DragonFly Moon Aromatherapy & Gifts

Owner/Operator Suzanne Horner

Snowflakes in the Desert Shampoo

Vegetable Glycerin is obtained by adding alkalies to fats and fixed oils. Glycerin is a soothing humectant which draws moisture from the air to the skin. Glycerin is an emollient, which makes the skin feel softer and smoother, reduce rough feeling, cracking and irritation. Glycerin has a high hydrophilic (water) factor and a low lipophilic (fat) factor. Glycerin is nontoxic, nonirritating and non allergenic.

Seaweed Extract Organic (Fucus Vesiculosis): This organic extract, a gift from the sea, is great for all skin, and hair types, it is known for its anti inflammatory and moisturizing qualities.

Chamomile Extract (Chamaemelum Nobile) reduces swelling, and calms an irritated scalp, reduces dryness, itching and redness.

Vitamin C An article in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery discussed the issue of vitamin C and concluded that:

Vitamin C is a valuable antioxidant and protectant against photo damage that is created by sunlight in both the UVB and UVA bands…. Although oral supplementation may also be useful, topical preparations are able to deliver a higher dosage to the needed area. Topical vitamin C does not absorb or block harmful ultraviolet radiation like a sunscreen. Instead, it augments the skin’s ability to neutralize reactive oxygen singlets [free-radical damage] that are created by the ultraviolet radiation, thereby preventing photo damage to the skin. It becomes an integral part of the skin and remains unaffected by bathing, exercise, clothing, or makeup. Used appropriately, topical vitamin C is an important adjunct to the use of sunscreens, an adjunctive treatment to lessen erythema [redness] in skin resurfacing, a helpful adjunct or an alternative to Retin-A in the treatment of fine wrinkles, and a stimulant to wound healing. (January 2000, pages 464–465)

Vitamin E acts as a free radical scavenger and hinders the oxidizing process in the skin and promotes soft and supple skin. As an antioxidant it defends the skin. It is helpful in reducing scars and promotes healing. It also acts as a natural preservative for products. It is obtained by the vacuum distillation of edible vegetable oils. Vitamin E oil is an emollient.

According to the AMA's committee on Cutaneous Health:

Emollients do help make the skin feel softer and smoother; reduce roughness, cracking and irritation. As well, it may possibly retard the fine wrinkles of aging. As an antioxidant, it is believed to remove the free radicals that cells produce and is considered an antioxidant superstar. Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble vitamin (meaning it likes fat better than water) that has eight different forms, of which some are known for being excellent antioxidants when applied topically to skin, particularly alpha tocopherol and the tocotrienols

(Current Problems in Dermatology, 2001, volume 29, pages 26–42

Free Radical Biology and Medicine, May 1997, pages 761–769

Journal of Nutrition, February 2001, pages 369S–373S

International Journal of Radiation Biology, June 1999, pages 747–755)

Other studies have indicated that “the acetate form (tocopherol acetate) is also bioavailability and protective for skin” (Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2001, pages 35–50).

Other research indicates that “tocopherol sorbate as providing significant antioxidant protection against ultraviolet radiation–induced oxidative damage.” (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, April 1995, pages 484–488)

Pointing to the significance of vitamin E for skin is an article in the Journal of Molecular Medicine which states:

More than other tissues, the skin is exposed to numerous environmental chemical and physical agents such as ultraviolet light causing oxidative stress [free-radical damage]. In the skin this results in several short- and long-term adverse effects such as erythema [redness], edema [swelling], skin thickening, wrinkling, and an increased incidence of skin cancer…. Vitamin E is the major naturally occurring lipid-soluble … antioxidant protecting skin from the adverse effects of oxidative stress including photo aging [sun damage]. Many studies document that vitamin E occupies a central position as a highly efficient antioxidant, thereby providing possibilities to decrease the frequency and severity of pathological events in the skin. (January 1995, pages 7–17)

Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis) high in bioflavonoids known for its free radical fighting, anti inflammatory, anti irritation and anti oxidant properties

Sea Buckthorn Essential Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides) is good for cell regeneration and to add shine. The berries of the Sea Buckthorn plant are rich in vitamins and minerals which can be imparted to the hair follicles and scalp to improve hair condition. Because of this, the essential oil is well known for its use on the skin and hair. Aroma therapists have credited it with reducing wrinkles, regenerating skin cells, and for promoting the healing of skin injuries such as burns, sunburns, wounds and eczema. You will also see it in many skin care products such as creams and lotions.

Seaweed Extract Organic (Fucus Vesiculosis) Anti-inflammatory good for oily to dry hair. Has natural moisturizing and emollient effects.

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula officinalis) calms and cools the scalp, balances oil production, helps heal blemishes, and stimulates circulation to the scalp. Emotional Effect; it clears thinking, dissipates fear, minimizes stressful thinking, anger, and reduces worry. By balancing extreme emotions Lavender contributes to emotional equilibrium

Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus aurantium): Native to Southern Spain and Africa this pure essential oil is antiseptic action makes it beneficial in treating acne, skin irritation and regulates excessive oiliness of skin and scalp, and promotes rapid healing. Emotional Effect; Bergamot is refreshing and uplifting, acts as both a stimulant and a tonic to balance the emotions and nerves. It helps restore physical and emotional strength, fights fatigue associated with stress.

Cedarwood Essential Oil (Juniprus ashei – USA): reduces excessive secretion of sebum, or oil, and normalizes both dry and oily hair. It also controls dandruff and seborrhea, improves the condition of the hair and stimulates the scalp and hair follicles. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the heartwood and wood shavings of this small, alpine evergreen native to the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and Central America. Traditionally, it has been used for skin problems, arthritis and rhematism and is also said to aid nervous tension and stress. Warm and woody, with a hint of camphor, this oil eases aches and pains and is especially good in cosmetic preparations for oily skin. Helps to clear the breathing passages and is know for its skin toning properties

Elemi Essential Oil (Canarium luzonicum) this pure oil has cell regenerating properties that benefit dry or mature skin. It makes a great rejuvenating treatment for the scalp by balancing sebum secretions elemi oil helps to normalize both oily and dry hair. Emotional effect; Elemi balances the nerves; it calms nervousness and promotes harmony from within. It energizes and revitalizes a mind overwhelmed by mental fatigue or stress