Five Skin Heroes That Should Be on Your Radar

It’s that time of year again when cold temperatures wreak havoc on the skin, so there’s no better time to start paying attention to what skincare products you’re using. And with so many new, worthwhile products on the market, going natural has never been easier.
We know it can get overwhelming, so we’ve broken it down to five great ingredients you need to look out for in your skincare products. Some you may heard of; a couple ingredients may not be so familiar. These natural wonders can help soothe irritated skin, treat dark spots and uneven pigmentation, and battle ugly breakouts. Next time you go shopping, scan the labels for the following ingredients to ensure you’re treating your skin right this winter.
1. Astaxanthin
Let me introduce you to the world’s most powerful antioxidant. Don’t let this funny sounding word fool you; this powerful nutrient leads the pack on the ORAC scale (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity)[1] . University studies show that astaxanthin is up to 1000 times more effective than vitamin C, 500 times more effective than vitamin E and 10 times more effective than beta-carotene.[2] What’s even more impressive is it has also “been found to enhance the antioxidant actions of vitamin E and C due to possible synergistic effect.”[3] It also has several skin benefits. Astaxanthin helps to stimulate continuous production of collagen in the skin which is responsible in maintaining skin tone elasticity and firmness. Astaxanthin can inhibit melanogenesis or reduce melanin production (about 40 percent) diminishing age spots, freckles, and dark eye circles gradually (see before and after pic!). [4,5] Its effect is superior to vitamin C.[6] There have been a number of studies about astaxanthin skin benefits using oral supplement, topical application or the combination. These studies have shown a substantial improvement in wrinkle reduction, skin smoothness, skin moisturization and elasticity over a period of two to 12 weeks.[7,8,9] Astaxanthin is one of the most promising skin anti-aging nutrients. You can find this ingredient in Maya Chia Beauty’s The Super Couple ™ .
2. Chia Seed Oil
Used as a food staple in Central America for centuries, chia seed oil’s health-and-beauty benefits are now gaining ground across America. This oil is the world’s richest botanical source of antioxidants, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are essential for healthy, radiant skin. In fact, The Nutritional Science Research Institute tested the nutritional value of chia seed and said it contains “the highest amount of antioxidants we have ever measured” and cited chia as one of the most powerful whole food antioxidants we know. Among its other attributes, chia seed oil is alsofull of Vitamin B3 and Zinc, and acts as a soothing, anti-inflammatory agent that helps alleviate irritated skin and acne. It is fast-absorbing, lightweight and deeply moisturizing. With regular use, Chia oil is clinically proven to significantly increase skin hydration, reduce trans-epidermal water loss and increase skin barrier function (study conducted by the Annals of Dermatology). You can find skincare featuring chia oil in Maya Chia’s Supercritical Chia Facial Oil.
3. Neroli ( Citrus aurantium ) Essential Oil
is a rare and sought-after oil since Ancient times, it comes from the blossom of the bitter orange tree. Amazingly, it takes about 1000 pounds of orange blossom flower to make 1 pound of Neroli oil! [10] Neroli can be applied topically or diffused or inhaled. It helps improve skin health by regenerating and keeping your skin elastic, preventing the appearance of stretch marks, banishing acne, reducing the appearance of scars, and helping heal broken capillaries. [11,12) You can find neroli in Maya Chia’s The Revitalizer, beautifying body oil.
4. Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica granatum)
So most everyone has heard about vitamin C and its benefits for the skin; Pomegranate Seed Oil provides a rich source of vitamin C. Ready for some science? Pomegranates are full of ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has shown promising results in reducing collagen breakdown.[13] By stimulating collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts, Dr. Debra Jaliman (dermatologist and author) says that pomegranates can help to minimize skin wrinkle activity.[14] Don’t like the greasy feel many oils leave on your skin? Pomegranate seed oil easily and deeply penetrates skin to fortify moisture where it is needed most. Plus, it’s loaded with punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid, which helps lock in moisture and keep out bacteria.[15] You can find pomegranate seed oil in Maya Chia’s The Revitalizer, beautifying body oil.
5. Cranberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium Macrocarpon)
is high in vitamin A & E, as well as a good source of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.[16] According to Dr. Trevor Cates (a licensed naturopathic physician) it is the only oil we know of so far that naturally contains a balanced ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids. [17] It also highly absorbable and good for acne prone and sensitive skin. I could go on and on about the benefits, but suffice it to say, this powerhouse helps to combat wrinkles, dry skin, eczema, and most any other skin issue you might be struggling with. You can find cranberry seed oil in Maya Chia’s The Revitalizer, beautifying body oil.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned more articles on up and coming ingredients that will help you to put your best face forward!
1. http://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/a-red-miracle-for-skin-health#.VphRusArLUR
2. http://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/a-red-miracle-for-skin-health#.VphRusArLUR
3. http://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/a-red-miracle-for-skin-health#.VphRusArLUR
4. http://astareal.com/what-is-astaxanthin/health-benefits/skin-care-and-anti-aging
5. Yamashita E.: Cosmetic benefit of dietary supplements including astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style; 21, 6: 112-117, 2002
6. http://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/a-red-miracle-for-skin-health#.VphRusArLUR
7. Yamashita(2006). The Effects of a Dietary Supplement Containing Astaxanthin on Skin Condition. Carotenoid Science; 10:91-95.
8. Cosmetic Benefit of Dietary Supplements Containing Astaxanthin and Tocotrienol on Human Skin. Food Style; 21 6 (6):112-17]
9. Thbodeau ,A. Luzier E. (2003) Dietary/Nutritional Supplements: The new Ally to Topical Cosmetic Formulataion? Cosmetics & Toiletries Magazine; Vol. 118 N0.1 pp. 57-64
10. http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/neroli-essential-oil.html
11. http://thehealthyhavenblog.com/2011/07/11/suggested-uses-for-neroli-essential-oil/
12. http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/aromatherapy/essential-oils/neroli.html
13. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/21/pomegranate-beauty-benefits_n_4611354.html
14. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/21/pomegranate-beauty-benefits_n_4611354.html
15. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/ingredient-lab-pomegranates?cid=synd_huffposthealth_0215
16. http://www.naturallyproven.com/cranberry-seed-oil-carrier-oil/
17. http://drtrevorcates.com/4-oils-for-youthful-glowing-skin/