Glossary Skin Ingredients
It has been scientifically proven that some of the body and cosmetic products we commonly use and expose ourselves to contain ingredients that are linked to cancer, reproductive challenges, birth defects, asthmatic symptoms and skin allergies- just to name a few. Natural skin care products contain none of these health damaging ingredients.
As the skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs everything you put on to it, Its imperative that thought is given to what skin products you use.
Instead of damaging health, natural skin care products often contain health promoting ingredients that are packed full of vitamins and antioxidants such as rosehip oil, green tea and hyaluronic acid. A full list of the key active and non -active ingredients found in our products and their benefits can be found in the following pages.
Not only do such ingredients promote long term positive health outcomes they are also beneficial for general skin health, complexion and vitality. Because the ingredients found in natural skincare products are derived from the earth from natural sources, they work with your body to heal, flourish and thrive.
All skincare observers knowing how to best nurture your skin is easier, when we understand more about what it is in the product and how it functions your skin type.
Treatments and products only good science behind them, so knowing the reasons why we treat skin the way we do is the first step to understanding your skin's biology. It's one of the first things to explain who is exploring the world of skin health for the first time.
Skin Layers
There are three main layers to our skin, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. Each of theses layer contains essential pieces of the skin puzzle. Connective tissue, collagen and elastin fibres, sweat glands , hair follicles and blood vessels. Different treatments and products will target specific areas of the skin.
Pores & Follicles
Pores are visible opening of hair follicles, which grow out of the dermis. There are two types of pores oil and sweat pores, both can be clogged and cause congestion, including acne. Keeping the skin clean is the easiest way to prevent clogged pores, although people with certain skin conditions may struggle more with keeping their pores clear. Since pores provide an exact for dead skin cells and excess oil, keeping clear is essential for healthy skin.
However, there are ways to balance the appearance of larger pores while maintaining healthy plump skin- these include ample moisturising, proper cleansing and regular exfoliation.
The Skin's hero proteins
There are three major proteins that make up our skin, Collagen, elastin and keratin. Each player a crucial role in the turnover of the cells and overall appearance of the skin texture.
* Collagen
Collagen is why youthful skin is plumper and more radiant, is the most abundant making up around 80 per cent of protein to the skin. Its what gives our skin structure and what breaks down as we age.
* Elastin
Does exactly what its name suggest, provides elasticity to your skin and wards off sagging or wrinkled skin. Both collagen and elastin are essential for skin health.
* Keratin
Widly associated with hair , also plays an important role in our skin as the follicles that hold hair particles are made of keratin.
* Let's Go Deeper! Understanding
Most Popular Ingredients In The Market
*AHAs, BHAs and PHAs
The reason we love them is that they work to promote cell turnover and exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, so the can help erase fine lines and help with surface -level congestion. Our favourite AHA is lactic acid because its super gentle but also hydrating and its ideal for most skin types.
* Beta hydroxy acids
Penetrate deeper into the pores, so they are great for controlling blemishes and acne.The most popular BHi is salicylic acid, which is great ingredient to look when treating congested skin.
* Polyhydroxy acids - PHAs
Are similar like AHAs in that they just touch the surface of the skin and don't penetrate deeper into the pore. Since they are essential irritating acid they are better for those with sensitive skin.
*Alpha-lipoic acid -ALA
ALA occurs naturally in the body , it's both an essential fatty acid and potent antioxidant that has proven to minimises the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, visual pores and even skin tone.
* Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a power house multitasker for the skin. As has an effective leave-on exfoliant it worked to gently clean out pores while delivering potent antioxidant protection and reducing reactivity, redness and textural irregularities. Its best used to treat skin conditions including acne and rosacea.
* Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is extracted from psoralen corylifolia plant , and it's sometimes called a natural retinol' while the results of using bakuchiol is certainly a great nature occurring product for encoring cell turn over and promoting healthier skin. Bakichiol stimulates the production of new skin cells, boosting collagen and helping to slow the appearance of fine lines.
* Ferulic acid
Another plant -derived antioxidant and anti ageing wonder ingredient, ferrulic acid helps to destroy free radicals and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Its is almost always paired with vitamins C and E to help stabilise their concentrates as once stabilised, these vitamins become more powerful and are able to promote collagen production, improving the look of ageing skin.
* Glycerin
Syrupy in texture and colour free, glycerin is a skin repairing substance help to maintain the skin microbiome and combat dry and scaly skin. Glycerin's powerful moistening properties mean its often used as an ingredient in treating chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis that are characterised by extremely dry skin.
* Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is the key to smooth, super soft pillowy skin, helps prop moisture levels as we stop producing it with age. This ingredient carries 1000 times its weight in water, its non-comedogenic and provides immediate long-lasting hydration while padding out the fine lines that appear when the skin lakes in water.
* Niacinamide -vitamin B3
A powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage, its formidable ingredient loved for its ability to interact with cells and stimulate microcirculation the dermis, thereby improving skin tone, texture and laxity. Niacinamide is used to tackle a legion of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, inflammation, reduced skin elasticity and redness. Its often used to treat acne .
* Peptides
Peptides are ideal for those seeking the look of firmer skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides are compounds formed by chains of linked amino acids. These compounds communicate with surrounding cells and help to activate numerous skin restorative process, including collagen production and tissue repair.These two process improve skin elasticity, soften fine lines and wells and reduce inflammation.
* Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant in plants- red grapes, blueberries, that cleans up existing free radicals and prevents new free radicals from forming. As a result the skins appearance is improved, fine lines and wrinkles are minimised and texture is even, as well as firmness are boosted UVB related rays is targeted and prevented. When applied topically, this antimicrobial substance is proven to promote the appliance of smooth, youthful looking complexion.
* Retinol
Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that is common. It's considered the holy grail in skincare because of the way it enhances skin's radiance and refines the texture by visibly improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, oiliness and rosacea. Retinol should only be used in the evening as it becomes unstable when exposed to sunlight. Encapsulated formulas release retinol slowly, making it gentler on the skin. Like peptides, retinol is another cell communicating ingredient and antioxidant. It instructs damaged skin cells to make healthier cell and counteracts the activity of enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin.
* Squalane
Squalane is a powerful moisturiser and emollient, used either in its pure oil form or with other anti-aging ingredients. It is produced naturally in our skin, although production begins to slow down as we age so applying squalene topically can help to plump and firm the skin's texture. Squalane also has antioxidant properties which can help fight free radicals and also clear up any skin damage.
* Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin c helps protect the skin against free radicals, and for this reason , it is a favourite in skincare regimens. Vitamin C is a melanin inhibitor that brightens hyperpigmentation and improves the appearance of skin. As an antioxidant, it fights free radical damage strengthens collagen and brightens and treats pigmentation caused by sun damage.
* Alchemy Vitamin C is a powerhouse for most skin types. Our serum contains a 10% blend of vitamin C kakadu plum & rosehip extract contains 60 times more vitamin C than oranges.
* Alchemy Exfoliating Vitamin Crystals - Our exfoliating crystals contains 15% vitamin C Powder.
* Alchemy Vitamin A Serum - Our vitamin A serum contains 1% of oil retinyl palmate, Legally this is the highest amount allowed in cosmetic formulas.
* Alchemy Vitamin B3
Vitamin B serum - Our Vitamtin B serum contains 5% Niacinamide
Enzyme Balancing serum - our Enzyme balancing serum contains 3% Niacinamide.
* Hyaluronic Acid
Alchemy Hyaluronic acid serum - Our Hyaluronic acid serum contains 97% Hyaluronic acid
This 97% is a 1% solution. This is extremely concentrated and one of the strongest on the market molecular weight - Between 1 million and 1.8 million Da
Alchemy Collagen serum - Our collagen serum contains 87% Hyaluronic acid . This 87% is a 1% solution.
* Alchemy Renewal Cream - Our renewal cream contains 5% Vitamin C
* Alchemy Peptide Cream - Our peptide cream contains 5% Hyaluronic Acid
Self Life
Our shelf life ranges from 12-18 months from the date of purchase.
Preservatives
We use several different preservation methods for a number of different reasons. Preservatives are a important part of cosmetics formulas and are very necessary
to keep the product safe for our clients and customers.
Products that do not contain water, also known as anhydrous products do not need to be preserved.
This includes our facial oils, exfoliating crystals and powdered exfoliating masks.
Because there is no water there is no opportunity for things like bacteria to grow.
Our preservatives include the following:
Lemon Myrtle Extract – Our Lemon Myrtle Extract is a tincture, which means the Lemon Myrtle Is extracted and submerged in an organic Alcohol, component that works as the preservative .
Aloe Vera Extract – Our Aloe Vera Extract is a tincture, which means the Aloe Vera is extracted
and submerged in an Organic Alcohol, it’s the Organic Alcohol component that works as the preservative.
Aspen Bark - A natural preservative derived from North American Aspen Bark.
Hydroxymethylglycinate – Hydroxymethylglycinate derived from the naturally occurring amino
Acid, glycine. -This preservative is used in extremely low concentrations of only 0.5% allowing
more room in the product for active ingredients.
Olive Leaf, Thyme & Rosemary Extract – A natural blend of anti-microbial herbal extracts. These
herbs are extracted and submerged in an Organic Alcohol, it’s the Organic Alcohol component that works as the preservative.
Potassium Sorbate - Potassium Sorbate is mainly used as a food preservative, But it can be used in natural skincare products .
Potassium Sorbate is salt derived and is mild, non-toxic and non sensitising.
Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate – Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate is derived from Radish Root.
This natural preservative also helps with skin hydration.
Skin Types..
Having a good understanding of your skin type is vital when it comes to choosing the right products to care for and heal your skin.
Normal skin - Is a term widely used to refer to skin that is well balanced. People with normal skin rarely experience oiliness or dryness.
When skin concerns do arise, they generally easy and quick to treat. Those with normal skin tend to have small pores, exhibit few lines and wrinkles little to no blemishes an even skin tone and lack excess shine. People with normal skin require products that help to maintain their health and protect it against external environmental factors.
Combination skin
Combination skin features more than one different skin type for example, both oily and dry skin may be present on different areas of the facial. Very often, those combination skin experience different skin challenges in their t-zone than do on their cheeks and around their eyes for example, have an oily t-zone and dry cheek/ eye area.
People with combination skin equate products that balance the production of oil and bring it into harmony.
Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin often experience irritation, inflammation and redness.
Their skin may be more sensitive to products and the environmental conditions than those with other types of skin. People with sensitive skin generally respond well to natural skincare products, as opposed to cosmeceuticals which can contain harsh ingredients. They require products that are gentle, calming and protective.
Dry Skin
People with dry skin produce less oil or sebum than normal skin making it appear tight, rough and flaky and feel achy and irritated People with dry skin may be more likely to experience wrinkles.
Those with dry skin find it difficult to retain moisture and very often, the deeper layers of the skin are moister depleted. Their skin is often vulnerable to external environmental elements because it cannot build an effective shield to protect it.
People with dry skin require deeply nourishing products that both moisturise, prevent waterless and preserve the skin.
Oily Skin
People with oily skin over-produce oil or sebum, because of the they have a tendency to experience grease and shine on the face, large pores, often looks red, shiny, blemished and inflamed. People with oily skin require products that balance oil production and prevent breakouts.
The key Active Ingredients In Our Skincare Treatments and Eye Care
Range are:
✔️Aloe Vera which is cooling, soothing, hydrating and helps heal sun damaged skin.
✔️Calendula which has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
✔️Cucumber which is soothing and cooling, hydrating, reduces inflammation,
soothes irritated skin and helps to improves the firmness of skin.
✔️Green Coffee Seed decreases the appearance of wrinkles and other photo
damage resulting from UV radiation even if the application occurs after the insult occurs.
✔️Green Tea which contains antioxidants, helps fight free radical damage, is
antiinflammatory and improves complexion.
✔️Hyaluronic Acid which is hydrating and moisturising, assists in the production
of collagen, helps the skin look plump, smooth, hydrated, firm and ‘elastic’, has
antibacterial properties, helps to protect the skin from environmental exposure,
ads in water retention and encourages skin cell renewal.
✔️Jojoba Oil which has anti-inflammatory properties, hydrates the skin and
eases the negative effects of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
✔️Kaolin which cleanses and exfoliates, controls oil production and evens
skin tone.
✔️Licorice which lightens skin pigmentation, soothes sensitive skin,
diminishes the appearance of dark under-eye circles, discolouration and
age spots.
✔️Malic Acid which smooths, brightens, exfoliates, restores elasticity,
tightens pores, minimises skin pigmentation, moisturises the skin and
diminishes wrinkles.
✔️Peptides which encourage collagen production, reduce fine lines and
smooth the skin.
✔️Pineapple which removes dead skin cells, soothes sensitive and inflamed
skin and is anti-inflammatory.
✔️Pink Clay which is gentle, restorative, helps to restore and retain moisture
and is full of minerals.
✔️Resveratrol which is an antioxidant, neutralises free radical damage and
promotes the production of collagen.
✔️Sea Buckthorn which contains natural vitamin A, is anti-ageing, has high
levels of vitamin C and helps soothe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis
and rosacea.
✔️Vitamin C which boosts the skin's production of collagen, helps to reduce
the impacts of ageing, plumps the skin and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
✔️White Willow Bark (Salicylic Acid) which exfoliates the skin, remove dead skin cells and clears the pores.