*in alphabetical order*
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
“AHAs are widely used for therapy of photodamaged skin, and also have been reported to normalize hyperkeratinisation (over-thickened skin) and to increase viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans content. A vast amount of research has substaintially described how the aging process affects the skin and has demonstrated that many of the unwanted changes can be improved by the topical application of AHAs”
From ‘Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me’ 7th edition by Paula Begoun
Alpha Lipoic Acid is the most powerful of antioxidants. It is able to benefit both the water and lipid portions of the skin. It is said to give the skin a “youthful and glowing appearance.”
DMAE is found in foods and can create an almost immediate appearance in the firming and tone of the skin.
Niacinamide is the biologically active form of niacin, Vitamin B3. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) increases the rate of skin exfoliation and increases moisture barrier repair. Studies have shown it to be useful in increasing synthesis of collagen and lipids, inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes and decreasing inflammation. "Niacinamide is one of the vitamins that I believe we'll hear more and more about in the coming years. Already, topical 4% niacinamide has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of papular and pustular acne in a 4% gel, as well as the improvement of skin cancer and its anti-tumor characteristics,'' Dr. Draelos. SOURCE: American Academy of Dermatology. Niacinamide is an amazing antioxidant that works for aging and acne related issues making it the perfect addition to the Ultimate Facial Serum.
Pro-Vitamin B5 (dl-Panthenol) a humectant effective at counteracting the dryness that occurs in aging skin and increases the moisture retention capacity of the skin which allows dry skin to stay supple and elastic longer. It is anti-inflammatory and stimulates skin regeneration. Niacinamide and Panthenol improve the condition of the skin's moisture barrier, a function considered by dermatologists as critical to healthy skin.
Retinol Palmitate (Vitamin A) nourishes the skin and assists in the “rejuvenation process that maintains a more youthful appearance.”
Triglycerides – aka fatty molecule compounds
All oils and fats are complex compounds called triglycerides. All oils and fats are a mixture of triglycerides with a different fatty acid attached. To further explain, an oil molecule is formed from one glycerin molecule and three fatty acid molecules. All fatty acid molecules are lipophilic and hydrophilic. Lipophilic means that it has a great affinity for oil. Hydrophilic means that it has a great affinity for water. The glycerin component of an oil or fat is an alcohol with three locations on its molecule where the hydrophilic molecule of the fatty acids attaches. The hydrophilic molecules are attracted to water which helps the water "wet" the surface to be cleaned, permitting the water to reach more of the surface. With out the 'wetting" assistance of the hydrophilic molecules the product would bead up on the skin and not soak the surface. The lipophilic molecules act like a magnet and are attracted to dirt and oils, they embed into the dirt and remove it. The lipophilic molecules show infinity toward oil and the molecules squeeze together in an attempt to escape water. The action of the hydrophilic molecules and the lipophilic molecules allows product to break the surface tension and forces water into the skin, allowing it to and remove the dirt and oils beyond your skin surface.
Vitamin C Ester is well known and long documented antioxidant that protects the surface of the skin from free radicals that can damage the skin.
