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WHY WE USE NATURAL SEAWEED & ALGAES?
Seaweeds and algae contain all of the essential vitamin, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids from our oceans that our skin needs to create a healthy, balanced flora, and the "reds" are the absolute best - this is renowned world-wide. Seaweeds and algae also contain hyaluronic acid which boosts the elasticity and hydration of the skin; retains moisture. Other minerals present in seaweed/kelp and algae are potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, traces of sulphur and iodine.
Seaweeds exist in tidal plains and need the ability to retain water to survive drought periods. On your skin, it can create a thin, non-greasy force field holding moisture in and preventing it from escaping. One such seaweed we use is wild Atlantic Red Nori (known as Laver) which is a potent antioxidant, reddish in color with collagen being an excellent source of hyaluronic acid. It is native the North Atlantic Ocean growing and harvested in the pristine waters off the Gulf of Maine, USA.
We also use Astaxanthan Red Super Algae which is a very potent antioxidant, carotenoid, and is naturally red-orange in color, and has been known as red spirulina. It contains high levels of Vitamins C & E, beta-carotene and lycopene. Several studies have shown its effectiveness with improving skin texture, elasticity, reducing age spot size and even crow's feet. It protects against UV sun damage and is excellent for all skin types.
In addition to the two above, we also use blue-green algae, known as spirulina, which is a type of cyanobacteria that is packed with nutrients. One of its key components is phycocyanin, a pigment that makes it a distinctive blue color and offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-skin cancer properties (skin cancer).
Ascophyllum nodosum is a type of brown seaweed found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly known as knotted wrack, rocked, or Norwegian kelp and is widely used in agriculture, skincare, and health supplements. It is rich in nutrients like iodine, antioxidants, and polysaccharides that support thyroid health and skin hydration. It is used in anti-aging and hydrating formulations due to its mineral-rich composition.
Chlorella vulgaris is a green micro algae that belongs to the Chlorophyta division. It's a single-celled freshwater algae known for its high protein content, antioxidants, and detoxifying properties. It's rich in nutrients like Vitamins A, B, C, and E, along with iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It detoxifies by binding heavy metals and flush them from the body. For immune support, it contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and helps with hydrating the skin supporting anti-aging. It also contains a sustainable plant protein source of 50-60% protein.
Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium often referred to as spirulina, but spirulina is derived from the Arthrospina species. It thrives in alkaline, subtropic lakes and is widely used in health supplements, food products and cosmetics. It is rich in nutrients such was proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is used in anti-aging and hydrating skincare formulations.
Chlorophyll is the natural source in the plants that make it green. We use it exclusively for several benefits such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It can speed up healing (wounds, scars, etc.) by promoting faster skin repair - enhancing granulation tissue formation, which is crucial for healing cuts, burns and acne scars. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, which contribute to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Chlorophyll has anti-bacterial effects, making it useful for reducing acne severity, calming redness, and balancing oil production. It strengthens the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and shield against environmental pollutants and UV radiation. Chlorophyll also helps eliminate toxins, leading to clearer, more radiant skin.
Together, chlorophyll & seaweeds can create a powerful topical skincare that offers hydration, detoxification and antioxidant protection. Together, they provide deep hydration due to seaweeds richness in polysaccharides that help retain moisture, while chlorophyll supports skin barrier protection. They provide detoxification and purification properties from chlorophyll's ability to neutralize toxins, and seaweed's ability to aid in skin repair from its high mineral count. Both help support anti-aging & skin brightening due to their high antioxidant count that fight off free radicals, reducing wrinkles and skin dullness. Chlorophyll has antibacterial properties while seaweed clams the redness and balances oil production to keep acne and inflammation controlled.
NATURAL PLANT SPF - A Breakthrough in Natural Skin Care?
Plants have a natural way of protecting themselves from the sun, so once we learned the SPF broad spectrum values of the botanicals we used, we found the overall value to be quite high initially. Once we added the remaining ingredients, the overall value decreased to about 45-50 SPF. We also added zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (two natural earth minerals) in the non-nano form (NOT processed to be absorbed into the skin) that add the extra thin layer of protection since it doesn't absorb. These two minerals protect the skin by forming a barrier that reflects UVA-UVB sun rays like a mirror (hence their white color). They are also very stable and don't require you to wait 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Studies from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, have shown what protects the plants from UV radiation and damage. They produce a sinapate ester, called sinapoyl malate, which is a natural sunscreen. Closely related natural substances, called cinnamates, are equally effective which are also derived from plants. An example of this is ferulic acid (a hydroxycinnamic acid) which enhances the ability of all ingredients for protection from the sun. We use ferulic acid exclusively.
Plants also produce high levels of polyphenols (antioxidants) which are a family of organic molecules that protect the plant from the UV rays, parasites, insects, pests and other environmental damage. Since plants are not mobile, they rely on these molecules to protect themselves.
A newer study in 2020, from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) discovered the actual mechanism that protects the plants from excess damage. Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, the process that allows them to store solar energy as sugar molecules, but too much sunlight can dehydrate and damage their leaves, so, they dissipate the extra light as heat. Excess energy is transferred from chlorophyll (the pigment that makes the leaf green) to other pigments called carotenoids, which can release the energy as heat. Here's where it gets technical ... when sunlight strikes a plant, specialized proteins known as light-harvesting complexes absorb light energy in the form of photons, with the help of pigments like chlorophyll. These photons drive the production of sugar molecules, which store the energy for later use. Plants can react very quickly to solar intensity changes and when the chlorophyll passes the extra photons to the carotenoids, which include lycopene & beta-carotene, they get rid of the excess energy through rapid vibration (heat). These skillful scavengers of free-radicals are helping to prevent damage to the cells.
WHAT IF we could re-create a formula that can allow some sunlight to penetrate our skin for Vitamin D purposes but also reflect the damaging UV radiation utilizing organic, natural ingredients like the plants? Only 100% pure, simple, organic, chemical-free ingredients as nature intended ... check out our SPF 45.
Newer research (2020-2024) has been showing the effects of cancer-causing chemicals being absorbed into our bloodstream. The studies also showed that the higher SPF in commercial sunscreens can irritate the skin, making it more sensitive, causing sun burns. These same chemicals are floating on and in the water polluting the environment which can cause harm to to the fragile ecosystems. Many of these chemicals have been shown to be hormone disruptors with more studies showing their effects. Lately, there have been more recalls of cosmetics, acne formulas and sunscreens due to dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer and other health issues (such as benzene & Benzoic Acid).
Why we use Selenium?
We use the organic form of selenium, L-selenomethionine, which has been shown to penetrate the skin and reach the bloodstream. Topically, selenium offers antioxidant protection which helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. It also helps filter UVA and UVB harmful sun rays. Selenium also plays a role in skin regeneration and repair.
Selenium absorbed through the skin helps activate glutathione. Selenium is a co-factor for glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in neutralizing oxidative stress and detoxifying cells.
How Selenium Supports Glutathione Activation: selenium helps convert glutathione into its active form, which protects the cells from damage. Selenium enhances antioxidant defenses, preventing premature aging - reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. When paired with Vitamin E, selenium can increase glutathione levels, promoting faster skin repair.
L-selenomethionine is generally considered the better form of selenium for absorption and bioavailability. It is the naturally occurring form found in foods and is more efficiently utilized by the body compared to an ionically charged selenium which may have lower retention rates.
In summary, the selenium we use for our products, L-selenomethionine, is highly bioavailable - easily absorbed and incorporated into proteins. It has a longer retention period, stored in tissues for sustained selenium release, and, it supports glutathione activation - playing a role in antioxidant defense.
Clogged Pores
A clogged pore, "comedo" or "comedone" as it's known in the dermatology industry, is formed when a pore or hair follicle gets clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. We call these small raised bumps on our skin acne, and there are basically two types.
Blackheads (open comedones) remain open at the surface of the skin with a dark appearance due to the melanin in the clogged pore being exposed to oxygen (air) and oxidizing, which gives it the dark "black" appearance (think of a cut apple sitting out on the counter).
Whiteheads (closed comedones) are covered by a thin layer of skin, trapping the contents inside which give the appearance of small raised flesh-colored or "white" bumps on the surface of the skin.
Both of these types of comedones may become inflamed and develop into more severe forms of acne, such as pustules or cysts, if they become infected or experience an inflammatory response in the area.
Non-Comedogenic refers to ingredients that have pore clogging abilities. There seems to a lot of discrepancies and confusion around what tends to clog pores vs not clog pores. Many doctor's of dermatology have re-designed their own scales/ratings due to their own research and experiences, but there remains uncertainties that need to be taken into account. For example, one research group may say coconut oil or butter is non-comedogenic, whereas the next group of studies reveal they are not.
Skin types, environmental stressors, weather/humidity/dryness, pollution, allergens, nutrition/diet, activity/exercise levels, personal care routines, cultural differences all play a part in how the skin reacts to different ingredients in products, so to mention that a product is exclusively non-comedogenic has to be first tested on human skin, your skin, to have a definite answer. And even if there is a reaction, what kind or type of reaction is it? Perhaps giving the product a day or two or even a week, will provide some answers. Physically, changes within any organs in our bodies can take up to 28 days and that's just basic human physiology. We can't change that. Some "experts" seem to believe otherwise.
What's Recommended? The following is a list of recommended oils that tend to be non-comedogenic for different skin types and a few that are in between the two extremes. Look for products that use these types of oils or mixtures of them for better results, but as mentioned above, please test the product somewhere on your cleaned skin (other than your face) to see if you have any reactions to it. Otherwise, if you are confident with the product's ingredients, go ahead and apply it.
DRY or MATURE Skin ...
Apricot Kernel Oil - Evening Primrose Oil - Jojoba Oil - Oat Oil - Plum Oil - Camelia Oil
SENSITIVE, OILY or ACNE-PRONE Skin ...
Grapeseed Oil - Hemp Seed Oil - Sunflower Oil - Abyssinian Oil - Safflower Oil - Squalane Oil
IN-BETWEEN OILS for ALL Skin Types ...
Rosehip Oil (NOT Rose Oil) - Sweet Almond Oil - Pomegranate Oil - Borage Oil - Argan Oil - Meadowfoam Oil
Some Misunderstandings of Non-Comedogenic Oils:
Even though non-comedogenic oils are less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, they are not totally risk-free. People with sensitive or highly acne-prone skin might still experience issues with some non-comedogenic oils. It is always recommended to test an area of your skin away from your face when trying a new oil or formula - skin typed can vary drastically.
Oils can actually help balance oil production oily skin types by providing hydration. Some non-comedogenic oils, like jojoba and meadow foam oils, are particularly good at regulating sebum production.
While non-comedogenic oils are generally safe, it's important to not overuse them. Using too much oil, even non-comedogenic oils, creates a greasy feeling on the skin. More is NOT better! At NuVisage, we have designed our products to be rapidly absorbed and thinner than the average product on the market, so, a little goes a long way ... no need to overdo it! This is difficult for most people to understand and comprehend since we all are used to smearing a product onto our skin with the thought that "more is better." NOT so!
Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil can reduce their concentration and potential skin irritation, but it doesn't automatically make them non-comedogenic. The comedogenicity of an essential oil depends upon its specific properties and essential fatty acids.
Non-comedogenic oils can be non-irritating, which can be true, like sunflower seed oil and grapeseed oil, however, if you suffer from atopic dermatitis, allergies, or sensitive skin, some oils are better for your than others. If this is the case, then Squalane oil is an excellent oil to begin with.
Here's a sample of the recommended best face oils for every skin type providing a deep hydration, barrier support, and nourishment. Look for these in your favorite skin care products like NuVisage!
Irritated & Sensitive Skin: Squalane, Sunflower, and Meadowfoam
Dry & Dehydrated Skin: Jojoba, Plum, and Oat
Oily & Acne-Prone Skin: Abyssinian, Squalane, and Borage
Aging & Mature Skin: Rosehip, Pomegranate, and Evening Primrose
Face Oils, Carrier Oils, and Specialized Oils?
Face Oils are anhydrous (contains no water) mixtures of oils that may also contain oil-soluble, active ingredients, such as herbal extracts. By not adding water or water-soluble ingredients, there is no need for emulsifiers, solubilizers, surfactants, or preservatives. This helps give your skin a radiant glow with the fewest ingredients. For many people this is appealing because pure, natural face oils are as close to nature as you can get ... NuVisage Skin Care.
Carrier Oils are a mild oil that doesn't have many of its own dramatic properties such as color or scent. Carrier oils high in antioxidants are especially healthy for the skin. The term carrier oil originates from the aromatherapy world, where the purpose is to dilute essential oils so they can be used for the aroma while doing massage.
Specialized Oils are planted based oils with unique or outstanding properties that make them best used in diluted form. Examples of specialized oils not generally used at 100% concentration are: broccoli seed oil, tamanu oil (thick and almost black), and sea buckthorn oil (which will stain your skin and clothes if used at high concentration.
Oils are extracted from various nuts, seeds, kernels and vegetables and most companies are cold pressing them to extract the phytonutrients from them - no heat, chemicals, nor contamination of the organic ingredients being extracted which protect the delicate phytochemical. Each plant that produces a seed, nut, kernel, etc., has unique properties that are being extracted, so not every plant seed, etc., is the same. For example, pomegranate oil is one of the only sources of punicic acid; meadow foam oil is high in eicosenoic acid. Each unique property is blended with other types of unique properties to achieve a result for different skin types: dry, oily, sensitive, mature.
Each oil is unique and contain different types and percentages of fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals.
Fatty Acids: Face oils are rich in fatty acids. For example, Linoleic Acid is beneficial for oily & acne-prone skin, as it regulates sebum production and can unclog pores. Oleic Acid is slightly thicker and feels richer, so it's much more moisturizing and better for dry skin.
Phytochemicals are the rich bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and sterols found in carrier oils which provide a range of skincare benefits. How many of these phytochemicals are present in plant oils? Good question. Literally thousands.
Polyphenols such as resveratrol in grape seed oil have potent antioxidant properties that protect skin from radical damage. Flavonoids like silymarin in milk thistle oil offer additional antioxidant protection and help soothe inflammation. Plant Sterols such as beta-sitosterol help retain moisture in the skin and reduce inflammation.
These bioactive compounds contribute to the therapeutic properties of carrier oils in face care, aiding skin protection, hydration, and soothing inflammation.
Sebum Production
The sebaceous glands in our skin produce a natural oil called sebum. Genetics and hormones decide how much (or how little) sebum you produce. Sebum moisturizes, waterproofs, and protects your skin.
Sebum is made up of 57% fatty acids, 26% natural waxes, 12% squalene, and 4.5% cholesterol. Clogged pores come from a buildup of sebum and dead cells.
The skin's sebum production is mainly controlled by our hormones, particularly the androgens - the sex steroids. When using an oil topically, the skin's perception of needing more or less sebum is altered. Applying oil to your face moisturizes the skin and creates a protective barrier that prevents water loss. The signal to your skin that there is no need to produce excess sebum, thereby reducing oiliness.
Some oils, such as jojoba, closely mimic the structure of human sebum, which tricks the skin into believing it's produced enough oil so sebum production decreases.
While cleansing and exfoliating the skin removes excess sebum and dead cells, it is important to note that over-washing, over-scrubbing, or using harsh cleansers (chemical) can strip and dry out your skin enough that it starts producing even more sebum. A damaged skin barrier will make acne worse!
Moisturizing & Preventing Dehydration
The stratum corneum, the skin's outermost layer, functions as a natural barrier that protects underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals, mechanical stress and regulates TEWL (transepidermal water loss), the process of water evaporation from the skin's surface. When your skin loses water and becomes dehydrated, the use of face oils help support the skin barrier and helps prevent TEWL in many ways:
The fats (lipids) in face oils closely resemble those in the skin (ceramics, cholesterol, and fatty acids). By replenishing these lipids, face oils maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.
Face oils form a light, occlusive layer on the skin's surface, reducing evaporation/water loss.
Face oils also act as emollients, filling in gaps between skin cells. This results in a smoother, more hydrated skin surface.
Oils that are high in Linoleic Acid directly supportive production of your natural ceramides. And, some oils even contain natural ceramides, so it's a winning combo.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidants
Inflammation causes redness, irritation, and can make acne and rosacea worse. Certain oils, containing high levels of Linolenic Acid (LA) or Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), are known to reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants play a critical role in protection the skin against environmental stress factors like UVA-B radiation from the sun and pollution.
Oxidative stress causes premature aging, skin damage, and various skin conditions. Oils that are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin E, carotenoids, nd polyphenols, neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing them from damaging skin cells and collagen, and helping to maintain skin health and reducing signs of aging.
Antibacterial & Antifungal
Several face oils contain potent antibacterial and anti fungal properties, which can be very beneficial for people with acne-prone skin. For example, neem oil, is renowned for its extensive antimicrobial properties. It is rich in compounds like "nimbin" and "azadirachtin", which combat a variety of bacteria and fungi, including propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria primarily responsible for acne. Also, thyme oil, which contains thymol, disrupts the integrity of bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting their growth and eventually leading to their destruction.
Jojoba Oil regulates the skin's natural oils and prevents the overgrowth of Malassezia, a type of yeast implicated in conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Some essential oils are recognized for their robust anti fungal properties.
Oil for the Face? Seriously?
Face oils have many skin health benefits, and all stem from a long list of physiological properties. Many people stay away from face oils thinking it will only add more acne, blemishes, plug pores and make their skin even more oily. Most of the public is used to smearing a thick lotion onto their skin, sometimes thinking "more is better", as with the use of SPF sunscreens for example. Nothing can be further from the truth. If the lotion, serum or moisturizer has the proper ingredients and less fillers, then, a little goes a long way.
The following is a list of why we use and promote skin oils:
Locks in moisture & prevents water loss.
Strengthens & repairs the skin barrier (which improves skin hydration).
Antioxidants protect from free radicals & environmental damage.
Evens out skin tone & reduces discoloration.
Eliminates dull skin& brightens for a radiant glow.
Enhances collagen production & improves elasticity which reduces the look of fine lines & wrinkles.
Enhances absorption of other active ingredients in beauty products.
Creates a dewy finish when used before foundation.
Regulates your natural sebum production.
Reduces acne breakouts & blemishes (due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti fungal, and sebum-regulating properties).
Helps reduce the appearance of scars (Vitamin E oil reduces stretch marks during pregnancy & also surgical scars heal effectively).
Improves overall skin texture & softness.
Soothes sensitive skin & reduces inflammation.
Hydration and moisturization are different.
Oils do not directly hydrate the skin. To hydrate the skin, you need to help the skin gain more water. Oils moisturize and help prevent water loss.
Hydration is determined by how much water stays within the cells. Dehydration is due to water loss and is caused by low humidity, aging, UV exposure, low water intake, hot showers/tubs, air-conditioning, etc. Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, work by pulling moisture from the air and bringing it to your skin.
Even oily skin can become dehydrated.
Skin dryness is determined by the amount of oil present. Dry skin may feel rough and look flaky. Moisturization traps and seals moisture while building the skin's protective barrier to prevent water loss. Dry skin needs emollients to help re-establish the broken barrier.