Restorative Complex Anti
There is no doubt we live in a fast-paced society that does not show any signs of slowing down any time soon. To relieve some of the stress associated with always being on the go, many people have turned to online to find ways of pampering themselve and looking good. Here at A Woman"s Place Too.com we offer a variety of skin care services, which are listed above. Use this list to help you determine what products you may be interested in. We bring you the latest break throughs in skin care technology at an affordable price. We are committed to helping you improve and maintain skin wellness. Our focus is on anti-aging treatments and looking younger and more beautiful without surgery. Specialty products include laser hair removal, microderm abrasion, Acne Blemish Control, Aromatherapy, Cellulite Treatments, Massage items, Anti-Aging Products, and finally Scar & Stretch mark Reduction. We hope you enjoy our treatments and enjoy shopping!
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Anti-aging Agents: a Guide to Key Ingredients in Anti-aging Skincare
Anti-Aging Agents
Wrinkles, sags, lines, freckles and “liver spots” are all normal accompaniments of aging--or are they? We hear so much hype about what goes on in the aging process it becomes really difficult to separate fact from fiction. However, we do know that there are some topical ingredients that will help the skin combat oxidative stress, regenerate tissue and heal itself. This list covers just a few of the anti-aging heavy hitters you will find in MV products. For a more complete discussion of aging, please visit the About Aging page.
Alpha-lipoic acid—A powerful anti-oxidant. Alpha lipoic acid's antiaging benefits are in part likely related to its ability to increase levels of the amino acid glutathione, which also possesses anti-aging properties.
Australian bush plum-- With the average vitamin C content of 3.0 – 3.5% (range= .2 to 5.9%) the bush plum provides the most concentrated natural source of vitamin C known. The typical bush plum contains about 2907 mg vitamin C per 100 grams of edible fruit.
Beta-carotene—a natural precursor to Vitamin A, whose cell regenerative properties have given it the reputation as the “skin vitamin.” Vitamin A is essential for skin health. Supplements are often given to help with cases of stubborn acne.
Carrot seed essential oil-- This essential oil is widely appreciated for its ability to help heal dry and dehydrated skin. Carrot seed essential oil has a high carotol content, which provides good skin-rejuvenating properties. It also contains beta-carotine and it is rich in vitamins A & E. The oil's aroma is sweet and it is an excellent essential oil for mature skin.
DMAE-- (dimethylaminoethanol) An amino acid and antioxidant membrane stabilizer. DMAE works synergistically with antioxidants to enhance their strength, and to help repair and stabilize skin cell membranes by expelling waste.
Evening primrose oil-- Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. The body converts the GLA in evening primrose oil into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. It also contains substantial amounts of polysaturated omega-6 fatty acids.
Ginseng extract-- (Panax quinquefolium) When applied to the skin, ginseng has been shown to enhance the cellular function of skin cells and stimulate skin cell regeneration. It is useful in combating wrinkles and the visible signs of aging. Ginseng is extracted from the root of the ginseng plant after the plant reaches maturity, which may take six or more years.
Glyconutrients—provide nutrients so skin can biosynthesize hyaluronic acid and other glycosamineglycans, thus maintaining skin plumpness. Read more about the benefits of glyconutrients on the Glyconutrients page.
Gotu Kola-- Known for its remarkable wound healing properties, gotu kola is often used for treating burns and skin ulcers.
Helichryssum essential oil-- Helichrysum stimulates production of new cells, so it's used in skin products to treat acne, scar tissue, bruising, mature skin, and burns. It also helps to prevent sunburn. It treats bacterial infection and inflammation and helps to boost the body's immune system. Its healing properties can quell a chronic cough, bronchitis, or fever, and it can alleviate pain by numbing nerve endings. It also lessens muscle pain, arthritis, enlarged veins, liver problems and counters allergic reactions like asthma. Its scent helps relieve depression, nervous exhaustion, and stress.
Idebenone- a powerful anti-oxidant. Results of a clinical trial were presented in February 2004 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. They wanted to find out which ingredient offered the best protection against free radicals. Idebenone finished first against vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, kinetin, and alpha-lipoic acid. The benefits of this ingredient include shielding skin from environmental damage, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing dryness and smoothing skin texture.
Kombucha tea— Kombucha, also known as the Manchurian or Kargasok mushroom, is not a mushroom but rather a mixture of bacteria that includes Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans, and various yeasts. It contains lactic acid and glucoronic acid, essential for the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, an important component of the skin’s dermal layer that contributes to skin elasticity and plumpness. It acts as a humectant.
Pearl powder-- By slowing down the development of melanin (the chemical in our body responsible for colour pigments) it prevents and facilitates the fading of pigmentation spots. Rich in proteins, pearls also help to renew skin cells. It is also rich in vitamin B-complex and polysaccharides which strengthen the muscles and improve metabolism. Taken internally, pearl powder also acts as a source of calcium to aid those with bone loss. Some Chinese experts claim that it has the ability to filter the sun’s rays and correct damage done to the skin by the sun. Common uses: evens out skin tone, clears acne and rosacea, fades pigmentation marks and is beneficial for general complexion maintenance.
Quercetin--a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type of pigment found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Bioflavonoids provide the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, and quercetin is among the most powerful and effective of known anti-inflammatories and antioxidants
Resveratrol-- Resveratrol ( trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene ) is a protective compound produced by grapes and other plants in response to environmental stresses. Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol has potent antioxidant activity and also has the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. These actions may help prevent free radical damage throughout the body and provide protective support to the cardiovascular system.
Rose hip seed oil-- Rosehip seed oil contains Vitamin A, which helps to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes increase of collagen and elastin levels. Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, important skin nutrients.
Seabuckthorn oil-- Sea Buckthorn oil has multiple benefits in the area of restorative and anti-aging skin care. Natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids help reverse damaging effects of sun radiation and minimize long term effects of sun exposure. Promotes natural skin restorative processes. Tolerated by any type of skin, sea buckthorn oil is especially beneficial for rosacea-prone skin as it provides long term anti-inflammatory, restorative and revitalizing action.
White tea-- well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Topical white tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging. In particular, since the sun protection benefits of white tea are particularly well documented, it makes sense to use a sunscreen with white tea in it, and particularly a sunscreen with zinc oxide, as ZO is chemically inert and will not react with white tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).
About the Author
Why Restoring Elastin is Vitally Important For Reducing Wrinkles
Restoring elastin is one of the goals of anti-aging skincare products, but the ingredients that most companies use will not help. Here's a question. Can elastin be absorbed into the skin? We ask, because we see creams and lotions that contain it, along with collagen. But, how large are these protein molecules and what is the source that is used for most skincare products? Here's a quick look at those questions.
Restoring elastin is important for reducing sagging and wrinkles. Production of the elastic fibers that are located within the dermis layers slows down with age. So, does the production of new cells that make up the epidermis. But, those cells are composed primarily of keratin, a completely different protein.
So, can elastin be absorbed into the skin? If a manufacture could come up with a process that would allow them to make it soluble, without destroying the functionality of the protein, then "yes" it might be possible. But, the major manufacturing processes convert this fibrous protein to a globular form. At best, it creates a plastic-like film that reduces shadows and makes wrinkles appear less deep.
Can elastin be absorbed into the skin if it is processed correctly? So far, no manufacturer has come up with a process that reduces the size of the molecules and allows it to remain active enough for the skin's cells to use it. Only one manufacturer has come up with a patented process that allows keratin to be used by the skin's cells. In years to come, someone might come up with the same thing for restoring elastin, but as long as we continue to buy what the cosmetic companies are selling, they won't have a reason to make the effort.
That brings us back to this question. As it exists in nature, can elastin be absorbed into the skin? The answer to that question is "no". The molecules are too large. It's not unlike the molecules that make up mineral oil and petrolatum. Creams that contain those ingredients feel greasy, because they are not absorbed.
For increasing moisture content, plant-based oils are better than those that are petroleum based. Of course, the keratin that I mentioned earlier will also greatly increase moisture content. Clinical studies have shown that creams containing it increase moisture by over 20% after the first use. Yet, they leave no greasy feeling, because they are quickly absorbed.
Certain protein complexes may be beneficial for restoring elastin. For example, small amounts of copper and zinc bound to protein have been shown to regenerate tissue. A patented form of keratin contains those minerals and has been shown in clinical studies to have an incredible anti-aging effect on a person's appearance.
So, what's the bottom line? Can elastin be absorbed into the skin or not? Right now, your best bet is to find a product that contains an ingredient called "Functional Keratin". It has proven benefits for restoring elastin and collagen fibers, as well as stimulating the growth of new cells.
About the Author
Kathleen P. Walsh has been connected with skin care for more than a decade and advocates the use of natural skin care. Go and visit her informational web site http://mosteffectiveskincare.com for details about the best anti aging skin care and other quality skin care products. Remember you can always look younger than you really are, no matter what your age.
