Elastin, together with collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), promotes firmness, rigidity, elasticity, and mechanical support for the skin.
Skin conditioning
In skin care, conditioning is everywhere. Consumers have always wanted their skin moisturized, nourished, restored, and protected. Each of these benefits results from the activity we call conditioning.
Here are some of the most intriguing products for providing conditioning effects. They have performance properties offering "extraordinary" conditioning for the skin.
These are specialty ingredients that create memorable, distinctive features in skincare products – the kind of features that will help offerings stand out in the minds of customers.
From phospholipids to quaternaries, the products in the line are based on exceptionally creative chemistry, making them ideal ingredients for today's personal care products. Features such as mildness, substantivity, high performance, and multifunctionality are common in modern skin conditioners.In ancient times, Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) was one of the herbs dedicated to the "Evil One" and was used for divination in spells. Achillea Millefolium was also used to stop nosebleeds and to relieve headaches, severe colds, and fevers.
Kiwi is an egg-shaped fruit with a fuzzy brown outer skin and sweet, green flesh. It is an odd but appealing native of New Zealand, the leading producer of kiwi fruit in the world.
Adenine is one of the four purine nucleobases in DNA, a substance naturally found in plants and also in humans, that can be considered a cellular self-repair factor. Adenine repairs cells through triple mechanisms:
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) has tonic and narcotic properties and has been used to treat intermittent fevers, rheumatism, neuralgia, and congestion. Its astringent qualities have also helped treat skin sores and ulcers.
Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract is a slightly opalescent, light amber, viscous liquid, bio-engineered from a selected strain of red marine algae known under the trade name apt®.
In the Middle Ages, a Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla Vulgaris) was considered sacred to various Earth goddesses and later became the herb of the Virgin Mary. The herb's styptic, tissue-contracting, and astringent properties made it useful for treating wounds and stopping bleeding.
Greek historian Discorides recorded the use of aloe as a healing herb more than 2000 years ago. The gel was applied externally to wounds to clear blemishes, soothe itches, and maintain healthy skin. There is a legend that Cleopatra massaged fresh aloe into her skin daily to preserve her beauty.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a clear, light yellow to amber liquid with a light vegetable odor obtained from the inner fillet of Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller.
Aluminum salts owe their antiperspirant efficacy to their astringent, antiseptic, and antiperspirant powers but can be irritants.
Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract lipophylic leaf extract of a plant known as King of Bitters. Rich in Andrographolide, it is recommended for anti-aging products and sensitive skin.
Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) has been used to relieve pain associated with headaches, nasal and sinus congestion, and toothache.
This Chinese plant, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis, not to be confused with the more common Angelica Archangelica, has been used to relieve pain associated with headaches, nasal and sinus congestion, and toothache.
Proclaimed by Mark Twain as "deliciousness itself" and prized by the Incas, the Cherimoya (Annona Cherimola) has grown in the highlands of Peru and Ecuador for centuries. Annona Cherimola is considered a good source of niacin, phosphorous, and thiamin.
The Egyptians revered Common Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) for its virtues. Because they believed it could cure ague, they dedicated it to their gods.
Apricot Kernel Amino Acids is an active fruit amino acid complex derived from the complete hydrolization of the protein found in the apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) kernel. It is an all-natural moisturizer with an exotic appeal. It is known under the trade name Hydroapricot AA.
Arbutin is a white powder, a hydroquinone derivative glucoside found in many plants. Like hydroquinone, it also effectively inhibits the formation of melanin and prohibits hyper-pigmentation caused by sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation.