BETA-C SERUM

I’m sure all of you have seen the YouTube videos about carrot & sweet potato based skin whiteners. Well these skin whiteners do work, and they work because carrots and sweet potatoes contain a chemical called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene (or ß-Carotene) is the principle carotenoid found in chlorophyll-containing plants, bacteria, and food – it’s responsible for carrots & sweet potatoes bright orange colors. ß-Carotene is an excellent skin care ingredient, serving as an antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A, thus is frequently referred to as “Pro Vitamin-A”. The skin benefits of this powerful carotenoid goes beyond skin whitening, it’s benefits include potent antioxidant protection and healing damaged skin which help heal skin issues like scars, acne scars, old burns, wrinkles, and sun damage. Beta-carotene is commonly implemented into skincare formulations for its ability to also protect against UVA-light induced damage. By doing so, products infused with beta carotene can protect from sunburn, help to reduce levels of oxidative stress, and contribute to the overall enhancement of one’s skin.

INGREDIENT EXPLAINED

There are a lot of “carrot oil” and serum products on the market, but this Beta-C Serum is a very special skin-whitening skin-healing mix. I have included some very potent herbal actives & oils:

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Phloretin: is a new skin whitening agent that has gained popularity over that last year. Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone compound and a type of natural phenol extracted from the peels of apples & the root and barks of apple trees. Phloretin inhibits melanocytes and disrupts tyrosinase activity causing the skin to whiten. Studies have shown that Phloretin is as strong as arbutin (hydroquinone precursor). Phloretin is a very potent anti-oxidant. It can remove free radicals from the skin, prevent cell mutation, accelerate cell metabolism, reduce wrinkles, and enhance the skin’s supporting structure and immunity to UV light.

Phloretin is also an anti-inflammatory. This may not be as important to some of you, but regarding skin bleaching, it should be. When our skin becomes red due to trauma (i.e. injury, sunburn, pimple, etc.) that redness later turns into hyper-pigmentation or a dark spot/mark/patch. Also, for FITZ I-III (natural or bleached) the skin is so light that you can now “see” everything, like spider veins & red patches of tiny blood vessels. Ingredients like Phloretin will work on shrinking healing and diminishing those inflamed blood vessels, hence removing redness. Having anti-inflammatory properties makes Phloretin very effective in whitening skin, and removing red patches (rosacea) especially seen in FITZ I and FITZ II (natural or bleached) Download Phloretin info sheet [Phloretin.pdf]

Phloretin is still fairly new so not many shoppes carry products containing this ingredient. Skinceuticals sells a product called Phloretin CF, it’s 2fl.oz, contains only 2% phloretin, and costs $166. My AppleWhite cream contains 20% phloretin, is deep penetrating, comes in 2fl.oz-8 fl.oz sizes, and cost a fraction of what Skinceauticals is charging. Checkout the reviews on their website, it’s extremely expensive but the results of phloretin are real. Even at just 0.5% phloretin whitens skin by 2 shades lighter. View the before & after photos from the study above.

HIGH DOSE PHLORETIN WILL:
• Whiten Skin Many Shades
• Remove Dark Spots & Melasma Patches
• Remove Red Spots
• Smooth Skin & Diminish Wrinkles
• Diminishes Rosacea & Redness

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Ferulic Acid: Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in the cell wall of plants including bran and certain fruit seeds where it helps to protect and preserve. In skincare, it does the same: protects & preserves. Applied topically, ferulic acid can protect against free radicals and help with skin rejuvenation. Ferulic Acid diminishes fine lines and wrinkles; strengthens and firms skin. Ferulic acid works in synergy with other potent antioxidants. It not only stabilizes highly oxidative vitamin-C, it actually intensifies the efficacy of vitamin-C and other antioxidants. According to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, “Ferulic acid alone (and vitamins C and E) provides partial protection but vitamins C, E and ferulic acid [altogether] provide virtually complete protection.”
[Recommended Max: 1%]

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Sea Buckhorn Oil: Really good skin is powered by the 1,000 year old ancient heritage of the sea buckthorn berry. The rarest, highest percentages of nutrients, from the heartiest berry on earth 190 bioactive ingredients with all 4 omega fatty acids, this power berry does it all. Plus more vitamin C, A, and E then all other oils. The 1,000 year old ancient heritage of healing and anti-aging gives the sea buckthorn berry its rich culture as an “elixir of youth” and one of the most nutrient dense plants in nature. Abundant in all 4 omega fatty acids including the elusive Omega 7, 190 Bio-active ingredients along with vitamins A, C, D, E, K, BI, & B2, your skin will thank you, over and over again! This berry thrives in the extreme alpine environment at 12,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayan highlands and has been used for anti-aging and healing skin for over 1000 years. When topically applied, sea buckthorn has exhibited therapeutic and medicinal properties; helping in the treatment of sun and radiation damage, healing wounds, as well as cosmic radiation protection (Russian cosmonauts). The sea buckthorn fruit is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, antioxidants, and phytosterols; all which have benefits for helping heal all sorts of internal and external ailments. You may wonder how such a tiny berry can survive 12,000 feet above sea level in the mountains of the Himalayas in up to – 40°C! It’s secret to survival can be found in the endless array of incredibly powerful nutrients found in the fruit itself.

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Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 20%: Vitamin C is an excellent skin whitener and anti-aging ingredient, but it’s highly unstable. Vitamin-C becomes inactive/useless when: it’s heated higher than 100 degrees; oxidizes from air or water; or metal touches it. To solve this problem chemists in the cosmetics industry have created vitamin-C derivatives, one of them is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a stable form of vitamin-C. Unlike pure vitamin-C (L-Ascorbic acid) tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is lipid (fat) soluble. Researchers believe this form of vitamin-C has a greater affinity for skin because its fatty acid component helps aid in penetration. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate pairs well with other forms of vitamin-C and retinol for enhanced effectiveness.

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Pomegranate Seed Oil: Heavy in Antioxidants – Not only does it contain about 48% of the daily vitamin C, but also contains other antioxidants such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and tannins. With all these antioxidants you have one of the ultimate blockers in free radical damage, which is a big cause in aging. Cell Regeneration – Pomegranates help protect the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and helps with skin cell regeneration in the epidermis and dermis (inner layer), increasing circulation and healing the skin, aiding in tissue repair and wound healing. Sun Protection – They have sun protective compounds that protect the skin against free radical damage, help prevent skin cancer, relieve sunburn and reduce the signs of sun damage. Pomegranate seed oil works to protect against skin cancer because of ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant found in large quantities in pomegranates, which researchers have found inhibits the growth of skin tumors. Anti-Aging – Pomegranates protect against premature aging by helping reduce the signs of skin aging caused by sun damage and exposure, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Pomegranates also help prevent hyperpigmentation and age spots. Youthful Skin – Pomegranates promote smooth, firm skin by promoting collagen and elastin production and soften skin. Dry Skin – It is a great ingredient for skincare because its small molecular structure allows it to penetrates deeply into the skin. It works for most skin types, (which depends on the skin care ingredients pomegranate is combined with). Since pomegranate oil penetrates deeply into the skin, it is effective for treating dry skin. It soothes dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It contains punicic acid, an omega 5 fatty acid that hydrates and prevents moisture loss. Oily Skin/Combination Skin – Pomegranate oil even works for oily skin and the use of pomegranates have been beneficial in skin care products for acne prone skin, to combat breakouts, reduce scarring, and sooth minor irritations.

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Rosehip Seed Oil: Regenerates and heals the skin – Because it contains high concentrations of vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, and K, rosehip oil is known for its exceptional regenerative and healing properties. Increases collagen production and skin elasticity – Research shows that after eight weeks, rosehip oil will lead to a significant improvement in crow’s-feet wrinkles, the skin’s moisture level, and in elasticity. Assists in brightening and evening out the skin – Because it’s rich in vitamin C, rosehip oil helps brighten the skin. It also helps decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Fights free radicals – With high levels of vitamin C, rosehip seed oil can help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, and help fight free-radicals in the skin. Has dramatic skin restorative powers – A study proved that the use of rosehip oil on patients post-surgery improved the overall look of their scars. Intensely hydrates and moisturizes the skin – Including linoleic acid, as well as various other essential fatty acids, rosehip oil is the go-to for acute hydration. It also locks in moisture and is easily absorbed by the skin. Calms inflammation – Rich in vitamin E and anthocyanin—two ingredients that can calm and soothe irritation—rosehip oil can be hugely beneficial for those dealing with rosacea, eczema, and other inflammatory skin issues. Combats acne – For acne-prone skin, rosehip oil can be helpful because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and it has low comedogenicity.

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Evening Primrose Oil: Used cosmetically or topically, Evening Primrose Oil soothes and moisturizes the skin, scalp, and hair while enhancing elasticity. Furthermore, it promotes a healthy, clear, rejuvenated complexion with enhanced radiance and addresses roughness, wrinkles, redness, dryness, and irritation. It facilitates the healing process, reduces the appearance of scars, and calms inflammation.

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Carrot Seed Essential Oil: Is very restorative to skin and heals damaged skin and also evens skintone. Carrot seed oil has anti-aging and skin healing properties, it treats dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rash, scarring, acne scaring, and vitiligo, there is little qualitative evidence to support these claims.

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Myrrh Essential Oil: Is an anti-microbial and skin healer. Studies have shown that Myrrh oil alone inhibited 43–61% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete’s foot. A study noted that myrrh applied via baths helped mothers heal skin wounds from vaginal deliveries. Myrrh also reduces pain & swelling. Myrrh also protects against sunburn, cancer, & mold infections. Myrrh helps treat stomach ulcers and kills gut parasites. Myrrh is also a powerful antioxiant, in an animal study, myrrh oil helped protect the liver against lead-induced oxidative damage in direct proportion to the amount of myrrh given prior to lead exposure

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Frankincense Essential Oil: Evens skintine, balances dry skin, and gives skin a beautiful glow. Boosts immunity & improves skin health. Is an anti-inflammatory, skin healer, calms redness, and heals skin.

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FULL INGREDIENT LIST
Beta-Carotene 20%, Phloretin 1%, Ferulic Acid 1%, Totarol 1%, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 6%, Tretinoin (retin-A), Sea Buckhorn Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Turmeric Essential Oil, Carrot Seed Essential Oil, Myrrh Essential Oil, Frankincense Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil.