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DragonFly Moon Aromatherapy &
Gifts Owner/Operator Suzanne Horner Email: aroma1@telus.net |
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Perfectly 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) Pomegranate Extract (Punica granatum L) Pomegranate extract has
demonstrated a variety of beneficial functions including antioxidant and
anti-viral activity. In 1996, a University of Nottingham research team in
Pennsylvania learned that pomegranate extract could destroy several viruses
nearly on contact. The discovery of this anti-viral activity created further
experimentation and clinical trials. One study confirmed that the ellagic
acid from pomegranate extract effectively protects cells from damaging free
radicals. Additional phenolic compounds found in pomegranate,
anthocyanidins—also well-known scavengers of free radicals—combine
synergistically with ellagic acid to increase greatly pomegranate's potency
as an antioxidant. Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis) high in bioflavonoids known for
its free radical fighting, anti inflammatory, anti irritation and anti
oxidant properties Chamomile
Extract (Chamaemelum Nobile)
reduces swelling, and calms an irritated scalp, reduces dryness, itching and
redness. 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 and is good for
oily to dry hair. It has natural moisturizing and emollient effects. Sweet Basil Essential Oil
(ocimum basilicum) has been used for thousands of
years by various great cultures. The ancient Greeks considered the “king of
plants” and was used to anoint kings. It has the ability to stimulate
circulation, enlivens dull looking hair, adds shine, and can stimulate
circulation to the scalp. Basil can restore a lost sense of smell, relieve
sinus congestion, and avert asthma attacks as well as help with bronchitis
and emphysema. Basil oil opens and clears the head and can ease headaches
including migraines. It helps overcome nasal stuffiness and the flu while at
the same time fighting infection. Basil oil also helps relieve the pain of
arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pains and aches including menstrual cramps,
injuries and physical overexertion. Basil oil possesses both sedating and
stimulating qualities. Its sedative action wards off anxiety attacks and
nervous tension and helps to vanquish insomnia. Its stimulating action fights
mental fatigue and strengthens mental function, including memory. 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. Rose Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens) is calming and relaxing. It has astringent,
anti-inflammatory and mildly anti-bacterial properties making it effective
and beneficial for a range of skin and hair conditions and complexions. Lavender Essential Oil
(Lavendula officinalis) calms and cools the scalp, balances oil production,
helps heal blemishes, and stimulates circulation to the scalp. Its emotional
Effect is that it helps clears thinking, dissipates fear, minimizes stressful
thinking, anger, and reduces worry. By balancing extreme emotions Lavender
contributes to emotional equilibrium. |