March 2, 2022
Skin protection superhero: Our new antioxidant mask
by Mara Hageneier
We have something to celebrate again! After our already beloved clay and hemp oil mask, we now have another highlight - literally. Our new antioxidant mask can now take its place in our product family.
Antioxi-what? If you are wondering what exactly antioxidants are, what they do to the skin and why they are an essential part of our skin care, then you have come to the right place.
- Antioxidants – our natural protective function
- Antioxidant mask: How our mask protects your skin
- Our antioxidant mask: ingredients and effects at a glance
- Application of the antioxidant mask
1. Antioxidants – Our natural protective function
Whether from the inside or the outside, we are exposed to harmful environmental influences every day. No matter how hard we try to avoid them, we unfortunately cannot escape them completely. But don't worry - our body has equipped us with a series of mechanisms to protect us from most of them. Nevertheless, we can give our system a little help and support it with little helpers, antioxidants.
What do antioxidants protect us from?
Sunlight, stress, environmental toxins, etc. lead to the formation of so-called free radicals. They are molecules that are looking for a suitable reaction partner. In a fraction of a second they grab one of the most important building blocks, an electron. This process is called oxidation. What remains is a molecule that has now become a free radical itself and wants to fill the gap of the missing electron. The graphic below illustrates this process in more detail. The process can repeat itself and a chain reaction may even be set in motion. The occurrence of free radicals is quite normal in many metabolic pathways. Fortunately, the body's own mechanisms can prevent them. If the ratio gets out of balance, however, so-called oxidative stress occurs, which can have a significant impact on our health. As the outermost protective shield, our skin is particularly exposed to free radicals from our environment that try to steal electrons. One more reason to equip it better so as not to overstretch its protective instinct.
Our new antioxidant mask is bursting with goodness and prepares you and your skin optimally for free radicals. It owes its unique protective effect to its carefully selected ingredients, which harmoniously and constructively provide a real antioxidant boost.
2. Antioxidant Mask: How our mask protects your skin
The full antioxidant power
LEMON OF THE NORTH – SEA BUCKTHORN PULSE OIL
The oil of the orange vitamin bomb impresses with its high proportion of carotenoids. The plant substances provide preventive protection against UV rays, stimulate the metabolism and serve to protect against free radicals. In combination with vitamin E, the oil provides exceptional repair properties. The fruit oil also contains linoleic acid, palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid, which have a calming effect on irritated and stressed skin. Together with various minerals, your skin's overall appearance is improved, the elasticity of the connective tissue is increased and moisture is bound in the skin.
NATURAL DEFENSE THROUGH RESVERATROL
Resveratrol is one of the secondary plant substances or polyphenols. They are the natural defenses of plants and are released in response to stress when the plant has to defend itself against its environment. We can make use of this effect. Polyphenols are antioxidants and inhibit inflammation in the skin. Resveratrol is also said to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin. Since collagen gives the skin its structure, it supports a healthy, even complexion.
TURMERIC EXTRACT
This plant from the ginger family, also known as goldenseal or Indian saffron, is native to India and Southeast Asia. It is best known as a ground spice in the kitchen. But turmeric has been widely used as a skin treatment for centuries, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Its active ingredient curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and regulates the production of skin fats. It is also said to have antioxidant, decongestant, wound-healing and circulation-stimulating properties.
NOURISHING OILS AS A CARE SUPPLEMENT
Liquid gold from Morocco – argan kernel oil
Argan oil has a very balanced composition of oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid, and thus covers a broad fatty acid spectrum.
It supports the skin's natural functions, protects against moisture loss and strengthens skin elasticity. Its high concentration of antioxidants such as vitamin E makes argan oil an indispensable ingredient in our antioxidant mask.
The little fruit – apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil consists mainly of oleic acid, an essential fatty acid that makes the skin feel soft and provides moisture. The linoleic acid it contains supports the moisture balance, promotes the regeneration of the skin's protective barrier and ensures a smooth skin feeling. Thanks to its vitamin E content, it has an antioxidant effect and fends off free radicals. Vitamins A and B3 also support the development of your skin structure.
The Asian Bean – Soybean Oil
Whether as a spicy soy sauce, as a milk alternative or in tofu, the soybean has secured a permanent place on supermarket shelves. But the small, round bean also has a lot to offer in skin care. The vegetable oil consists mainly of fatty acids and some plant-based ingredients as well as minerals that ensure excellent skin moisturization and a healthy skin barrier.
The Sunshine – Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is characterized by its high linoleic acid content. The oil owes its anti-inflammatory effect to its high vitamin E content. Together with lecithin, it ensures rapid absorption without leaving a greasy film.
THE POWER OF NATURE – ROSEMARY EXTRACT
The extracts of rosemary stimulate circulation and have a slightly antibacterial effect, promote skin metabolism and are also highly antioxidant. Rosemary owes its effectiveness primarily to its essential oil, which is composed of a variety of fragrances.
A powerful foundation
THE BASE – NEUTRAL OIL
Neutral oil or MCT oil (MCT - medium chain triglycerides) supplies the skin with valuable lipids and acts as a carrier for our fat-soluble vitamin E. Since it is also highly soluble in water, it is easily metabolized by the body and thus penetrates the skin wonderfully.
THE MULTI-TALENT – ALOE VERA
Its special extracts not only have an intensive moisturizing and regenerating effect on the skin, but also cell-renewing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The interaction of its active ingredients makes the aloe vera plant a true universal genius. We definitely don't want to miss out on its valuable repertoire in our antioxidant mask. If you want to know more about the "desert lily", then take a look at our blog .
THE LINK – SUCROSE STEARATE
Sucrose stearate acts as a mild emulsifier, making the skin supple, soft and delicate. By combining water and fat molecules to form a uniform gel texture, a seamless film is created on the surface of the skin. Sucrose stearate also protects us from excessive water loss by binding the skin's moisture.
THE HUMECTICANT – GLYCERIN
Glycerin binds the moisture in the product, thereby ensuring a smooth texture and preventing drying out. At the same time, it binds the moisture in your skin and thus reduces the skin's own water loss. Dryness and flaking are counteracted - elasticity and resilience are increased.
OUR PROTECTIVE VITAMIN – VITAMIN E
Our skin benefits from its antioxidant and cell-protective effects. At the same time, vitamin E acts as a natural preservative. Since vitamin E has the ability to intercept harmful free radicals, it strengthens resistance and ensures a long shelf life.
3. Our antioxidant mask: ingredients and effects at a glance
Giving our skin antioxidants through skin care is therefore very important in order to strengthen the skin's protective barrier and protect us from external environmental influences. The skin is our protective shield and antioxidants give it the strength to maintain this shield.
4. Application of the antioxidant mask
With this mask you are doing something good for your skin and yourself. During your time off, you are recharging your batteries, regenerating and strengthening your skin. Use the exposure time to consciously take time for yourself. Even if it is only 15 minutes for you - make it your personal relaxation ritual. During this time, be completely with yourself and design it the way you currently need it. This way you protect your skin from oxidative stress while also reducing your internal stress level. And of course, this has a positive effect on your skin, your body and your mind.
Apply the gel-like mask to your face once or twice a week after cleansing and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. You may also want to use a cotton pad or washcloth to help you do this. The important thing is: please do not rub, as this will irritate your skin and cause redness. Then just carry on with your usual routine. From serums or concentrates to creams and oils and even sunscreen (at least for day care).
Masks are a wonderful way to combine skin care with self-care time. If you can manage it, we would like to remind you at this point that your morning and evening care routines can also be time for you, even if you only spend 2 minutes on it. Try to consciously pamper your skin. Spray the rose water on, close your eyes for a moment while it absorbs and enjoy the calming scent. Maybe give yourself a little massage with your day cream or your facial oil. And apply the antioxidant mask with the super soft brush instead of your fingers. This is also suitable for small caresses on the face in between. This doubles the relaxation factor!
Happy glow with our new antioxidant mask!
Sources:
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/bfm%3A978-3-662-08302-4%2F1.pdf
http://www.bioaktive-pflanzenstoffe.uni-jena.de/docs/Dissertation_Jasmin_Karmowski_2015.pdf
http://www.chemgapedia.de/vsengine/vlu/vsc/de/ch/16/im/antioxsys/antioxsys.vlu/Page/vsc/de/ch/16/im/antioxsys/vite.vscml.html
https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/lebensmittel/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel/antioxidantien-helfer-gegen-freie-radikale-10575