Green Tea

Several years ago, we learned that in order to consume enough polyphenols to add years to your life while resisting cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other ills, you would need to drink 15-20 cups of green tea a day. While there is no substitute for the calming ritual of tea drinking, several of us became interested in supplementing our daily intake of polyphenols.

We've now found what we feel is the purest, freshest, most potent green tea extract on the market, containing greater than 95% polyphenols with not even a trace of pesticide residues. Fully organic, pleasant tasting, with no sugar, caffeine, alcohol, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners — we can't sing its praises enough! One dropper provides you with more polyphenols than if you had consumed over 10 cups of brewed tea. Simply add it to your water bottle and sip throughout the day, or add it to hot water and drink as tea.

As you know, studies abound on the benefits of using green tea. For example, in a Chinese study of cancer patients with low white cell counts, green tea extract raised counts by more than 50% in 60% of patients, while 31% of patients had improvements of 30-50%. Men with high intakes of polyphenols have almost 75% fewer strokes than men with low intakes. And its effect on cholesterol levels is equally impressive. Polyphenols also fight free radical damage that is a cause of wrinkles. It even supports brain function!

Vitamin

This pore-minimizing serum is a blend of glycolic acid polymer and vitamin A (retinol) that performs far better than either vitamin A or glycolic acid alone. For more than a decade, high-potency vitamin A creams have been available by prescription and used as anti-wrinkle creams. Although these prescriptions work very well, the downside is that they can be irritating and can cause skin to redden and peel. They also contain many additional ingredients that do nothing to promote good health (quite the contrary, actually).

Seaweed

I could write a Dostoevsky-sized novel about the benefits of the nutrient-rich Seaweed Mask. Unlike drying clay masks, it's full of hydrating, detoxifying, and stimulating wild harvested seaweeds, cultivated spirulina, and red marine algae. Just as people take red marine algae internally to target viruses such as herpes simplex, it works wonders to combat viruses topically as well. And because of seaweed's stimulating and detoxifying properties, it's the perfect antidote for undereye puffiness and dark circles. (Yes, this mask is gentle enough to use in the eye area.) Loaded with polysaccharides, it is anti-inflammatory and highly hydrating, resulting in soft, smooth skin.

Potato

The hot climate in Israel affects the appearance of the skin of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. In order to improve skin quality we are attempting to identify the factors/genes controlling skin development and skin-set processes, using histological, physiological and molecular biology techniques.

In the current study, stages in skin development and heat-induced modifications in skin morphology were observed using histological techniques. Various vine-killing protocols to hasten the skin-set process and shorten the exposure time of the tubers to the hot soil are also being studied.

A combination of mechanical destruction of the haulm with application of a chemical desiccant was found to enhance skin-set.

Lemon

Early forms of the lemon probably originated in China, traveling to Italy and the Mediterranean with Arabian merchants. A fruit that resembles a lemon is depicted in mosaics at Pompeii, although some botanists argue that the lemon wasn't well known to the Roman Empire but began showing up in Europe during the Crusades. Whatever its early history, the lemon didn't become commonplace until the 16th century. The earliest record of the lemon in the New World came from Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican Republic), where it arrived with Columbus in 1493.Lemon oil is astringent and detoxifying and is therefore great for blemishes associated with oily skin. Lemon oil also has rejuvenating properties and will brighten dull skin. Slices of fresh lemon placed upon the cheeks can lighten freckles.

Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly is a good source of the B complex, the single most important group of nutrients for the health of the nerves. With its antibiotic properties, Royal Jelly acts as a powerful batenostatic and increases cellular defenses against infection. Nucleic acids are also present, and these determine the rebuilding process of each cell. Science has determined that the regular ingestion of DNA-RNA substances has special rejuvenating and restorative effects on the internal glands, organs, and memory and thought clarity. It helps alleviate premature aging, senility, wrinkling, adrenal gland dysfunction, and organ atrophy and conditions related to nucleic acid deficiency. Royal Jelly contains the "Intrinsic Factor", a co-protein necessary to absorb Vitamin B12 which is required for red blood cell formation and synthesis of DNA-RNA. Royal Jelly contains every essential nutrient necessary to support human life. It is the synergistic action of all these elements working together that results in the amazing benefits of Royal Jelly.

Apricot

The apricot tree, originally from Asia, is now grown in certain regions of Europe, where it is widely cultivated for its delicious, juicy fruit, the apricot. The seed is pressed to extract an oil, used in remedies, massage oils and cosmetics.Certain components of this oil become active with exposure to the air, and are used for their soothing and healing effect on the skin. Apriline, a specific Clarins complex, is extracted from apricot seed oil.

Pomegranate

The search for novel anti-cancer therapies is ongoing, especially in the area of skin cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in the United States. According to researchers from the University of Wisconsin, one promising agent against skin cancer may have been found in the extract of the pomegranate fruit. Pomegranate fruit extract (PFE), from the tree Punica granatum, contains several polyphenols and anthocyanidins (pigment that gives certain fruits their dark red colors), the antioxidant activity of which is higher than that of red wine and green tea. In this study, researchers evaluated pomegranate's anti-skin tumor effects by comparing topical application of pomegranate extract on neonatal mice (CD-1) against TPA-induced markers (12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate), a strong promoter of chemically induced skin cancer. Applying pomegranate extract (2 mg/mouse) onto the skin of neonatal mice 30 minutes prior to TPA (3.2 µmole/mouse) application significantly inhibited TPA-mediated increases in skin edema and hyperplasia. TPA is an irritant and inflammatory agent that is widely used as a tumor promoter on the skin of mice. Researchers also assessed the effect of skin application of pomegranate extract on TPA-induced skin tumor promotion. The animals pretreated with pomegranate extract showed substantially reduced tumor incidence and lower tumor body burden. In the TPA treated group, all mice developed tumors at 16 weeks, whereas only 30 percent of the mice treated with pomegranate extract exhibited tumors at that point. "For the first time, we have clear evidence that pomegranate extract possesses anti-skin-tumor-promoting effects," said Dr. Farrukh Afaq, of the University of Wisconsin, and lead investigator of the study. "With such a variety of pathways inhibited by the topical application of the natural supplement, we are confident of its therapeutic value and hope it will translate to other models." According to the researchers, because pomegranate is capable of inhibiting conventional as well as novel biomarkers of TPA-induced tumors, it may possess chemopreventive activity in a wide range of tumor models. To determine the potential value of pomegranate, researchers will pursue an in-depth study to define its active agent(s).

Acerola

Fruits are round to oblate, cherry-like but with 3 lobes. They are bright red (rarely yellow-orange) with thin skin, easily bruised. The pulp is juicy, acid to sub-acid occasionally nearly sweet, with a delicate flavor and apple notes. The fruit is very high in Vitamin C, up to 4,000 mg per 100 g fresh weight, but typically around 1,500 mg C. Green fruits have twice the Vitamin C level of mature fruits. Fruits develop to maturity in less than 25 days. Seeds typically three with fluted wings, forming a triangle. Many aspects of seed viability have not been studied. Plantings of acerola are increasing worldwide, with Brazil leading the way. The increased plantings are a direct result of increased use of acerola for a natural source of Vitamin C for nutritional supplements.

Grape or Wine

Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School have found that a chemical in red wine believed to help reduce risk for heart disease is a form of estrogen. The substance, resveratrol, is highly concentrated in the skin of grapes and is abundant in red wine. Moderate consumption of red wine has been widely reported to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. Some researchers have attributed this cardioprotective quality to the significant amounts of resveratrol naturally present in grape skin.

Resveratrol protects grapes and some other plants against fungal infections. It has been shown previously to have a number of potentially beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

Resveratrol has a molecular structure similar to that of diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic estrogen. This prompted Barry D. Gehm, J. Larry Jameson, M.D., and colleagues at Northwestern to investigate whether resveratrol might have pharmacologic properties similar to those of estradiol, the major natural human estrogen.

As reported in the Dec. 9 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group's laboratory studies showed that resveratrol is estrogenic. (Specifically, it is a phytoestrogen, from the Greek word for "plant.") At concentrations similar to those required for its other biological effects, resveratrol activated expression of both artificially introduced "reporter" genes and naturally occurring estrogen-regulated genes in cultured human cells.

The researchers also found that resveratrol could replace estradiol in supporting the proliferation of certain breast cancer cells that require estrogen for growth.

"Estrogen" is not a specific compound but a category of substances defined by their biological effect. Originally named for their ability to induce estrus ("going into heat") in animals, estrogens act on cells by binding to a protein called estrogen receptor, which then causes certain genes to be expressed, or "turned on." In addition to the body's sex hormones, a number of other natural and artificial estrogens are known.

In studying gene expression, many laboratories use artificial reporter genes. The reporter gene used in these studies is the gene for the enzyme luciferase, which makes fireflies light up. It was connected to a piece of DNA that the estrogen receptor "recognizes." When this reporter gene was put into cells, luciferase production increased in those treated with estrogen. Then, when mixed with certain chemicals, the enzyme was measured easily by the light it gave off.

In some cells, resveratrol caused more expression of the reporter gene than estradiol. This was surprising, Gehm said, since estradiol has always been thought to produce maximal activation of the estrogen receptor. The group found that the most effective dose of resveratrol produced two to four times more light as the most effective dose of estradiol. However, estradiol is effective at much lower doses. "The estrogenic properties of resveratrol may play a role in the beneficial cardiovascular effects of red wine and the so-called 'French paradox,'" Gehm said. Estrogen is known to provide some protection against heart disease, and red wine also appears to. Their specific effects are similar, most notably, increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good cholesterol." This effect of red wine may be mediated by resveratrol. But Gehm cautioned that it is not yet known if the body absorbs enough resveratrol from wine to make this plausible. The same can be said of resveratrol's other effects, described earlier. Some researchers have previously suggested that it would be beneficial to supplement people's diets with resveratrol because of its anticarcinogenic and anti-arteriosclerotic properties.

Ginseng

Ginseng is full of saponins termed ginsenosides. Approximately thirty of these compounds have been identified, and they appear to be responsible for most of the activity of ginseng. Their chemical structures are similar to those of steroids such as testosterone and estrogen. The picture is complex, however. Not only do the various species and forms of ginseng have different ginsenoside profiles, the ginsenosides themselves have differing and sometimes opposing actions.Ginsenoside Rb1, for example, seems to lead to sedation and lower blood pressure, while ginsenoside Rg1 acts as a stimulant and raises blood pressure. These distinct pharmacological activities and the variation in composition from one piece of ginseng root to another, depending on variety, growing conditions, and processing, probably explain why research results on ginseng are inconsistent. Some commercial products are standardized to 4 percent ginsenosides and others to 7 percent.Other ingredients of ginseng root may also have important activity. They include essential oil, phytosterol, carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, vitamins, minerals, and some other ingredients.Nonsaponin constituents appear to be responsible for the ability of Korean red ginseng root to lower blood sugar in diabetics.Still other compounds may be responsible for ginseng's apparent ability to stimulate nitric oxide formation, which may explain certain other of its traditional actions, including its reputed ability to help combat impotence.

Pearl

Pearl Mask contains processed high-grade pearl powder from South Asian Sea. Pearl powder is refined through modern bioengineering techniques to fully preserve the active components in natural pearl. The distinguished regeneration effect of pearl reaches the deepest layer of skin to clean pores and improve smoothness and elasticity. It can inhibit the synthesis of melanin and help reduce wrinkles.

Due to its miraculous effects, pearl has been used by ancient royal ladies and modern personages for over 3000 years. It is believed that the women of far-east owe their pure, clean, and glittering skin to their traditional usage of pearl products.

Aloe

Aloe Vera is an excellent preparation to use for skin conditions such as allergies, eczema, abscesses, fungal infections, pyoderma and many types of dermatitis. The oral gel can be given in the food and the topical preparations applied directly to the skin. The Aloe Vera will help to decrease the inflammation and itching as well as helping to remove dead cells and discharges. It will also encourage a suitable environment for the replication of skin cells so that wounds tend to heal quickly. Remember, Aloe Vera has little effect on skin parasites such as fleas, mites and lice so consult your vet if these are a problem.

Herb

The Herb Research Foundation classifies herbal & organic skin care products into one of four groups, depending on the herbs that the products include, and the scale of sale. The four groups are Ayurvedic, Chinese, General, and Commercial.

Ayurvedic herbs are the herbs used in India, including ginger, turmeric, and frankincense as well as pants that are less well known in English such as ashwagandha. These four, in combination, have been shown in texts to decrease rheumatoid factor and interleukins, which are the biological markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

Ginger

Tumeric

Frankincense

It's a little-known fact that Chinese herbs are seldom used alone, but are more often used in formulas of four. In Chinese herbal medicine, the formula is assembled just like the individuals in a royal court. There's a King Herb that has the strongest effect, a Minister Herb that addresses the min pathology as well as a secondary pathology, and assistant herbs. Assistant Herbs can be helpful and strengthen the King's effect, corrective and eliminate the King or Minister herb's toxic effect, or opposing in order to decrease the King's effect.

General herbs are those with entries in reference publications such as the Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs that describe their medicinal properties. The names of many of these will be familiar to you; you may have seen seeds to grow them in the grocery store, or you may actually have some of them growing inside or near by your house. And commercial herbs are those wholesalers sell in bulk.

Collagen

Collagen is an integral part of the skin's fabric. It forms a mesh-like structure that helps to support new cells as they grow while providing needed flexibility. There is more collagen in the skin than any other protein, however there are factors that cause it to become depleted, allowing wrinkles to appear.

Collagen's significance in maintaining healthy skin has been known for decades. Women have long gone to dermatologists to have collagen injected under their skin. This treatment, first performed in 1982, augments the skin's natural network of collagen in areas where it has become depleted, immediately removing fine lines and wrinkles, and temporarily restoring a smoother, softer, and more youthful appearance to their skin.

There is no question that these injections are effective. As with natural collagen, however, the injected supply diminishes, so continued treatments are required. This entails substantial financial expenditures that over time can easily add up to thousands of dollars. There is also the pain associated with the injections after the anesthetic wears off. And, of course, most people do not want to be pricked with needles, especially around their eyes, or be inconvenienced by a dermatologist's waiting room.

As news about the success of collagen injections spread, many cosmetics companies rushed to take advantage of the commercial opportunity. They introduced collagen creams and advertised that their creams could produce anti-aging effects similar to those of injections. Regrettably, collagen molecules are too large to pass through the upper layer of the skin, so the only benefit of the creams was to moisturize the surface of the skin, leaving unchanged the fundamental issue of declining collagen levels in the underlying layers. The regular use of vitamin C-fortified creams facilitates collagen synthesis beneath the skin, but the age-related degradation of collagen can overwhelm the ability of vitamin C to generate new collagen.

Coenzyme Q10

Human body has the ability to make its own CoQ10. After the age of 20 the production level declines, but the demand grows. Foods highest in coenzyme CoQ10 include beef, spinach, sardines, albacore tuna, and peanuts. Unfortunately, high temperatures that we use to cook meals will affect the coenzyme. That is why older people and those who want to use CoQ10 for therapeutic effect will benefit from taking it as a supplement.

Wrinkles appear when skin loses its elasticity. This is due to decreased collagen production and collagen crosslinking. Everyday life, cell metabolism, exposure to sun and other environmental factors, toxins, cigarette smoke - all result in production of free radicals. Those overactive pesky molecules or atoms have odd electrons on their orbits and try to find a balance. They either give away the odd electron or find a pair for it, thus making another molecule unstable, turning it into another free radical.

While this process is natural and unavoidable as a part of metabolism, too many free radicals cause dangerous chain reactions that destroy cellular compounds and can damage DNA, proteins and lipids (fats). When it comes to skin aging, free radicals interfere with collagen production and cause premature aging.

Coenzyme Q10 has exceptional antioxidant properties. Studies show that it can effectively counteract free radical damage and provide significant protection against UVA-induced depletion of cell membrane. In other words, it will prevent damage to collagen and elastin production process and help you avoid wrinkles.

CoQ10 is so powerful, it is able to reduce cancer tumors and minimize stroke consequences that are due to suddenly increased levels of free radicals. So when applied topically, it can provide extra protection for your skin and produce a dramatic anti-wrinkle effect.

Cucumber

If you want happy skin, then cucumber is the answer. As cucumber and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it becomes easier for cucumber to mask all the problem areas. It helps in soothing and softening your skin which can get you relaxed in no time.

With so many useful ingredients in cucumber it can help you in treating so many skin problems. It has become part of daily beauty product into face packs, facials, juice and many other things which can affect your skin.

Due to its cooling effect it can be termed as a magic wand for all your skin problems. The cleaning and cleansing property helps your skin tremendously making it soft and supple. The regular intake of cucumber juice is very useful both internally and externally.

Strawberry

Strawberry is one of the most delicious and nutritious fruit. It has the ability to remove harmful toxins in the blood. It is also recommended for sluggish liver, gout, rheumatism, constipation, high blood pressure, and even skin cancer.

Tomato

Tomatoes contain a wide variety of nutrient and non-nutrient components associated with certain health benefits. These include lycopene, vitamins C, A and K, potassium, and fiber. One medium-sized tomato may provide almost half of a person¡¯s recommended daily amount of vitamin C. Various tomato components are believed to work together to produce health benefits. These include aiding in the development of healthy teeth, bones, skin and hair; lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and possibly reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Arbutin

Arbutin is used for the pigmentation and skin whitening. It also presents healing properties that make it suitable for treatment on cracked or roughened skin.

As a result of considerable research and developmental effort, Arbutin Skin Whitening is the growth of an innovation and through analysis of the biochemical nature of Melanogensis. Arbutin Skin Whitening not only inhibits the progress of skin darkening, it also effectively reduces existing pigmentation.

The primary mechanism of action involved here is Tryosinase inhibition, this effect is further supported by a second level functionality.

Charcoal

Activated charcoal exerts its effects by adsorption of a wide variety of drugs and chemicals. Adsorption is a process in which atoms and molecules move from a bulk phase (such as a solid, liquid, or gas) onto a solid or liquid surface. In other words, the toxic substance attaches to the surface of the charcoal. Because charcoal is not "digested," it stays inside the GI tract and eliminates the toxin when the person has a bowel movement.