Polypodium Leucotomos – Complete Guide
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern grown in Central and South America. Extracts from its aerial parts are rich in polyphenols and are said to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (|can neutralize free radicals), and photoprotective effects. Now polyphenols can be divided into flavonoids (flavanols, flavonols, and anthocyanidins) and non-flavonoids (phenolic acid and stilbenes). The most abundant polyphenols in Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) are phenolic acid (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid). Effects of Polypodium leucotomos extracts based on in-vitro and in-vivo studies: Antioxidant: It enhanced plasma antioxidant capacity (neutralized free radicals). It decreased ultraviolet radiation induced damage to DNA. Photoprotective: It showed a significant reduction in sunburn response.…
Does cold water close the hair cuticle?
Hair cuticles cannot open or close. They can only be lifted and lifted cuticles are damaged cuticles. A lifted cuticle is a sign of damage and can only temporarily be flattened by a conditioning agent. The cuticles lay flat and this gives a smooth feeling to the hair. If the cuticle is open, it is elevated from the hair surface. This can also reduce the protection of the cortex and the hair will feel rough and rigid. lifted cuticles can not be avoided because many daily hair grooming habits can contribute to the hair cuticles being lifted. Combing, hair brushing, shampooing, towel drying, styling, heat styling, UV light can contribute…
Boroline for skin
What is Boroline? Boroline is an over-the-counter multipurpose cream in India. It is made to treat dry skin. What does Boroline contain? The 3 main ingredients that makeup boroline are boric acid, lanolin, and zinc oxide. Boric acid (1%): Caution when using Boric acid: Lanolin: Caution when using Lanolin: Zinc oxide (3.1%): Caution when using Zinc oxide: Make sure you don’t use boroline as a substitute for sunscreen. The zinc oxide present in boroline is too little to provide any protection against sun damage. Boroline’s claim: Is it safe to use Boroline? Avoid Boroline in the following situations: Frequently asked questions: Can I use Boroline for fungal infections? No, you…
Chemical peels – The Complete Guide
What is a chemical peel? A chemical peel is the application of one or more agents (it’s usually an acid solution). It helps to strip away the skin’s top layers in a controlled manner. This removes a portion or all of the epidermis (it is outermost layer of the skin) and the dermis (deeper most layer of the skin). This stimulates the skin to renew and regenerate. It helps to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. Depending on the strength of these formulations. these procedures can be done in-office by a specialized dermatologist or plastic surgeon, registered nurse or a aesthetician, or by yourself at home. What are…
Sheet masks – The Complete Guide
Facial masks are normally divided into: Sheet masks Peel-off masks Rinse-off masks, and Hydrogels What is a sheet mask? It is simply a mask in sheet form. What are sheet masks made up of? Cotton Microfiber Hydrogel Bio-cellulose Foil Charcol, and Silicone What does a Sheet mask contain? Water Active ingredients (like vitamin C) Soothing ingredients Moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) Solvents or delivery agents (it can deliver actives deep into the skin) Preservatives, and Fragrances What does a sheet mask do? The sheet mask help to create a occlusive barrier (a physical barrier on top of the skin). This occlusive barrier can: Increase the water content of the skin,…
What is the difference between BB cream, CC Cream, and Tinted Moisturizer?
What is a BB cream? BB stands for “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm”. It was developed in Germany for patients to help them recover from facial procedures. It helped to heal and repair the skin. It was popularized in Korea as a base primer for makeup. BB creams may contain: Anti-inflammatory Anti-acne Anti-aging, antioxidants (vitamin A, E, and C), and sun protection ingredients (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). Benefits of using BB creams: Is a hydrating balm (good for dry skin). It provides light to medium coverage. They can be used by people who don’t need full coverage or a heavy feel. Very light. Looks natural. Cons of using…
How do K18 products work?
Before we go into K18 products, we should first learn about conditioning and protein products. Hair mainly consists of a tough protein called keratin. Bleaching, heat styling, keratin treatments, etc can damage the keratin. Once the keratin is damaged, it cannot be repaired. Conditioning agents attach to the outer layer of the hair and smoothen the surface but the inner keratin layers responsible for the strength of the hair are not repaired. These conditioning agents only temporarily attach to the surface and can be removed by the next wash. Most proteins work like standard conditioning agents. These proteins temporarily attach to the outer layer. Only low molecular weight peptides and…
How do hair oils protect and improve your hair?
Before we go into hair oils, we should first know how our hair works. The medulla forms the central core of the hair which is surrounded by the cortex, a layer of keratin cells. This cortex is surrounded by the cuticle, a layer of overlapping cells that lay flat over one like fish scales but facing downwards. These cuticles protect the cortex of the hair and helps to prevent damage caused by combing, straightening, perming, and dyeing. Oils help the cuticle in the protection of the cortex and prevent hair breakage by reducing friction and to prevent excess water to get into the hair. These oils create a thin film…
Are Antioxidants sunscreens?
No, antioxidants are not sunscreens but using them together is really effective. Antioxidants are secondary photo protectors, the main way you can reduce the risk of sun UV radiation damage is to use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure. The only way to treat photodamage (damage caused to skin by UV radiation) is sunscreen. UV filters in sunscreen block the UV radiation from entering your skin. They do so by forming a film layer onto your skin and absorbing UV radiation. The damaging UV radiation has a wavelength between 240 to 400 nm. So it is important that a sunscreen contains filters that can absorb UV radiation within this range. Antioxidants…
What are clarifying shampoos?
Regular shampoos contain surfactants (cleaning ingredients) and common conditioning agents such as silicones, hydrolyzed peptides, and cationic ingredients. Clarifying shampoos are promoted as deep cleansers that can remove residue and built-up in the hair. Consumers think that after using clarifying shampoos, the hair is not coated with any ingredients or built-up. How will your hair feel after using Clarifying Shampoos? It will feel rough/dry/brittle/rigid/stiff and not pleasant. It will also not feel soft and smooth. This is because conditioning agents are present in clarifying shampoos. If your hair feels soft after using clarifying shampoos, it is because of the conditioning agents on your hair. Do Clarifying shampoos clean better? Most…