Beta-Glucans
Beta-glucans are applied to the skin for anti-wrinkle purposes, but have a much longer history of use in treating eczema, burns, and wounds, and have shown to reduce scarring after surgery. Long used as a moisturizer capable of forming a film over the skin, beta-glucans are anti-irritants that stimulate collagen deposition.
They also support the health of macrophages, which are the cells that destroy bacteria, dead or mutated skin cells, and environmental toxins. When macrophages are brought back to a healthy condition, the skin has renewed immunity and can easily remove dead and damaged cells. Beta-glucans are also currently of interest as a possible non-invasive alternative to Botox.
Verbena Officinalis Extract
The extract of this small perennial plant has a long history of use for treating and healing wounds.
Hydrolyzed Soybean Fiber
This ingredient renews fibroblast activity to increase collagen production. Composed primarily of amino acids, peptides, and proteins, soy extract is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It contains a polypeptide that is responsible for its significant moisturizing properties.
Vaccinium Myrtillus or Bilberry Fruit Extract
This extract contains plant pigments called anthocyanosides that have powerful antioxidant properties, as well as vitamin C. Together, they scavenge for free radicals and help the skin maintain elasticity with a healthy collagen and elastin matrix. Often used in the treatment of vascular and vision disorders, bilberry extract is known to improve blood circulation.
Euterpe Oleracea or Acai Fruit Extract
The extract of the acai berry helps prevent the erosion of the skin's protective coating while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's also useful for healing small skin wounds.
It is high in omega-3, 6, and 9, as well as fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. All that gives it an extremely high antioxidant value. It is also an excellent moisturizer and healing agent for dry or cracked skin.
Lycium Barbarum or Goji Extract
Goji contains significant polysaccharides, 19 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, and vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, & E. It has been found to increase cell metabolic function by as much as 20% when applied topically. High in antioxidant activity, Goji has also been reported to capture 35 to 82% of superoxide radicals in skin tissues.
Also, this high antioxidant activity has been shown to help reduce the effects of skin aging. In addition, it has been noted to improve skin healing with anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Aristotelia Chilensis or Macai Berry Fruit Extract
The Maqui Berry is from the Patagonia region of South America and has been used to help reverse the aging process for centuries by the natives of Mapuche. Exceptionally high in antioxidants, it helps support optimal skin function and healing, with potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action.
Aronia Arbutifolia/Aronia Melanocarpa or Red and Black Chokeberry Fruit Extract
Found in North America growing in woodland areas, chokeberries have been a staple in native Indian diets for hundreds of years. More recently they've earned a reputation for being exceptionally high in antioxidants.
According to one study by NP Nutra, they score higher than almost all other superfruits for antioxidants. This makes this extract exceptionally valuable for skin healing and dermal regeneration.
Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract
This tropical fruit from Southeast Asia is known for being exceptionally high in antioxidants, xanthones, in particular, making it excellent for skin healing. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Recent studies have shown this extract to be high in antioxidants that include catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and equol. They increase the production of collagen while offering significant UV sun protection.
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
A study published in the 2005 Journal of Medical Foods found that this fruit extract had a positive effect on the skin's ability to regenerate itself with increased collagen production. It may also be useful for relieving sunburns, eczema, and psoriasis.
