Definitions and Additional Information

Actifirm tm TS

Abilities:

* Asiatic acid and asiaticosides extracted from IIydrocotyl asiatica (cetella asiatica, Gotu Lola) stimulate dermal fibroblasts
and increase collagen synthesis in vitro and in vivo.

* Coneflower Extract (Echinacea agustifolia) inhibits hyaluronidase in the body and inhibits the production of hyaluronidase
by normal bacterial flora on the skin.

* Contributes to the integrity of the skin by oncreasing the viscosity of the ground substance between cells.

* Coneflower Extract has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing properties.

Ascorbic Acid

(Vitamin C) a water soluble crystalline substance, is necessary for the development of collagen. It is also necessary for the
function of many enzymes in the body. Vitamin C is also necessary for the elimination of drug and chemical toxins from the
body. Carnitine, a chemical needed to burn fat, is synthesized by vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for the formulation of
neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in the brain and body tissues. Vitamin C is an immunostimulant aiding the anti-
bacterial efforts of white blood cells and stimulating the activity membranes from free radicals by increasing interferon
production. Free radicals are unstable molecules or atoms that hang around in our environment. They contain unpaired
electrons. They will naturally seed out and bond together with other molecules or atoms in order to form a paired electron,
making the new molecule or atom damaged. This damage is the root cause of conditions like arthritis, heart disease, auto
immune disease, cancer, and aging. Inflammatory conditions are caused by this process. Exposure to UVA, UVB, and UVC
rays causes free radical activity and, consequently, inflammation of the skin (sometimes very deep inflammation.) Even just
one exposure to UV radiation will cause a reduction in the levels of natural anti-oxidants produced by the body. Regular use
of topical vitamin C products counteracts the free radical activity that causes the photodamage associated with aging. It
should not be used in place of sunscreen. Aging is the result of free radical activity and lack of oxygen to the surface of the
skin after exposure to UV radiation. An effective anti-oxidant, vitamin C is also vital to collagen production. When used
topically on one side of the face, volunteers showed a significant reduction in wrinkling and fine lines on that side. Vitamin C
is an anti-oxidant which helps fight free radicals from exposure to UV radiation. It has been found to be necessary to the
formation and development of collagen. Studies have shown that creams containing Ascorbic Acid are effective in reducing
the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ceramides and Sphingolipids

They are included in barrier lipids which make up about 40% of the skin's outer layer and work to bind the skin together..
They are the glue that holds the skin together so the environment can't get in and moisture can't get out. Lipids are lost
with aging and the moisture barrier is weakened. At this point, moisture added topically has little effect. Some research
shows that applying ceramides topically has the effect of generating ceramide production in the skin, thereby increasing
the lipid content of the skin. There are two phases in the production of Ceramides. First, the precursor of the ceramide must
be produced. The phytosphingosine building-block must be produced first. Secondly, a fatty acid is attached to this
compound in the second phase which results in the formation of ceramides. The isolated sphingosine is fermented with a
special yeast, under controlled conditions in a medium that is rich in nutrients. When the yeast cells multiply, they produce
the precursor to the ceramide. A plant derived fatty acid, stearic acid is linked to the phytossphingosine through
acetylation process or through the catalytic activity of a natural occurring enzyme to make a ceramide that is identical to
human skin.