PharmaSkinCare Advanced Lightening Collection Ingredients

PharmaSkinCare Collection Ingredients

THE INGREDIENTS

The basis of Advanced Science is in the carefully controlled selection of ingredients. Each line is targeted to solving specific and difficult skin problems, Extensive research determines which ingredients offer maximum benefits by themselves and in combination with the others. Always looking to nature, we first turn to the time-tested:

Herbs: The herbs utilized in the Advanced Science collections range from the legendary like Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf or Angustifolium (Willowherb) to the recently uncovered like Broussonetia Kazinoki Root, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed and Yucca Schidigera.

The fact that herbs and botanicals contain powerful medication should not come as a surprise. Herbal and botanical medicine is the oldest known form of healthcare and many of today's most important drugs are derived from herbs and botanicals. There are well over 100 herbs and botanicals that are believed to be helpful and as more research is being done this list continues to grow. The naturally occurring biologically active compounds found in plants can function effectively when taken as teas, tablets, oils, and extracts. More and more scientific evidence is mounting that herbs and botanicals cannot only work to help treat many chronic problems and numerous minor ailments, but also have a capacity to prevent illness.

Fruits: Each fruit or fruit combination has been chosen for remarkable antioxidant properties or gentle yet effective exfoliating properties or unusual soothing abilities or unique enzymes and minerals. The fruit extracts in these products are carefully tailored to the specific treatment they are best suited for.

Vitamins: Studies have indicated that vitamin deficiencies may be external as well as internal, and vitamins and their derivatives play an important role in the war against aging by protecting the body cells and tissues from damage.

Always alert to the latest research findings, Advanced Science products are formulated with the most exciting -- but not trendy -- new discoveries. Here are just a few:

1. Arbutin & Kojic Acid
An natural extract of Bearberry plant, Arbutin inhibits the formation of melanin and thereby prevents pigmentation and aids skin whitening. Arbutin has been safely used to prevent pigmentation like age spots and freckles and to whiten the skin without unpleasant side effects. Kojic Acid is also a natural skin lightener -- a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice. Kojic Acid blocks the formation of pigment by the deep cells on the skin and is effective in giving skin an even tone.

2. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)
DMAE is a naturally occurring, superior free radical fighting nutrient recognized for its "face-lifting" qualities -- tightening and toning of sagging facial tissues. While increasing oxygen delivery and collagen and elastin support, it stabilizes liposome membranes. DMAE also stimulates extension substances that are effective in correcting both age and environmental damage. Drooping skin noticeably firms.

3. Soy
The remarkable protective benefits of Soy derive from the powerful concentration of phytonutrients in it. And the isoflavones and unusually high amino acid and protein content inherent to this bean are the factors that seem to exhibit the most exceptional values for the human body. Moreover, Soy lipids are a superior source of those Essential Fatty Acids so necessary to our physiology and our skin's ability to enhance moisture retention.

4. Superoxide Dismutase (S.O.D.)
Produced naturally in our body, (S.O.D.) is a powerful enzyme (actually a class of enzymes) that can be found in young, healthy vibrant skin. Chief among its functions is to regulate collagen and elastin formation while attacking free radicals that speed the aging process. As we age, the production of (S.O.D.) declines, so it is imperative to maintain it as vital antioxidant support.

5. Alpha Lipoic (Thioctic) Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a highly effective potent antioxidant supporting the most essential function of the cell: that is, it helps to retard the aging process and increase youthful repair by helping maintain the health of the mitochondria -- the part of the cell containing genetic material and enzymes important for cell metabolism. Alpha Lipoic Acid helps tremendously in increasing and correcting damaged collagen. Skin will become firmer, more supple and rejuvenated.

6. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging nutrient. Like vitamins, Coenzyme Q10 is important not only internally, but externally -- not only for skin care but for the body, as well. A nutrient essential to the normal functioning of body cells, it is naturally found in young pliant skin but begins to diminish as we age. The result is a loss in elasticity and tonicity that needs to be refreshed.

THE BOTTOM LINE

From botanical extracts to healthy vitamins to vital minerals to new discoveries, our broadening knowledge of what makes skin youthful has enabled us uncover more efficacious, more beneficial ingredients. Because of this, Advanced Science® will continue to launch the most effective treatments to help create healthy radiant skin. Advanced Science®: Potent & Targeted.

Vitamin A: The vitamin necessary for healthy skin. A serious lack or excess intake can cause dry, rough skin, among other problems. Synthetic vitamin A-like compounds called retinoids, such as tretinoin, applied directly to the skin have been used to treat acne and skin wrinkling and mottled pigmentation caused by chronic sun exposure. Used systemically, retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane) and etretinate treat acne and help to prevent skin cancer in those at very high risk.

Vitamin C: Also known by its chemical name (ascorbic acid), this vitamin plays an important role in healing wounds in the skin and in preventing scurvy. There is evidence that applying topical vitamin C will help "rejuvenate" the skin and make it appear younger by activating the oxidizing influences to which the skin is subjected. For Vitamin-C skin care, click here.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is formed in the body in part by interaction with sun light. Vitamin D is considered to be an antioxidant and anticarcinogen, and may play a role in skin pigmentation. Since it can be absorbed by the skin, applying this vitamin topically can have an effect on skin's health. Vitamin D is toxic in large amounts, and megadoses should be avoided. Sunbathing, however, will not result in an overdose.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It can help prevent free radical damage. Based on the observation that skin damage caused by the sun and other environmental agents are induced by free radicals, there is the possibility that vitamin E may be effective in preventing skin damage. It is being used in more and more skin preparations as a way to fend off this damage

Vitamin A: Topical application helps smooth dry, rough skin and improves elasticity. Studies also indicate that topical Vitamin A can increase protein and collagen synthesis.
Vitamin B-5: Ethyl panthenol, better known as B-5 promotes cell regeneration and wound healing. It also enhances moisturizing.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C increases the synthesis of collagen, strengthens capillaries and protects against ultraviolet radiation.
Vitamin E: Promotes tissue growth and speeds healing. Protects against sun damage.
Vitamin K: Topical Vitamin K has been shown to reduce the appearance of spider veins and helps heal bruises and improve dark circles under the eyes.

Anti-oxidants (Vitamins C, A and E) do important jobs for the skin. Medical research has established that topical Vitamin C plays an essential role in every aspect of the skin's functioning, including protection from ultraviolet damage and repair of cumulative sun damage. Buyers beware - the quality of Vitamin C products vary greatly. Vitamin C comes in two forms: water soluble (Ascorbic Acid) and fat soluble (Ascorbyl Palmitate). Studies show that Ascorbyl Palmitate is 80% more effective than Ascorbic Acid. The combination of anti-oxidants jump-starts your cells into producing more collagen. They constantly need to be nourished and supported. Within a short period of time, the skin's appearance (texture) will be firmer, smoother and more resilient. Skin tone evens out thus appearing noticeably healthier.


A (Retinol) why it's needed: Necessary to new cell growth. Helps fight infection. Essential for healthy skin, good blood, strong bones and teeth, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and membranes. Helps in the maintenance of good eyesight. more effective with: B-complex, Choline, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Calcium, Phosphorous, Zinc.
B-1 (Thiamin) why it's needed: Necessary for proper metabolism of sugar and starch to provide energy. Maintains a healthy nervous system and mental attitude. Aids in digestion. Stress increases the need for B-1. more effective with: B-Complex, B-2, Folic Acid, Niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Manganese.
B-2 (Riboflavin) why it's needed: Important for good muscle tone. Involved in metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Necessary for good vision, skin, hair and nails. more effective with: B-Complex, B-6, Niacin, Vitamin C.
B-3 (Niacin) why it's needed: Involved in proper activity of nervous system. Needed for healthy skin and digestive system. Improves circulation and reduces cholesterol. more effective with: B-Complex, B-1, B-2, Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid.
B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) why it's needed: Helps form certain hormones and antibodies. Aids resistance to stress. Plays an essential role in energy, metabolism. Needed for maintenance of healthy digestive tract, skin and nerves. Converts fat and sugar to energy. more effective with: B-Complex, B-6, B-12, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin C.
B-6 (Pyridoxine) why it's needed: Essential for utilization of proteins and fats. Needed for production of red blood cells and antibodies, which fight disease. Helps in normal function of nervous system. more effective with: B-Complex, B-1, B-2, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium.
B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) why it's needed: Powerful blood building factor. Key nutrient for new growth. Important factor in maintaining health of nervous system, including brain cells. more effective with: B-Complex, B-6, Choline, Folic Acid, Inositol, Vitamin C, Potassium.
B-Complex why it's needed: B-Complex is all the B-Vitamins together. Important for normal functioning of nervous system. Acts to provide energy. Keeps the digestive. more effective with: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Phosphorous.
Biotin why it's needed: Performs several functions in metabolism of fats, and production of energy. Helps synthesize amino and fatty acids and form RNA & DNA. more effective with: B-Complex, B-12, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin C.
C (Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate) why it's needed: Vital to collagen formation, the connective substance in all cells. Fights toxic effects of smoke and pollution. Helps in healing, in production of red blood cells, preventing hemorrhaging, in fighting bacterial infections, and regulating cholesterol. Its need is increased by physical stress. more effective with: All vitamins and minerals, Calcium, Magnesium.
Choline why it's needed: Aids in nerve transmission and utilization of fat. Helps prevent fat deposits in liver and degenerative changes in kidney and bladder. more effective with: Vitamin A, B-Complex, B-12, Folic Acid, Inositol.
D (Calciferol) why it's needed: Necessary to calcium and phosphorous utilization. Promotes strong bones and teeth, prevents rickets, works to maintain good health and vitality. Protects against muscle weakness. Helps regulate the heart (thru calcium absorption.) more effective with: Vitamin A, Choline, Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorous.
E (Tocopherol) why it's needed: An antioxidant that prevents premature reaction of oxygen in the body, prevents many breakdowns of many substances in the body. Essential to the use of oxygen by muscles. Prolongs life of red blood cells. Protects lungs. Inhibits blood clots from forming. more effective with: Vitamin A, B-Complex, B-1, Inositol, Vitamin C, Manganese, Selenium
Folic Acid why it's needed: This B-Vitamin helps synthesize nucleic acids such as RNA & DNA. Necessary for red blood cell production, growth and reproduction. more effective with: B-Complex, B-12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin C.
Inositol why it's needed: Involved in the metabolism of fats. Aids in brain cell nutrition. Vital for hair growth. more effective with: B-Complex, B-12, Choline.
K why it's needed: Necessary for formation of prothrombin which is required in blood clotting. Essential for normal liver functioning and important in maintaining vitallity and longevity.
PABA why it's needed: Part of B-Complex, Aids in the utilization of proteins. Necessary for formation of blood cells. Vital for hair pigmentation, healthy skin. Deficiency may result in premature graying of hair. more effective with: B-Complex, Folic Acid, Vitamin C
P (Bioflavonoids, Rutin, Hesperidin) why it's needed: Necessary for the proper function absorption of Vitamin C. Helps build resistence to infection. more effective with: Vitamin C

How it works: Fresh vitamins and minerals penetrate deep into skin where they stimulate cell division. This has two major effects: repair the top layer of skin and boost the production of collagen, a protein that makes skin elastic and provides structure. Our anti-aging skin care products work better, than any lab made skin care. Natural skin care products deliver visible and lasting results.

Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines.

,b>Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection.

Alpha-lipoic acid: Also known as thioctic acid. Called the "master" or "universal" antioxidant because it is the only anti-oxidant that is both lipid and water-soluble (works both inside and outside the cell) and can help "recycle" both lipid and water-soluble vitamins and anti-oxidants, specifically vitamins C and E and coenzyme QlO, extending their ability to scavenge free-radicals. One of the most potent anti-oxidants (can scavenge a large amount of hydroxyl or "free" radicals). Improves sugar metabolism and energy production as it is a small enough molecule to penetrate the mitochondria of the cell, where energy is produced. Works synergistically with other anti-oxidants and vitamins to enhance their benefit. Helps promote production of glutathione, one of the most important anti-oxidants that the body produces (glutatluione helps maintain cellular integrity). Alpha-lipoic acid is produced naturally in the body, but only in tiny amounts; and alpha-lipoic can be ingested in foods such as liver, yeast, red meat and certain green vegetables (such as spinach), but also only in tiny amounts. Products: emerginC hypervitalizer face and eye creams, emerginC complexion-perfection.

Anti-oxidants: Anti-oxidants help scavenge and "neutralize" free radicals (OH hydroxyl radicals). Free radicals are atoms or molecules that are missing a pair of electrons, making them unstable. Because of this instability, free radicals can damage healthy cells: cross linking of collagen can occur (leading to wrinkles) and oxidation can harm lipids and proteins essential for healthy skin. Therefore, free radicals are a major cause of aging skin and anti-oxidants a major weapon against free radicals. Free radicals can also cause damaging cellular inflammation and anti-oxidants can diminish or eliminate this inflammation. All anti-oxidants have anti-inflammatory properties. Products: almost all emerginC products.

Arbutin: Arbutin is a natural, plant derived, highly-effective, stable skin whitening agent that works on the skin by transforming excessive melanin production into colorless substances as well as competing with certain enzymes that inhibit tyrosine oxidation by tyrosinase (a main cause of hyper-pigmentation). UV damage (primarily from the sun) is one of the main causes of hyper-pigmentation). Products: emerginC spot, emerginC lighten up under-eye circle fighter

Coenzvme Q1O: Coenzyme Q1O is a vitamin-like anti-oxidant, essential for cellular energy. It acts like the "spark" is all cellular activity and is an important defense against sun damage. kojic acid: Kojic acid is a natural, effective lightener (derived from rice) that helps fade spots by retarding excessive melanin production

Retinol: Retinol is the most effective form of vitamin A without a prescription. Retinol has demonstrated to give similar benefits to retin-A but without the irritation (and at a slower pace). Retinol increases cellular turnover which evens out tone and texture and helps skin to function better. Retinol is better than other forms of vitamin A as the molecular structure is smaller.

Vitamin B: Vitamin B is an effective anti-inflammatory. Products: emerginC H20+ and emerginC multi-vitamin.

Vitamin C: Vitamin c, in stable, low pH, high-concentration, L-Ascorbic acid formulations, is key in fighting the aging process. Vitamin C (as L-Ascorbic acid) is a potent, water-soluble, anti-oxidant, a vital co-factor in the production of collagen and elastin, can reverse and help prevent photo-damage and help improve and prevent pigmentation problems. As an acid, it also helps improve tone and texture by removing dead skin cells and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Nanotope Liposomes, a patented delivery system originally designed for pharmaceutical use, are ultra-small carriers--three to five times smaller than conventional liposome s--that can entrap lipid or water soluble ingredients to help them better penetrate the skin.

How Vitamin C ( L- Ascorbyl Acid ) work as fading agent?

There is an increasing awareness that Vitamin C has a wide variety of role in human health. New therapeutic uses are being investigated daily, among recent discoveries is that Vitamin C can play important role in the health and beauty of your skin.

Vitamin C as Ascorbyl form has been tested extensively and reported in journal of American Academy of Dermatology to inhibit the production of the melanin ( Melanin is the pigment which give the skin it's dark color ), when Vitamin C inhibit the production of the melanin, a lighter and brighter skin will reveal in just few weeks.

Vitamin -C does more than that also, Vitamin -C is required for collagen synthesis, which declines markedly in aging skin. As we grow older, we suffer diminished micro capillary circulation within our skin, which deprives our skin cells of the supply of Vitamin -C it needs for youthful collagen synthesis. The topical application of Vitamin -C in a skin-penetrating medium can dramatically enhance the availability of Vitamin -C for collagen production. Vitamin -C regenerates vitamin E in the skin. An antioxidant like vitamin E can only suppress a limited number of free radicals before it runs out of electrons to donate. Vitamin -C regenerates vitamin E and enables vitamin E to provide sustained antioxidant protection in the skin's elastin fibers. Vitamin -C plays a vital role in skin repair. When your skin is injured, its Vitamin -C content is used up rapidly in the scavenging of free radicals, and in synthesizing collagen to speed healing. Natural Double Action Whitening Agent

A new type of skin de-pigmentation and whitening agents, an extract of Bearberry plant which produced by a solid /liquid extraction, an environmentally friendly process . Cosmetic uses of Arbutin : Arbutin protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals, Arbutin is a skin whitening agent which is very popular in Japan and Asian countries for skin de-pigmentation, Arbutin inhibits the formation of melanin pigment by inhibiting Tyrosinase activity. Arbutin in medical use : Back in the 18th century Arbutin was first used in medical areas as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It was used particularly for cystitis, urethritis and pyelitis. These uses still until today where natural medicine uses only natural ingredients to treat any disease. It may be used to repress the virulence of bacterial pathogens and to prevent contaminating bacteria, it is also used for treating allergic inflammation of the skin . More recently, Arbutin has been used to prevent pigmentation and to whiten the skin beautifully. It can be used to whiten the skin, to prevent liver spots and freckles, to treat sunburn marks and to regulate melanogenesis. Arbutin is very safe skin agent for external use which does not have toxicity, stimulation, unpleasant odor or side effect such as Hydroqinone. The powder diffusion formula of Arbutin 2-phase diffuses upon wet application to the skin with enhanced day long performance. The encapsulation of Arbutin constitute a delivery system to potentialize the effect in time. It is a way to incorporate the hydrophilic Arbutin in lipophilic media.

Arbutin give three main properties; Whitening effects, anti- age effect and UVB/ UVC filter

VITAMIN A - Greatest skin benefits: Helps with fine lines and wrinkles. As some have learned the hard way, attempting to hide fine lines and wrinkles behind layers of make up is a losing battle. Better to improve the condition of your skin with products containing retinoids. Prescription products like Retin-A and Renova utilize Vitamin A derivatives to great effect, but some people's skin may react with uncomfortable stinging, redness or scaling. Fortunately, "Retinol," a non-prescription Vitamin-A derivative contained in many over-the-counter products can provide much of the same benefits with less risk of irritation and sun sensitivity. However, due to the lower levels of retinoids in some consumer products, it may take a bit longer to see the desired result.

VITAMIN B's - Greatest skin benefits: A healthy glow, moisture retention. Vitamins B-3 (niacin) and B-5 (pantothenic acid) have become popular additions to skin-care products because of their ability to assist in retaining moisture. B-3 is a relatively new ingredient on the marketplace but has demonstrated great promise, offering a milder alternative to acidic exfoliators like glycolic and salicylic acid, which some feel is too harsh for their complexions. B-5 is a more common skin-care additive, and is widely recognized for its (along with Vitamin E) moisturizing ability. It's also good for those with sensitive skin, as some creams made with Vitamin-E have been known to cause irritation. VITAMIN C - Greatest skin benefits: Repairs sun damage.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) has been one of skin-care's hot sellers for the past several years due to its proven effectiveness as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are a critical natural defense against "free radicals," unstable molecules that age the skin as a result of pollution, smoking and sun exposure. Topical Vitamin C can protect the skin from UV damage caused by prolonged sun exposure by reducing the amount of free radical formation. However, while it can help safeguard against skin damage and reduce discoloration, it should be used in conjunction with, not in place of, a good sunscreen. Yet another benefit of Vitamin C is its ability to enhance the synthesis of collagen: a critically important skin protein that strengthens structural support and resilience of the skin.

VITAMIN E - Greatest skin benefits: Repairs dry, rough skin. Vitamin-E (alpha tocopherol) is another powerful antioxidant that is commonly used in lotions and creams for its moisturizing ability. Though some of the "miraculous" healing claims of Vitamin-E supporters have been exaggerated over the years, it is still widely recognized for its proven ability to help retain moisture in the skin.

VITAMIN K - Greatest skin benefits: Repairs dark, under-eye circles. night's sleep is always recommended, topical Vitamin-K is a good additional defense against discoloration under the eyes. Often used as a treatment for spider veins, topical Vitamin K enters through the pores all the way to the damaged capillary or artery and helps to clot the blood, thus stopping any seepage (often the cause of dark circles) and allowing the tissue to heal itself. In addition to K, Vitamin-C is also known for its ability to diminish dark circles, and using a product (or products) containing both vitamins is a good bet.

Week by week, magazine articles carry dozens of suggestions as to how we could make our skin healthier. As we have seen, healthy skin is the consequence of a well-hydrated and intact epidermis, together with avoidance of sun damage and a balanced diet. When we are fatigued, poorly nourished or stressed, our skin shows it. While the use of daily vitamins has for years been recognized as an important part of maintaining health, only recently have researches started paying attention to the relationship between nutritional intake and skin health. Vitamins have long been used in topical skin treatment for their beneficial effects on their skin's surface and for their antioxidant properties, but obtaining skin benefits via ingested vitamins had not received much attention. Today, a number of studies reveal that certain vitamins and minerals, when taken internally, can positively influence skin appearance, beauty, and a woman's overall health.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper function of every organ in the body - and the skin is no exception. Furthermore, deficiencies of some vitamins and minerals are particularly detrimental to the skin and may result in skin diseases and/or accelerated aging. While severe vitamin/mineral deficiencies are rare in the developed countries, mild deficiencies are surprisingly common. To maximize the effects of any skin rejuvenation program, one needs to consume adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. This doesn't mean, however, that one needs to indiscriminately gobble up megadoses of vitamin/mineral supplements. In most cases, excessively high doses do not provide extra benefits. Furthermore, high doses of some vitamins and most minerals may be toxic. For those few vitamins when doses above RDA (recommended daily allowance) may provide extra benefits, one should not exceed safety limits. Below we focus on vitamins and minerals that are particularly important for skin health.