Glossary Of Terms: Lotion, “A”

A-Ac  Ad-Ag  Ah-Al  Am-Ar  As-Av

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)—Helps in tissue growth, formation of collagen and healing processes. This antioxidant prevents lipid peroxidation due to free radical formation. In skin care, vitamin C can be considered a therapeutic supplement. Topical administration has toning and firming effects, and it can be used to prevent and repair skin damage and as an anti-aging agent. It helps the skin to defend itself from the sun and from harmful effects of tobacco and pollution.

Ascorbyl Palmitate—An ester of Ascorbic Acid and Palmitic Acid Antioxidant. It is preservative and fragrance ingredient, which is added to prevent rancidity.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate—See Vita C & E Renewal System.

Astaxanthin—This is a naturally occurring carotenoid. In algae, it serves a photoprotective role against UV light as an adaptive response to oxidative stress. It is easily absorbed by skin and acts as a very powerful antioxidant.

ATP (Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract)—It is bio-engineered from a strain of the Red Marine Algae widely distributed along the shores of the Hawaiian Islands, and it improves skin moisturization and hydration. It also enhances skin smoothness and reduces fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin firmness and elasticity and increasing cellular turnover.

Australian Blue Cypress Oil (Callitris Intratropica Wood Oil)—Has skin healing and softening properties and is especially good for sun-damaged skin. An excellent moisturizer and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Also used as a fragrance ingredient.

Averrhoa Carambola Leaf Extract—This extract comes from the leaves of Carambola, a small evergreen arbor that grows naturally in Asia. This ingredient, also known as the starfruit, comes from the fruit’s star-shaped cross-section. The extract promotes collagen synthesis, inhibits MMP-1 (enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen), exhibits SOD-like activity (SOD is a metal containing antioxidant enzyme that reduces potentially harmful free radicals) and eliminates DPPH free radicals. By all these mechanisms, the skin is rehydrated, skin fitness is maintained, prevention of sagging is observed and maintenance of overall skin beauty is achieved.

Avocado Butter—A paste wax that was created using natural avocado oil in order to retain the naturally occurring antioxidants and other properties of the fruit, this ingredient enhances the effects of the emolliency and lubricity in the finished product.

Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima)—An emollient, moisturizer and skin conditioner. Avocado oil is rich in vitamin A and also contains some vitamins of the B complex, vitamins D and E, Linoleic Acid, sterolset and lecithin. It spreads easily and is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is an excellent choice in the preparation of skin care products for dry and flabby skin conditions and lack of sebum.