INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: FULVIC ACID – by Chanté Robinson

Fulvic acid is a star ingredient to look for in your skincare products due to its outstanding and versatile repertoire, but, before you get excited thinking this may be another exfoliating acid to use, you should know it is neither an AHA nor BHA, it's not an acid at all, tricky, right?! However, it very skin-friendly, so no need to worry about an increase in skin woes or a stripped acid mantle (aka skin barrier) if you consider adding in products with this members-only ingredient.

This warrior ingredient is water-soluble and has a smaller molecular structure that makes it an effective delivery system on its own to get vitamins, trace minerals, and vital nutrients to the cells. It's also a terrific antioxidant that helps to fight free-radical damage, has a significant impact on wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. FYI, most ingredients need to use partner ingredients to give them the ability to penetrate the skin.

Here's where versatility comes in even more; fulvic acid has anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits and can be taken orally and used topically. Skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis could benefit significantly from fulvic acid. It's also a potent hydrator with its natural electrolyte content to help restore and energize the skin.

 As you can see, fulvic acid has extraordinary benefits for everyone, no matter the skin condition or where you fall on the Fitzpatrick scale; this remarkable ingredient assists in every stage of cellular rejuvenation! 🌟

Some products that have this amazing ingredient….

 

Osmosis Infuse nutrient activating mist

GLYMEDPLUS skin restoring fulvic elixir

 Käbï Organic moisturizing and antioxidant peat mask

 

 

"What’s The Tea About Green Tea?" - by Cora Speidel

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 Green Tea has many general health benefits due to its antioxidants, amino acids and other naturally occurring nutrients. But did you know Green Tea can provide superior benefits for your skin when applied topically?

Green tea is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG.)  With these properties, green tea extract has been shown to improve skin barrier functions, serve as antioxidant protection and boost sun protection.

The large amount of polyphenols in green tea helps slow down the aging process as well as reduce inflammation.  Green tea extract naturally contains some caffeine, a known vasoconstrictor, which can help reduce puffiness of dark circles and bloating of the face when applied topically.

Green tea also has astringent properties which aids in the reduction of sebum production and has antibacterial agents due to its polyphenols. This, combined with its  anti inflammatory properties, makes it a fantastic ingredient for acne prone skin and other inflammatory skin conditions.

If you’re looking for a great product to take advantage of Green Tea’s skin benefits, make sure to check out our Dermaspace Green Tea Antioxidant Serum. This powerful antioxidant serum contains 5% green tea extract. It helps to soothe inflammation, fights free radicals, and helps balance oil production. It also contains hyaluronic acid which helps you maintain a healthy moisture barrier.

 

 

 

 

 

"The next stop is N, for NEVER too late to start using NIACINAMIDE" by Chanté Robinson

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This universal, packed-with-a-punch-ingredient is an active form of vitamin B3, that’ll assist with enhancing barrier protection, clearing up acne breakouts, and hyperpigmentation and is excellent for other skin concerns that may be sensitive, experiencing enlarged pores, and even redness.

Ingredients like this can move seamlessly like a chameleon throughout the various skin stages in our life, which is a significant advantage and something to consider as you build up your skincare collection.

Barrier function is enhanced by protecting the skin from sun damage and premature aging and aids in fighting off other exterior aggressors.

Trans-epidermal water loss happens regularly; however, niacinamide helps maintain hydration and slow down water loss from the skin allowing the skin to retain hydrated suppleness and to calm rosacea.

Hyperpigmentation is regulated with niacinamide due to its ability to inhibit melanosome transfer to keratinocytes. So this is a safe alternative than using hydroquinone.

Niacinamide is a force to be reckoned with for acne because of the decline in sebum production. It is also an anti-inflammatory for breakouts, and you can finally do away with the never-ending list of side effects like dryness, increased sun sensitivity, and even antibiotic resistance with your typical acne treatments.

The other unique qualities about this B3 powerhouse is the stimulation of collagen and protein production and restricting excess glycosaminoglycans production!

Editors note: We often custom blend this amazing ingredient into our Revitapen Iderm Treatment.

A Quick Note on Mandelic Acid - by Chanté Robinson

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This is a nonirritating AHA that is perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin types because it's not as harsh as the more common AHA’s on the market like glycolic or lactic acid. The reason Mandelic acid is gentler when compared to glycolic acid is its molecular size, it is twice as big, so it takes longer to penetrate the skin and is, therefore, less likely to irritate. It also has antibacterial and anti-microbial properties, so it’s suitable for rosacea sufferers too.

Like other types of AHAs, it works by exfoliating the skin and gently dissolves the tiny glue-like bonds that bind skin cells together helping to remove dead skin build-up on the surface and it also strengthens collagen, one of the building blocks of the skin’s support network like a real powerhouse ingredient should! As you can see, Mandelic acid behaves very similarly to salicylic acid, which is a BHA; both are attracted to oil and have the ability to dissolved congestion in the skin.

Mandelic acids target acne, age spots, discoloration, and wrinkles without the typical irritation that can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones.

Fun facts about some AHAs! Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds, glycolic acid is from sugar cane, lactic acid is from milk, tartaric acid is from grapes, and malic acid is derived from apples.