Your Skin and the Silent Saboteur Stalking it

We have known for quite a while that the sun is Enemy No1 for skin cancer and skin ageing. 

However, there is another silent saboteur stalking our skin every day. What is less know is that air/ozone pollution is also a huge danger to our skin and can also cause pre-maturing ageing and all kind of other health problems.

Take care, it is coming!

We all know about ozone. That is the layer that occurs naturally in the earth’s upper atmosphere and protects us from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. 

There is another ozone layer: tropospheric ozone/ground level ozone/smog. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospheric_ozone.  It is formed by the interaction of sunlight with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which are usually emitted by motor vehicles, coal fired power stations, factories and veld fires.

Recently it was published that Mpumalanga is the most polluted area in the world, so it is not just something that happens elsewhere, it is here and we need to take note of it. 

Greenpeace says an analysis of satellite data shows Mpumalanga as the “worst” nitrogen dioxide air pollution hot spot across six continents.

Ground level ozone causes damage to the skin via a process called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralisation by antioxidants. In other words, ground ozone can cause depletion of natural antioxidants in the skin such as Vitamin A, C and E., therefore damaging the proteins and lipids in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis).

The role of antioxidants is to protect the skin against free radical damage caused by environmental aggressors. Ozone pollution causes inflammation which causes of  line lines and wrinkles, excessive oiliness, rough texture and increased sensitivity.

Sunscreen will not protect your skin against ozone pollution. So it stands to reason that we should start looking at ingredients that can help with this problem.

I now routinely recommend using a topical antioxidant such as Vitamin A, C and E.

Vitamin A capsules for and instant skin boost

Vitamin A (retinol)

It has a proven successful record in treating the following:

Fine expression lines

Wrinkles

Acne break outs

Free radical damaged caused by recent UV and Ground Ozone is minimised

Recommended At Home Product:

Vitaderm Skin-Perfection Capsules

Vitaderm Skin Perfection Capsules

                      

Vitaderm Multi Vitamin Treatment Cream

Vitaderm Vitality Booster Mask

 

Vitamin C for cell protection and collagen formation

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

When natural, biologically-active vitamin C enters skin cells, it results in the following significant well-documented effects:

Formation of sun-spots are reduced and prevented

Free radical damaged caused by recent UV and Ground Ozone is minimized

It causes an Anti-ageing effect by stimulating collagen formation

Skin smoothness is enhanced

Recommended At Home Products:

Vitaderm Radian C Serum 

                         

Vitaderm Multi Vitamin Treatment Cream

Vitaderm Vitality Booster Mask

Almonds are a good source of Vitamin E

Vitamin E (tocopheryl)

Protects against effect of free radicals.

Long term use can even reduce sunburns from exposure to UVB radiation.

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

vitamin e can help prevent the appearance of age spots

Helps maintain the skin’s oil balance during the cleansing process

Reduces transepidermal water loss from skin and strengthens the skin’s barrier function

Recommended At Home Products:

Vitaderm Hydrating Treatment Cream                  

Vitaderm Brightening Treament Cream

Vitaderm MultiVitamin Treatment Cream.

Vitaderm Firming Treatment Cream

Vitaderm  Anti-Oxidant Cream

Vitaderm Aromatic Complex
Vitaderm Lipid Complex

Please contact Gerda at 082 398 9817 for enquiries

Exfoliations and Gentle Peeling Products for home use

Absolutely Gorgeous Women

As a child I read about Cleopatra’s milk baths and Marie Antoinette’s red wine baths. I found it extremely peculiar, but it was only during my time at Beauty College that I realised they were not mad after all! They were probably the pioneers for fruit acids treatments.

We get lactic acid from milk and tartaric acid from red wine, so their baths had a wonderful exfoliation effect and I’m sure they were as smooth as butter afterwards.


Before I get carried away about their ingenuity, let me get back to basics.

Basics on skin cells
Our skin has five different layers and each layer has a specific purpose and lifetime. New skin cells are created in the lower or first skin layer and thereafter all the cells move upwards through the different layers while changing shape and eventually die and fall off.  This whole process is called desquamation.

The cell-life from birth to death usually takes 28-32 days.  As we grow older, this process slows down and it can then take up to about 45 days.  As the dead skin cells take longer and longer to shed, the skin starts to look dull and lifeless.  This is then when a good exfoliating product is a lifesaver.

Loofah to use on body

What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells on the outermost surface of the skin, without causing trauma.

Until about 15 years ago the most popular exfoliating products on the market were granular-based. These granules were usually obtained from apricot pips or walnut shells, which were finely ground and then added to a cream or gel base.

The formulators for the beauty products then started to use different kinds of plastic micro-beads as well as finer granules obtained from various plant-based materials.

However, these micro-beads were found to be extremely harmful to marine life, and will be banned in the UK and US during 2017 as per this article
(https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/02/uk-government-to-ban-microbeads-from-cosmetics-by-end-of-2017)

Due to newer technology, the latest offering from the beauty industry is fruit enzymes in gel and cream bases. These products are much gentler on the skin and my preferred products, with the exception of Wesson Therapeutics’ Micro Exfoliant, see comments below). The ingredients that are used in these formulations are for example, pineapple enzymes or bromelain, papaya enzymes or papain and tomato enzymes.  These enzymes only need gentle friction or heat to activate it so it is a good idea to use it while relaxing in the bath tub.

The granular formulations tend to be a bit harsh on the skin, especially in the hands of clients with oily/acne skin, as they tend to overdo the process a bit

What does it do?
A good exfoliator gently removes dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and more refined complexion. It should stimulate cellular activity while enhancing firmness, radiance and younger looking skin.

One should never exfoliate more than once a week in the case of oily/acne skins, and once every two weeks for all other skin types. This is probably not the advice that you have read, or heard all your life, but trust me, this is the way to go. If you exfoliate too much, you irritate the skin and overstimulate the oil glands in your skin and it then just produce more oil. You exfoliate again and the vicious cycle begins…….

Any exfoliating product should be removed with lots and lots of water.

Exfoliation for sensitive skins
Clients with sensitive/reactive skins usually are very wary of exfoliators. However, there are some product ranges specially formulated for sensitive skin like Wesson Therapeutics. I am in love with the Micro Exfoliant as it contains cactus saccharides (sugars). These granules are gentle on the skin and dissolve with the application of water and then wash away.


A Bit More Punch………..Fruit Acids please

Fruit Acid mask being applied

If your skin is still looking dull and lifeless, even if you are following a good skin care routine, it is time to look at the role that different fruit acids can play in getting that glowing, youthful looking skin.

Fruit acids are classified in two different categories; Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids.

Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA’s) that are normally used in cosmetics and cosmeceutical products are glycolic acid (derived from sugarcane or grapes), lactic acid (derived from milk), malic acid (derived from apples or beries), citric acid(derived from citrus fruit or from fermented sugar solutions),  as well as a myriad combinations with other ingredients.

There is only one Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), namely salicylic acid and its related substances, esters and salts, salicylate, sodium salicylate.

All these fruit acids may be used alone or in combinations in beauty products, depending on what the formulation will be used for.

In fruit acid exfoliators these ingredients will act as follows:
• Decrease the cohesion between surface skin cells-dissolve the”glue” that hold the cells together.
• Increase superficial skin exfoliation
• Increase cell turnover (the skin cells will move quicker between the layers)
• Stimulate collagen production-exceptionally good for anti-ageing results.

A word of caution
Fruit acid exfoliators give better and quicker results as those mentioned earlier, but come with a couple of cautionary notes:
Please follow your beautician’s instructions on how to incorporate this into your daily skin care routine.
Please do not overuse as it can cause skin sensitivity.
Please do not use it if you skin is sun burnt or show any other sings of damage.
Please use a SPF 30+ everyday, no matter what the weather looks like.
Please stop using it if you experience any adverse effects

In spite of the caution, these are highly effective ingredients that will deliver on its promise.

Be gentle with your skin

The following exfoliators and home care fruit acids treatments are available from the Beautique:

Vitaderm Skin Polishing Cream R 285/60ml

Active ingredients-Extracts of peppermint, lavender and sandalwood, apricot seed powder.
 This product is suitable for all skin types except ultra-sensitive. It stimulates circulation and revitalise the complexion.

Vitaderm Skin Polishing Cream

Vitaderm Enzymatic Gel Exfoliator R295/60ml
Active ingredients-Papaya and pineapple enzymes, citrus fruit extract.
This product is suitable for all skin types except ultra-sensitive. It revitalise a dull complexion by gently and effectively remove dead skin cells, enhancing the skin’s radiance.

Vitaderm Enzymatic Gel Exfoliator

Vitaderm AHA Active Gel 465/50ml
Active ingredients- lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid.
This AHA Active gel is rich in fruit acids which work actively to smooth the skin’s surface and flush excess pigment. It restores radiance to all skin types and assists in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. In the case of oily/acne-prone skin types, the gel encourages fewer breakouts by replenishing the acid mantle of the epidermis. By restoring the natural acidity, the skin is able to protect and heal itself more effectively.

Vitaderm AHA Ative Gel

Wesson Therapeutics Micro Exfoliant R 180/50ml
This product contains an ultra-fine grade of cactus sugar ( trehalose) to gently polish away dry epidermal cells. It is fragrance free and hypo allegenic.

Wesson Therapeutics Micro Exfoliant

Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy R890/50ml

Active ingredients-
A powerful one-step resurfacing cream that can be used every day. The continual renewing action of powerful poly0hydroxy acids, works 24 hours a day like a time-released peel, continually shedding the epidermal layer. Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy can be used to achieve instantly glowing skin with long term results on the appearance of wrinkles, freckles, age-spots and even acne scarring.

Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy

TheraVine™ Grapeseed Exfoliator R286/50ml
Active ingredients-Crushed Grape Seeds, Walnut shell beads, Neroli, Sweet orange
A gentle cream containing crushed Pinotage grape seeds, which sloughs off dead skin cells and makes skin look younger.

TheraVine™ Grapeseed Exfoliator

TheraVine™ Pinotage Exfoliating Enzyme R307/50ml
Active ingredients-Grape seed extract, pineapple and papaya extract, Sweet Orange.A highly effective deep cleansing serum based gel which effectively exfoliates the skin.

TheraVine™ Pinotage Exfoliating Enzyme

Please feel free to look at our website at AGBeautysalon for more information on these and other products.

Prices correct at time of publication, but may change without any notification.

Hyper-pigmentation, a 3-step treatment success

Autumn is the perfect time of year to give serious attention to hyper-pigmentation as the sun’s power is on the wane and the UV radiation weakens. The sunlight hours are also getting shorter and this all helps to make the treatment of all pigmentation problems so much easier.

All skin types are effected by hyper-pigmentation

Pigmentation is a pesky problem that normally has its origin in overexposure to the sun, hormonal imbalances or some medical conditions.  I am not going to go into all the medical reasons for pigmentation, but will concentrate on sun exposure and hormonal issues.

This is the short version of how our cells react to sun exposure:
Skin colour is determined by the amount, distribution and type of melanin.  Melanin is the dark pigment that one’s skin produces, in the melanocytes, that shows up as a “tan.”  The “tan” that so many of us desire, is a result of a chain reaction that occurs to protect our skin from the harmful UV damage by forming a protective layer over the chromosomes in the cell and therefor protects the cells’ DNA.

The longer version is a bit more, well longer, and involves explaining all the chemical processes, enzymes, proteins, amino acids, hormones and much more that are involved in the chain reactions that form pigmentation.

I always refer to a tan as a CRY-OUT for help from our skins to “please stop the damage and get out of the sun!”

How do we tackle this complex problem?
Before starting an anti-pigmentation treatment course, one has to accept that it will take time, patience, determination and above all an understanding that one’s skin does not react overnight to any treatment protocol, no matter which product range one uses.

The best way to treat hyper-pigmentation is a 3-Step approach that:
1. Treats and corrects most of the causes of pigmentation- removes and minimises visible pigmentation
2. Restores the damage to the skin-hydration and strethening the skin
3. Protect the skin from future damage-anti-oxidant care and UV Protection

“A time has come where a scientifically advanced, cosmeceutical skin care brand such as TheraVine™ produces innovative skin care products formulated to address skin concerns related to pigmentation while promoting luminous, even skin tone and effective controlling hyperpigmentation caused by the natural ageing process, sun damage, excessive UV exposure and hormonal imbalances”-Lisa Smith, creator and CEO of L.S.Enterprises.

The TheraVine™ MelanoVine™ range addresses hyperpigmentation by making use of 2 cutting edge melanosome inhibiting peptides, a combination of 5 active ingredients comprised of Advanced Hydrating Systems and Anti-Oxidant Phyto-Chemistry as well as the nano-encapsulation technology of a revolutionary bilayer liposome leaving the complexion brighter, younger and more uniform.

The TheraVine™ MelanoVine™ range consists of the following products:

MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING MILK CLEANSER          250ml R        331.00
MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING CONDITIONER                  250ml R        311.00
MELANOVINE™ SOLUTION+ CONCENTRATE                  30ml R        595.00
MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING C+ DAY PROTECTION  50ml R        564.00
MELANOVINE™ RECOVERY+ NIGHT TREATMENT          50ml R        585.00
MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING C+ DAILY MATTIFIER  50ml  R        574.00

MelanoVine™ Brightening C+ Daily Mattifier Treatment Cream

MELANOVINE PRO-BRILLIANCE BRIGHTENING FACIAL  30 min
Normally R500  Now only R350 until end of May 2016 

Combining advanced technology with the latest skin brightening research advances delivered a unique facial treatment using specialised skin care techniques to provide effective and visible brightening results.

Ideal for a dull, devitalised skin with discolouration concerns, this treatment is specifically aimed at diminishing uneven skin tone while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Targeting hyperpigmentation at various levels with scientifically advanced actives and natural lightening plant extracts, this treatment will aid in a rehydrated complexion, leaving your skin
looking luminous and feeling radiant.
Prices correct as at 19.4.2016


For more information or to book a consultation, please call Gerda on 0823989817 or contact us agb111@mweb.co.za

The Ultimate Skin Rejuvenating Treatment with Vitaderm

The new Collagen Induction Pen is taking the skin care industry by storm. This revolutionary anti-aging device makes use of fine, disposable micro-needles to penetrate the skin’ surface, stimulating the elastin and collagen production in the top layers of the skin. It is a simple, minimally invasive, virtually side-effect free concept for skin (facial and non-facial) rejuvenation. The result is firmer, younger looking skin.

Special Offer for March and April 2016:

Normal cost of a Collagen Induction Therapy Treatment R650 -R1500

Special Offer Price R350 ONLY!

CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) can be used by men and women and may be used to improve the following:

• Fine lines
• Large pores
• Acne scars,
• Surgical scars
• Pigmentation
• Wrinkles
• Stretch marks
• To even out skin texture
• To even out skin colour
• To firm loose body and facial skin.

How does it work?
The micro pen uses very fine needles to pin-prick the skin’s surface sufficiently enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Resulting micro-channels also aid in absorbing therapeutic serums for greater penetration and increasing overall efficacy.

Clinical studies from Europe, U.S. and South Korea have proven that serum absorption is increased by as much as 1,000 times when applied after CIT.  Clinical studies have also shown that treatment with CIT is more consistent in increasing the thickness of the skin than IPL and other resurfacing treatments.

Key Points
• There are no known negative side-effects
• Extremely high absorption of skin care products
• It can be used on thin skin
• It can be used on face, neck and body
• Realignment of old collagen bundles
• Complete preservation of the epidermis during the procedure
• No permanent damage to the skin, little or no pain during procedure
• No or pin-point bleeding bleeding, infection, discoloration or other complications on the treated area
• This type of needling can be done on people who have had laser resurfacing
• Can be used on areas of the skin where laser resurfacing cannot reach
• Only 12-24 hours healing period, no down-time needed.

You can expect the following to happen:
• Fine lines and wrinkles are softened
• Skin is thickened, tightened and elasticity restored
• Acne scarring and minor scarring is reduced
• Pigmentation marks are lightened
• Stretch marks are improved
• The disappearance of dilated blood vessels is encouraged

FAQ’s
Q: How is the treatment administered?
A: The CIT treatment usually last 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.  The skin is cleansed and a topical numbing agent is applied. After 20 minutes the numbing cream is removed and a gliding gel is applied. A new, sterile needle is used in the pen to treat the area. Thereafter an anti-inflammatory gel is applied followed by the correct aftercare. The client will receive homecare instructions as well.

Q: Will there be a difference after one CIT treatment?
A: Yes. The first treatment will show some improvement, however each client’s skin will react differently. Treatment effects are cumulative and a softening of fine lines and wrinkles will usually be seen within 2-3 weeks of each treatment.New collagen fibers can take up to 90 days to mature, so optimal results from any one treatment might only be seen after 2-3 months.

Q: When should one start micro needling to prevent ageing?
A: The best time to start is at 30 years for prevention of ageing, as the skin still has a great ability to rejuvenate. If the skin shows loss of elasticity earlier, the sooner one starts the better.

Q: Can all skin types be treated?
A: Yes. Micro needling can be safely performed on all skin colours and types. There is no risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, since the epidermis remains intact.

Q: What conditions/ problems cannot be treated?
A: CIT cannot be done on any of the following conditions:
• Active inflammatory condition including active acne, cold sores etc.
• Chronic skin disorders
• Blood clotting disorders
• Moles or warts
• Sever Solar Keratosis
• Poor healing conditions such as diabetics

Please contact us at:
Cell: 0823989817
Website: agbeautysalon.co.za
Email: agb111@mweb.co.za

Get your even skin tone back-no fuss-TheraVine™ MelanoVine™ anti-pigmentation range

TheraVine™, the manufacturer of scientifically advanced skincare products and the leader in topical
antioxidant technologies, announces the launch of the revolutionary MelanoVine™ range along with
two complimenting treatment procedures.

Men and women from different age groups, are affected by dark spots or patches which can occur on
the face, neck, décolleté or hands. This results due to an increase in melanin production which is
caused by a variety of factors of which the number one cause is excessive sun exposure.
When treating a skin condition like hyperpigmentation, it becomes vitally important to work with a
professional skin care range in conjunction with a specialist who will analyse your skin, help plan your
skin improvement treatment schedule and show you how to properly care for your skin’s needs at
home.

The MelanoVine™ range addresses hyperpigmentation by making use of 2 cutting edge melanosome
inhibiting peptides, a combination of 5 active ingredients comprised of Advanced Hydrating Systems
and Anti-Oxidant Phyto-Chemistry as well as the nano-encapsulation technology of a revolutionary
bilayer liposome leaving the complexion brighter, younger and more uniform.

Combining advanced technology with the latest skin brightening research advances delivered a unique facial treatment using specialised skin care techniques to provide effective and visible brightening results.

Ideal for a dull, devitalised skin with discolouration concerns, the MelanoVine™ Pro-Brilliance
Brightening Facial is specifically aimed at diminishing uneven skin tone while also minimizing the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Targeting hyperpigmentation at various levels with scientifically
advanced actives and natural lightening plant extracts, this treatment will aid in a rehydrated
complexion, leaving your skin looking luminous and feeling radiant.

A glycolic acid preparation facilitates deep exfoliation of the stratum corneum cells which allow for
more effective penetration of the Solution+ Concentrate amongst other active ingredients. This
intensive treatment complex leaves the skin looking brightened and more radiant. Specially formulated for skin struggling with brown spots, uneven skin tone and a dull complexion, this scientifically formulated serum contains a synergistic blend of bilayer liposomal technology and skin rejuvenating peptides to refine skin texture, lighten existing melanin and prevent photo-ageing.The use of an energising vitamin enriched mask to perform the unique TheraVine™ pressure point massage and lymphatic drainage massage technique will further enhance the stimulation of the skin prior to the application of the revolutionary Pro-Brilliance Illuminating Mask.

The key active compound of this mask is Biowhite™, a plant complex made of active plant extracts of
mulberry and grape extract amongst others. Known for its ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes
involved in the formation of pigment, this powerful specialised active skin rejuvenation treatment has a
unique skin brightening activity on both normal and hyperpigmented skin.

Results:
- Improves the appearance of sun damaged skin by helping to achieve a more uniform
complexion
- Brightening effect on skin thus helping to create an even skin tone
- Smoothes the appearance of wrinkles and refines skin texture
- Increases radiance and vitality

Advanced Skin Care: Oils, Balms and Serums

The use of oils, balms and serums in skin care are an excellent way to boost the skin with specific ingredients to get a quicker and better result for a particular skin concern. 

Most oil treatment products contain essential oils and/or plant based extracts. These blends are usually highly effective skin conditioners, enhancing the effectiveness of the emulsions that they are applied with.

Depending on the skin care range that you use, it can be used underneath, on top of or mixed in with the moisturizer or treatment cream that you use daily.

How to apply oils:

Pour 2-3 drops of oil into the palm of your hand, cover it with your other hand to warm it up. Lightly press you hand over you cheeks, forehead and neck until all the oil has been used. You can apply this in the morning and/or at night.

Serums can come in a gel or cream base, depending on the skin type or concern that it was formulated for.  Serums contain high percentages of a specific ingredient (hyaluronic acid for an intensive hydrating serum) to assist the treatment cream to enhance the effect on the skin. Serums are usually used underneath the appropriate moisturizers or treatment creams.

How to apply serums:

Apply  2-3 pumps  into the palm of your hand, cover it with your other hand to warm it up. Gently press and hold for 2-3 seconds on your cheeks, forehead and chin. Use your fingers and tap lightly over your whole face. If there is still some serum left on your hands, press lightly as before.

Balms are thicker formulations that normally form a substantive film on the surface of the skin. It  can be used to protect against the elements, to prevent moisture loss on the skin, to restore the skin’s natural acid mantle  and to help balance the skin natural oil/water content in dehydrated, compromised  skin. These products should be used over the appropriate day and/or night treatment creams.

How to apply balms:

Use a spatula-tip amount and spread between the palms and press on the skin OVER the moisturizer/treatment cream. 

Please contact us at agb111@mweb.co.za for information on how to balance your skin's oil/moisture level. Or visit our online-shop at http://www.agbeautysalon.co.za

Vitamin C in Skin Care Products

Much has been written about vitamin C and all its health benefits, but I would like to concentrate a bit more on what it can do for your skin.

The application of topical vitamin C has been proven to increase collagen production (collagen is what give your skin it elasticity and suppleness), reduce the appearance of pigmentation (skin discolouration), helps the body’s repair processes, reduce inflammation and help the skin to heal quicker. It has also been shown to assist the skin in withstanding the onslaught of UVA and UVB rays.

Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant that slows down the effects of free radicals in our skin and body.  Free radicals are unstable molecules that “bump” into healthy cells and cause skin damage like dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.  

Vitamin C also reverse age-related damage to skin and a recent study has shown that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C also reverses DNA damage (University of Leicester)

Research done at the University of Maryland’s Medical Centre, (University of Maryland Medical Center, Bouchez), has shown that vitamin C may also contribute by reducing skin cell deterioration (sunburn damage) due to overexposure to UVB rays. The study also suggests that it may prevent the effects of long-term sun damage. Vitamin C assists with combating the production of melanin, the process in which your body manufactures darker skin colour due to UVB exposure.

Please do not take this as a go-ahead to not use proper SPF protection when outside, but if you use vitamin C both orally and topically, it will help to heal and repair the skin much more effectively.

The problem with vitamin C in beauty formulations is the fact that it is very unstable and can lose its efficacy if it is exposed to heat, oxidation or come in contact with metal ions that are in many cosmetic products, therefor making it very difficult to use.

Breakthrough ingredient

However, a Japanese company have overcome this problem by manufacturing a stabilised vitamin C derivative called L-ascorbic Acid 2-Glucocide, and is sold under the trade name AA2G. This breakthrough ingredient is very new on the market and does not degrade.

The company produces AA2G by combining a vitamin C molecule with 2 starch molecules (glucoside). The glucoside part act as a carrier and a stabiliser for the vitamin C. When AA2G comes into contact with the skin cell membranes, an enzyme on the surface of the cell membrane (glucosidase) dissolves the bond between the vitamin C and the starch, allowing the pure vitamin C to enter the cell therefor retaining all the biologic activity that helps the skin to become brighter, lighter and reduce early signs of ageing.

Now, for the first time, pure vitamin C can be delivered directly to the deeper layers of the skin for maximum benefit.

Vitaderm Radian-C Serum contains this breakthrough ingredient and is one of my new best friends as far as beauty formulations go. In addition to AA2G, it also contains botanical extracts of passion flower, bear berry, liquorice root and orange blossom, thereby enhancing the effects of the ascorbic acid.

The Radian-C Serum is suitable for all skin types.

Please have a look at my website www.agbeautysalon.co.za for info about the Vitaderm Radian-C Serum