CARRIER OILS:
Moringa Oil – Moringa oil (or ben oil) is heralded as one of the most potent antioxidant plant oils. It is a pale yellow to greenish yellow in color and extremely rich in collagen, vitamins A, B, C, and E, oleic, linoleic, and behenic acids, and zinc. As far as skin benefits are concerned, moringa oil’s collagen content, which is four times greater than that in carrot oil, helps to rebuild the skin’s collagen fibers which reduces wrinkling and blemishes and firms up the skin. Antioxidant vitamins A, B, C, and E present in moringa oil also contribute to its anti-aging ability. First, vitamins A and B are both very effective at improving fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and the appearance of pores. Vitamin C gently sloughs away dead skin cells and, in so doing, promotes a brighter, more youthful skin complexion. Vitamin E stimulates new skin cell growth (cellular regeneration) which overtime reduces the visibility of dark spots on the skin; vitamin E also works in concert with the linoleic, oleic, and behenic acids in moringa oil to impart moisture and maintain a good level of hydration in skin. Lastly, the antioxidants present in moringa oil work together to inhibit the activities of free radicals on the skin which reduces free radical-induced skin aging and damage. Concerning other skin benefits, studies suggest that topical application of moringa oil significantly reduces excessive or undesirable skin sebum during the winter season (which is good news for individuals with oily or combination skin) and speeds up wound healing.
Sacha Inchi Oil – Sacha inchi oil is a beautiful light yellow in color and has one of the highest concentrations of omega-3 (alpha-linoleic, 50.8%) and omega-6 (linoleic, 33.4%) fatty acids among plant oils. It is also very rich in tocopherols (vitamin E), phytosterols, and flavonoids. As far as skin and hair benefits are concerned, the alpha-linoleic and linoleic acids in sacha inchi oil work together with vitamin E to bind to water molecules, in so doing preventing trans-epidermal water loss and promoting the skin and hair’s moisture content. In fact, the ability of sacha inchi oil to hydrate the skin and hair in this way and promote their elasticity is quite unparalleled to other plant oils given its extremely high concentration of alpha-linoleic and linoleic acids (84.2% combined). As far as its anti-aging and antioxidant benefits are concerned, the vitamin E and flavonoids in sacha inchi oil work to protect the skin against UV, free radical, and oxidative damage, thus delaying and reducing UV, free radical, and oxidation-induced signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Additionally, vitamin E encourages cellular regeneration (new skin cell growth) which helps in the fading away of dark spots and the appearance of a more even skin tone. Finally, the phytosterol content of sacha inchi oil helps in alleviating inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier, thus supporting moisture retention and reducing the permeation of environmental toxins.
Pumpkin Seed Oil – Pumpkin seed oil (aka green gold) has a rich reddish-green color and is a storehouse of incredible nutrients. It is rich in linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, phytosterols, and squalene. As far as skin benefits go, pumpkin seed oil is an all-inclusive and potent anti-aging oil that is very effective at reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging (vitamin A), hydrating (vitamin E, linoleic and oleic acids, and squalene), brightening (vitamin C), cleansing (stearic acid), protecting again free-radical, UV, and oxidative damage (vitamins A and E), settling inflammation (phytosterols), and strengthening the skin barrier to prevent water loss and the penetration of environmental toxins (phytosterols). In addition to its anti-aging benefits, pumpkin seed oil is also a powerful antimicrobial that blocks the activity of bacteria (including, Acinetobacter baumanii, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus), fungi (such as Candida albicans), and yeast. To this end, it has been shown in studies to be very effective in treating acne vulgaris (chronic acne) that results when the skin’s follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
The serum’s essential oils (helichrysum, lavender, and rosemary) are highly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial. Their antioxidant properties help to reduce skin aging by preventing the destruction of collagen and elastin which give the skin its firmness. Helichrysum, also known as Immortelle, is particularly well-known for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots and encouraging skin cell regeneration.
BOTANICALS:
The two botanicals (green tea leaves and yerba maté) contained in the serum are highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Green tea is well known for its abundant concentration of polyphenol antioxidant EGCG. Yerba maté has an even higher concentration of antioxidants than green tea.
