Green and black tea both contain polyphenolic acid which fights free radicals and is increasingly used in skin care.

A retinoid used in the treatment of psoriasis and acne. It works by keeping the pores clear, lessening redness and reducing the size of the affected area.

One of the beta hydroxy acids (see above) that is used in anti-ageing creams.

Contains a derivative of Vitamin A. It is manufactured in a cosmetic base under the trade name Renova by US Ortho Pharmaceuticals. It has found to be less irritating than Retin A. Both should be used sparingly.

A derivative of Vitamin A widely used in anti-ageing creams. First used as an anti-acne cream and still only has official approval for this use. The downside is that users need to wear sun-block and it can irritate the skin … Continue reading →

Extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine contains antioxidents which neutralise free radicals and assist in stopping the breakdown of two main elements in the skin – elastin and collagen.

These are made from plant extracts – bilberry, pine bark, grapeseed – and are antioxidents which can be applied to the skin in creams to combat free radicals.

A member of the fruit acid family also used for brightening the skin but is better tolerated by those with rosacea or dermatitis.

A free-radical scavenger found in some red fruit and vegetables including tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, red guava and red grapes.

A form of Vitamin C that destroys free radicals.

A polysaccharide found in the body’s tissues and used as a moisturiser.

Include glycerine, sorbitol, squalene and urea

Enzymes are a type of protein and some skin care products include those from plant sources such as the pineapple (bromelian) and papaya (papain) to exfolitate the skin.

Contains collagen, linolenic and oleic acids and promotes the growth of healthy skin tissue.

Part of the skin’s connective tissue and in topical creams helps keep moisture in.

An antioxident close to Vitamin E in structure, CoQ10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body. It also occurs naturally in a number of foods, including organ meats, soy oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts. It … Continue reading →

A natural constituent of skin. Collagen in creams acts a humectant encouraging moisture to stay within the skin.

A natural constituent of the skin that assists in its condition

A mineral which activates an antioxidant skin enzyme superoxide dismutase helping to stimulate collagen production.

Bioactives

Beta hydroxy acid is reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after at least 6 months of daily application. Although they also peel the skin, they are kinder that Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) The Difference Between … Continue reading →

Similar to retinoids and with skin-lighting properties Azelic acid is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It works in part by stopping the growth of bacteria in the skin and also helps by keeping the pores clear. It is … Continue reading →

Antioxidents are a large category of nutrients and herbs – vitamins, minerals and other supplements which help the body fight cell damage caused by free radicals (unstable atoms in cells), including ageing and diseases. Antioxidents neutralise free radicals. These nutrients … Continue reading →

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID A major cause of ageing is the decline in the energy-producing capability of cells which results in reduced metabolic activity and eventually cell death. This is a highly potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and since it is … Continue reading →

Vitamin E, oil based antioxident that is a moisturiser