Friday, September 13, 2013

Minyak Tea Tree @ Melaleuca Alternifolia di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Minyak Pokok Teh @ Tea Tree @ Melaleuca Alternifolia mengandungi Terpinen-4-ol bertindak sebagai antiseptik semulajadi membantu merawat wajah anda dan membantu mengurangkan jerawat. Komponen utama  Terpinen-4-ol adalah aktif menentang bakteria dan fungus merbahaya tetapi mengekalkan microorganisma semulajadi kulit.

Selain daripada Terpinen-4-ol, Minyak Tea Tree juga mengandungi alpha- dan gamma-terpinene,1,8-cineole, alpha-terpinolene, alpha-terpineol, alpha-pinene dan p-cymene.

Minyak Tea Tree juga didapati dapat menghalang pertumbuhan kulat Candida Albican pada kulit.

Ekstrak Licorice @ Glycyrrhiza Glabra di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Ekstrak Licorice @ Liquorice @ Glycyrrhiza Glabra mengandungi komponen antioksida dan anti keradangan seperti glycosides-glycyrrhizin dan asid glycyrrizinic, flavonoid dan saponin. Ekstrak Licorice juga membantu mencerahkan kulit anda secara semulajadi. Glabridin di dalam Licorice menghalang pembentukan melanin dengan menghalang aktiviti tyrosinase.

Oleh itu, Ekstrak Licorice dapat melindungi kulit dari kesan buruk radikal bebas, mengurangkan bintik hitam, pigmentasi, mengurangkan atau melegakan keradangan kulit dan mencerahkan kulit secara semulajadi!

Tocotrienol di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Antara kebaikan vitamin E semulajadi (Tocotrienols):

  • fungsi antioksida yang poten iaitu 60 kali lebih poten daripada Vitamin E jenis Tocopherol
  • membantu meningkatkan kelembapan kulit dengan mengurangkan kehilangan air daripada kulit
  • membantu melindungi kulit daripada kesan penuaan dan kesan kerosakan daripada cahaya Ultra Violet (UV) yang disebabkan oleh pendedahan yang berterusan daripada cahaya matahari
  • melindungi kulit daripada kesan buruk radikal bebas
  • mengurangkan pembentukan radikal bebas di kulit
  • membantu dalam penyembuhan dan pembaikian kulit dan dalam pembaikan luka
  • memudarkan kesan parut dan stretch marks 
  • menolong mengurangkan kekedutan dan garis-garis halus di kulit
  • membantu mengurangkan pigmentasi kulit

Peptide marin kolagen di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Antara kebaikan peptide marin kolagen:
  • meresap dengan mudah ke dalam kulit
  • membekalkan amino asid yang diperlukan untuk sel kulit berfungsi dengan sempurna
  • membantu melambatkan proses penuaan dan membantu mengembalikan keremajaan kulit
  • membantu menjadikan kulit kelihatan sentiasa lembab
  • membantu melicinkan dan menegangkan kulit, menjadikan kulit kelihatan lebih gebu, awet muda, segar, sihat dan bersinar.

Asid Hyaluronik di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Peningkatan usia boleh menurunkan kadar kelembapan kulit yang akan menyebabkan kekurangan penegangan kulit dan kesan penuaan akan kelihatan. Asid Hyaluronik memainkan peranan yang penting untuk kesihatan kulit dengan keupayaan uniknya untuk mengekalkan kelembapan kulit.  

Asid Hyaluronik amat penting untuk pembaikian dan perlindungan tisu kulit. Ia mempertingkatkan sintesis kolagen, keanjalan dan kelembapan kulit. Kulit kelihatan lebih muda. 

Asid Hyaluronik melindungi kulit dari cahaya UVB. Asid Hyaluronik juga dapat membantu penyerapan Vitamin C.

Panthenol di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Panthenol juga dikenali sebagai provitamin of vitamin B5.  Ia dapat membekalkan nutrien kepada sel kulit dan mempertingkatkan sel rejuvenasi. Ia membantu mengurangkan kekedutan dan penuaan kulit. 

Panthenol dapat meresap ke dalam kulit dengan mudah, mengekalkan kelembapan kulit selepas pencucian dan mempertingkatkan keadaan kulit.  

Kekurangan panthenol memberi kesan negatif pada kulit: pengurangan penegangan, proses penuaan dipercepatkan dan menyebabkan kekedutan.
Panthenol

Ekstrak Lidah Buaya @ Aloe Vera @ Aloe Barbadensis di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Lidah Buaya atau Aloe Vera atau Aloe Barbadensis mengandungi 75 komponen aktif iaitu vitamin, enzim, bahan mineral (kalsium kromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potasium, sodium dan zinc), gula (monosaccharides (glukos dan fruktos) dan polysaccharides: (glucomannans/polymannose)), lignin, saponin, asid salisilik dan asid amino
 
Aloe Vera mengandungi antioksida Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), C, E dan Selenium. Ianya juga mengandungi Vitamin B12, asid folik dan choline
 
Enzim Bradykinase yang terkandung di dalam Aloe Vera membantu mengurangkan keradangan apabila disapu pada kulit. Aloe Vera juga mengandungi alprogen (glycoprotein yang berfungsi sebagai anti alergi) dan C-glucosyl chromone (anti keradangan). Aloin dan emodin yang terkandung di dalam Aloe Vera pula berfungsi sebagai anti bakteria. Asid lemak seperti campesterol, β-sisosterol dan lupeol juga mempunyai fungsi anti keradangan. Lupeol pula mempunyai fungsi antiseptik dan analgesik. Auxin dan gibberellin yang terkandung di dalam Aoe Vera dapat membantu menyembuhkan luka dan juga mempunyai fungsi anti keradangan. 
 
Aloe Vera adalah sangat penting kerana ianya membekalkan kebanyakan asid amino yang sangat diperlukan.
 

Ekstrak Mentimun @ Cucumis Sativus di dalam produk penjagaan kulit

Ekstrak Mentimun atau Cucumis Sativus digunakan untuk melegakan, menyegarkan dan memulihkan kulit. Mentimun kaya dengan vitamin terutamanya antioksida vitamin A, C dan E. Antioksida di dalam mentimun membantu mengurangkan kesan buruk dari radikal bebas. 

Vitamin C membantu membantu meningkatkan fiber kolagen pada lapisan dermis, mengurangkan garis halus, kedutan dan parut. Dengan peningkatan kolagen, keadaan hidrasi di dermis dipertingkatkan. 

Mentimun membantu melembapkan kulit.  Mentimun juga dapat menyegarkan, membantu melegakan dan merawat iritasi kulit.   

Cucurbitacin D dan 23, 24-dihydrocucurbitacin D yang terkandung di dalam ekstrak mentimun juga boleh menghalang tyrosinase dan pembentukan melanin.


Tocotrienol benefits in skin care

  • excellent antioxidation properties of up to 60 times greater than of Tocopherol type of Vitamin E.
  • improves efficacy in skin hydration by reducing water loss from the skin and strengthening the skin's barrier function
  • helps to protect the skin from ageing and UV induced damage caused by constant and prolonged sun exposure.
  • reduces free radical production in the skin
  • potential role in skin repair and wound healing
  • promotes skin depigmentation

Sunday, September 1, 2013

The Goodness of Tocotrienols for the Skin

Tocotrienol improves efficacy  in skin hydration

By reducing water loss from the skin and strengthening the skin’s barrier function.

Tocotrienol protects the skin from damaging free radicals. 
UV radiation increases the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen in different layers of the skin causing cellular damage which accelerates the ageing process and increases the risk for skin cancer. Tocotrienol reduces free radical production in the skin.

Tocotrienols with excellent antioxidation properties of up to 60 times more potent than Tocopherol, has the ability to help protect the skin from ageing and UV-induced damage caused by constant and prolonged sun exposure. 

Tocotrienol as a radioprotective.
We are exposed to radiation every day. Radiation can cause cells to grow abnormally- a process that could lead to cancer. 
Tocotrienols improve survival and reduce radiation-induced injuries in tissues and organs.  In addition to its excellent antioxidant properties, Tocotrienols’ potent radioprotective effects arise from its ability to reduce highly reactive oxidants in the blood by inhibiting a protein called HMG-CoA reductase.

Tocotrienol reduces cellular aging.
Tocotrienol has the ability to prevent cellular ageing by reversing the effects of oxidative stress in human diploid fibroblasts (HDF). In addition, Tocotrienols increased the length of DNA structures called telomeres. (Telomeres progressively grow shorter each time a cell divides. In most cells, telomere length is closely associated with cellular ageing: the shorter the telomere, the older the cell.)

Tocotrienol helps in skin repair and promotes wound healing
Tocotrienol helps in skin repair and would healing as it triggers the movement of cells called fibroblasts.

Tocotrienol reduces melanin production or synthesis.
Tocotrienols’ ability to promote skin depigmentation through inhibition of the key protein tyrosinase in melanin synthesis. Tocotrienols reduce melanin production through tyrosinase inhibition.

Tocotrienol helps to prevent cancer cell growth
In addition to its ability to penetrate the skin’s deepest layers and neutralize the damaging effects of UV-induced free radicals, Tocotrienol acts on key proteins within skin cancer cells to induce cell death and to help prevent cancer cell growth. This mechanism suggests Tocotrienol’s potential role in supporting skin cancer prevention and treatment.

Natural Vitamin E (Tocotrienols)

What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E consists of 8 naturally occuring isomers of:
4 tocopherols (alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ) and delta (δ)) and
4 tocotrienols (alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ) and delta (δ)). 

Tocotrienols.svg

alpha (α) Tocotrienol:
R1=Me
R2=Me
R3=Me

beta (β) Tocotrienol
R1=Me
R2=H
R3=Me

gamma (γ)Tocotrienol
R1=H
R2=Me
R3=Me

delta (δ) Tocotrienol
R1=H
R2=H
R3=Me 

How Vitamin E acts as antioxidant?
Metabolism and exposure to environmental pollution, ultraviolet radiation, toxic chemicals causes free radicals to be formed. Free radicals can cause significant cellular damage. Free radical lacks an electron making it highly unstable molecule. An electron from molecules such as proteins and lipids in human body cells are taken by free radical. Once a stable molecule lacks an electron, it becomes a free radical.

Antioxidants (eg tocotrienol and tocopherol) can inactivate free radicals by donating one of their electrons to the free radical. (Tocotrienols able to donate a hydrogen atom (a proton plus electron) from the hydroxyl group on the chromanol ring). Antioxidants are unique as they do not become a free radical themselves because they remain stable before and after donating the electron. This stops the domino effect of free radicals being created. Therefore, limits cells and tissues damage.

Alpha-tocotrienol is 40-60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol as an antioxidant and highly protective of the body against free radical attacks.

Tocotrienols are forms of natural Vitamin E that can protect against brain cell damage, prevent cancer and reduce cholesterol. These characteristics, however, are not present in tocopherols. 
Since the 1980s, there have been more studies proving tocotrienols are more potent in their anti-oxidation and anti-cancer effect than the common forms of tocopherol due their chemical structure. The unsaturated side-chain in tocotrienols causes them to penetrate tissues with saturated fatty layers more efficiently, making them ideal for anti-aging oral supplements and the skincare range. Tocotrienols are better able than tocopherols at combating oxidative stress of skin that had been exposed to UV rays of the sunlight.
 

In vivo, tocotrienols are more powerful antioxidants, and lipid ORAC values are highest for δ-tocotrienol. Since 2000, scientists have suggested tocotrienols are better antioxidants than tocopherols at preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
 

In a 2009 study at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, scientists found reduction in skin cancer cells when treated with gamma-tocotrienol with chemotherapy drugs. For the first time, researchers recorded the anti-invasion and chemonsensitization effect of gamma-tocotrienol against human malignant melanoma cells. In cell line and animal studies, δ- and γ- tocotrienols have been shown to suppress the growth of melanoma.

Where Tocotrienols can be found? 
Tocotrienols are naturally found in palm oil, wheat germ, barley and oat. Tocotrienols only occurs at very low levels in nature with the highest concentration found in palm oil.
Tocotrienol are commercially obtained from palm, rice bran and annatto.

It is impossible to obtain the amount of tocotrienols that show beneficial effects from the normal diet alone. We would have to consume unreasonably large quantities of these foods to achieve an effective level of tocotrienols in our body.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Salicylic Acid 20% w/w


How does it work?
It works by softening keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps to loosen the skin cells to allow removal of warts.
Before you use the ointment
When you must not use it:
  • If you have allergy or hypersensitivity to Salicylic Acid or any other ingredient in its preparation.
  • If you are a diabetic.
  • If your peripheral blood circulation is impaired.
  • To treat warts on the face, moles, birthmarks, hairy warts or on genital/anal warts.
  • On children aged less than 2 years 
Pregnant women
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using your medicine.  
Breast feeding mothers
should be used cautiously in nursing mothers.

Before you start use it
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medication at the same time.
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any other drugs.
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, or any other health problems.
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are or plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • Consult your doctor before using this medication on children aged 2-12 years.
  • Consult your doctor before using this medication on elderly.
  • Follow your doctor’s instruction carefully. They may differ from the general instructions in the medication leaflet.
  • Before using the ointment, moisten or soak the wart in warm water for about 5 minutes to help loosen and soften the skin. Dry thoroughly. Use an emery board or pumice stone to carefully remove the top dead layers of skin on the affected area (avoid sharing this emery board/pumis stone with others). This dead skin removal is to help the medication penetrate the skin more easily. Protect surrounding healthy skin (eg. with white soft paraffin or specially designed plaster).
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking/using or have recently taken/use any other medicines or preparations such as:  
  • Any other medicated topical agents, e.g. benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, salicylate and hydroquinone.
  • Abrasive soap and cleanser.
  • Cosmetics or soap that dry the skin or are designed to peel/ exfoliate.
  • Protein bound drugs.
  • Alcohol containing preparations.
How to use the ointment.
How much to use 
Apply a thin layer of the ointment to cover the entire warts. Be careful to apply it only to the affected area and not the surrounding skin.

When to use it
  • Treatment should start as early as possible after the start of an infection.
  • Subsequently, it may then be possible to maintain improvement by less frequent application. 
  • The treatment may be used once or twice daily (in the morning and at night) or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
How long to use it
  • You need to apply the medication as instructed until the wart clears up, for up to 12 weeks or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If the wart persists after 12 weeks, consult your doctor.
If you forget to take it
  • Apply it as soon as you remember. 
  • If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the ointment.  
  • Do not double the dose.
If your use too much
If you accidentally used too much of the ointment, consult your doctor immediately. 

While you are using it
Things you must do 
  • Always wash your hands before and after using the ointment.
  • Inform your doctor if you develop any allergic reactions.
  • Seek medical advice immediately if your symptoms persist.
Things you must not do 
  • Do not apply the Salicylic Acid ointment near your eyes, nose, mouth or open wound or area of broken, inflamed or normal skin around wart, large areas of skin, warts on the face, moles, birthmarks, hairy warts or on genital/anal warts.
  • Do not use large amounts, or apply this medication more often. Do not use Salicylic Acid ointment over large skin areas for long period (more than 12 weeks) or more than as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not share your medication with anyone, as wart can be contagious through skin contact.
Things to be careful of
  • Be careful to apply it only to the affected area and not the surrounding skin.
  • f irritation or sensitization develops, consult your doctor.
  • If large areas of skin are treated, the systematic absorption of Salicylic Acid ointment will be enhanced and may lead to Salicylate toxicity.
Side Effects
Salicylic Acid ointment can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone gets them. Some possible effects are:
  • Contact dermatitis or skin irritation; flushing, unusually warm skin, burning sensation, itching and stinging of skin. 
  • Excessive drying and peeling of skin.
If any of the side effects gets serious/severe or persistent, or if you notice any side effect that is not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Prolonged use over a large skin area may cause salicylate toxicity. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms:
  • Ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
 Storage
  • Keep the tube tightly closed.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Store below 30 °C.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Protect from heat, moisture and light.
  • Do not keep expired medicine
Disposal 
Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that no longer required.