Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are water soluble acids that are derived from many natural sources. AHAs are present in many serums, lotions and toners and are effective in exfoliating the outermost layers of the skin. This leaves the skin brighter, more refreshed and smoother. Exfoliating also helps your other products penetrate deeper.

Antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by free-radicals, otherwise known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is often a result of sun exposure and is known to break down collagen and increase the rate of aging. Antioxidants can help mitigate these effects in a few ways:

1) They reduce your skins inflammatory response to the suns rays,

2) They reduce pigmentation caused by sun damage and can also inhibit melanin production by acting as a tyrosinase inhibitor, and

3) They help improve the skin’s renewal process by reducing inflammation.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA's) are similar to AHAs in that they also exfoliate the skin. The difference between the two is that BHAs are oil soluble, meaning that they’re more effective at deeply exfoliating oil and sebum out of pores. BHAs are excellent for acne or those with oily skin.

Ceramides are the building blocks of your skin. They’re responsible for holding skin together and forming a protective layer that prevents transepidermal water loss (T.E.W.L). Products containing ceramides are very beneficial for strengthening the skin barrier and keeping skin supple and healthy.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) - As we age, our bodies stop producing proteins called growth factors, which are responsible for communicating the messages to the cells that tell them to repair and rejuvenate the skin. This leads to sagging skin and wrinkles. EGF stimulates the cells in the skin called fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin to thicken and tighten the skin.

Fruit Enzymes act as an exfoliant in skincare products. Enzymes break down dead skin cells, excess sebum and impurities. This helps create a clear, radiant complexion.

Humectants (including Hyaluronic Acid) are found naturally in our skin. Humectants such as HA keep our skin hydrated by drawing in moisture from the atmosphere and expanding to retain up to 1000x their weight in water. As we age, our natural HA content starts to degrade and our skin can become dry, tight and dull. Products that contain HA help restore moisture levels to the skin and also help reverse transepidermal water loss (TEWL) caused by a damaged skin barrier.

Hydrolyzed Placental Protein (from sheep) helps the skin self-repair itself. Placenta is known to be an extremely concentrated source of antiinflammatory nutrients and antioxidants. Placenta is effective at regulating skin issues caused by inflammation such as redness, acne scars and a damaged skin barrier.

Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) has many benefits. It is great for sensitive skin, dry and irritated skin as it helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Niacinamide also helps to minimize large pores and soften fine lines. It is also a brightening agent to improve uneven skin tone.

Peptides are important amino acids that support collagen and elastin in the skin. Peptides are a great anti-aging ingredient because they trick the skin into producing more collagen. Peptides can also help reduce inflammation, even out skin tone and and repair a damaged skin barrier.

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works to clear dead skin cells and excess sebum from deep down in the pores. Products with Salicylic acid are best suited for oily and combination skin types and are effective at regulating acne.

Shea Butter contains high concentrations of fatty acids. Shea butter is known for its softening properties but also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is very soothing and will help condition your skin to a soft, supple feeling.

Squalane is a highly effective emollient ingredient and natural antioxidant. Squalane is found naturally in our skin but declines with age. Continued use of products containing squalane can help reduce fine lines and skin pigmentation caused by UV damage and acne scarring.

Various vegetable oils function to restore lipids (fats) to the skin. They are also skin conditioning ingredients and will soften the skin. Examples of common vegetable oils used in skincare include:
- Avocado Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Almond Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Argan Oil

Vitamin A (or retinol) is by far the most studied ingredient in skincare. It has been proven time and time again to have remarkable anti-aging and acne preventing capabilities. Vitamin A penetrates the stratum corneum to increase the rate of cell turnover, resulting in new, healthy cells more frequently. Vitamin A also activates fibroblast activity which stimulates the formation of collagen in the skin. Fine lines are reduced and skin texture is resurfaced. This increased rate of cell turnover also helps to prevent acne from forming by continuously clearing out pores. This continuous “cleaning” doesn’t allow for dead skin cells and sebum to build up and cause a blemish. When you first start a vitamin A product, you’re likely to experience purging. This is a good thing as deep, underlying clogged pores are cleared out, leaving you with clear, glowing skin.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun. Sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging and presents in the skin as as sun spots (pigmentation), fine lines and wrinkles, loss of volume, collagen and elasticity. Using a Vitamin C product in your skincare routine can protect your skin against oxidative damage and help to stimulate collagen synthesis, brighten sun spots and even out skin tone.

Yeast Extracts produce amino acids and peptides that help with cell turnover and improving collagen synthesis. Some yeast extracts also contain powerful antioxidants such beta-glucan that neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals.