an antioxidant, cucumber extract helps prevent environmental damage and signs of ageing. It is a valuable source of a variety of nutrients including amino acids, fatty acids and Vitamin C.
The presence of manganese and potassium in cucumber is extremely beneficial in firming up and tightening the skin. Furthermore, it reduces signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. It helps to lighten the skin and relieve it from excessive oil and clogged pores. It has a superior hydrating effect because of its high water content and its cooling properties help to refresh dull skin.
Folic Acid
Folic Acid, otherwise known as Vitamin B9, plays a vital role in helping to maintain the skin’s natural beauty. It is one of the latest breakthroughs in skincare. It possesses a high concentration of antioxidants that work to reduce levels of oxidative stress in the skin, as well as neutralise harmful free radicals that are present in the environment. Folic acid may also provide increased hydration by bolstering the skin’s barrier function. This can improve moisture retention and alleviate skin dryness.
Too much sun exposure can damage the DNA in our skin cells. Folic acid can reverse such damage by repairing the DNA and developing healthy skin cells. Being a vitamin, folic acid can nourish the skin and add a natural healthy glow to it, while keeping it moisturised and supple. It helps in reducing the occurrence of acne, pimples and break-outs.
Studies with cultivated human fibroblasts showed that folic acid promotes the growth of fibroblasts that are responsible for making extra-cellular matrix and collagen. Extracellular matrix is a three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules, such as collagen, enzymes, and glycoproteins, that provide structural and biochemical support of surrounding cells. Collagen is an essential protein that provides elasticity to the skin, helping it to appear firmer and younger.
Frankincense
Frankincense also known as Olibanum, has been traded in the Middle East and North Africa for around 5,000 years. It was used as insect repellent, perfume and salves for wounds and sores. The Egyptian women charred and ground it into a powder to make the heavy kohl eye liner that they so famously wore. It was also used in Egyptian mummification methods.
The Hebrew Bible mentions that Frankincense was burned in the temple, and we know that it was important in their burial anointings. Around 500 BC this prized resin, made its way to China where eastern medicine practitioners began to realise the medicinal value of Frankincense. Frankincense made the Arabian region very wealthy. At the time of Christ it was more valuable than gold. The Ancient Greeks and Romans imported massive amounts of the resin and used it during ceremonies as incense and by medical practitioners to treat many ailments.
Boswellia carterii, commonly known as Frankincense, is derived from the milky white sap that is secreted by the Frankincense tree. After the tree sap droplets are allowed to dry and harden into tear shapes on the tree over the course of a few days, they are finally scraped off to be made into an essential oil.
As a cytophylactic (meaning the oil will stimulate new cell growth which will aid in preserving the health of the skin), Frankincense promotes this regeneration and also keeps existing cells and tissues healthy. It can help to eliminate sun spots, remove micro-wrinkles around the eyes and cheeks and generally tone and tighten the skin, while simultaneously replacing old and dying cells with new ones. It helps to fade stretch marks and scars and is rich in antiseptic and anti-aging properties.
It increases blood flow and circulation, reduces inflammation, skin discolouration and imperfections. It is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps to protect skin cells. It can be used to help acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of ageing.
The main chemical constituents of the essential oil are: Limonene, Pinene, Borneol, Farnesol, Phellandrene, Myrcene and other constituents. Limonene demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Farnesol is the component that allows this oil to reduce the signs of ageing by smoothing the look of wrinkles and increasing skin’s elasticity.
Frankincense has an earthy and uplifting aroma. It enhances mood by diminishing feelings of stress and anxiety while improving concentration and memory.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is a very small herb found in the wetlands of Asia and Africa. Scientifically this herb is known as Centella asiatica. It has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore it is useful in treating skin burns, psoriasis, dermatitis and more. It helps to heal wounds and burns on the skin because of its properties that increase blood supply to the affected area. This increase in blood circulation gives rise to antioxidant levels in the skin. A rise in antioxidant levels, promotes the production of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts help in synthesising collagen and thus, help in diminishing stretch marks and scars that may appear on the skin.
It is a perfect ingredient for an anti-ageing skin formula as it tones and tightens the skin when applied topically.
Gotu Kola is rich in triternene saponins – a compound that helps keep skin tighter and firmer – and is also a great source of phytonutrients called flavonoids, that act as antioxidants and fight off free radical damage. It boosts the formation of collagen, a skin tissue, which is crucial in maintaining the skin’s elasticity and youthful glow.
It also protects the skin from environmental stresses, thanks to its potent combination of amino-acids, beta-carotene and fatty acids.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, known for its stunning capacity to attract and hold onto 1000 times its weight in moisture.
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, meaning that it draws moisture from its surroundings. It has the ability to boost hydration for all skin types. At the same time, it revitalises the skins outer surface layers, so it looks smoother and it instantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It fortifies the skin’s natural barrier to lock moisture in. Over time this can help slow down the deterioration of the lipid barrier and help to protect and fortify the skin. When the lipid barrier is enhanced and further protected by Hyaluronic acid the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age factors and pollutants.
Hyaluronic Acid also protects the skin from UVB rays which can cause sun spots.
It aids in collagen synthesis, making it a superior anti-ageing ingredient. It also helps firm facial contours for a more youthful appearance.
Jojoba Oil
Wax esters found in Jojoba Oil are identical to the natural sebum produced by the skin. This is why this oil has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin. Your skin recognises Jojoba wax as similar to its own natural wax ester. As a result, skin pores remain open allowing Jojoba to penetrate beyond the epidermal layer. It is in these deeper layers where cell regeneration and cell synthesis occurs and Jojoba helps to carry important nutrients deep into these layers.
Jojoba is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and hypoallergenic, so it is used to soothe a wide range of skin conditions such as: scars, burns, rashes, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and even acne.
It is naturally high in Vitamin A which is important for skin cell regeneration and essential fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 which helps accelerate the repair of damaged skin tissue.
Kakadu Plum extract
The Kakadu Plum fruit has the highest known Vitamin C concentration of any single natural food source in the world. First Nations People have used this plant and its fruit extensively for food as well as for its traditional healing properties. One single plum contains 50 times more Vitamin C than an orange. It also has gallic acid which is excellent for restoring the skin’s natural barrier and ellagic acid which helps to restore the skin’s elasticity.
It is also rich in Vitamin E, folic acid and carotenoids that reverse the effects of free radicals and reduce the symptoms of ageing. It stimulates collagen production which can smooth out wrinkles, scars and fine lines. The high content of Vitamin C makes it an effective remedy for clearing the bacteria responsible for causing pimples.
Kakadu Plum is great for every skin type, but particularly for those with blemished prone skin. As this fruit is high in antioxidants it works to detoxify and flush out toxins.
Kakadu Plums have been found to contain compounds which reduce the inflammatory response to UV light.
Maritech® Reverse
Maritech® Reverse is a high-purity fucoidan extract with clinically proven soothing, protecting and anti-ageing properties. This natural skincare ingredient is extracted from wild grown Undaria pinnatifida seaweed (commonly known as wakame or mekabu), which grows in the pristine ocean waters of Patagonia and Tasmania. All seaweed is hand-harvested on an environmentally sustainable basis.
Fucoidan protects seaweed against a range of external stresses, including UV radiation and environmental contaminants such as marine-borne pathogens and viruses. Maritech® Reverse captures these protective benefits in one natural, soothing ingredient designed to maintain the youthful appearance of skin by protecting its building blocks and enhancing dermal condition.
Maritech® Reverse is COSMOS organic-certified and provides an unrivalled combination of soothing, protecting and anti-ageing properties for skincare and cosmetic formulations.
EVIDENCE
Maritech® Reverse has undergone extensive in vitro and human clinical testing. Examples of the potential benefits and biological effects identified in this testing include:
Anti-ageing
· Reduced wrinkle depth by 9% and skin roughness by 8%
· Increased skin elasticity by 17%
· Improved overall skin appearance by 60% in just 12 weeks
· Inhibition of collagenase and elastase by up to 99%
· Protection against free radical producing enzymes and glycation by 50%
· Increases the expression of the SIRT1 anti-ageing protein by 28%
Protecting
· Stimulates the innate immune response, boosting defense mechanisms by up to 387%
· Reduces redness by up to 45% following UV exposure
· Protects from viruses, including multiple strains of herpes simplex virus
Soothing
· Increases moisture retention by up to 30% following UV exposure
· Activates key restorative genes within the skin following UV damage
· Soothes skin by inhibiting myeloperoxidase by up to 99%
Features
· Certified organic
· Solvent-free extraction
· Not tested on animals
· Non-sensitising, non-toxic and non-irritating
· Non-GMO
· Vegan
· Allergen free
· Preservative free
· Produced in Australia
Marula Oil
Known as the elixir of youth, this wondrous oil is obtained from Marula fruit kernels. This fruit is native to the southern part of Africa and it has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to heal different skin conditions.
It is known for its natural ability to battle different signs of ageing. It helps in preventing and repairing skin damage as it is high in antioxidants. In mature skins, it boosts the natural ability to regenerate and repair itself. It also strengthens the skin’s ability to produce collagen, which in turn does away with fine lines and wrinkles and restores suppleness.
This oil can penetrate deep into the skin. A combination of monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin C, ensures the promotion of elasticity with regular application. This enhances the skin’s firmness and even helps soothe cellulite. It also helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation patches and scars, giving you flawlessly smooth skin.
One of the most important benefits is that this oil works both day and night to protect your skin against the damaging effects of environmental elements. Your skin is protected against the harsh rays of the sun, cold wind, as well as pollution. While you sleep it works with the natural renewal process of the skin to help reverse damage.
Marula Oil is rich in oleic acid, which is essential for beautiful healthy skin. It also has a high content of linoleic acid, that is an omega 6 essential fatty acid, so that’s why it’s not only effective in treating dry skin but also in preventing and healing a variety of skin disorders, including psoriasis, eczema and acne. One of the best things about this oil is that it suits all skin types. It is super absorbent and does not clog up the skin’s pores. Apart from dry, oily and normal skin types, it is also suitable for sensitive skin as well as those prone to problems.
Myrrh
Myrrh Oil comes from a dried resin extracted from the Commiphora Myrrha tree, native to Northern Africa and the Middle East. To extract Myrrh the bark of the tree is cut and a yellow sap comes out. Myrrh Oil is traditionally steam distilled directly from this Myrrh resin created from the sap.
Myrrh was very popular amongst ancient cultures. The Chinese valued it as a medicine, while Egyptians used it in their earliest beauty treatments and also for embalming their Pharaohs. Myrrh Oil has also been used as an incense and a holy oil in religious rituals and ceremonies for over 5,000 years. It is recorded in Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest Egyptian texts, which dates back to about 1550 BC and contains over 700 remedies for almost everything. Greek soldiers took a vial of Myrrh with them into battle to stop bleeding wounds. The Arabian people believed it relieved wrinkled and cracked skin.
Myrrh is most commonly known as one of the gifts, (along with gold and Frankincense), that the three wise men brought to Jesus. Myrrh was important in Biblical times as a natural remedy, fragrance and spice. Historically Myrrh was used to treat wounds and prevent infections, to slow ageing and maintain healthy skin.
There are many health enhancing compounds in Myrrh oil, such as: Terpenoids, a class of chemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Myrrh can cure puffy, dehydrated skin and can also balance dry and oily skins, by restoring skin cells and revitalising damaged skin. Maintaining healthy skin is one of Myrrh oils renowned uses, as it slows down the signs of ageing and soothes cracked or chapped skin. Other components of Myrrh include: alpha pinene, cadinene, dipentene, limonene, eugenol, cuminaldehyde, m-cresol, cinnamaldehyde, acetic acid, formic acid and heerabolene. Myrrh oil benefits can be attributed to its powerful antioxidant, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Progeline
Progeline is a powerful peptide (peptides are the molecular chains of amino acids that help your skin produce collagen – a.k.a “the anti-wrinkle protein”) able to increase the production of collagen. It has been found to decrease the production of progerin, a protein in the skin that speeds up cellular ageing. By decreasing the production of progerin, the youthful appearance of the skin is maintained.
Progeline has been shown to increase the skin’s elasticity and firmness. It also helps with reducing deep wrinkles and skin sagging.
Progeline also regulates some of the components of cell adhesion – the process that binds your cells together. Thus, it plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the jaw line and neck, reducing sagging and improving the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip seed oil is derived from the rosa canina rose bush, which is grown mostly in Chile. This oil contains a wealth of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acid. Fatty acids help to keep the cell walls strong so they don’t lose water. The many fatty acids in rosehip oil make it an excellent option for hydrating dry itchy skin.
Rosehip oil is a non-greasy oil, this makes it a great natural moisturiser for all skin types. It is also easily absorbed allowing it to travel deep into the skin’s layers.
Natural exfoliation with rosehip oil can help to reduce dullness and leave the skin glowing. That’s because rosehip oil is high in Vitamins A and C. Vitamin A (retinol) encourages skin cell turnover. Vitamin C aids in cell regeneration, boosting overall radiance.
Rosehip oil has also been shown to inhibit the creation of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen in the body.
Rosehip oil is rich in polyphenols, anthocyanin and Vitamin A, which provide anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. It may also help to calm irritation resulting from: rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
This oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which are integral for tissue and cell regeneration in the skin. It’s no wonder that Rosehip oil has long been used as a folk remedy for wound healing, as well as the reduction of scars and fine lines.
It also contains both lycopene and beta-carotene. These ingredients are well known for their skin lightening properties. The high content of retinoids also gives rosehip oil the ability to reduce hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Retinol is an extremely effective cell communicating ingredient, which means it can literally connect to almost any skin cell and tell it to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell.
It is an antioxidant and thus can interrupt the free-radical damage process that causes skin to look older. This action helps prevent wrinkling and increases collagen production.
Vitamin A works by normalising blood flow – taking nutrients and oxygen to the cells. It increases the rate of wound healing and it’s very beneficial in treating acne scars. It also plays an important role in repairing the cellular structure of the epidermis and helps overall UV protection. Retinol decreases the clustering of melanin granules, so reduces brown spots and pigmentation. It promotes a healthy cellular membrane and by that greatly improves hydration both in and around the cell.
Vitamin A is effective in managing eczema, acne and rosacea.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, is a water soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in the skin to help visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin B3 can help with hyperpigmentation by reducing pigment production and the subsequent transfer of pigment into the skin, leaving a more even complexion.
Over time and with a daily application of a niacinamide formula you can reduce redness, blotchiness and sensitivity of the skin. It has also been shown to reduce yellowing and pigmented spots
Beyond preventing the signs of ageing, Vitamin B3 can improve overall skin health.
”Pioneering Australian research has shown wearing five per cent or greater concentrations of niacinamide on the skin prevents and stops the immune cells from leaving the skin when exposed to the sun. It is also the only proven topical skin care ingredient shown to have this benefit.” Dr. Natasha Cook / Dermatologist.
Vitamin B3 works well on all skin types but particularly on combination to oily skin. It has been shown to reduce oil output from the sebaceous glands, which means less acne and fewer breakouts.
For the skin to stay moisturised it is essential to have a strong epidermal barrier to lock hydration in. “A healthy, intact epidermal lipid barrier layer is paramount for ageless skin” explains Dr. Cook. “If the barrier isn’t right then your skin truly suffers. Your lipid barrier helps retain moisture, keeps your skin hydrated and protects it from the harshness of the environment” She adds “Niacinamide increases the production of one of the most important lipids-ceramide which strengthens your skin and prevents water loss. Your skin will be stronger, better hydrated and healthier, as well as less sensitive through B3 usage. It’s also especially good for rosacea sufferers.”
PROVitamin B5
Provitamin B5, also known as Panthenol, comes from fibre rich grain species. The vitamin is regenerative, healing, moisturising and protective. Provitamin B5 stabilises the skin barrier which reduces the amount of water that is lost through the skin and thus helps to improve skin softness and elasticity. It also provides relief from itchiness and reduces redness.
Wounds treated with provitamin B5 have resulted in regenerated tissue that is more solid and elastic. Provitamin B5 also acts as a barrier and shields the skin from irritation.
It has excellent anti-ageing properties because it sooths, softens and moisturises the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its exfoliating properties promote renewal of skin cells.
The key to panthenol is that it keeps the moisture under the surface of the skin. The moisture will fill in the area on which the Provitamin B5 formula is applied and fine lines will be less visible. It increases skin quality and gives it a glow.
It is very effective in treating acne as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to stimulate the skin’s healing processes.
Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate)
The Vitamin C we use is Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, also known as the highest quality Vitamin C. It is the stabilised form and is oil soluble. Being oil soluble ensures better penetration into the deeper layers of the skin. It slows the rate of free-radical damage (free-radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin ageing) thus reducing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Studies show that vitamin C stimulates collagen production and also brightens the skin by inhibiting melanogenesis (the production of pigment). Vitamin C can reduce the appearance of brown spots and other types of sun damage. So by that, it promotes a more even skin tone. Our form of vitamin C is well tolerated by sensitive skins and absorbed very easily. This form of vitamin C also reduces the production of oxidising agents, which contribute to cell damage after exposure to UV or chemical hazards.
Finally, the skin’s visual appearance is improved by Ascorbyl Tetraisoplamitate, as it promotes collagen synthesis, acting as a hydrating agent reducing the skin’s roughness.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E is considered to be an antioxidant superstar. It is one of the most well known and well researched antioxidants, both when taken orally and when used in skincare products. It reduces trans-epidermal water loss from the skin. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation, thus keeping skin in good condition and looking younger for longer.
It also protects the skin from environmental pollution and UV radiation. It is an excellent moisturiser and also enhances and helps with the penetration of other compounds into the skin and is itself well absorbed by the skin. After being absorbed this vitamin sinks below the surface, to the deeper layers of the skin and encourages the natural growth of collagen. This gives skin a firmer, plumper look, which can play a significant role in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin E has been proven to reduce the appearance of scars, when it is applied to recently healed wounds. When used regularly, it can help to rebuild the skin more naturally, by stimulating cell regeneration from within.