Active Ingredients

Aloe Vera - Widely used for its soothing properties, Aloe Vera is a great addition to our products. A recent study reported in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal noted that “topical application . . . showed increased showed increased biosynthesis and turnover of collagen, and accumulation of glycosaminoglycans resulting in scars of greater tensile strength. Aloe vera applied to second-degree burns showed decreased inflammation measured by capillary permeability and leukocyte adhesion... suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.” (2007; 27:408)

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Allantoin - Allantoin has a moisturizing and keratolytic effect that increases the water content of the extracellular matrix, enhancing the desquamation of upper layers of dead skin cells, increasing the smoothness of the skin, and promoting cell proliferation and wound healing.  Allantoin soothes and protects by forming complexes with irritating and sensitizing agents.

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APPLE EXTRACT (Malonic Acid) - As part of the alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) family, this mild but effective ingredient aids in penetration by gently exfoliating dead skin cells and breaking weak intracellular bridges.

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(B) VITAMIN B Complex - Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenate), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyancobalamine) comprise the vitamin B complex. The American Academy of Dermatology states that vitamins B3 (niacin) and B5 (pantothenic acid) help hold in moisture.  Well-hydrated skin is less likely to become irritated, thereby unleashing a chain of events that injures tissue and hastens skin aging.One industry study tested the combination containing pantothenic acid, niacin, and vitamin E on skin with rosacea, a condition of dry, ruddy, rough skin that irritates easily. Skin treated with this product experienced a 36% increase in hydration. In another study, B vitamins were shown to be effective exfoliators; that is, they removed dead surface skin cells that clump up and make skin texture appear dull.

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(C) Vitamin C - The use of topical L-ascorbic acid has been widely studied.  With regular use, vitamin C is a key component of photodamaged skin rejuvenation.  Topical vitamin C, an antioxidant, neutralizes damaging free radical molecules in the skin, thus helping to protect the skin from the harmful effects caused by sunlight’s UVA and UVB rays.  Another form of C, vitamin C ester (or ascorbyl palmitate, an ingredient in VILLANO MD), may actually reverse existing sun damage.  One study found that ascorbyl palmitate reduced inflammation and redness in sunburned human skin in half the time of a placebo cream.  The sooner irritation is stopped, the less damage free radicals can do to the skin.

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caviar extract- Rich in minerals and vitamin content (B1, B2, B6  as well as A, E, and D), caviar extract improves the health and appearance of maturing skin.  By promoting communication between cells and skin, caviar extract strengthens and repairs important barrier functions while also naturally stimulating cellular metabolism and cutaneous rejuvenation.

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COLLAGEN - Although you cannot replace your own collagen by applying it topically (we wish!), daily application can nevertheless aid in skin hydration.  Topical collagen holds many times its own weight in water, thereby making it a crucial ingredient for retaining moisture. 

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Copper Ions - As Copper Ion Ferment, copper is a known rejuvenator and antioxidant.  It also functions inside the skin’s intra-cellular matrix, aiding in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. (Experimental Dermatology, September 2008)

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DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)- DMAE has been proven to firm the skin.  According to a study cited in the Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology, dermatologists rated the improvement in the skin of otherwise untreated women on a scale of 1 to 10 (minimum improvement to maximum improvement) for one month using digital photography, skin color evaluation, and water retention measurements in the strateum corneum (the uppermost layer of the skin).  The change in under-eye firmness was rated at 5.15 on the scale, while the changes in cheekbone and cheekfold firmness were 6.96 and 7.00, respectively.  The change in jawbone firmness measured 5.98.  Each of these scores represents statistically significant improvements in skin health.  The positive effects of DMAE on skin firmness were confirmed in a later study in the journal Skin Research and Technology.  A third study (also cited in the Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology) noted that over longer periods of time (8 months), DMAE was found to continue to increase skin firmness.

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(E) vitamin E- Scientists have long touted the antioxidant powers of vitamin E.  Its ability to bioconvert tocopheryl acetate  to tocopherol and its ability to aid in the reduction of DNA damage and lipid peroxidation of skin cells make vitamin E a powerful ally in the quest for rejuvenated skin.  Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble vitamin.  The Journal of Molecular Medicine has noted that “many studies document that vitamin E occupies a central position as a highly efficient antioxidant, thereby providing possibilities to decrease the frequency and severity of pathological events in the skin” (1995: Jan, pp. 7-17).

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GINSENG rOOt - Although some herald ginseng root as a miracle substance in its ability to visibly lift the skin, we lay claim only to its superior ability to aid in leaving the skin soft, smooth, and refined.  Used in homeopathic medicine for over 4,000 years, ginseng root is a natural medicinal plant that offers the skin increased immuno-properties and regenerative tendencies.

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GREEN TEA EXTRACT (EGCG/Camellia Green Tea Extract) - In numerous scientific studies green tea has been shown to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation.  It is thought that green tea works synergistically to enhance sun protection when used in conjuction with sunscreen.  Data from a study published in Clinical Cancer Research demonstrated that “EGCG has the potential to block the UVB-induced infiltration of leukocytes and the subsequent generation of ROS [reactive oxygen species; otherwise known as “free radicals”] in human skin.”  The article goes on to state that EGCG “may be useful as a topical agent for protection against UVB-induced ROS-associated inflammatory dermatoses, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis” (2000, 6:3864-3869). 

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hyalouronic acid - A known hydrator that occurs naturally in the skin, hyalourons are of essential importance for not only maintaing moisture by increasing the amount of water held in the extracellular matrix, but also in aiding in getting nutrition to the skin cells.

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JoJoBa seed Oil - With its exceptional skin-softening properties, jojoba seed oil promotes skin suppleness and assists in skin rejuvenation.  Jojoba seed oil works by forming a non-greasy, non-tacky layer with exceptional trans-epidermal water control that prevents dehydration of the skin.  It also helps to balance the production of sebum.  Tests have shown that jojoba oil increases the skin’s suppleness by 45%; after 8 hours, its effects were still evident.  Jojoba oil is well tolerated by people with acne, and it also helps to break down sebum in plugged-up pores. 

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macadamia nut extract- Macadamia nut extract contains tocopherols (vitamin E), which are antioxidants, and high natural levels of monounsaturated fats, which create stability.  Levels of monounsaturated fatty acids can be as high as 84%.  It is the only plant oil that contains high levels of palmitoleic acid (omega-7 fatty acid), which is normally found in human sebum.  The production of sebum decreases with age; inclusion of macadamia nut extract is thus ideal for mature, sensitive, and dry skin where maintenance of the skin’s water barrier functions is critical.

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wheat germ oiL- Comprised of linoleic acid, wheat germ oil has been proven effective in skin rejuvenation when applied topically.  Benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, acne reduction, and increased moisture retention.

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