Know your ingredients...

3 Active ingredients found in the products I use during the treatments.


AHA – Glycolic Acid

SCIENTIFIC NAME
Glycolic acid, hydroxyacetic acid.
ORIGIN
Sugar cane, sugar beet. However, 99% of AHAs used in cosmetic products come from laboratory synthesis.
ACTION MODE
In lower concentrations (4% and -), AHAs act as hydration “magnets” (enhance hydration at the superficial layers of the skin). At concentrations greater than 4% and with a proper acid pH (3-4), AHAs can have an exfoliating action by degrading the links that tie cells together.
The most efficient and scientifically proven AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids.
INTERESTING FACT
AHAs may irritate the mucous membranes and skin. It is preferable to gradually build tolerance for AHAs.


ALLANTOIN

SCIENTIFIC NAME
(2,5-Dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl) urea, 5-ureidohydantoine.
ORIGIN
Of natural origin, allantoin is derived from the camphor plant. It can be synthesized in a laboratory.
ACTION MODE
Allantoin is famous for its hydrating, soothing and anti-irritating properties. It is a potent ingredient, even at lower concentrations (over 0.1%).
INTERESTING FACT
Allantoin is used for wound healing, burns and cutaneous ulcers. It aids in cell regeneration and granulation (skin repair step) of the skin.

Ingredient found in the cleansers…

SWEET ALMOND OIL

SCIENTIFIC NAME
Prunus dulcis.
ORIGIN
Derived from plant origin, sweet almond oil is extracted from the fruit of the almond tree, found in drier regions of Europe and California.
ACTION MODE
Sweet almond oil is used as a moisturizing ingredient in cosmetic formulations and as a vehicle in aromatherapy products. It does not leave greasy residues when topically applied. Rich in vitamin A, sweet almond oil is recommended for dry, mature skin.
INTERESTING FACT
People allergic to nuts should avoid the topical use of sweet almond oil.

Used as carrier oil for the Aromatherapy or Swedish massages…


SOME VITAMINS ARE ANTI-OXYDANTS

VITAMIN E

SCIENTIFIC NAME
Tocopherol, a-tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate.
ORIGIN
Vitamin, vegetable oil.
ACTION MODE
Recognized antioxidant properties, fights the signs of photoaging.
INTERESTING FACT
Liposoluble vitamin (soluble in oil). There are 8 forms of vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol and tocotrienols have been shown to be the best against free radicals.

VITAMIN A

SCIENTIFIC NAME
Retinoid, retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde.
ORIGIN
Vitamin.
ACTION MODE
Improves skin’s structure, effective against the sign of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, texture, hyperpigmentation, etc), and in the treatment of acne.
INTERESTING FACT
Unstable, photosensitizing (enhances sensitivity to sun light), may cause irritation. Use a sun protection on a daily basis when on a vitamin A treatment.

VITAMIN C

SCIENTIFIC NAME
L-ascorbic acid
ORIGIN
Vitamin.
ACTION MODE
Powerful antioxidant, decreases the signs of cutaneous aging.
INTERESTING FACT
Products containing L-ascorbic acid may be unstable but this forme of vitamin C is the most potent on the market.

Antioxydants

Definition
The antioxydants indicate chemical substances contained in our food such as the vitamins and trace elements.
Description
While reacting with the free radicals (Free radicals come from smoking, pollution, poisons, fried foods, and as a by-product of normal metabolism) responsible for the deterioration of the cells of the organization when they are in excess, the antioxydants are a means of fighting effectively against the ageing and the appearance of certain diseases. The antioxydants are in the vitamins C, E and A, like in trace elements (zinc, Sélénium) or in the Polyphenols (flavonoïdes and tannins in particular). Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, drink tea, coffee or wines to fill the tank in antioxydants.