NEW RESEARCH PAPER REVEALS VALUE OF TURMERIC IN SKIN CARE FORMULATIONS.

In a recent research paper published in the official Journal of American Nutrition, the unique benefits of turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, have been revealed.

Few natural products have demonstrated the range of protective and therapeutic promise as have turmeric and its principal bioactive components, the curcuminoids. Turmeric and its main bioactive components – curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin – have many biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral activities.

Besides its food value, turmeric is also an old and effective herbal ingredient in oriental beauty enhancing applications. Because of powerful healing and revitalizing properties, it has been used in beauty products for thousands of years. The harsh pharma-based formulations weaken the living tissue in the dermis (that is beneath the epidermis).  (Epidermis is the upper layer, consisting of several rows of living cells, covered with a horny layer of dead cells. These are constantly being shed and replaced by the cells from the deeper layer, the dermis. Dermis is also called ‘true skin’ as it is supplied with nutrients from the blood stream; it contains supporting tissue, which gives the skin its tone and resilience.

Turmeric has amazing curative properties that supports the dermis tissue; it creates epidermal stimulation for new cell growth, its antioxidant properties are ideal for cellular rejuvenation and repair.  With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric eliminates infection-causing bacteria without stripping away the skin’s natural oils and water.

After having experimented turmeric with different combinations of herbal ingredients, Herbally Radiant launched a powerful skin-friendly face mask “Turmeric & ClayMask” in powder form. With kaolin and bentonite clay and mixing it with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C Ester, this has become a very popular face mask formulation for our customers. Priced at $ 23.90 (shipping free), this is the best natural face mask presently available, both for normal and sensitive skin types.

MISLABELING OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS ON THE RISE

The latest Medical News has two independent surveys by the Chapman University, expressing concern at the mislabeling of meat products. Separately, we are witnessing increasing number of mislabeling or deceptive labeling of skin care and cosmetic products.

The two surveys highlight that the mislabeling is most common in products purchased from online suppliers.  In the case of beauty products, the mislabeling, or deceptive claims, is more unethical especially while promising unbelievable results.

Past few months have seen rising number of complaints, especially for beauty products, received by agencies such as Advertising Standards Agency and the Better Business Bureau.

A recent opinion poll, based on a sample of cosmetics advertisements in Vogue, Glamour, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, InStyle and People StyleWatch, revealed that a mere 17% of respondents trusted the advertising industry, 39% were cynical toward advertising, 7% were deceptiveness-wary (they acknowledge advertising is somehow beneficial without trusting it) and 16% regarded advertising as deceptively harmful. Out of a sample of 621 ad claims, only 136 were found to follow fair marketing campaigns.

One usually finds no substantiation of the claims made in most of the beauty products, and those who back the claims with “scientific evidence” and “consumer testing”, often use questionable methodologies for their substantiation.  Some examples of cosmeceuticals include anti-aging or anti-wrinkle products, fat-reducing creams and facial scrubs for smoother, firmer, more evenly pigmented skin. Many products, questionably, claim to “eliminate” wrinkles, lines and spots.

We at Herbally Radiant have been highlighting such unethical marketing claims, more so in the case of web-based suppliers. In all labels and packaging of Herbally Radiant products, consumers are clearly explained the ingredients and specific benefits of products. This helps consumers to make well informed choice.

For scientific claims, the concrete evidence of ingredients, the scientific research processes used and lab results should be provided in laymen's terminology so as to help consumers understand such claims in the right context.

There are also grave concerns about environmental issues. It would be desirable to indicate clearly whatever environmental attributes might be germane to the product – for example, if the product was not pretested on animals prior to being distributed to consumers.

Additionally, research has also showed that luxury perception may differ depending on the visual art employed. Some of these visual arts are similar to the concept of “radical fashion” (i.e. that unlikely to be adapted in reality). Consumers need to understand the purpose of the images presented and the claims made in cosmetics advertisements.

LEARN ABOUT NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS IN BEAUTY FORMULATIONS

A recent research study in ‘Cell Reports’ reminds us about the important role of antioxidants.  From the point of skin care, it is useful to learn the benefits of antioxidant ingredients in beauty products.

With topical application, the antioxidant ingredients go into our blood stream through skin pores. Experts team at Herbally Radiant therefore takes special care in including antioxidant ingredients in several formulations to enhance their efficacy.

Antioxidants are natural substances like beta-carotene, vitamin C and E and other minerals, Ratinol, green tea extract, all these  could prevent, or delay, most of the age related or pollution related damage to cells. They can counter "free radicals" that damage DNA. Damaged skin cells can speed up aging process with the premature emergence of wrinkles, dry skin, dark under eye circles, dull skin, and many other disorders.

In natural skin care products, extracts of black or green tea are used by Herbally Radiant to derive great healing benefits. The extracts of buds and leaves of tea make very effective ingredient as they have the highest concentration of antioxidant properties (polyphenol and flavonoid content). Green and white teas contain anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties which also provide excellent skin nourishment.

The condensed antioxidant elements of green tea have many advantages.  These aid in body’s physical and biochemical systems as well as cell structure, with proven ability to penetrate a cell and protect it against free radical invasion. Free radicals are damaging compounds that alter cells that directly correlate with the aging process.  The special feature of green tea is that it comes with minimal processing – its leaves are withered and not fermented- making it very effective ingredient in top beauty formulations, to prevent acne, spots and blemishes.

Tea extracts also have scavenging effect of lipid free radicals due to high catechin & polyphenol properties. Herbally Radiant experts have found their excellent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties when combined with selected organic ingredients.

Other antioxidant elements are:  Vitamin C, Vitamin E, (we use them specially in serums and moisturizers). Vitamin C enhances collagen production (including dermal collagen, which fights against wrinkles), besides helping reduce skin discoloration, strengthening skin’s barrier response, enhancing skin’s repair process, reducing inflammation, and helping skin better withstand exposure to sunlight. Retinol (the term for the entire vitamin A molecule) is a brilliant antioxidant cell-communicating ingredient with multiple benefits: anti-aging effect, younger and healthier skin, reducing breakouts, brown spots and red marks. Resveratrol is another potent polyphenolic antioxidant found in red grapes, nuts and fruits which protects against sun damage, improves collagen production and reduces cell damage.   

Tip: For added benefit, make sure to eat plenty of antioxidants as well. In this case, what's good for your skin is also good for your body!

HOW TO DELAY AGING SIGNS FOR YOUNGER APPEARANCE

Recent MNT bulletin explains how scientists in Berlin have shown that a certain area of the cell (endoplasmic reticulum) loses its oxidative power with advancing age. This leads to a decline in the capacity to form the disulphide bridges that are so important for correct protein folding, resulting in oxidative protein damage such as those caused by the release of free radicals. Researchers continue to explore cures for aging disorders, both mental and physical.

Here it would be useful to consider the aging impact on physical appearance, including facial features.The visible effects of aging begin to show on the skin; especially the facial skin begins to show signs of emerging lines and wrinkles, and in many cases spots or blemishes. The skin tends to lose its elasticity and natural shine. In this context, good skin care products are essential to restore beauty and health of skin, and to delay aging signs on facial skin.

The most visible signs of aging skin are emerging wrinkles and sagging skin. Changes in skin (consisting of epidermis, dermis, sweat glands, hair follicles, blood vessels and fat), are also related to environmental factors (like sun exposure), genetic makeup, nutritional food, lifestyle, including regular physical work-outs,

With aging, the outer skin (epidermis) thins, but the number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases, while the remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin thus appears thinner, pale, and clear (translucent), and begins to show pigmented spots, liver spots especially in sun-exposed areas.

Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's strength and elasticity, leading to leathery, weather-beaten appearance more among those spending time outdoors. The blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile. Sebaceous glands produce less oil as you age. Men experience a minimal decrease, usually after the age of 80. Women gradually produce less oil beginning after menopause. This can make it harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness and itchiness, and growth of skin tags, warts and other blemishes appear more commonly among older people. 

Aging skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. Wound healing may be up to 4 times slower. This contributes to pressure ulcers and infections. Avoidable sun exposure damages skin, and skin elasticity.

The appearance of the face and neck typically changes with age. Loss of muscle tone and thinning skin gives the face a flabby or drooping appearance. In some people, sagging jowls may create the look of a “double chin.”

Our skin also dries out and loses the underlying layer of fat so that our face no longer has a plump smooth surface. To some extent, wrinkles cannot be avoided. However, sun exposure, cigarette smoking and lack of physical work out, are likely to make them develop more quickly. The number and size of blotches and dark spots on the face increase as well. These pigment changes are largely due to sun exposure.

USEFUL TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUNGER HEALTHIER SKIN:

-          Avoid exposure to sun by : (a) using good quality sunscreen when outdoors, even in winter, and (b) protective clothing, hat, as necessary.

-          Good nutritional food and drinks, with adequate fluids are essential.

-          Keep skin moist with lotions and other moisturizers. Do not use soaps that are heavily perfumed and contain sulfate. Moist skin is more comfortable and will heal any skin damage more quickly.

-          Regular physical work-out is essential to maintain healthy blood circulation to all parts of body.

-          Anti-aging topical formulations: When looking for a topical skin tightening treatment, it’s important to understand the difference between topical agents that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and those that actually tighten the skin and reduce sag. A quality anti-aging treatment will include skin firming ingredients such as DMAE which has been proven to tighten and firm the skin by toning the muscles underneath and giving a leaner facial appearance. Another important ingredient to look for in anti-aging treatments is Ubiquinone. Ubiquinone is a super antioxidant that boosts our body’s ability to produce collagen, elastin and other important skin molecules, helping our skin look young and healthy.

-          Please note that aggressively marketed products containing “artificial collagen” only provide a temporary result and don’t produce long term effects. Everyone knows our skin needs collagen to look younger and tighter. Products which contain DMAE and Ubiquinone, work by helping your body produce the components (elastin and collagen) that once made your skin young and wrinkle free.

-          After extensive tests, the R&D team at Herbally Radiant launched two lines of unique anti-aging formulations: Radiant (dry and normal skin) and Rejuvenating (Oily and normal skin). Unlike the chemical ingredients, the Radiant and Rejuvenating formulations are aloe based and contain DMAE along with Vitamin B, C and E, in combination with fortified Essential Oils and herbs. The result is amazing revitalization and rejuvenation of skin.

-          Most of the ‘magic’ products being marketed might create short term appearance as these are pharma-based with synthetic additives and chemicals. It is the herbal organic formulations that exclusively aim at creating healthier, brighter and younger skin for longer lasting effect.

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