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Facial care products include serums, creams and supplements designed to support, protect and hydrate the skin. These natural beauty products may:

• Supply antioxidants to promote healthy aging.**
• Nourish the collagen matrix for firm, supple skin.**
• Cleanse and condition skin for fresh-­faced beauty.**

What is Facial Care?

Among the most vulnerable parts of the body, the face is exposed to the elements on a near­-constant basis. This exposure may include environmental assaults on the face such as the sun’s searing UV rays, air pollution and toxins. Some of these external factors have been tied to the creation of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that bombard the body’s cells to create a state known as “oxidative stress.” According to the Free Radical Theory of Aging, free radicals’ damage and oxidative stress may be linked to premature cellular aging. This may include visible signs of facial aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines and sun spots.

In addition to weathering free radical assaults on a daily basis, the face undergoes changes as a result of the natural aging process. Collagen and elastin, which are fibrous proteins that weave through the skin’s matrix to impart firmness, flexibility and healthy structure, begin to break down and decline with age—resulting in common facial concerns such as sagging, wrinkles and diminished elasticity.**

In addition to concerns over wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, sun spots and other visible signs of facial aging, common facial complaints may include acne, a type of skin irritation issue tied to clogged pores, dead skin cells and inflammation; dry skin resulting from insufficient hydration, heat and wind; and skin flaking and scaling, which is sometimes linked to inflammatory concerns. Sunburn and chapped lips are also common facial care concerns.

Paradoxically, some synthetic facial care products may supply the very same toxins and chemicals that have been linked to the creation of skin cell­-damaging free radicals. A popular alternative to chemical-­based personal care products, natural products support a youthful, beautiful appearance without exposing skin to additional toxins.

Some of the most popular natural facial care products are:

• Argan Oil: Cold pressed from the drupe of its namesake fruit, argan oil supplies skin­-supportive fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E. Its beautifying potential has made argan oil an increasingly popular ingredient in facial serums and other products designed to hydrate, nourish and condition the skin.**
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum: A type of polysaccharide, hyaluronic acid (HA) binds with water to create a “plumping” effect for skin. Commonly used in high-­end cosmetic procedures, HA is also available in supplement, serum and cream form. When applied topically to the face, HA serums and wrinkle creams may help to maintain skin’s elasticity, firmness and youthful smoothness.**
• Vitamin C Cream: A popular antioxidant for general wellness, Vitamin C is also valued in skin health applications.** In addition to fighting the age­-accelerating effects of skin cell­-damaging free radicals, vitamin C promotes the natural production of collagen, which is integral to overall skin health.** In cream form, vitamin C is absorbed rapidly into facial skin to provide targeted support for supple, firm and healthy skin.**
• Vitamin E, A & D Cream: Like vitamin C cream, vitamin E, A & D cream presents foundation nutrition in a topical form that may be absorbed quickly and easily. Blended into facial cream, these three key vitamins nourish the skin with antioxidant activity and hydrating properties.**
• Emu Oil: Made from the fat of an ostrich-­like bird found in Australia, emu oil naturally supplies essential fatty acids along with the antioxidant activity of vitamin E.** Traditionally used by Aboriginal tribes as a sunscreen, emu oil is prized in modern times for its ability to soothe irritated and dry skin, assist with sunburn and help maintain a youthful-­looking face.**
• DMAE & CoQ10 Wrinkle Cream: DMAE and CoQ10 are two antioxidant compounds that are sometimes paired together in topical wrinkle creams. Together, DMAE and CoQ10 are believed to help neutralize cell­damaging free radicals.** DMAE and CoQ10 wrinkle creams may help to promote facial skin that is smooth and pliable.**
• Collagen & Placenta Night Cream: Collagen is a key protein that helps form the underlying matrix that gives skin its elasticity and firmness.** Collagen is sometimes paired with placenta, which supplies additional skin-­supportive proteins.** Together, collagen and placenta are applied to the face in pre­bedtime night creams, where they nourish skin and replenish vital proteins.** Collagen & placenta creams help to support facial softness, plumpness and youthfulness.**
• Vitamin E Lip Balm: Lip balm is applied topically to protect the lips from chapping, dryness and harsh elements. Vitamin E’s antioxidant activity adds another dimension of protection, helping to seal in moisture, neutralize free radicals and condition full, healthy lips.**
• Diatomaceous Earth: This rich powdery substance sourced from fossilized marine life is known for its silica content. Silica is a mineral that supports healthy connective tissues throughout the body, including the skin.** Silica also plays a role in maintaining the collagen matrix that underlies firm and healthy facial skin.**
• Bentonite Clay Powder: In traditional uses, this volcano ash powder was believed to draw toxins and impurities out of the skin. Today, Bentonite clay powder is sometimes used in facial masks; it may be blended with water to form a paste that, when applied to the face, has a deep pore­ cleansing effect that leaves skin looking rejuvenated and healthy.**
• Cucumber Cleansing Cream: Cucumbers have long been prized in facial spa applications for their cooling, soothing properties, especially when placed over puffy eyes. Cucumber extract is included in cleansing creams that are popularly used to remove makeup and oils, as well as to simply provide a rejuvenating cleanse that leaves skin feeling fresh and soft.**
• Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream: Aloe’s legendary skin­supportive effects may be enjoyed straight from the leaf, but are also sometimes presented in moisturizing facial creams.** Designed for rapid absorption, these aloe creams are ideally suited for soothing and nourishing irritated skin while hydrating and conditioning the face for touchable softness.**

Facial Care Products

Facial care products support diverse aspects of facial beauty and comfort, often by supplying soothing essential fatty acids, emollients, humectants and skin-­supportive antioxidants. These topical products may be presented as creams, oils, serums, balms and powders.

Facial Care Products Directions for Use

Consulting with your health care practitioner before applying these facial products is recommended. There are no standard directions for facial products; refer to individual labels for the manufacturer’s suggested usage.