Elements of Beauty

Vitamin E, green tea, salicylic acid - all active ingredients in skin care products. Many have of you know what these are, but do you know what they do for your skin? Don't be left in the dark! Brush up on your skin-care vocabulary and understand the elements behind the products that revitalize your healthy glow and radiant beauty.

Beautification Glossary

ALOE
A wild plant used as a healing agent and beauty aid. If you have ever had a serious sunburn, you have probably used aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel facilitates the healing of damaged skin tissue and can decrease the redness and swelling associated with a burn. There are five natural occurring anti-inflammatory agents that exist along with growth factors located in the aloe plant. They work together quickly to relieve pain sensations, reverse scarring and speed healing miraculously.

ANTIOXIDANT
If you experience wrinkling or sagging of the skin, a product rich in antioxidants is ideal. Antioxidants are found in various substances (vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene) and protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals that break down collagen in the skin. Anything rich in antioxidants will restore skin suppleness and luminous glow.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE
This antibacterial agent breaks down many of the germs responsible for acne flares. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, consequently reducing the bacterial count.

BORAGE OIL
This anti-inflammatory element is used in some skin creams, facial creams and moisturizers. Borage oil replenishes calcium and potassium to the areas of the body that are vital for healthy skin.

CAFFEINE
Caffeine in skin care products does not have the same effect as caffeine in a cup of coffee. When used in skin care, it constricts blood vessels in the skin, reduces water leakage, and alleviates under eye dark circles and puffiness.

CHAMOMILE
While this herb makes a yummy flavor of tea, it also promotes healthy hair and skin. Chamomile in skin care products soothes sensitive skin and reduces inflammation.

CITRIC ACID
This is a naturally-occurring alpha hydroxyl acid derived from the fermented sugars of citrus fruits. Citric acid is most commonly used to lower the pH of skin treatments so that these products are readily accepted by the skin and does not burn the skin. Your skin is benefited by its astringent and anti-oxidant properties, and it helps speed up cell turnover and cell renewal.

COENZYME Q 10
Also known as ubiquinone, this is a compound that is made in our bodies and used by our cells to produce the energy they need to grow and stay healthy. Coenzyme Q 10 functions as an antioxidant to boost the skin's defense mechanisms and protection against free radicals. It is commonly added to skin creams to improve elasticity and helps ease diminish lines and wrinkles by building collagen.

COLLAGEN
Collagen is the protein in our skin that keeps us looking young by giving our skin firmness and structure. Depletion of collagen is the main cause of wrinkles. As we age, collagen degenerates more quickly and is produced more slowly. Many external factors contribute to the deterioration of collagen such as sun damage, pollution and free radicals. Luckily, ingredients that build collagen by either promoting its production or preventing its breakdown can be applied topically. Topical collagen is able to moisturize and hydrate by holding many times its own weight in water.

ELASTIN
This is a protein similar to collagen, constituting the basic substance of elastic tissue. Elastin is commonly found in moisturizers because it forms a film on the skin that helps lock in moisture, thereby alleviating the effects of dry skin.

FREE RADICALS
These are the chemicals that cause wrinkles by destroying collagen in the skin, making them the antithesis of healthy looking skin. Free radicals can be triggered by the body or sparked by the sun and other environmental aggressors, attributing to accelerated aging and an increased risk of major diseases. Antioxidants can help reduce and prevent the damage done to the skin-supporting collagen and elastin.

GLYCOLIC ACID
Due to its excellent capability to penetrate the skin, glycolic acid is one of most effective ingredients in products that improve the skin's appearance and texture. It reacts with the upper level of the epidermis and weakens the bond of dead skin cells, revealing the underlying, healthier, brighter-looking skin. Glycolic acid is one of the most effective alpha-hydroxy acids that can reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyper-pigmentation and other skin conditions.

GREEN TEA
There have been a number of studies encouraging the skin benefits of green tea. Green tea contains compounds called polyphenols that eliminate free radicals that destroy the skin's collagen and elastin. Topical green tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

HYALURONIC ACID
A complex molecule found naturally in spaces around tissue, acting as a binding, lubricating and protective agent. It gives skin its thickness by and draws active ingredients deeper into the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by.

HYDROQUIONINE
This is the most effective lightening compound on the market today. It's a skin bleaching agent that can reduce the intensity of pigmentation due to freckles, melasma, and senile lentigines. When applied to the skin over several months, the skin becomes somewhat lighter.

JOJOBA
A moisturizer and emollient used to protect the skin and strengthens the skin's own barrier functions, leaving the skin soft and smooth.

LIPOSOME
These are tiny sacs that deliver hydrating ingredients to the cells. Liposomes are fatty acids that hold moisture in the skin, and are especially important for hydrating dry and aging skin.

PEPTIDE
A protein derivative used in skin conditioners.

PHOSPHOLIPIDS
Natural substances found in all living cells that help draw water from the air and seal moisture into the skin.

SALICYLIC ACID
Classified as beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is the key ingredient in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne. It treats acne by causing skin cells to shed off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up. It can also improve collagen production.

VITAMIN A
When it comes to healthy skin, Vitamin A is an essential ingredient. Vitamin A is used in many skin care products and is one of the top anti-wrinkle cream ingredients. It is useful for smoothing out dry skin and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also works as a pore minimizer and keeps the pores clean. Retinol, a natural and active form of Vitamin A, is used for cell renewal, wrinkle reduction and collagen production.

VITAMIN C
This water-soluble vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and is an essential component in the production of collagen. It acts as a collagen biosynthesis regulator, meaning it promotes the recovery and reconstruction of new collagen in the skin. Vitamin C also helps promote healing and minimizes hyper pigmentation by reducing melanin production.

VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant that is wonderfully therapeutic for a variety of skin problems. It contributes to the prevention of environmental damage, moisturizes the skin, and calms inflammation. This antioxidant is believed to slow the aging of cells and may help prevent scar formation.

VITAMIN K
Vitamin K can be effective for people who experience rosacea. It strengthens capillary wall and is used for its redness reduction properties.

WHITE TEA
White tea contains the highest level of polyphenols, which are the most potent antioxidants. It defends against the visible signs of aging, resulting in smoother and younger looking skin.

WITCH HAZEL
This is nature's astringent. Witch hazel is a botanical that helps remove excess surface skin oils which helps keep skin clear of acne. It helps to smooth wrinkles, cleanse and tone the skin and prevent oily buildup on the tissues of the skin. 

ZINC
A trace mineral used to protect the skin from UV light, infection, bacteria and fungi. It also promotes collagen building, enhances the effects of vitamin A and E, and soothes irritation.