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Essential
Ingredients...
Extensive research has been conducted to determine the
medicinal benefits for each essential oil and botanical extract used in
our proprietary acne skin care formulas. This research enables us to combine multiple
plant chemotypes, which creates a powerful synergy to achieve optimal
therapeutic results - clear, healthy skin.
Many customers are intrigued by the essential ingredients in our formulas
and frequently request to learn more about the therapeutic qualities
and origins. In response, we have provided an overview for some of the
essential ingredients used in our skin care solutions.
 Aloe
Vera Gel (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) source: USA
Aloe, one of the oldest medicinal plants known to science, is about 96%
water and the remaining portion contains active ingredients including
essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins.
It has remarkable healing abilities because it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,
and a natural oxygenator that can draw and hold oxygen to the skin. For
this reason, it is one of the most effective cellular renewal ingredients
available for use in skin care. It has a composition similar to that of
human blood plasma and sea water, and is extremely soothing and protective
because its pH is the same as human skin. We use only certified pure,
whole leaf Aloe Vera extracted by a patented process in the United States.
 Apricot
Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca) source: USA
Apricot Kernel oil belongs to the oleic-linoleic acid (triglycerides)
group, consisting mainly of unsaturated fatty acid components. Typical
examples of this group include Almond Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Olive Oil,
Sesame Oil, and Sunflower Oil. Due to their emollient nature and rapid
absorption into the skin, many of these oils have found applications in
cosmetic formulations for prematurely aged skin and skin that is dry and
irritated. We also use Apricot Kernel Meal as a natural exfoliate. Apricot
Kernel Meal has an excellent texture that gently exfoliates the skin allowing
our Essential Cleanser to penetrate deeply into pores and remove excess
dirt and oils, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and silky smooth.
 Chamomile
Hydrosol (Arthemis Nobilis) source: USA
Chamomile, distinguished by its spectacular blue color, is a hydrosol derived
from the Roman Chamomile flower. This exceptional hydrosol produces a calming
and soothing effect and is known to be both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
Chamomile is extremely soothing to the skin and has a distinctive smell,
much like fresh hay. It is excellent for the treatment of dry or sensitive
skin and Rosacea.
 Borage
Seed Oil (Borago Officinalis) source: USA
The Borage plant has been used for many years by North American Indians
to make infusions for the healing of wounds. It took modern research to
unveil the therapeutic power contained within Borage seed oil: an essential
fatty acid (EFA) called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). While various foods
contain small amounts of GLA, Borage seed oil is exceptionally high in
GLA (20% to 26%) compared to Evening Primrose, which contains only 7%
to 10%. Borage seed oil aids in skin cell restoration and repairs tissue
damage. This oil has superb moisturizing properties and is believed to
be effective in helping with eczema, dry, and mature, aging skin.
 Calendula
Essential Oil (Calendula Officinalis) source: USA
Calendula has a long history of safe medicinal use and is perhaps best known
for its effectiveness in healing skin conditions. Both Calendula and Lavender
essential oils are commonly used in skin care products for their remarkable
healing properties when applied to minor rashes, chapped, dry and inflamed
skin. Calendula flowers are high in Vitamin A and the medicinal component
calendulin, and its use as a skin care botanical has been documented for
centuries. Further, it has long been used against various skin problems
such as acne, skin ulcers, and eczema. A synthetic derivative has even been
developed for use in Pharmaceutical medicines, but we prefer to use nature's
derivative!
 Coenzyme
Q-10 (Ubiquinone) source: USA
CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance present in a variety of foods and is the
essential component of cellular energy. Through normal aging, the body loses
its ability to manufacture adequate amounts of CoQ10 and levels can decline
by as much as 80% as we age. CoQ10's key role is producing adenosine triphosphate
(ATP), upon which all cellular functions depend. Secondary to that, CoQ10
functions as a powerful antioxidant and is essential for healthy youthful
skin.
This naturally occurring nutrient is found in every living cell of your
body, and provides the source of all cellular energy for building new cells
and tissue for smooth, firm skin. A powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 neutralizes
free-radicals caused by sun and environmental exposure defending your skin
against further damage. CoQ10 is sometimes called a "biomarker of aging"
because its decreasing level correlates directly with aging. In most people
over 25, levels of CoQ10 in the skin are already on the decline, resulting
in a lesser ability to produce collagen, elastin and other important skin
molecules. CoQ10-depleted skin may be more prone to damage by free radicals,
which are particularly abundant with exposure of the skin to the elements.
 Echinacea
Essential Oil (Echinacea Angustifolia) source: USA
Echinacea or purple coneflower is a North American perennial that is indigenous
to the central plains where it grows on prairies, fields and in dry, open
woods. First used by the American Indians, Echinacea's anti-bacterial properties
can stimulate wound healing and are of benefit to skin conditions such as
burns, insect bites, psoriasis, acne, and eczema. This plant is a member
of the sunflower family and, in addition to its healing properties, is a
soothing, natural moisturizer.
 Grapefruit
Seed Extract (Citrus Grandis) source: USA
Grapefruit Seed Extract is made from the dried, ground seeds and pulp
of grapefruit. It is a natural preservative with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
properties, which is beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. Acne can
be caused by bacterial infections from sebum trapped in pores. Grapefruit
Seed Extract reduces bacterial growth and its astringent nature dries
up glandular secretions, thus reducing the opportunity for bacteria to
breed. This Grapefruit seed extract is combined with a natural glycerin
while cheaper extracts are combined with petroleum based in propylene
glycol. Ours is a much healthier alternative.
 Grape
Seed Extract (Vitis Vinifera) source: France
Proanthocyanidins, derived from Grapeseeds and some pine bark, binds to
collagen and helps rebuild the cross-links among the fibers, reversing the
damage caused by free radical attack. Not only do free radicals speed up
the aging process internally, they also cause the aging process to accelerate
externally. Wrinkles on the outside are matched by dysfunctional tissues
on the inside. Having wrinkles is not only a sign of age, but a sign of
massive exposure to unquenched free radicals.
Proanthocyanidins provide all the same benefits of other antioxidants by
neutralizing free radicals and slowing affects of aging. However, it is
superior to other antioxidants because it remains in the blood stream 72
hours, providing extended free radical protection while vitamins C and E
pass quickly through the system.
 Green
Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis) source: Japan
Green Tea is the #1 source of polyphenols, the antioxidants that eliminate
free radicals - those unstable molecules that continually attack the body
and are the major cause of both aging and disease. Epigallocatechin Gallate
(EGCG), a compound exclusive to green tea, is the most abundant and powerful
of green tea's polyphenols. In fact, EGCG is dubbed the 'super antioxidant'
because it is 20 times more powerful than vitamin E. These biologically-active
natural chemicals help support healthy tissue both inside and out. Alpha
Lipoic Acid & Green Tea Extract combine two of nature's most effective antioxidants
for topical skin care.
Jojoba
Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis) source: USA
Jojoba Oil is very similar to the skin's natural oil (sebum), though it
is technically a liquid wax produced from the nut of the Jojoba shrub found
in desert regions of North America. The oil is naturally moisturizing and
beneficial for all skin types. Jojoba oil has been shown to dissolve oil
in clogged pores and restore the skin to its natural pH balance. The medicinal
working of jojoba oil was studied by the Pharmaceutical Department at the
University of Port Elizabeth and found that jojoba oil destroys five common
bacteria including bacteria staphylococcus and pseudomonas. Jojoba is expensive
because it can take up to 1200 trees to get one pound of jojoba nuts used
to extract just eight ounces of essential oil.
 Lavender
Essential Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia)
source: Bulgaria
Lavender, one of the most versatile of all essential oils, originated
in the Western Mediterranean and was brought by monks to the Northern
parts of Europe more than 1,000 years ago. Lavender essential oil is as
an effective ingredient for treating dry, sensitive skin, acne, and eczema.
It inhibits acne causing bacteria while soothing and helping to balance
the over-secretion of sebum. It is also a natural antibiotic and antiseptic,
which helps to reduce acne scarring and stimulates the growth of new cells
to help rejuvenate the skin.
 Manuka
Essential Oil (Leptospermum Scoparium)
source: New Zealand
Manuka trees are indigenous to New Zealand and a member of the Australian
tea tree family. Research has shown that Manuka oil from the East Cape
region of New Zealand contains high levels of triketones, the naturally
occurring chemical compound that provides powerful anti-bacterial and
anti-fungicidal properties. Our Manuka Oil has been scientifically tested
by researchers at the Cawthorn Institute, which concluded that "Manuka
Oil is 20 - 30 times more active than Australian Tea Tree Oil for gram
positive bacteria, and 5 -10 times more active for fungi." We are proud
to purchase our active Manuka oil directly from the indigenous Maori tribe
of New Zealand.
 Myrrh
Essential Oil (Commiphora Myrrha) source: Yemen
Myrrh is a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters and is native to Somalia,
Arabia and Yemen. When the bark is cut, the gum resin exudes as a pale
yellow liquid, which dries into reddish-brown clumps the size of a walnut
from which the oil is distilled. Myrrh is an amazing essential oil that
does absolutely wonderful things for skin of all ages. It is highly anti-bacterial
and anti-fungal oil that can be used for acne, wrinkles, and aging skin.
Myrrh was very popular in the ancient world as medicine used by the Chinese
and Egyptians. This rare oil is a key ingredient in our Essential Toner.
 Neem
Leaf (Azadriachta Indica) source: India
Neem Leaf from India is widely used there as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
agent in skin care products to treat a variety of skin disorders such
as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is also used in toothpaste to help
relieve swollen and bleeding gums and kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis.
Mixed with clay, Neem powder makes a revitalizing facial for those with
oily and acne -prone skin and is a key ingredient in our Oil Control Masque.
 Oregano
Essential Oil (Origanum Vulgare) source: USA
Oregano is perhaps the most powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal herbal
extract known. An article published in Phytotherapy Research describes
how Oregano essential oil outperformed anti-inflammatory drugs at reversing
pain and inflammation. Oregano essential oil is used to calm inflammation
and redness caused by oily skin break-outs and acne lesions. Its effectiveness
is enhanced by its safety, since it does not irritate the skin.
 Palmarosa
Essential Oil (Cymbopogon Martini) source: India
Palmarosa is a member of the Grass Family and is native to India, Africa,
and Indonesia. The essential oil is obtained from the fresh or dried grass
which is harvested (before it flowers) by steam distillation producing
oil with a floral, rose-like aroma. Palmarosa oil is effective in treating
acne surface scars and wrinkles caused by long exposure to the Sun. It
delivers exceptional hydration to the skin and some research demonstrates
its ability to renew skin cells and assist in the regulation of sebum
production.
 Patchouli
Leaf (Pogostemon Cablin) source: India
Patchouli has a long history in Asia, specifically India, China, and Malaysia,
where it is still used to treat skin related diseases. Patchouli essential
oil is known to be antiseptic and anti-fungal, and has been shown to stimulate
cell regeneration. It is recommended for use in caring for mature, dry,
and chapped skin. Patchouli is also known as a fixative, acting to bind
other ingredients together to prolong their activity and enhance their
therapeutic value.
 Sandalwood
Hydrosol (Santalum Album) source: India
The highly-valued Sandalwood tree is native to India and is one of the
most sought after (and expensive) essential oils in the world. Sandalwood
oils and hydrosols are known for their rich, uplifting aroma and are excellent
for treating dry, sensitive skin and promotes the formation of new skin
cells. It is high in sesquiterpenes, which promotes circulation and gives
a smooth, silky feel to the skin. Sandalwood has been used in Ayurvedic
medicine for centuries to treat skin diseases and external infections,
and is a valuable addition to our natural skin care formulas.
 Seaweed
Extract (Fucus Vesiculosis) source: USA
Seaweed extracts help to reduce sebaceous hyper-secretion and regulate
pH levels of the skin. Seaweeds are biological factories containing some
thirty different micronutrients. They form a film with the skin proteins,
maintaining optimal hydration. Like many other ocean-based organisms,
it delivers a variety of beneficial minerals and nutrients to improve
skin tone and texture. Seaweed extract is a wonderful detoxifier and increases
skin elasticity while it tones and repairs damaged skin.
 Witch
Hazel Extract (Hamamelis Virginiana) source: USA
First used by North American Indians, Witch Hazel is soothing and anti-inflammatory,
anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. It is a free radical scavenger and the
most antioxidant of all hydrosols, making it popular for anti-aging treatments.
It is also effective against eczema, dermatitis, acne lesions, and is
the preferred treatment for varicose veins. This is not the same Witch
Hazel you purchase from the local drug store. It is pure from the distillation
process and a true gift from nature.
Notice: These statements have not been evaluated by
the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this Site
is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute
advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
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