Retinol: Has been scientifically proven in clinical studies to be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and aged skin. Retinol is the less irritating form of pure and active vitamin A. Vitamin A is small enough to penetrate through outer layers of the skin and works to repair the lower skin layers, promoting stimulation of collagen and elastin, which results in a much firmer, healthier feeling skin. Retinol increases the cell turnover rate by stimulating cell production within the skin, slowing down the aging process, and allowing dead layers of sun damaged skin cells to be removed from the surface. Studies also show cell rejuvenation produces healthier cells, which resemble younger and newer skin cells. Vitamin A’s ability to increase cell turnover is crucial in unclogging bacteria infected pores, preventing new bacteria growth, and helping to fade scars.

Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract): A natural extract, containing a catechin (antioxidant), known as epigallocatechin (EGCG) which exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea will help reduce inflammation in the skin and fight off free radicals that cause damage to the cells and tissues in the body. Green tea’s antibacterial properties are capable of also killing the propionibacterium acnes responsible for acne. An independent study by Dr. Gan-Wong reported that the results in treating acne with a 3% green tea cream, to a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution were nearly the same. Green tea extract has few to no side effects compared to drug based products. According to another study in the “journal of drugs in Dermatology”, green tea is more effective when applied topically, and can also be used as a mild cleanser and exfoliant of the skin.

Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale): A common herb that grows throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Comfrey has long been used for medicinal purposes to treat skin wounds by healing blood clots, increasing cell growth, softening body tissue and providing anti-inflammatory properties. Comfrey contains a high content of Allantoin, responsible for accelerating tissue healing, closing wounds, and preventing infection. Studies from Europe show comfrey’s effectiveness in treating eczema, dermatitis, and viral skin infections.

Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract): The chamomile flower contains essential oils & flavonoids (antioxidants) and has long been used by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for centuries to treat asthma, colic, inflammations, nausea, skin diseases and cancer. It has also been used in teas as a mild sleep aid, and treatment of fevers and colds. Recent scientific research suggests it possesses powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-allergenic properties. Chamomile helps reduce inflammation, while increasing skin repair by purifying, refreshing, and neutralizing free radicals and other skin irritants.

Cucumber(Cucumis Sativus): An excellent source of silica, a mineral which strengthens our connective tissues. Cucumbers also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids which help treat swollen or puffy eyes, dark circles, freckles, sun-burns, pores, and dermatitis. A study performed by Edith M. Carlisle, Ph.D, showed that cucumber produced 100 times more bone collagen compared to those who did not receive a dietary silica. Silica’s enhancement of connective tissue repair is key to a more youthful appearance of the skin. A deficiency of silica accelerates the skin aging process, as tissues cannot hold water efficiently. Cucumber also works well to treat sun-damaged or burned skin, acne skin, and dehydrated skin.