Aloe Vera has long been associated with herbal remedies. This gel contains as many as 75 nutrients and serves as a very popular remedy for burns, wounds and scrapes which heal more quickly upon application of the gel. The gel aids in removing dead cells, allowing more healthy ingredients to penetrate into the skin.

Dead skin cells sit on top of the outer layer of the dermis, making skin appear dull, sallow and fatigued. However, these cells can be washed away using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). AHAs are natural acids extracted from fruit, milk or sugar. To achieve a fresh glow, it is optimal to exfoliate at least once a week, using masques and scrubs which contain AHAs. Individuals with sensitive skin should take caution and test AHAs on a small area before general use.

The use of Calendula oil can be dated back to ancient Egypt; yet it remains one of the most popular herbal anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedies to promote skin healing and cell regeneration. It is considered to be an excellent remedy for various types of skin ailments such as wounds, scars (including scar prevention), stretch marks (and stretch mark prevention), burns, abrasions, infections, inflammations and other injuries. Calendula oil is beneficial for all skin types; however, in the case of dry or ageing skin it is especially efficient as a tonic, soothing oil. It is especially practical for pregnant women and women who have recently given birth. Good for mothers’ skin without being harmful to baby.

Often referred to as a 'facelift in a jar', DMAE stimulates an acetylcholine release beneath the skin’s outer layers, which triggers a response in the muscles of the face when applied topically. As a result, the skin appears firm and ‘tighter’. The effects of fine lines are minimized.

Salvatore Battaglia, author of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy describes essential oils as “the fragrant aromatic heart of the plant...Essential oils are the fragrant principle of the plant. They are the chemical components that give a plant its characteristic fragrance. In the spiritual approach to aromatherapy, essential oils are considered the life force, the energy of the plant...the spirit of the plant. Essential oils are different from 'fragrant oils', oils which are constructed by mixing chemical components in a lab. Essential oils come from a living and breathing natural source. Essential oils have been used to adorn human bodies from as far back as ancient Egyptian times… These ancient health and beauty secrets are still practiced today around the world. It is only in relatively recent times that we have constructed scent artificially. 'Fragrant' oils…contain no life force… Essential oils, beyond smelling great, provide many wellness benefits in the following areas: nervous system, digestion, immune, respiratory, hormones, and skin care.”

Green Tea is known for its antioxidant properties. It neutralizes the spread of free radicals, making it an ideal ingredient to suppress inflammation and reduce skin irritation. Green Tea possesses 20 times the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E, and has 6 times the antioxidant effectiveness of black tea.

Jojoba is a liquid wax encased within a structure that closely resembles the skin’s sebum, making it ideal for all skin types. Jojoba oil works especially well on mature, aging skin and wrinkles as well as oily skin, due to its natural ability to regulate the sebum production in skin. It is one of the most versatile natural ingredients available.

Hailing from South Africa, this gentle, non-caffeinated tea is recommended for wide range of skin ailments including eczema, diaper rash and acne. Applied topically, it evokes a soothing effect on the skin due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Shea butter is a highly emollient and regenerative skin moisturizer. Its specific combination of fatty acids, sterols and vitamins A, D and E, plays a crucial role in the health of skin cells. It is a choice ingredient to protect, nurture and regenerate the skin. Cocoa butter has been called the ultimate moisturizer. Used for centuries to maintain skin’s soft and supple exterior, it is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats known. It melts at body temperature, being absorbed almost immediately into the skin. It is effective for treating scars and stretch marks, making it a popular (and safe) ingredient for pregnant women to apply to their skin.

Since ancient times, turmeric has been used both internally and topically in Ayurvedic skin care and in Chinese medicine. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant from the ginger family, native to tropical South Asia. Turmeric contains naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Indian women are rumoured to use it to rid themselves of superfluous hair and to give a glow to the skin.

These vitamins are well known to be essential elements in any anti-aging regime. The best quality anti-aging products will highlight these vitamins on the ingredient label.