Beauty from within.... 

Anti-Inflammatory ingredients are used to reduce inflammation within the skin. They are particularly useful for treating sensitive skin, calming irritation, reducing redness and helping the skin to heal.

Antioxidants are free radical scavengers. Modules that are able to donate electrons to unstable oxygen molecules, known as Reactive Oxygen Species or free radicals. Antioxidants in skincare are used to prevent free radical damage, combined with  is the best way to prevent premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and improve overall skin health.

Ceramides are produces naturally by the skin and form around 40% of the skins natural barrier function and lipid bi-layer structure. Ceramides are the glue or ‘mortar’ holding the cells together within the upper stratum cornnum. Used in skincare, ceramides can help strength the skin barrier as well as preventing moisture loss.

Enzymes in skincare include Bromelian (from Pineapple), Papain (from Papaya) and Cranberry enzymes. They have a proteolytic effect, helping to dissolve protein bonds holding skin cells together. They work in harmony with our skins natural serin protease enzymes, in-keeping with our own natural desquamation process.

Growth factors are proteins produced by the body to instigate renewal or repair. As we age the amount of growth factors we produce diminishes (without the stimulation from regenerative treatment). Growth factors in skincare helps to replenish what is lost over time and can stimulate cellular renewal.

Hydroxy Acids including Alpha Hydroxy Acids (lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (salicylic acid), work on chemically exfoliating the skin. Some Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid for example also have additional benefits including ceramide boosters and tyrosinase inhibitors. It’s important not to over do it with AHA’s / BHA’s and to always protect the skin with SPF.

Hyaluronic Acid is a moisture binding ingredient, a polysaccharide (sugar molecule) with the ability to hold 1000x its own weight in water. Making it an excellent skin hydrator for its humectant properties and to relieve dehydrated skin.

Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. Applied topically to the skin they maintain skin’s hydration, texture, resilience, and an overall supple, healthy appearance. Peptides are chains of amino acids linked together. They act as chemical messengers and can trigger skin renewal as well as pigment regulation.

Tyrosinase Inhibitor ingredients in skincare are an important part of treating and preventing hyperpigmentation. They prevent the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into dopaquinone, part of the process in the production of melanin known as melanogenesis.

Vitamin A in skincare includes a family of ingredients called Retinoids. These include Retinyl Palmitate, Retinol, Retinaldehyde and (prescription only) Retinoic Acid. Vitamin A is a hormone that regulates cell function and needs for cell renewal. It’s also the most studied and effective ingredient along with SPF!

There are multiple Vitamin B ingredients in skincare with the main ones being Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), D-Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Biotin (Vitamin B7). Niacinamide is the hero ingredient, often compared to Vitamin A for it’s multi-purpose benefits including skin barrier repair, pigmentation regulation and benefits for acne.

Vitamin C is a multi-purpose ingredient in skincare. Most common and bio-available is L-Ascorbic Acid and it’s used as an antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitor and collagen stimulator. It often has issues getting into the skin as it’s a water soluble ingredient so look for formulations that are liposome encapsulated.

Vitamin E is a lipid soluble antioxidant and important in protecting the cell membrane which is made of phospholipids. Vitamin E is best used in conjunction with Vitamin C, because they help to support and recycle each other.