Open facial pores and solutions

Physiology of skin pores
The skin has a very intricate microanatomical structure. Structurally the skin is basically divided into two layers, the epidermis (outer skin) and the dermis (skin below the surface). The epidermis is the epithelial tissue layer of the skin and contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands, which originate in the dermis and protrude to the surface of the skin. And these form the skin pores. There are literally millions of pores and associated glands covering the surface of our skin. They represent a route of entry into skin for certain chemicals compounds; and also a route for certain bio-chemicals to excrete from the skin.
Sebaceous Glands
Sebaceous glands are part of the pilosebaceous apparatus, which consists of the sebaceous gland, the hair follicle and the hair shaft. Unlike all other glands, sebaceous glands are holocrine glands, which mean they secrete whole cells. The secreted cells are dead by the time they reach the surface of the skin but whilst alive and on their way to the surface, they absorb lipids (triglycerides and free fatty acids, wax esters, squalene, and cholesterol) which are then secreted to the skin's surface via the lumen (opening/pore) of the hair shaft. The secretion of sebaceous glands is referred to as sebum. This provides a way for the sebaceous glands underneath to lubricate and protect the surface of the skin.
Sebum secretion is under hormonal control and sebaceous gland development occurs during puberty. Pores enlarge during puberty, when oil glands in your skin begin to increase the amount of oil that they pump through your pores. The pores get bigger to handle the increased output. Most likely enlarged pores noticed around nose area as that area has more oil glands per square inch than any other part of your body. Excessive build up of sebum can lead to acne which is of primary concern to many teenagers and can reoccur during mid-life as 'adult acne'.
Functions of Sebum secreted:
As mentioned earlier, sebum is composed of triglycerides and free fatty acids, wax esters, squalene, and cholesterol. The secretion of sebum performs several functions. Firstly, the water-holding power of cornified epithelium depends on the presence of these lipids to prevent skin from dehydration. And secondly, sebum protects the skin against fungal and bacterial infections. This is sometimes referred to as the 'Acid Mantel' of the skin. The 'Acid Mantel' for example is a key immune defense of the body protecting the inside from the external environment and thus reducing the chance of infection.

Causes of enlarged pores:
Genetics determine pore size, as do skin type and age. Barely visible on those prone to drier skin, individuals with oily, thicker (glabrous) skin tend to have larger looking, more noticeable pores. This is often hereditary.
For people with oily skin, there is higher possibility for them to have enlarged pores. The excessive oiliness of the skin is in turn triggered by the hormonal changes in the body. It happens when the male hormones (testosterone) in the body become overly dominant during puberty. The activity of oil glands which is controlled and regulated by the male hormones increases fervently. And this causes over activity of the sebaceous glands and excessive oil secretion by the glands. As the traffic of the oil effusion increases, the mouth of the pore enlarges. Besides, the excessive secretion of sebum thicken the pores. All these results the facial pores become bigger and more obvious.
Blackheads medically termed "open comedones" - are an all too common outcome. Dead skin cells, oils and bacteria choke the follicular opening, thus stretched to accommodate the hardened sebum and hence expanding the diameter of the pore and lose their natural resilience. Contact with air allows oxygenation to take place, turning the plugs black, further heightening visibility of pores.
Acne problems usually come along with oily skin. And this also contributes to enlarged pores. Deliberate Picking and Touching of Acne - The worst scarring and pits are a direct result of this. Artificial openings made in the skin to release the effusion from the whiteheads, pustules by squeezing, turn into pits and uneven indentations. Repeated squeezing of blackheads and pimples may also lead to permanently widened pores, some of which may actually be tiny, pitted scars.
Other than that, improper skin care regime and products can lead to enlarged pores. Proper cleansing is foremost in every kind of skin-care routine. Unless the dead skin surface, make-up and grease are removed, they tend to deposit in the skin pores and restrain the flow of oil. The oil deposits attract grime and grease and apply pressure on the mouth of the pores to widen it. Besides, beauty soaps enriched in oil, make-up products that are oil based, and creams worsen the oily skin condition and therefore their use is prohibited. Acne and enlarged facial skin pore conditions are aggravated with the use of such cosmetics.And age factors into the equation because this is a natural biological processes to lose the supporting framework composed of collagen and elastin protein fibers. Collagen and elastin protein fibers are two main components of the dermis, acts as structural support system for the nerve fibers, hair follicles, blood vessels, and oil and sweat glands located in this layer, and also provide the skin with strength and elasticity. A decreasing of procollagen content during aging may be related to the increase dryness and elasticity, as do enlarged pores as skin is losing its support to shrink the pores. They begin to stretch and sag around the edges, which can make the pores look bigger.
Sun damage is another cause. As we age, one of the ways sun damage affects the skin is through the enlargement of the pores. Sun damage and aging cause the epidermis to thicken and a rim of cells are more likely to collect around individual pores. While microscopic, these rings exaggerate pore diameter.
Other than aging, other reasons to cause the depletion of collagen and elastin including frequent skin inflammation, and improper diet and lifestyle such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Treatments of enlarged pores:
Targeting the key factors that cause exaggerated pore diameter and providing the key solutions can quickly minimize visibility of pores. An inordinate amount of time seems to be devoted to facials and physical extractions to cleanse cellular matter caught beneath the surface to prevent the formation of enlarged pores and also further enlargement of facial pores. The treatment has to be followed with ingredients that targeted to stimulate the biosynthesis and secretion of the collagen and elastin. In this way, skin has its supporting matrix and enables the shrinking of the pores. Sometimes a strategic combination produces the best results.
Below are ingredients that can help to refine the pores by controlling oiliness and oil-related skin problems:
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has many qualities that make it useful for acne medications. It has properties that make it effective for: anti-inflammatory, oil control, skin lightening, skin brightening, to increase ceramide levels, to prevent water loss in skin. Fewer studies exist to examine niacinamide's anti-acne properties. An older study compared a gel containing 4% niacinamide with the prescription acne medicine Clindamycin and found it works just as well as the prescription, but without the risk of antibiotic resistance. Topical application of niacinamide also has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, as well as stimulate micro-circulation in the dermis and help in barrier repair.


Oleanolic Acid
Oleanolic acid is a naturally occurring triterpenoid, related to betulinic acid. Oleanolic acid is applied to open pores product as it is powerful inhibitor of cellular inflammatory processes. It can be found in American pokeweedand and garlic, etc. They work by the induction by IFN- of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and of cyclooxygenase 2 in mouse macrophages. They are extremely potent inducers of the phase 2 response (e.g., elevation of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase and heme oxygenase 1), which is a major protector of cells against oxidative and electrophile stress. It is relatively antitumor, and hepatoprotective, as well as exhibiting antiviral properties.

Topical Vitamin A Treatments
Topical Vitamin A (retinoid acid) treatments work by normalizing the keratinization process. It also works as potent pore minimizers. They help prevent the cells lining the gland from sticking together, promoting more effective exfoliation. Used on blackheads, they work to loosen the plug as well as chemically "peel" the rim of the pore ideally all without seeing flaking skin or irritation.
Retinol is an OTC form of Vitamin A. While not as potent as it's prescription counterpart, it still offers help in reducing pore visibility and improving skin texture. However, it’s still as potentially irritating, so use any of these treatments sparingly, every other night and wait 30 minutes after washing before application. All increase sun sensitivity and none should be used while pregnant or nursing.
Retinyl palmitate is another OTC form of topical Vitamin A used in skin care and is less potent than retinol.

AHAs & BHA
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a blanket term for a variety of fruit acids including Glycolic, Citric, Lactic, Malic and Tartaric. AHAs help disintegrate the "glue" that hold dead, dry skin cells to the surface of the skin. By doing so, the epidermis is exfoliated leaving a silky texture. Removal of this external barrier enables easier, deeper penetration of other skin treatments as well.
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) is the trendy term for salicylic acid, a natural acid derived from willow bark, wintergreen leaves, and sweet birch bark. It also works to exfoliate cellular debris and unplug pores. It's a golden oldie effective ingredient often used in dermatology for acne therapy.
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)
NDGA is a naturally occurring bi-phenolic compound that is a component of the resinous exudates of many plants. It is a potent antioxidant and a potent inhibitor of lipooxygenase that reduces cell damage by free radicals. It is useful as an anti-irritant, an anti-inflammatory agent and for the prevention of UV- and inflammation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human skin where inflammation may cause breakdown of collagen and thus enlarge the pores.

Peony Extract
Peony is a thousand-year-old remedy used as an anti-inflammatory ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine because of its exceptional soothing power.
Oleanolic Acid, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) Extract, Zinc PCA, Meadowsweet (Spiraea Ulmaria) Extract, Peony Extract, Arginine, Allantoin, Beta-Carotene,Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate)

Meadowsweet Extract
Meadowsweet with its anti-inflammatory, astringent and analgesic properties to invigorate the skin and tighten body tissues thus promotes pore shrinking. The main constituents of the extract include salicylic acid, flavone-glycosides, essential oils and tannins.
Witch hazel Extract
Witch Hazel Extract is an astringent and strong anti-oxidant produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch Hazel shrub and it tends to shrink or constrict body tissues to fight acne, facial pores and swelling. The main constituents of the extract include tannin, gallic acid, catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, saponins, and bitters.

Zinc PCA
It is an anti bacterial, infection fighting amino acid that is derived from zinc, to prevent infections and other germ related problems. Zinc PCA is truly a breakthrough for many different skin conditions that include acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimple, zits, blemishes, oily skin, severely oily skin, and seborrheic dermatitis which can further lead to facial pores problems. Over 21% of skin is made up of zinc and this ingredient inhibits the dihydratestosterone enzyme which controls the sebum production. Zinc is needed by the body to beef up the immune system and is an essential trace mineral and micro element mineral.

Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation has its place in minimizing pore appearance. But this has to be performed gently. If aggressive exfoliation is patient passion, consider investing in a series of medical microdermabrasions or medically performed chemical peels.

Instead of oil-controlling agents, Patient can combine the treatment with collagen and elastin synthesis-stimulating agents as below to enhance the efficiency of the treatment:
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
It can activate Collagen I, III and fibronectin synthesis and promote new cells migration to encourage the supporting system of sebaceous glands, more exactly to shrink the enlarged pores. It can also thicken the skin, reveals the skin elasticity and tension.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient where ascorbate (an ion of ascorbic acid) is a cofactor in several vital enzymatic reactions. In living organisms, ascorbate is an anti-oxidant, since it protects the body against oxidative stress and free radicals damage on skin collagen and elastin fibers.
The synthesis of collagen, for which vitamin C is essential, proceeds in the body. A precursor form of collagen called procollagen is produced initially. These nonhelical portions of the procollagen molecule make it very soluble and therefore easy to move within the cell as it undergoes further modifications, post-translational modifications in Golgi compartment of the ER.
One of the first modifications to take place is the very critical step of hydroxylation of selected proline and lysine amino acids in the newly synthesized procollagen protein by hydroxylases to form hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. The hydroxylase enzymes require Vitamin C and Iron as cofactors. Then glycosylation process takes place. The intact procollagen is very soluble and transports easily within the cell where it is secreted into extracellular spaces.
As the procollagen is secreted from the cell, it is acted upon by specialized enzymes called procollagen proteinases that remove both of the extension peptides from the ends of the molecule. Portions of these digested end pieces are thought to re-enter the cell and regulate the amount of collagen synthesis by a feed-back type of mechanism. The processed molecule is referred to as collagen and now begins to be involved in the important process of fiber formation.
With gain of sufficient amount of collagen and elastin fibers also indicates the structural support system for the sebaceous glands with strength and elasticity. Thus, the facial pores will shrink and become obvious-less.

Asian 8 common types of skin problems and solution

Top 8 types of skin problems
And skin conditions keep vary according to skin types, regions and age. Flawless skin is the result of inherited genes and appropriate skin care routines. The skin is vulnerable to skin problems, and the 8 types of skin problems as below.

Acne is a common skin care problem for many individuals of all ages and all skin types. It is caused by blockage in hair follicle due to excess sebum secretion by sebaceous gland via testosterone stimulation and hyperkeratinization. This forms a plug of keratin and sebum, namely comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) to be the first level of acnes. While occurrence of bacteria can cause inflammatory lesions, they are pastules, pustules, cysts and nodules. Using bactericidal products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA) and tea tree oil may be usefull in mild to moderate acne, combined with non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent over-drying.

Congested skin also refers as comedones or first level of acne problems. There are 2 types of comedones, closed comedone (white heads) and open comedone (blackheads). Both are non-inflammatory acne which forms due to the blockage of sebum and dead skin cells inside the hair follicle. Closed comedone remain beneath the skin surface and been de-oxygenated and hence remain whitish or yellowish colour. While open comedone occurs in open pores. The sebum has been oxidized and turned into brown or black colour. Products with AHA and BHA can help to dissolves the congested material. Regular exfoliation and product with oil control properties may help to prevent and improve congestion and clogged pores.

There are 2 distinct types of aging contribute to aging skin. Aging caused by inherited genes is called intrinsic (internal) aging while extrinsic (external) aging is caused by environmental factors including photo-aging, smoking, facial expression, gravity etc. Aging skin can be categorized by the loss of collagen and elastin and decrease of skin turn-over rate. The signs of aging skin including fine wrinkles, thin skin, freckles, age spots and spider veins. Aging process cannot be stopped but the signs of aging can be reduced by products with active anti-aging ingredients such as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, polypeptide, Acetyl hexapeptide, Hyaluronic Acid, and silk peptides. For visible signs of aging, a number of treatments are available, for instances, injectable filler, radiofrequency, dermabrasion, and botulium toxin.

Skin Discolouration is referred as skin pigmentation abnormality where large portions of skin turn unusual shade, lighter or darker. It affects patches of skin or entire body. This results from several factors. Some are natural, such as birthmarks. Others are related to factors such as hormone, medication, and sun exposure which causes melanin (pigment substances) becomes damaged or unhealthy. Types of pigmentation problems are age spots, solar lentigines, freckles and Melasma spots. Products contain glycolic acid, bearberry extract, kojic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and licorice extract may help lighten the pigmentation by interrupting melanogenesis; and preventing erythema indued by UVB.

Sensitive skin can be caused by a genetic predisposition or by a lifestyle that lacks minerals and antioxidants. And these lead to reduced barrier function, heightened neurosensory function or increased immune responsiveness. Sensitive skin is thin and fine textured. It often feels tingly, tight, or uncomfortable without any visible signs of stress. Meanwhile it reacts quickly temperature changes, and become red and blotchy after contact with some detergents, fragrances, or alcohols that are used on the skin. Hence, people with sensitive and dry skin can be treated by avoidance of all soap or detergents. And many AHA products should be treated with caution, particularly glycolic acid products, as these will also aggravate skin dryness. While a moisturiser containing skin’s physiological fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides may increase skin barrier repair and functions.

Enlarged pores are concern for many women of all ages and skin types, especially for those with oily and combination skin. This is due to the hormonal changes, previous acnes, skin congestion, dehydration and improper diet. UV exposure causes the skin cells to collect around the pores, meanwhile causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Hence, the pores begin to enlarge. Further ignorance will cause the pores become larger and larger and may be easily clogged which usually leads to congestion, acne and skin discolorations. Active ingredient such as L-ascorbic acid is very effective in refining open pores and improving skin resilience. As high concentration of L-ascorbic acid can cause dehydration, good moisturizing agents should be followed after the usage.

Scars, also called cicatrices, are area of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin tissue after injury and is natural part of wound healing process. The body cannot re-build the tissue exactly as it was, so scar formed and have a different texture and quality than the surrounding normal tissue. Acne scar is form when wound healing takes place in the area of injured tissue due to inflamed acne. The greater the inflammation, the more likely scarring is to occur. There are treatments to expedite the fading process of acne scar from the skin such as Vitamin E, dermabrasion and collagen injection.

Dry skin, also referred as xerosis, is a condition of rough, dehydrated skin with fine scaling of skin and, occasionally, with small cracks in the skin. Often itchy, dry skin is caused by environmental factors, such as sun exposure and frequent bathing, and by medical conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and malnutrition. Dry skin develops due to a decrease in the natural oils (ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids) in the outer layer of skin, which makes the skin lose water. Products with high concentration of hyluronic acid and essential amino acids can help bind moisture in the dermal connective tissue.

Different kinds of skin problems developed due to different causes and different products with specified ingredients which are specially designed for that particular problems should be use accordingly to solve the base of your problems.

Quinoa: One of Nature's Healthiest Protein-Rich Foods

If you're looking for a truly healthy food that is rich in protein that your body can easily digest and use, look no further than quinoa. Called the "mother of grains" by the Incan empire, quinoa is native to South America, and is naturally rich in all nine essential amino acids - these are amino acids that we humans can't make from other nutrients, and must obtain from our diet.

Quinoa is particularly rich in lysine, an amino acid that is needed for growth and repair of our tissues. In some individuals, lysine is especially helpful in preventing cold sores, especially when combined with intake of natural vitamin C and avoidance of foods that are rich in arginine.

When cooked, quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with its fluffy texture. It's gluten-free, and is a good source of a number of micronutrients, most notably iron, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus.

Which is healthiest oil for cooking??

If you're not sure how to choose healthy oils for cooking, it's important that you understand the essential differences between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Once you understand, you'll know which commonly available oils are good for your health.

Here's a look at the basic differences between the three types of fatty acids that are found in all commonly available oils:
Saturated fatty acids pack together tightly, making oils that contain a large percentage of them extremely stable when exposed to heat and light. Oils that have a high percentage of saturated fatty acids are your best choice for cooking.
Monounsaturated fatty acids do not pack together as tightly as saturated fatty acids do. They are relatively stable when exposed to heat, so oils that contain a high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids are a fair choice for cooking.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids do not pack together very well. They are unstable when extracted out of whole foods, so oils that have a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids tend to produce significant amounts of free radicals when exposed to heat. These oils should never be used for cooking.

So for cooking, it should be clear that oils that contain a high percentage of saturated fatty acids are more stable. Let's look at coconut oil (% Saturated 91.9; % Monounsaturated 6.2;% Polyunsaturated 1.9 ) is by far the healthiest cooking oil. And Palm oil (% Saturated 51.6; % Monounsaturated 38.7;% Polyunsaturated 9.7) is second only to coconut oil in its ability to remain stable when exposed to heat. Next would be Olive Oil: (% Saturated 13.8; % Monounsaturated 75.9;% Polyunsaturated 10.3) Its high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids makes olive oil relatively stable when exposed to heat. If you have difficulty maintaining your ideal weight, use olive oil sparingly, as its monounsaturated fatty acids are quite long in structure, which makes them more prone to being stored as fat than short or medium chain fatty acids. Believe it or not, butter is less likely to cause weight gain than olive oil because it contains a high percentage of short and medium chain fatty acids!

Peanut oil? Because it has slightly more monounsaturated fatty acids than polyunsaturated fatty acids, peanut oil is relatively stable when exposed to heat. If you use peanut oil, I recommend that you limit use to just a few times per month. While Sesame Oil has almost equal percentages of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (41.5% & 43.6%) . It shouldn't be used for cooking on a regular basis, and should be used raw only on occasion.

Although Canola Oil contains a high percentage of relatively stable monounsaturated fatty acids, canola oil goes rancid quite easily, and relative to olive oil, forms high concentrations of trans fatty acids. Canola oil consumption has also been linked to vitamin E deficiency and heart disease, especially when a person is not getting enough saturated fatty acids in his or her diet. I recommend staying away from canola oil whenever possible. Same thing happens to Corn, Sunflower, Safflower, and Cottonseed Oils! I recommend staying away from these oils completely. All of them contain large percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids. They also have high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause a variety of health problems Hemp and Flaxseed Oil: I don't recommend cooking with these oils because of their high concentrations of unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids. If their manufacturers have minimized exposure to heat and light with their processing and bottling techniques, a small amount of these oils in their raw forms can be a part of a healthy diet. But it's healthier to eat their seeds freshly ground. Grape seed oil should also be avoided when cooking. As with most other vegetable oils, it contains a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids which produce significant amounts of free radicals when exposed to heat.

Based on the information above, I generally recommend using mainly coconut oil and/or olive oil for cooking.

Hydroquinone~the cure worse than the cause

Consumers should be alarmed to read about recent research relating to hydroquinone, the whitening agent in whitening cream causing cancer. Although hydroquinone creams are banned for use in cosmetics you may be still be giving hydroquinone to your cosmetic table without being aware.

Hydroquinone has been used for many years to reduce pigmentation by acting on melanin producing cells. This action can destroy the pigment making cells (melanocytes) and alter the structure of melanosomes (packets of pigment which are made by the melanocytes and passed to new skin cells as they are formed).

Hydroquinone was banned in January 2001 in cosmetics because of the potential damage it can do to the skin in terms of irritating the skin and creating white areas where no pigment can be made or in some cases turning the skin black. It is still prescribed by dermatologists in hospital but they are gradually switching to alternatives as new safety data comes to light. Recent studies have shown the potential of hydroquinone to cause cancer.

Significant importation of hydroquinone creams still occurs from countries where it is yet to be banned and a strong black market trade exists in the Malaysia (26 products). This is bad enough but more concerning is that companies can still sell products containing arbutin and bearberry legally. Arbutin is the glycopyranoside of hydroquinone, may carry similar cancer risks, although there are also claims that arbutin reduces cancer risk. The German Institute of Food Research found that intestinal bacteria can transform arbutin into hydroquinone, which creates an environment favourable for intestinal cancer. It is known that the body excretes 64-75% of arbutin in urine, and arbutin converted to hydroquinone has an antibacterial effect in the urinary tract, hence the use of bearberry in herbal medicine, but it is not known why this substance plays a role in cancer development.This mouthful means that when this molecule is in the skin it breaks down and releases hydroquinone. Bearberry is a natural source of arbutin. So in fact many people are still effectively getting hydroquinone albeit by a different method. This issue of substitute sources of hydroquinone has been raised with the EEC but they have yet to respond; although they have classified hydroquinone as a potential cancer agent.

Hydroquinone has been shown to cause blood cancers such as leukaemia and kidney damage in animal studies. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the blood stream and excreted via the kidneys but at a slower rate. This tells us that hydroquinone accumulates in the body. It is broken down in the bone marrow to p-benzoquinone and this is where long term damage may originate.

Hydroquinone creams are routinely used for four to six weeks minimum and many people use it for social lightening of a dark complexion over many years. There is strong evidence now that safer alternatives should be used which are as effective in many cases but without the long term risks.

This information has been brought to light by a recent review by Dr W Westerhof and T J Kooyers of the Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders and the Department of
Dermatology at the University on the health risks of hydroquinone and its analogues. They are pleading with the authorities to ban all sources of hydroquinone immediately.

Skin Care ingredient glossary

Looking for most effective skin care? most suitable for your skin needs? oh..you have to know what actually inside your miracle skin care!
Aloe Vera -Helps moisturize, soothe and regenerate healthy skin cells. Effective with acne and wrinkle skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids -Are natural, non-toxin substance found in foods and plants. In many skin conditions there is too much thickening of the stratum corneum which is the outer dead layer of skin. Alpha Hydroxy works as fruit acid that soften the "physiological glue" that holds the skin dead cells surface together. Without a build-up of this unused skin surface, the skin can become healthier, youthful, and damage skin can diminished.
Allantoin -A derivative of the herb Comfrey, which is known for its soothing and smoothing properties. This vital "anti-aging" attribute of Kinetin also appears to extend to our skin cells.
Antioxidant- Free-Radical particles cause our bodies to produce nasty-by-products when exposed to the sun, air pollution, smoking or even alcohol and foods. Antioxidants help stop the damage caused by this and also help the skin fight against wrinkles, bad complexion and signs of skin aging. Among the best are: Beta Carotene, Vitamin A, C, E and herbals: Ginkgo Biloba, Rose Hips, Garlic, Grape seed, Bilberry, Green TEA, Pycnogenol and Seaweed.
Buffer AHAs -The first of its kind in AHAs, so advanced that there is a patent pending on this formulation. Buffer is designed especially for maximum results with minimum irritation.
Caprille/Caprie Triglyceride Caprille moisturize the skin, these natural fatty acids are needed to maintain the skins moisture without clogging the pores.
Cocoa Butter -Cocoa Butter is absorbed quickly into the skin to soften, lubricated, moisten and nutrients the skin. Works great to prevent and treat scars, stretch marks, and damage skin
Collagen (protein) -The primary beauty nutrients in the body. Collagen is needed for the strength and support your skin requires to fight wrinkles and retain its youthful resiliency. Chamomile -Chamomile is effective in soothing and healing the surface of the skin. Promotes the regeneration of skin cells

Clove/ Cinnamon- Improves circulation and helps stimulate blood flow.
Comfrey -encourages the growth of new cells and repair of the skin. Helps protect the skin against aging.
Ginkgo Biloba -stimulates circulation, also a powerful antioxidant.
Glycerin -Derived mainly from vegetable fats, it is used as a moisturizer and emollient.
Horsetail -A rich organic ingredient that gives the skin a firmer, youthful and smoother look. Horsetail improves elasticity, giving skin the ability to spring back into shape.
Hydroquinone -is the most effective lightening compound on the market today. Because this is a highly concentrated ingredient can cause irritation on sensitive skin and should be use with caution.
Kojic Acids -This is a natural herb, known for its lightening effects. Because the FDA only allows the use of 2% Hydroquinone in a cosmetic product, Kojic Acid is use to boots the lightenineffects.
Jojoba Oil -Jojoba oil is called "liquid gold" An extraordinary balancing oil, which helps regulate under-active and overactive oil glands.
Liposome -Liposome are advanced natural fatty acids that hold the skins natural moisture in the skin. This is especially important for hydrating dry and aging skin. The lack of moisture is the number one cause of wrinkles and dry skin damage. These fatty acids can come from Lecithin.
Mint-Mint is used for cleansing and stimulating the skin tissue.
Safflower /Sunflower Oil -These natural oils are rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Works as natural lubrication to moisturizer the skin.
Sage -Sage is an astringent stimulating herb, good for circulation to skin tissues. It contains an estrogen-like active ingredient with a tautening effects on aging skin.
Shea Butter -Shea Butter is deep penetrating and long acting. Is needed to restore the skin's moisture balance and prevent visible signs of aging and wrinkles.
Squalane -Derived from olives, uses to keep skin soft and supple.
TEA -Tea is excellent for putting oxygen into the skin tissue. This herb also fights Free-Radicals that are aging and destructive to the skin.
Micellized Vitamins-These patent skin vitamins are small molecules vitamins that were specifically developed for topical application. Smaller molecules vitamins results in greater absorption into the skin than any other vitamins.
Vitamin A -Helps increase skin elasticity to decrease fine lines and bring about healthier, supple skin.
Vitamin C -Vitamin C and/or Rose Hips helps neutralize free radical activity and promotes collagen synthesis.
Vitamin E -Known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties. Vitamin E helps trap free - radicals before they can damage skin cells

Eat Collagen supplement or foods promote collagen?

If you wish to know more about the collagen, collagen supplement and more facts regarding collagen, please go to my previous post: Collagen supplement,must or waste?!

Collagen fibers are made from protein, and they are somewhat unusual in having large amounts of two amino acids, called hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline. Unfortunately, we haven't seen any research studies to support the addition of high lysine or high proline foods as a way of promoting collagen formation. Nonetheless, it would seem logical for consumption of foods high in lysine and proline to be potentially helpful in collagen support. Animal foods are the primary source of both amino acids. With respect to proline, egg whites appear to be an especially good source of proline from amongst the animal foods. And we've found one important exception to the animal versus plant proline rule - wheat germ. This plant-based component has much more proline than would normally be expected from a plant food.
All of the lean meats, the low-fat dairy products, and the fish would be especially concentrated sources of lysine. One plant food category would be an exception to the animal versus plant lysine rule - that category is legumes (and particularly peanuts). One final note about lysine, proline, and collagen would involve the importance of vitamin C. This vitamin is required to change proline into hydroxyproline (the collagen form) and lysine into hydroxylysine (once again, the collagen form). While you are trying to support your collagen tissue, you should remember that overall protein intake - both quality and quantity - is important. You may need to go beyond the RDA protein level of 46 grams (for adult women) and 56 grams (for adult men) to achieve this goal. You may also need to include a variety of foods that provide protein. Nuts, seeds, and legumes would all be food categories to consider.
Some of the diseases involving collagen damage have been found to improve with the addition of certain foods or food components to the diet. However, the research in this area tends to involve animals versus humans, and the experiments have often used food extracts or nutrient supplements instead of foods themselves. In this category, however, garlic has been a standout food, and two sulfur-containing nutrients - the amino acid taurine and the organic acid lipoid acid - have also shown the ability to support damaged collagen fibers.
Finally, you may want to consider two categories of phytonutrients as particularly important in a collagen-building meal plan. Those phytonutrients are catechins and anthocyanidins. In the research literature, the catechins found in green tea have been shown to help prevent breakdown of collagen, and for this reason we would definitely recommend that you consider green tea as a potential collagen support food. The anthocyanidins found in deep-colored, red-blue berries and fruits (including cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) have been shown to work in a somewhat different way. These phytonutrients help the collagen fibers link together in a way that strengthens the connective tissue matrix.

We understand that you have no time to read through the bla..bla bla...so the very short list of collagen building fruit would be: Proline: egg white, wheat germ; Lysine: lean meat, fish, legume-peanut; Vitamin C;garlic; catechin:green tea; anthocyanidins:cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.