ALL SKINS MOISTURIZER

A body completely cut off from its environment will starve, but a body without boundaries quickly succumbs to exposure. All Skins Moisturizer from Index Formulations constitutes a complex interplay of dynamic actives working together to synergistically protect the body from toxic agents while supporting healthy intercellular communication.

Healthy bodies depend on dynamic and reciprocal communication for cellular regeneration and health. Current research shows that it is not only the cells, but the space between them that provides structural form and facilitates communication. Animal cells release material into the extracellular space, creating a complex three-dimensional network of proteins and carbohydrates called the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides not only essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents but also initiates crucial biochemical and biophysical dialogue between the various cellular components of the body.

Hoelen Mycelium  Also called fu ling (茯苓) or matsuhodo, Hoelen (Poria cocos) is a subterranean mycorrhizal mushroom long used in traditional Chinese medicine.  The mushroom’s filaments (mycelium) contain several medicinal substances; polysaccharides from this mushroom exhibit strong anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. Tetracyclic triterpenes of these mushrooms have considerable antioxidant, immunostimulating, and antiviral activities. Although several studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of this fungus, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In the wild, the mycorrhizal networks of mushrooms facilitate underground interplant communication via transfer of nutrients, defense signals or allelochemicals. Applied topically to the body, the extract of Hoelen Mycelium increases cellular reception of Hyaluronic Acid and boosts the expression of collagen to strengthen tissues and is an effective scavenger of hydroxyl radicals.

Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of Hyaluronic Acid, a natural sugar found in various connective tissue of humans. It binds to specific cell receptors for which it has a high affinity to provide hydration, stability, and lubrication to the skin’s structure. It is the key molecule involved in skin moisture with a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules; its structure can hold approximately 1000 times its weight of water.  The SLMW (super low-molecular-weight) form of INDEX’s Sodium Hyaluronate is made by enzymatically cleaving high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid into small fragments.

Hyaluronic Acid is the predominant component of the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM), molecules that lie between cells. In addition to providing a constructive framework, the ECM exerts major effects on cellular function. Various biological processes such as skin repair, diagnosis of cancer, healing, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation are all regulated by the multifaceted role Hyaluronic Acid plays within the extracellular matrix.

Ceramide Complex The protective function of the skin depend on the presence of a specific mixture of lipids within the intercellular spaces of its outermost layers.  Ceramides make up half of these Barrier lipids and are necessary for their moisture retention capacity. Identical to lipids found in the skin, this vegetable-derived ceramide complex has been concentrated and formulated into a system to provide enhanced protection and help calm signs of sensitivity to the outside environment.

Squalane is a lipid that is found naturally in the skin. Its lightweight non-comedogenic emollience hydrates while improving elasticity and texture and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. INDEX’s olive sourced ECOCERT approved squalane is highly resistant to oxidation and has a high affinity to skin cells due to its skin-identical structure.

Organic Green Tea Extract is an abundant source of plant polyphenols that exhibit significant antioxidant, chemopreventive, and immunomodulatory effects in protecting the skin.  The skin has a complex defense system to deal with harmful environmental and chemical substances but excessive exposure can overwhelm the system. Chronic external stress leads to immunosuppression, oxidation, premature aging, and tumor formation. Polyphenols found in Green Tea have been shown to be effective in curbing these harmful effects because their chemical structures can chelate metal ions and decrease free radical damage to cellular structures.

Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E) The primary role of vitamin E in the skin is to prevent damage induced by free radicals and reactive oxygen species that may come in contact with the skin. After topical application, vitamin E accumulates not only in cell membranes, but also in the extracellular lipid matrix of the outer layers of the skin where it contributes to antioxidant defenses. Vitamin E absorbs energy from UV light and plays important roles in photoprotection, preventing UV-induced free radical damage to skin.

Ubiquinone (CoQ10) is present in all respiring cells.  It is a component of the electron transport chain that produces ninety-five percent of the human body’s energy.  The capacity of this molecule to act as both a two-electron carrier and a one-electron carrier is central to its role in the electron transport chain due to the iron–sulfur clusters that can only accept one electron at a time, and as a free-radical–scavenging antioxidant. Topically applied Q10 can penetrate the skin, is metabolically transformed, exerts antioxidant effects, and can support the maintenance of cellular energy levels. People of all ages can benefit from regular treatment with Q10‐containing formulas to cope more effectively with short‐term insults inflicted by UV irradiation and stress to foster long‐term health benefits for their skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which in turn, retains moisture and reduces inflammation. It helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses like sunlight, pollution, and toxins.

Camellia Oleifera (Tea) Seed Oil has an outstanding moisture retaining ability and is one of the most rapidly absorbed plant oils. The unique composition of the oil allows it to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin and it is a natural source of squalene.

Evening Primrose Oil has a stabilising effect on the skin’s outermost layers that protect underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals and mechanical stress.

Organic Jojoba seed oil is derived from a long-lived, drought resistant, perennial plant. The anti inflammatory properties and high content of wax esters makes jojoba oil a good repair option for compromised skin barriers.