VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is the original topical vitamin proven to have a beneficial effect on the skin. Various forms of Vitamin A are referred to as retinoids. The first theraputically effective retinoid was trentinoin(Retin-A tm.), used since the 1970's for treating acne. Trentinoin helps acne by causing "desquamation" or flaking off of superficial skin cells. This effect results in cleaning out of clogged
pores, the primary problem that leads to acne. Once the pores are clear, toxins stored in the tissues are now able to be released, thereby reducing the appearance of cellulite. Vitamin A also improves the
skin's elasticity, as it is an excellent emollient. Emollients are used to soften, moisturize, and lubricate dry skin. One of the main causes of
wrinkles is a lack of elasticity brought on by the inevitable loss of moisture in aging skin. Skin also ages as a result of contact with free radicals, which is why antioxidants are so important in any skincare regime.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is one of the most powerful antioxidants known, and is particularly effective when used in a topical application. It has been proven to decrease the effect of the sun on the skin and actually prevent further damage. Antioxidants are designed to keep free radicals from damaging cell walls and other cell structures, as well as cellular DNA, which if left unchecked could lead to precancers and cancers. Free radicals can also accelerate the aging process. Antioxidants are capable of preventing free radical formation on the surface of the skin in the same way that a squeeze of lemon juice can prevent the rapid browning of an apple slice when exposed to air (lemon juice contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant). They can provide a protective barrier, shielding the skin from environmental damage. Vitamin E is the most important antioxidant in the body that protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated enzymes, reduces sunburn-cell production,chronic UV-induced damage, and the production of cancer-causing cells. Studies have shown Vitamin E in conjunction with Vitamin A were associated with 70% reduced risk for basal-cell carcinomas.

VITAMIN D

Topical use of Vitamin D provides valuable cell growth, delivering nutrients directly to malnourished, dry, irritated and sallow skin and is ideal for those who may not receive enough Vitamin D from exposure to direct sunlight or by eating animal fats. In fact, the topical application of Vitamin D is a far superior way to deliver it to the system by reducing the dangerous effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight and the ingestion of animal fats. It is essential inthe formation and maintenance of healthy bones and skin.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea contains the antioxidants Vitamins A,C & E, and used topically is a powerful wound healing agent. It has many anti-sceptic, anti-bacterial and even anti-viral properties. It enhances the production of hyaluronic acid, a "substance that helps bind cells together" according to research done in the 1950's. Research also indicates that Echinacea activates the non-specific immune system through direct contact with skin tissue (the body's largest organ). A study of 4,598 individuals noted "favorable results" in 85.5% of patients who used the ointment for inflammatory skin conditions including wounds, eczema, burns and herpes simplex. Other animal and human studies also support these uses. Herbalgram #38, Fall 1996,reports on a recent Italian study that "supports the view that
extracts from Echinacea can be used for the prevention and treatment of skin photodamage" ( over-exposure to the sun and it's aging effects). Topical application has been shown to decrease inflammation and promote tissue regeneration.

ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera's anti-inflammatory and antisceptic properties are well known. It has been shown to dilate capillaries and enhance blood flow, and contains enzymes that enhance the absorption of nutrients through the cell membranes, thereby aiding in the absorption of the antioxidant ingredients. It is extremely effective in treating burns, and is a highly-prized emollient. Echinacea promotes the healing of damaged tissue. It provides 20 of the 22 human-required amino-acids and 7 of the 8 essential ones. The essential amino acids are those the human body can't manufacture on it's own.

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is one of the oldest emollients known to man, and it has been providing us with soft, supple skin for centuries. It also aids the body in the removal of accumulated waste products by promoting a lubricating action throught the skin, into muscle tissue, and even penetrating the bowel wall. This lubricant action allows encrusted waste to be easily flushed from the system efficiently. A study reported in the Journal of Dermatological Science finds that the topical use of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil after sunbathing may help prevent skin cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, as shown in a study
where it was used effectively to reduce edema in laboratory mice in two separate assays.

CUCUMBER

Cucumber is traditionally recognised for it's renewing, strengthening, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce swelling with it's tightening properties and mild diuretic effect.

BEESWAX AND NATURAL PARAFFIN

How does Paraffin Heat Therapy work? Paraffin has a very high "heat capacity" meaning it is able to absorb and retain a great amount of heat. Xyla Sea's formula takes advantage of paraffin's heat-retaining capacity in a simple process called "heat transfer". Very simply, the heat that goes into melting the paraffin is released when it solidifies into a custom-fitted, warm "body glove", thus transferring the heat deep into the tissue, where toxins are released through the pores which the soothing heat has opened. Plus you receive the added benefits of Beeswax, a pure and healthy natural emollient full of nutrients to feed and tone the skin that has been used in beauty treatments since the days of the ancient Egyptians. Applying the wax in this warm, melted state has the added benefits of relieving arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and minor muscular aches and stiffness.