D-Quercetin - is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound found in most plant tissues but particularly abundant in Evening Primrose, Mayapple, Onion and Green Tea. This Chirally Correct form has anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-allergy, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities that have been attributed to Quercetin's antioxidant properties. Applied topically, it will protect skin cells from oxidative stress induced by Glutathione depletion, in synergy with Ascorbic Acid and preventing the carcinogenic effects of some chemical pollutants. It also protects the membrane lipid of skin cells from peroxidation when exposed to UV light. Another interesting property of Quercetin is its anti-elastase activity, i.e. it inhibits the activity of the endogenous enzyme responsible for the breakdown of elastin, a component crucial to skin elasticity. It has additional properties: antibacterial, anti-viral, analgesic, anti-tumor and it protects capillaries.
D-Boldine (Peumus Boldus) Extract - is a natural alkaloid from the Chilean Boldo Tree (Peumus boldus Mol.) This right-handed molecule is the Chirally Correct form. Left handed Boldine, (L-Boldine) is not present in the Boldo Tree. It is only present in synthetic Boldine. L-Boldine is not good for the body but D-Boldine is very good for it, which is why, unlike some products, Oraia contains only the D form. The benefits of D-Boldine: It is a powerful antioxidant and prevents peroxidation. The structure of this (natural) chemical gives it some special properties, including protecting against UV rays and strong free radical scavenging activity. Also, D-Boldine protects the cells, is anti-inflammatory and very calming.
Superoxide Dismutase - is the skin's own antioxidant enzyme, which acts as an environmental protectant by neutralizing the common superoxide ion. In the human body, the main chain-breaking antioxidants are the water-soluble Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and the lipid soluble D-Alpha-Tocopherol (Chirally Correct Vitamin E). SOD is a particularly stable enzyme that converts the destructive superoxide radical into a less dangerous form, hydrogen peroxide which will, in turn, be converted into water and normal oxygen. Superoxide radicals are formed in a number of metabolic reactions, including lipid peroxidation, initiated by light or metal ions. This process is the cause of rancidity of oils, but it also happens in live tissues and may be a cause of cancer, inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, aging, etc. One of the reasons why the Superoxide radicals are so dangerous is because they start chain reactions in which more and more free radicals are formed, reacting with all the cell constituents and causing havoc wherever they go. In our cells, we have our own Superoxide Dismutase, but we can protect our skin by supplementing them with topically applied SOD. The fact that SOD is unlikely to enter live cells is not a problem because lipid peroxidation occurs everywhere in the skin, not just in the live cells. The role of SOD is to eliminate the free radicals resulting from lipid peroxidation and to prevent the chain reactions that would eventually reach deeper into the skin, and the topical application of SOD will certainly help to achieve this aim.
Cassia Beta-Glycan - are carbohydrates that provide good long-term moisturizing and skin softening benefits while enhancing your skin's immune system. Also, calms your skin when it is experiencing immune reactions. Calming your skin is important because it helps prevent damaging free radical cascades, a major factor in aging.
Vitamin B Complex - includes a number of natural vitamins with diverse functions, including B1 (Thiamin), B2 (Riboflavin), B3, B6 (Pyridoxine), B9 (Folic acid), B12 (Cyanocobalamin), Panthotenic Acid and Biotin. The topical application of Vitamin B complex increases your skin's resistance to irritation by noxious chemicals, photo aging and prevents immuno-suppression and skin cancer, caused by UV irradiation. Some of the skin problems shown by diabetes patients have to do with Vitamin B complex deficiency. Oraia contains a powerful percentage of vitamins - which is why you detect a vitamin scent in the product.
Honey - is healing, and soothing and contains a variety of natural chemicals and enzymes, some of them synthesized by the plant, others synthesized by the bee. Honey has been found to have antibacterial and anti-fungal activity.
Phospholipids and Sphingolipids (a.k.a. D-Ceramides) - assist in keeping the lipid barrier of your skin intact. The need for an intact, healthy and functional lipid barrier is critical for maintaining the health of your skin on the inside and to maximize your skin's youthful appearance on the outside. Topically applying the correct lipids will assist in maintaining the structure of the lipid barrier and improving the health and beauty of your skin.
L-Ascorbic Acid - is the Chirally Correct form of Vitamin C. It is naturally derived from vegetables and citrus fruits. Like Vitamin E, Vitamin C is considered an important component in repairing free radicals and preventing them from becoming cancerous or accelerating the aging process. Vitamin C is also the most common antioxidant found in the skin. The skin is the organ that suffers most from environmental stressors. Smoking, sun exposure and pollution rob the nutrient from our bodies. Even minimal UV exposure can decrease the Vitamin C levels in the skin by 30 percent, while exposure from the ozone of city pollution can decrease the level by 55 percent. If you do not have enough Vitamin C, you will have difficulty in producing collagen. Vitamin C deficiency will cause cross-linking of collagen and elastin (the fibers become disorganized bundles instead of fibers that are lined up properly), which often results in sagging skin and deep lines. Topical application of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) stimulates cllagen production and works as a powerful antioxidant to combat destructive free radicals.
D-Alpha-Tocopherol - is the Chirally Correct form of Vitamin E. Experts consider Vitamin E to be the most important antioxidant because it protects cell membranes and prevents damage to enzymes associated with them. Laboratory studies suggest Vitamin E helps to inactivate free radicals, making them less likely to cause damage. Several other studies have shown that by applying Vitamin E to the skin, it can reduce the damage caused by sun exposure and limit the production of cancer-causing cells. Chirally Correct Vitamin E repairs and heals.
L-Proline - is a major Chirally Correct Amino Acid that improves the strength of the cell envelope, keeping it elastic. L-Proline is important for maintaining youthful skin as well as repair of skin damage. It is an essential component of healthy collagen production in your skin.
L-Sodium PCA - is an important Chiral component of human plasma and skin - it is an element of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. L-Sodium PCA, derived from molasses, is used to boost the moisture content of your skin and provides intensive hydration. It is also a non-irritant and non-allergenic.
Selenium - a mineral, and a powerful antioxidant, that helps protect the body from cancers, including skin cancer caused by sun exposure. It also preserves tissue elasticity and slows down the aging and hardening of tissues associated with oxidation. Either taken orally or through the skin, Selenium provides protection against both everyday and excessive UV damage. Studies have shown that Selenium-containing compounds protect DNA from damage caused by the powerful oxidant Peroxinitrite (Roussyn I et al., 1996).
Squalane - an emollient that helps bring moisture into the epidermal lipid layer. It is derived from Squalene, a triterpene present in olive oil. It is a great lubricant, emollient and moisturizer. It is also non-toxic, non-irritating, hypoallergenic and non-sensitizing. Squalane dissolves in the skin lipids, facilitating the permeation of the active ingredients; it also prevents the loss of water from the skin, improving your skin's appearance and its health.
Resveratrol and Polydatin - from red wine are powerful anti-aging and antioxdant ingredients. Resveratrol can also help in the treatment of skin problems caused by stress. Because Resveratrol is considered such an amazing anti-aging ingredient, entire skin care product lines have been built on this one ingredient, however it is only one of a host of other amazing ingredients in Oraia. Resveratrol properties are many: anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, stimulator of cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis, inhibitor of proteases; and it blocks the deleterious effects from UVB radiation. Polydatin works together with Resveratrol, boosting its overall effectiveness.
Silicone - made from powdered silica obtained from rocks, is increasingly recognized as important in wound healing and in reducing scarring and keloids. Assists your skin in retaining moisture. Protective, and it imparts a soft, silky feel to the skin. Smoothing.
Black Currant Seed Oil - provides your skin with comforting Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) and provides relief for skin disorders (such as dry, flaky patches). Black Currant Seed Oil is a rich source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) along with other important Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Until now the only other source of GLA (after mother's milk) was that of Evening Primrose Oil. New research shows that Black Currant Seed Oil contains double the amount of GLA as Evening Primrose - 17% vs. 8-9%.
FYI: A study conducted by Dr. Klingman and Dr. Grove at the Skin Study Center of Philadelphia, wanted to see if Black Currant Seed Oil could treat dry skin disorders in the young, enzymatic transformation of dietary lipids in the body. The clinical assessment: "A significant improvement in skin dryness as assessed visually was achieved and a trend toward improved skin texture as assessed tactically also seems to exist for the group. There was a significant reduction in evaporative water loss, as well."
Borage Oil - has a significant effect on improving the health and appearance of skin tissue. Clinically, Borage Oil has been shown to be very effective in treating the redness, inflammation, and moisture loss associated with dry skin and has positive effects on clearing up various skin disorders. It also improves the texture, suppleness and moisture content of your skin.
Aminoguanidine - is an inhibitor of protein glycation, which results in the formation of "Advanced Glycation End products (AGE)". In the case of skin, glycation and cross linking of collagen is partly responsible for skin aging and its loss of elasticity. Glycation is the name of a process resulting in sugar-damaged proteins (similar to browning food in the oven!). The formation of AGE's happens in everyone and is a major factor in the aging process itself. These damaged proteins may lead to premature signs of aging (wrinkles and brown spots) and in the long run to damaging effects on most organ systems within the body. Aminoguanidine works by helping to prevent the Advanced Glycation End-products from attaching to the collagen fibrils in the skin. It preserves the protein structure by preventing collagen fibrils from becoming brittle, thereby maintaining soft and supple skin.
D-Beta Fructan - from the Date Palm, is the drought stress weapon in plants. It boosts your skin's immunity and helps your skin moisturize itself. It works synergistically with D-Beta Glucosamine by helping to guide the activity of Glucosamine into the cellular compartments that oversee your skin's moisture retention, thus helping to maintain your skin's ideal moisture balance.
D-Beta Glucosamine - from the Chinese Foxglove plant. It is the most abundant amino sugar. Amino sugars are important components of Glycoproteins, Glycosphingolipids and Glycosaminoglycans. Being a smaller molecule than its biochemical offspring (e.g. Chitin or NaPCA or Mucin), D-Beta Glucosamine penetrates more deeply and helps to strengthen your skin. Besides its role as a "building block", D-Beta Glucosamine is one of the many small molecular weight chemicals that when applied topically, alleviates skin dryness, facilitates exfoliation, and increases the smoothness of your skin.
Aloe Vera - obtained from the Aloe Barbadensis plant. Aloe Vera improves skin hydration, is an anti-inflammatory and aids healing of cuts, grazes, burns and insect bites. It prevents immune suppression caused by harmful UVB rays. It contains a pharmacologically active chemical, Emodin, responsible for anti-tumor activity. The Polysaccharides, including the Acetylated Mannans, seem to give Aloe its immuno-stimulant properties. Aloe Vera's role in burn healing may be related to its capacity to accelerate the turnover of collagen. Also present in Aloe Vera are salicylate and a carboxypeptidase, responsible in part for its anti-inflammatory activity.
Allantoin - is an anti-inflammatory and wound healer. Allantoin is a very effective skin protectant, and is used in hand sanitizers because of its antimicrobial activity. Naturally present in the human body in small concentrations, it is an oxygen radical scavenger and protects the skin from damage by UV radiation. Allantoin, abundant in Comfrey, is responsible for most of the benefits of that plant's extract. Allantoin is a strong and safe keratolytic agent with cell proliferating, healing, and moisturizing properties.
