Skindred Soul

The Science of Nature

Nature seems to provide an almost unlimited supply of leafs, roots, and flowers that can be used internally or externally to improve and heal all kinds of conditions and ailments, or to just give their beautiful scent to a perfume. Sometimes, however, nature is not able to give us the results we desire, and this is when it is time to ask science for a little help…Plant extracts can have many different properties: they can moisturize and nourish skin, they act as antioxidants, they can be an anti-inflammatory or an anti-irritant, they heal wounds, they stimulate healthy tissue growth, and some even show cancer-inhibiting qualities. At least 90% of the ingredients in our products are derived from plants; not just the actives that nourish and heal and fight free radicals, but also the inactive thickeners and emulsifiers that every skincare product contains. An excellent example of this is Skindred Soul's proprietary ingredient Neutroxy16™; 16 carefully blended certified organic ingredients including select dry seed oils, fruit, flower, tea and root extracts, that provide the ultimate in protection from free radical damage and utilize nature's own skin rebuilding technology. That means that our products deliver all the amazing aforementioned benefits that plant extracts and nutrients offer.

Most of us want to look as young as possible for as long as possible. Although a healthy lifestyle, including a wholesome diet, enough sleep and the use of high quality skincare products has a significant effect on the health and beauty of our skin, the genetic aging process (and no, it can not be reversed…) and premature aging caused by free radicals leave tell-tale signs on our faces. Fine lines, which are in general a sign of dehydrated or under-nourished skin, can usually be erased by using a very good moisturizer twice daily.

Deeper wrinkles, however, developed through repeated facial expressions (i.e. smiling, frowning, and squinting) can only be improved or even removed in two different ways: with stronger, more advanced skincare products, or with the help of a plastic surgeon. Now, while we are not generally opposed to what modern plastic surgery has to offer, we do believe that innovative and powerful skincare products should always be the first choice, making drastic surgical intervention the last resort. However, when it comes to fast and, above all, significant results in terms of wrinkle reduction, skin tightening and cell repair, Mother Nature quickly reaches her limits.

That is why Skindred Soul® does a lot of research to find ingredients that would pick up where Nature stops, and that would do a great job in not just making your skin healthier, but also younger-looking. We have included a few very innovative ingredients that are not plant-derived, but were developed by exceptionally skilled scientists. They are very effective, yet mild and non-toxic.

If you are interested in learning about the anti-aging ingredients that fight free radicals and reduce wrinkles, then keep reading…

Ethylbisminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride

We are especially proud to have included an ingredient in our skincare products that is the best in skin repair that science has to offer.

Ethylbisminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride (the trade name of this tongue-twister is EUK-134), is an exceptionally rare substance that mimics the activity of two natural antioxidant skin enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Superoxide Dismutase, a star ingredient in the most exclusive skincare products worldwide, offers incredible scavenging properties against free radical molecules. In addition, EUK-134 offers the significant advantage that its activity is unaffected by UV radiation. This means that it continues to aid in cell repair even when your skin is exposed to sunlight (UV radiation). The benefits of EUK-134 are indeed multifold. It protects skin tissue against highly toxic compounds known as reactive oxygen species (free radicals). Reactive oxygen species can cause genetic damage, both to mitochondrial and to nuclear DNA. They are also involved in photo-damage of the dermal connective tissue, characteristic for photo-aging, both through direct damage to connective tissue cells and proteins. EUK-134 prevents UV-induced DNA damage and UV-induced skin lipid peroxidation (the process whereby free radicals “steal” electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage). EUK-134 is actually able to penetrate the wall of the mitochondria (the cells' power sources) and to repair it from the inside. It also significantly reduces erythema (redness and inflammation) induced by sun exposure. Used at high concentrations in Energize & Care Super Antioxidant Serum, and Protect & Care Hydrating Day Cream SPF 30, EUK-134 reinforces Skindred Soul's pride in effectiveness and safety. Also download the EUK-134 open clinical study here. (big file: opens in a new browser window)

Glutathione

Glutathione is an important water-phase antioxidant and essential cofactor for antioxidant enzymes; it provides protection also for the mitochondria against endogenous oxygen radicals. Its high electron-donating capacity combined with its high intracellular concentration endows Glutathione with great reducing power, which is used to regulate a complex thiol-exchange system. This functions at all levels of cell activity, from the relatively simple (circulating cysteine/-SH thiols, ascorbate, other small molecules) to the most complex (cellular -SH proteins). (Source: Glutathione: Systemic Protectant Against Oxidative and Free Radical Damage, Parris M. Kidd, Ph.D.) Glutathione is also used to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps to trap free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA. There is a direct correlation with the speed of aging and the reduction of glutathione concentrations in intracellular fluids. As individuals grow older, glutathione levels drop, and the ability to detoxify free radicals decreases.

Thiotaine (also known as ergothioneine)

Thiotaine is the synthetic version of a natural antioxidant amino acid normally found in high concentrations in tissues of the body exposed to high levels of oxidative stress (free-radical damage). It protects the skin from oxidative and DNA damage. Thiotaine is an antioxidant, protecting the mitochondrial membrane against oxidation. It also transfers fatty acids into the mitochondria (the power stations of our cells) to help use oxygen efficiently and to produce more energy. It also protects DNA from the oxidation of guanine. Ergothioneine reduces TNF-Alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor), a stress signal cytokine.

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (aka Matrixyl™ 3000)

This peptide complex has been clinically proven to decrease main wrinkle density by 37% within 56 days, and a 45% decrease of the surface occupied by deep wrinkles.

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is a tripeptide. It enhances the product of collagen and stimulates the growth of matrix and connective tissues, enabling skin to become moisturized, soft, and defined. It helps reduce surface areas of deep wrinkles and contributes to thickening of the epidermis by promoting collagen renewal. Studies have shown an increase in skin thickness of 4%, reduction in depth of wrinkles by 23% and reduction of depth of main wrinkle (crow's feet) by 39% within 4 weeks. This ingredient also has stimulatory activity comparable to that of retinoic acid, but without its drawbacks of irritation. It can be derived naturally from plants. Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide chain which suppresses the chemical messengers that trigger the body’s acute inflammatory response. As we age, significant levels of the chemical messenger IL6 appear in the blood plasma, even if there is no inflammatory stimulus. The reduction in IL6 therefore increases healing potential and tissue regeneration. Peptide complexes that have been synthetically derived in a lab appear to have the kind of efficacy and benefit that goes beyond the skin’s surface. (Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries, June 2004, page 30; Pharmaceutical Research, March 2004, pages 389-393; and The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, September 2005, pages 473-481).

Acetyl Hexapeptide (also known as Agireline or Botox Alternative)

Acetyl Hexapeptide 3 is a non-toxic amino-peptide developed specifically to reduce wrinkles and the signs of premature aging. It temporarily limits the overproduction and release of neurotransmitters that initiate and control the intensity of facial muscle contractions. This reduction in intensity reduces and prevents the formation of dynamic wrinkles that make your skin look aged. This powerful ingredient reduces muscle contractions in a non-paralytic fashion and without toxic side effects. It is naturally derived and non-irritating to the skin. Attaching the hexapeptide to the fatty acid, acetyl, allows the resulting amino-peptide to be easily absorbed into the skin.