Why I Do Not Add Water to My Products Even if It Is the Universal Solvent1. Organic Cold Pressed Whole Leaf Aloe Vera contains the largest concentration of the active ingredients polysaccharides, mucopolysaccharide (Acemannan) and glyconutrients which are found just beneath the outer surface of the Aloe leaf (the rind), which can be bitter, indigestible, possibly abrasive and difficult to refine. The new whole leaf process employed in the making of the aloe which goes into our product allows the cellulose to be dissolved, aloin and aloe emodin are removed. This total procedure is done entirely by a cold process and refining treatment. Maximum efficiency is thus assured, resulting in a product rich in polysaccharides including mucopolysaccharides (Acemannan) and glyconutrients.
"Living foods, such as aloe vera, ... A 'glyconutrient' is a new and more specialised type of nutraceutical."
Aloe has the ability to reach the deepest skin tissues, some seven layers deep, being ABSORBED 4 TIMES FASTER THAN WATER. Aloe reaches deep into the skin to help relieve dryness and carry nutrients to the cells and tissue for repair. Aloe has six antiseptic agents: lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamic acid, phenol and sulfur. Helps kill bacteria, viruses and fungus. Aloe simulates the birth of new healthy tissue. Aloe has a calming and relaxing effect on nerves, decreasing pain. Most lotions, liquid substances & water will only penetrate two layers deep in the skin. Aloe Penetrates All Seven layers! Aloe STIMULATES NEW CELL GROWTH SIX TO EIGHT TIMES the normal rate.
2. Most commercial creams and lotions are predominantly water, as much as 75%. Their moisture is quickly absorbed into dry, wrinkled skin. As the water enters the skin, it expands the tissues, like filling a balloon with water, so that wrinkles fade away and the skin feels smoother. But this is only temporary. As soon as the water evaporates or is carried away by the blood stream, the dry, wrinkled skin returns. The water that does evaporate dries out the skin. No matter how hard you try people will never be able to permanently cure dry, wrinkled skin with any commercial body lotion or body care products. Besides the water, most lotions have an oil of some type. This oil is almost always a highly refined vegetable oil devoid of all natural protective anti-oxidants. Or worse yet, a petroleum by-product. One product in our food supply and in OTC body care products that leads to a great deal of free radicals is
oxidized vegetable oils.
I do not add water because the formulas would be too diluted to feed, firm, and correct your skin significantly. Other companies do so in order to increase their PROFIT MARGIN as they engage in mass production of WHOLESALE products with a long shelf life for warehouse storage and widespread distribution ;) Also, water is an open invitation for bacteria to breed.WHAT'S IN YOUR PRODUCT?Do you know what diazolidinyl urea is? How about parabens, propylene glycol or sodium lauryl sulfate? If your answer is no, then what you should know is that these are only a few of the commonly used ingredients in many popular personal care products—including but not limited to lotions, creams, lip balms and shampoos. Parabens and diazolidinyl urea are both preservatives known to cause dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). Propylene glycol is the key ingredient in antifreeze, while sodium lauryl sulfate can cause eye irritations and skin rashes. Needless to say, studies have shown that many of these chemicals are known to be harmful. The unfortunate truth is that many of the skincare products currently on the market are laden with chemicals, harsh preservatives and synthetic ingredients. Some packaging and labeling use catchy words and phrases that mislead many into believing that a product is natural or organic when in reality, it may only have a very small percentage of natural or organic ingredients.
We change and update our formulas too frequently to print product labels or pamphlets with this information - organic botanical extracts, ocean extracts, rainforest extracts, bee products, silk products, hydrosols, carrier oils, essential oils, cosmeceuticals, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, proteins, glyconutrients, natural thickening system, natural preservative system. We charge our proprietary fermented liquids. No water. No fillers. No synthetics. No petro-chemicals. No parabens. Always Cruelty Free.
We have listed the complete ingredients for our DNO skin care lines in this section. Most of our raw ingredients are certified organic and many are vegan. All naturally derived ingredients are rich in actives and skin nutrients. Even our natural seaweed thickening system - agar agar - is healthy for your skin! These organically preserved skin care products use our unique and innovative synergetic preservative system: rooibos extract, vitamin E, black willow bark extract, rosemary oleoresin and neem oil at specific levels. This has created a broad spectrum preservative system, without parabens or phenoxyethanol, that will revolutionize natural products.
"Synergy = the whole is greater than the sum of the parts"11 Synthetic Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care ProductsIf you have experienced sensitive skin allergic reactions, break outs, headaches or any other symptoms, then by selecting foods and body care products that contain no synthetic ingredients you may notice those symptoms pleasantly disappear. Read labels carefully. If you don't recognize an ingredient, your body probably won't either.
1. Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl) - Probably the most commonly used synthetic preservatives. They inhibit enzyme activity and thus inhibit microbial growth. In as much as this serves to extend the shelf life of products, the inhibition of enzyme activity continues in our body when they are applied to the skin. Abundant enzyme activity is key to enhancing our health and vitality. Parabens are also known to cause rashes, skin irritations and other allergic reactions. High concentrations of parabens have been found in breast tumor samples. It is uncertain whether they caused the tumors but they are considered to be associated with the overall rise in breast cancer cases.
2. Imidazalidinyl Urea and Diadzolidinyl Urea - Common trade names are Germall and Germaben. Known to cause contact dermatitis. They are toxic and reported to be by-products of human protein metabolism excreted from human urea.
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE, Citricidal, or Citrus Seed) - A preservative that has previously been considered to be natural and safe, upon closer investigation it has been found that the extraction method uses toxic solvents and when effective it is preserved with synthetic chemicals, often times parabens.
4. Disodium EDTA - Used as a thickener and penetration enhancer. It alters the skin's structure increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the blood stream. It may cause rashes, allergies, asthma, and irritation to mucous membranes. It has also been tied to kidney damage.
5. Propylene Glycol - Used as a solvent, it promotes permeation through the skin. It acts as a humectant attracting moisture to the skin. It is also used in the production of antifreeze, brake fluid and cellophane. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) indicate that contact with the skin can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
6. Petroleum Derived Products including Mineral Oil - Form a gas impermeable film which blocks the pores and prevents the skin from breathing and eliminating wastes. Since oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange is vital to health in
general, this is detrimental to long-term health. It can lead to increased toxicity levels resulting in a burden
on the immune system. They are reported to be cancer producing.
7. Alcohols - Usually a group known as fatty alcohols: cetyl, stearyl, or lauryl. Since they are fat solvents they can dry the skin and hair. They are considered to be toxic in large or cumulative doses.
8. Perfumes, Fragrance and
Fragrance Oils - Are among the most frequent allergens. Complaints to the FDA include: headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper-pigmentation, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation. According to the National Academy of Sciences (1986) 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. Many are known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
9. Colors and Dyes - Are mostly derived from coal tar which is believed to be
cancer causing. They may also cause allergic reactions. They are labeled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number.
10. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - Used as a foaming agent in soaps and shampoos. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, allergic reactions, scalp scurf similar to dandruff. It is derived from coconut. Attempts are made to disguise it with the parenthetic explanation 'comes from coconut'. If a product makes foam or bubbles it potentially poses harm.
11. Triethanolamine (TEA) - Mostly found in cleanser products to adjust PH. Causes allergic reactions, eye problems, can dry skin and hair. Could be toxic if used over a period of time.
Our
therapeutic medicinal grade essential oils and
organic hydrosols and
organic aloe vera gel are of the highest quality.
The base of Ayurvedic, Chinese Herbs, Silk, and Pearl is a blend of my Grandmother Messino's original formulas from Rangoon, Burma and Italy. My Mom's healing organic botanicals from Atlanta are the main ingredients for the Anna Bellina products... now charged and fermented. My personal research and contribution include Amino Acids, Enzymes, Vitamins, Liposomes, Algae, Royal Jelly, Essential Oils, and Cosmeceuticals to the formulations.
Why Cosmeceuticals? It's been my experience that while "all natural" and "organic" feed skin, the blend of cosmeceuticals add the boosted firming properties that the majority of my customers seem to want.
Synthetic Preservatives
The decaying process is natural and goes on with or without preservatives. Cosmetics do not (and should not) last forever. Just like food, all cosmetics containing natural substances will eventually grow microorganisms and go rancid. The chemical preservatives, colors and fragrances in cosmetics hide the obvious signs of putrefaction. Chemicals used to preserve cosmetics are far more toxic and cause many more reactions than the bacteria from which they are supposed to protect us. Their effectiveness (not safety) has only been "proven" by torturing and killing animals (otherwise known as animal testing). Chemical preservatives are not used to protect the consumer; they are used
to protect the manufacturer from economic loss. It is far cheaper to produce vast amounts of product and warehouse it than to create small batches that ensure product freshness. Avoid these toxic chemical preservatives:
DMDM Hydantoin (contains formaldehyde)
Germall 115 (Imidazolidinyl urea)
(releases formaldehyde over 10 C)
Germall II (Diazolidinyl urea)
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben
Sodium Sulfosuccinate
Thiomersal (contains mercury)
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Isothiazolinone
Chloromethylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Bronopol
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Butylated hudroxyanisole (BHA)
WE DO NOT ADD THESE INGREDIENTS TO OUR PRODUCTS:ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDRATE - The active ingredient in many antiperspirants. Inhibits the normal bodily function of underarm sweating. The use of aluminum compounds in personal care is currently under scrutiny.
DIMETHICONE - Silicone polymer used to modify a product's feel or contribute water resistance. Silicone polymers used in breast implants caused serious health problems and were subsequently banned by the Food & Drug Administration.
FD&C and D&C COLORS - Petroleum derived synthetic colors can be toxic and cause allergy. The Food and Drug Administration have banned numerous FD&C and D&C colors as emerging scientific data found them unsafe for human use.
FORMALDEHYDE - One of the most toxic of all personal care ingredients. This irritating and allergenic preservative was commonly used in shampoos.
FRAGRANCE OILS - The synthetic fragrances that are used in cosmetics and household cleaning supplies can consist of many undisclosed ingredients and none of them are natural. The chemicals used in fragrances do not have to be listed separately from the other ingredients. The label simply reads “fragrance” or “perfume” or “parfume”. The consumer is being deceived into believing that one harmless ingredient is in their beauty product and not made aware of the cocktail of dangerous artificial fragrance chemicals that they are putting onto their skin and breathing in. Synthetic fragrance oils are used because they are more affordable then pure unadulterated essential oils. The majority of adverse reactions to cosmetics and toiletries are caused by fragrance chemicals. Most hypoallergenic forms of cosmetics are fragrance free because the chemical cocktails are known irritants and allergens. The consumer can have such negative reactions to cosmetic fragrances because each artificial fragrance typically contains one hundred or more chemicals to produce just one fragrance. Over 5000 aroma chemical are available for creating synthetic fragrances.
MINERAL OIL - Mineral Oil is inappropriately named since it bears no relationship to minerals. It is merely a synthetic chemical fraction of petroleum.
PARABENS: METHYL, ETHYL, PROPYL, BUTYL - Petroleum derived toxic preservative chemicals, which can be lethal to many life forms beyond their target microorganisms in personal care products. Parabens have a history of causing allergy and irritation in human skin.
PETROLATUM - This semisolid chemical is actually a mixture of mineral oil and paraffin waxes. Derived from petroleum, and historically used and trusted by millions, this chemical has no justifiable role in the well being of human skin.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL - Liquid preservative, solvent and antifreeze, this toxic petroleum derivative is known to cause allergy and irritation.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE - One of the original synthetic ingredients used in personal care products. Very aggressive and irritating, this chemical may have more far reaching toxic effects than previously thought.
SOY - Recent research has proven this inexpensive and abundant product does not contain beneficial skin or hormone balancing properties. Many companies have cut corners, and costs, and process in a fast, cheap, and inefficient manner leaving the American soy virtually non-beneficial. However, I've been told the better and more expensive European extraction method, England particularly, delivers a more beneficial soy product.
TALC - This insoluble powdered mineral can cause respiratory illness.
Superior Organic Ingredients
Aloe Vera: A glucomannan or polysacchride that helps with wound healing rehabilitating the epidermis.
Alginate: Brown seaweed and a natural thickener.
Alpha Bisabolol: The active ingredients in Chamomile,
reduces puffiness also restores and repairs skin.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Fights free radicals, it repairs aged
skin contributing to a healthy looking, glowing complexion.
Anti-Oxidant Complex: Rooibos Tea, White Tea, and Green Tea.
Polyphenols: Function as free radical scavengers to inhibit oxidation that can damage cells.
Argireline: Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 delivers superior anti-wrinkle results. It is a combination of amino acids formulated to relax facial wrinkles, reduce the degree of existing wrinkles and stop their future development.
Bearberry (Uva Ursi): Natural Hydroquinone
(arbutin) will lighten discolorations on the skin.
Beta-carotene: Precursor of vitamin A occurring naturally in plants (especially carrots, algae, etc). Used as a nutritive for the skin and to prevent oxidation of the skin care product.
Borage: Simply the best Essential Fatty Acid for skin. It contains Gamma Linoeic Acid (what Evening Primrose is known for, GLA is found in mother's milk) It is gentler on skin than Evening Primrose oil. Great for all skin types, especially for those with acne and prematurely aging
skin.
Calcium: Helps in the regeneration of cells and normalizes skin color.
Ceramide III: Milk lipids (liposomes) help regenerate and replenish the skins own ceramides. Penetrates deep into the skin and prevents water
loss.
Chamomile: Restores and repairs damaged skin. Has sedative and emollient qualities and acts as a normalizer for rough skin. Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
Chlorella: Stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
Coconut: Moisturizing and an emollient.
Coltsfoot: Collagen is too large to pass through our skin. A combination of Horsetail and Coltsfoot are recognized in the body as organic silica. The body treats silica as collagen. Therefore, this is a great way to get the benefit of new collagen into your skin and repairs old damaged collagen. Why don't other companies use this
system? Because once Horsetail and Coltsfoot are mixed with Parabens, it becomes ineffective.
DMAE: Salt of PABA, firms and tones the skin, it
also helps the skin retain it's elasticity.
Essential Fatty Acid: Vitamin F, Linoeic Acid. EFA's lubricate the body and aid in the transportation of oxygen to cells. They help coagulate the blood and regulate gland activity. I use a mix of Coconut, Borage, Olive, Wheat Protein in order to get all EFA's, or Omega 3, 6
& 9.
Essential Oils: A plant's immune system in a very concentrated form. Nature's medicine helps balance skin, body, and hormones through aromatherapy.
Evening Primrose Oil: Source of Vitamin E, (anti-oxidant) and rare GLA of the essential fatty acid chain and high in EFA W6. Effective skin and body nutritive and moisturizer.
GABA: An amino acid that helps the muscles relax.
Germanium: Oxygen for the skin.
Ginkgo: Activates cell metabolism. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
Ginseng: Stimulates the skin and promotes epidermal elasticity.
Horsetail: Collagen is too large to pass through our skin. A combination of Horsetail and Coltsfoot are recognized in the body as organic silica. The body treats silica as collagen. Therefore, this is a great way to get the benefit of new collagen into our skin and repairs old damaged collagen. Why don't other companies use this system? Because once Horsetail and Coltsfoot are mixed
with Parabens, it becomes ineffective.
Horse Chestnut: Contains aescin and is an anti-inflammatory.
Hyaluronic Acid: A Polysacchride that penetrates into the dermis layer of the skin promoting hydration, nutrient absorption and blood circulation.
Idebenone: An Anti-oxidant that will tighten and firm skin,
smooths skin and improves it's appearance, protects skin from environmental toxins. Better than CoEnzyme Q-10 and Vitamin C. A must for those who live in the city.
Kojic Acid: First discovered in Japan in 1907 and is the source of an acid that prevents the formation of and breaks up the accumulation of melanin. It is used in skin care products to lighten age spots. Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacturing of sake.
Lactic Acid: Balances the moisture level of the skin,
prevents wrinkles and exfoliates the skin.
Lavender: Regenerates skin cells.
Licorice: An Anti-Inflammatory for the skin.
Marine Collagen: Is the most similar to human collagen.
With its polysaccharides, vitamins and essential sea minerals, it aids in the healing and structuring of connective tissue. It plumps the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin elasticity, produces firmer, more even toned skin.
Matrixyl: Contains matrikines and peptides (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) which are messengers of reconstruction that repairs collagen. Diminishes wrinkles and helps restore skins youthful appearance.
MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane is organic sulfur that helps strengthen the connective tissue under our skin.
Natural Moisturizing Factor(NMF): NMF regulates how much
moisture is being retained by our skin. Proper skin hydration improves the appearance and health of your skin.
Nettle: A stimulant to the skin and improves circulation. Contains iron and acts as a blood purifier for the complexion.
Pumpkin Seed: Increases the smoothness, firmness, elasticity, and tone of the skin. Also helps promote the synthesis of collagen. High in Zinc, Vitamins E, A and Omega 3 & 6.
Rosehip Seed Oil: Softens skin and is high in Essential Fatty Acids. Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and Repairs damaged skin. Composed of Vit C, Linoleic, Palmetic, Oleic, Stearic Acids.
Royal Jelly: Highly nutritive secretion of worker bees. 31% carbohydrate, 15% vitamins plus minerals used to feed the queen bee. Also used in skin care as a valuable skin nutritive.
Sea Emollient (Algae): Algae that binds moisture and tightens skin.
Sea Kelp Bioferment (Kelp): Kelp extract fermented with lactobacillus for firming. High
in phytochemicals.
Sea Minerals: Minerals from the sea, firming.
Silk Amino Acids and Protein: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. High in protein, penetrates and moisturizes
skin.
Super Oxidedismutase (SOD): A super anti-oxidant that destroys free radicals.
Vitamins: The four most important skin vitamins are FACE.
Vitamin A Retinol reduces wrinkle. Helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat lungs, which helps reduce our susceptibility to infections; protects against air pollutants and contaminants; helps improve eye sight and counteracts night-blindness; aids in bone and teeth formation; improves skin elasticity, moisture content and suppleness; and helps reverse the signs of photo-aging. A lack of vitamin A can cause skin to become dry and hardened.
Vitamin B prevents irritation of skin and repairs damaged skin. Vitamin B3 calms the skin resulting in reduced redness. Vitamin B5 Panthenol nourishes skin.
Vitamin C stimulates collagen production and helps lighten age spots. Ascorbic Acid acts as an antioxidant to help provide protection from free radicals and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C is vital to the production of the collagen molecules necessary for the development of the connective tissue in blood vessels, skin, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C needs to be replaced in your system every day. When applied to skin, Vitamin C is believed to aid skin cells in repairing and reproducing themselves. It is also thought to stimulate production of collagen, enhancing skin smoothness and elasticity. This vitamin is excellent for skin showing signs of aging.
Vitamin E - D-alpha tocopherol - A natural anti-oxidant and preservative preventing rancidity in creams, body oils and lotions.
Vitamin F
Vitamin K strengthens capillary walls and helps diminish dark circles.
Wheat Protein: Elastin for the skin.
White Tea: The Emperors Tea, more anti-oxidants than green tea, anti-inflammatory, helps repair UV damage and increases the skins thickness.
Witch Hazel: Softens and soothes the skin. High anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
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