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BIO ENZYME EXFOL gently exfoliates the skin with enzymes and none of the undesired effects of acids or scrubs. For deep cleansing and healthy skin renewal through the action of proteolytic enzymes present in our biological glycoconjugates ingredient, and in a complex of active enzymes, which includes Papaya and other natural substances (without any acids). Also includes the Chinesse adaptogen Huang Qi - Astragalus membranaceus root extract - to strengthen qi (the life force or energy), or its American term, the immune system. |
A complete woman's face cleansing includes weekly peeling. Most men are unaware of the fact that this type of removal of detached keratinocytes occurs while shaving. Razors used for both dry and wet shaving do remove the cells of the corneal layer, thus resulting in a soft peeling. Keratinolytics are substances which aid the softening and detaching of damaged and flat fused cells, thus enabling active skin care substances to access the inside of the skin.
For a vitalized and uniform skin surface that lets the skin appear fresh and smooth.
Enzyme Catalizer
Get Rid of Dull, Dead & Damaged Skin and Reveal that Healthy You
Enzymes are highly specialized proteins, which function as catalysers that accelerate or regulate biochemical reactions of the metabolic pathways.
In the skin, enzymes play a major role. Their functions are: - biosynthesis of the cellular components, - biodegradation of the cellular components, - regulation of the biosynthesis or biodegradation.
In healthy young skin an interactive balance exists between these 3 groups of enzymes. This balance is disturbed, when certain enzymes are excessively stimulated or inhibited. The result may be an oily, dry or irritated skin. Epidermal aging processes are activated as well.
During the epidermal aging the horny layer becomes thicker through hyper-keratinization and the living epidermis becomes thinner.
Fruit acids, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), have been used until now to regulate these processes. But, AHAs are known to have some side effects as they have to be used in formulations with acidic pH (3.7-4). Stinging or burning sensations can occur.
When AHA's are used repeatedly they have and undesired hardening effect or thickenning of the dermis that often results in hyperpigmentation and all sorts of congestion.
The simple fact is that alpha hydroxy acids are hydroscopic in nature and actually work ‘off’ the moisture in the skin, pulling it upward into the dead corneum which in turns starts the surface cells swelling up like little balloons overloaded with water. These then burst open and the fragments detach from the skin-hence the peeling effect. This in fact is a desirable action for professionals who can monitor the client and replace the bilayer lipids and natural moisture at the conclusion of the treatment. Daily use of these acids in products at home will eventually pull ALL of the natural secretions of the skin upwards to the surface and out, which results in gross dehydration and dark, uneven toned skins.
But chronic users of AHA products have begun to report "hardened skin". There are two basic manifestations of this condition and sometimes a combination of both: (a) The skin takes on a thin, glassy, hardened look and feels dehydrated and darkened in areas, or (b) hard pustules or nodule-like pimples form under the skin and do not erupt quickly onto the surface.
(AHAs) (e.g. glycolic acid and lactic acid), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and retinoids, may all cause adverse reactions including skin irritation, erythema, blistering, particularly in individuals with sun damaged skin, and chronic or unusually high photosensitivity, especially among ethnic groups having darker skin tones.
To avoid the pitfalls of acid exfoliants we utilize a complex of active and immobilized protease enzymes, which consists of natural substances, obtained from a micro-organism (without any acids) and a proteolytic enzyme, papain, obtained from raw Carica Papaya, that act at a well tolerated pH of 6, which is close to the epidermal physiological pH.
Proteases are enzymes playing a key role in the natural desquamation and rejuvenation process of the skin. They cleave the peptide bonds of the so-called desmosomes to loosen the connection between the corneocytes and finally support the shedding of dead cells. The amino acids released by the cleavage of the peptide bonds contribute to the replenishment of the natural moisturizing factors (NMF).
The enzymes in our exfol product are immobilized by a specific system of inclusion into a micro-particular lipidic matrix. This matrix has a strong affinity to superficial lipids of the epidermis. This innovative form protects the enzymes against degradation.
The enzymatic complex has a mild keratolytic effect (mild exfoliation, smoothing) and stimulates the turnover of epidermal cells (regenerating activity) leading to a smoother and younger look of the skin.
The product also provides an intense long-lasting hydration of the horny layers by reinforcing the resistance of corneocytes against dehydration.
Few people realize what a wholesome and nutritive fruit the papaya is. It has more carotene when compared to other fruits such as apples and guava, custard apple, plantains. The ripe papaya fruit contains large quantities of carotene. Papayas are high in ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) and the flesh is very high in vitamin A. There are also small amounts of calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin present in papaya. It is low in calories and sodium, and high in potassium. Papaya is available throughout the year.
The Papaya fruit contains the enzyme papain and extraodinary high amounts of vital substances such as beta carotene and vitamins as well as glucosides and trace elements. Papin is a particularly mild keratinolytic. In fact, as opposed to fruit acids, papain is already active at neutral pH values. It fosters the access of active substances to the skin through a particularly soft peeling effect without causing skin irritation. The skin obtains new freshness and an attractive appearance.
Papaya intake is good for the skin
Intake of papaya reduces the effects of stress and strain of modern life on skin. The antioxidants in papaya control premature ageing of the skin, thus imparting a youthful look.
Laidet B, Letourneur M., [Enzymatic debridement of leg ulcers using papain], Ann Dermatol Venereol. 1993;120(3):248.
Hewitt H, Whittle S, Lopez S, Bailey E, Weaver S., Topical use of papaya in chronic skin ulcer therapy in Jamaica., West Indian Med J. 2000 Mar;49(1):32-3.
Dawkins G, Hewitt H, Wint Y, Obiefuna PC, Wint B., Antibacterial effects of Carica papaya fruit on common wound organisms., West Indian Med J. 2003 Dec;52(4):290-2.
Huang Qi - Astragalus membranaceus root extract - strenghtens the immune system
For thousands of years the Chinese have used Huang Qi to strengthen qi (life force or energy), or its American term, immune system.
The portion of the plant used medicinally is the four to seven-year-old dried root collected in the spring. European botanists first wrote about its medicinal qualities in the 1700s.
Chinese name:
Huang Qi is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs [1]. The root is a sweet tonic herb that stimulates the immune system and many organs of the body, whilst lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels [2]. It is particularly suited to young, physically active people, increasing stamina and endurance and improving resistance to the cold - indeed for younger people it is perhaps superior to ginseng in this respect [3]. Huang Qi is used especially for treatment of the kidneys and also to avoid senility [1]. The plant is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Atractylodes macrocephala and Ledebouriella seseloides [2].
The root is adaptogen, antipyretic, diuretic, tonic and vasodilator. It is used in the treatment of cancer, prolapse of the uterus or anus, abscesses and chronic ulcers, chronic nephritis with oedema and proteinuria. Recent research in the West has shown that the root can restore normal immune function in cancer patients. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy recover faster and live longer if given Huang Qi concurrently.
The root of 4 year old plants is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
The plant is antipyretic, diuretic, pectoral and tonic. Extracts of the plant are bactericidal, hypoglycaemic and hypotensive.
Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. Cardiotonic, vasodilator.
References
[1] Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4. Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
[2] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31. A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
[3] Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-303148. An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.
[4] Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985 A very good Chinese herbal.
An impressive account of research is listed here: http://www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb26.htm
Shen Nong, the founder of Chinese herbal medicine, classified astragalus as a superior herb in his classical treatise Shen Nong Pen Tsao Ching (circa A.D. 100). The Chinese name huang qi translates as "yellow leader," referring to the yellow color of the root and its status as one of the most important tonic herbs.
Traditional Chinese medicine utilized this herb for night sweats, deficiency of chi (e.g., fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite), and diarrhea.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the body against disease. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.
Astragalus has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic (helps eliminate fluid from the body) properties. It is sometimes used topically for wounds. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it is indeed effective at preventing colds.
In the United States, researchers have investigated astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements have been shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy.
Brush J, Mendenhall E, Guggenheim A, Chan T, Connelly E, Soumyanath A, Buresh R, Barrett R, Zwickey H. The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD69 expression and immune cell activation in humans. Phytother Res. 2006 Aug;20(8):687-95.
Chen LX, Liao JZ, Guo WQ. Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function and oxygen free radical in acute myocardial infarction patients and mechanism of its cardiotonic action [in Chinese]. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. 1995;15(3):141-143.
Wu Y, Ou-Yang JP, Wu K, Wang Y, Zhou YF, Wen CY. Hypoglycemic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide and its effect on PTP1B. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2005 Mar;26(3):345-52.
Yu DH, Bao YM, Wei CL, An LJ. Studies of chemical constituents and their antioxidant activities from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge. Biomed Environ Sci. 2005 Oct;18(5):297-301.
Zhang WD, Zhang C, Wang XH, Gao PJ, Zhu DL, Chen H, Liu RH, Li HL. Astragaloside IV dilates aortic vessels from normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats through endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent ways. Planta Med. 2006 Jun;72(7):621-6.
keywords: enzyme peeling, facial cleansing, exfoliation of dead cells, removal of detached keratinocytes
