The Power of Skin Nutrition: Spotlight on Nectar Serum

by Kate Poole February 23, 2023 0 comments

We call our offerings ‘farm to face skin food,’ and we think about all of our ingredients as skin nourishment. Just like our bodies need nutrition, so does our skin. The Power Healer in the EAA lineup is the NECTAR skin serum, each of its nine simple ingredients chosen to bring balance to the skin, restore and transform.

Here, we go into depth of each ingredient and talk about how each has, in its own right, powerful healing constituents.

ARGAN OIL Argania spinosa

Argan oil has a unique composition that makes it profoundly nourishing. Compounds in argan oil such as CoQ10, melatonin, and plant sterols, offer anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory protection. These qualities make it useful for rapid healing of injured tissue. Research has shown argan oil to improve skin flexibility, aid in wrinkle reduction, and improve skin softness. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to repair and maintain healthy skin. Early research has shown it to be a possible cancer preventative.

SEA BUCKTHORN SEED OIL Hippophae rhamnoides

Sea buckthorn oil has a very complex nutrient profile. Sea buckthorn oil contains both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids including Omega 7, Omega 6, Omega 3, Vitamin A (from retinol), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), 14 vitamins, strong anti-oxidants, plant flavonoids, 11 mineral salts, and 18 amino acids. Of note is a relatively high percentage of vitamin C which participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers and helps to reduce free radicals on the skin, as well as strengthening skin immunity. I have used sea buckthorn oil to treat burns and difficult to heal wounds. It is known to increase the protective film on the skin, and is especially protective in the cold and dry seasons. This oil also contains linolic acid which is a natural component of sebum (that magic oily layer that helps keep your skin moisturized). Linolic acid is helpful in addressing acne prone skin, is helpful in addressing blocked pores and will speed healing. This oil improves skin cell regeneration and improves skin elasticity.

Essential Apothecary Alchemist skin food ritual

VITAMIN E Tocopherol

Tocopherols are known as “vitamin E”. We use a mixed product that contains Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta-tocopherol for a full range of complex nutrients. EAA uses mixed tocopherols that are organic and non-GMO derived.

Taken internally vitamin E helps to produce sebum. Topical application can supply supplemental vitamin E in forms that may not be available from the diet. As an antioxidant, vitamin E’s primary action on the skin is to block chemical reactions that cause oxidation to the skin (yep, anti-oxidant). Vitamin E helps to absorb ultraviolet (UV), helping to prevent free radical damage and offers photoprotection.

JOJOBA OIL Simmondsia chinensis

Jojoba oil is actually a polyunsaturated wax, and it closely resembles the sebum that is naturally produced by our skin. Jojoba oil provides a natural barrier for the skin and protects the skin from various external conditions.

Jojoba oil contains many beneficial and nourishing ingredients including vitamin E, vitamin B complex, silicon, chromium, copper and zinc. It has a very high percentage of iodine. The high iodine content makes it a powerful healing agent.

SWEET ALMOND OIL Prunus dulcis

Sweet almond oil is a light weight oil that tends to stay on the surface of the skin and aids in protecting the skin and offers nourishment for sensitive skin types. Almond oil is rich in vitamins A, E, and B, as well as Oleic, Linoleic, and essential fatty acids. We use it here to allay dry and itchy skin, stretch marks and scars, and to sooth and heal eczema.

ROSEHIP SEED OIL Rosa canina

We use organic rosehip oil that has been cold pressed from Rosa canina. Rosehip oil is difficult to extract from the tiny seeds, and care must be taken when using it to know its source. Many rosehip seed oils on the market are solvent extracted making it a much cheaper oil, in price and in quality. This oil is rich in essential fatty acids particularly Linoleic and Linolenic acids. Rosehip oil absorbs easily in the skin without leaving a trace. This beautiful oil gives relief to dehydrated and sensitive skin.

OLIVE SQUALANE

Olive squalene oil is used in NECTAR to boost skin cell regeneration and oxygenation. It assists to prevent the formation of age spots by blocking melanin production, and offers UV protection. Olive squalene is antibacterial and aids in healing and protecting the skin. I find it helpful in reliving the burning and itching caused by eczema and psoriasis, and aids in skin repair.

RASPBERRY SEED OIL Rubus idaeus L.

Years ago when I was working on formulating my recipes for all of my products, it was far easier to find studies and good information when searching the internet. These days it is more difficult to find studies and good verified information. There is so much conflicting information on the internet concerning most things, but regarding information on raspberry seed oil, I will refer to my own experience of using it for over 10 years. I chose raspberry seed oil for its many healing properties including being an excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, but mostly because of its natural sun protection. Personally, I would say that in the 10 years of using it I have never burned while it was on my skin. I would put it as a mild to medium SPF in the range of 15-40 UVB and a 7-10 UVA.

CARROT INFUSED OIL Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Carrot seed oil has powerful regenerative and protective activities on the skin. It revitalizes the complexion due to is high levels of phytosterols. Carrot seed oil has anti-aging and skin cell regenerating properties. It is high in anti-oxidants, and is the highest plant source of beta carotene (a pre cursor to vitamin A).

The "secret ingredient": Herb Infused Glycerin

GLYCERIN

We use a 100% vegetable derived form. Glycerin is a humectant - it absorbs and holds moisture on the skin. We use it with other moisturizing ingredients, and we also use it to extract the healing properties of herbs.

CALENDULA Calendula officinalis *

Its therapeutic use has been known since ancient times. Calendula is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is one of the best herbs to treat wounds and skin infections. It is soothing to sunburns and bruises, and stimulates new skin cells. We use it to help heal damaged, inflamed skin.

LICORICE ROOT Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice contains glabridin, and is known to inhibit tyrosinase activity in the skin. Tyrosinase is responsible in the production of melanin in the skin. Using licorice extract may assist in removing and preventing dark spots from sun damage. Glabridin is also known to act as an anti-inflammatory.

LAVENDAR Lavendula angustifolia *

We use lavender in this extract for its skin balancing (it is balancing to the sebaceous glands), and anti-septic qualities. It is a well know healer and soother.