Step 4 - Protect
Face Treatment Hydrators, Oil, Sun, Moisturizers

A few years ago Anna Bellina introduced a very different new product called HydraGel, a skin hydrator. The response was electric and many emailed with questions. Our Hydrator gel was first designed to be used by estheticians giving facial and lymphatic treatments. But it soon became clear that the formulation had far wider applications. We found that the Hydrator had great benefits for the skin, particularly the face, and that it helped hydrate dehydrated skin, soothe muscular tensions, swollen ankles, heavy legs and tired feet. Others discovered that their energy lifted when they used the Hydrator and that it increased their sense of aliveness. They began applying it under their day cream in the morning to start the day fresh, and dabbing it onto their temples and neck when they felt tired during the day. They found it could even be applied to the solar plexus area to steady someone when they were feeling a little wobbly.

Hydrator gel functions at more than one level. At the physical level it helps maintain the lymph and the circulation of blood to and from the tissues; it also cools and calms where it is applied. These effects come from the charged and fermented botanical extracts of edelweiss, St Johns Wort, ivy, echinacea, witch hazel, cactus, melissa, aloe vera, menthol, camphor, white ginger lily and MSM.

Our Hydrator gel also carries bio-information or energy resonance from bio-activated charged ingredients with specific energy resonance that synergizes the effect of the extracts, and harmonizes or balances the energy of the body. You could say that the energy field of the body becomes more highly organized, more tuned to the individual's optimum function.

Our 2 Step Moisturization System offers a duo ~ hydrator and moisturizer ~ working in tandem, that we believe provides superior results for every skin type, especially dry and dehydrated skins. Our duo system replicates Nature's perfect moisturizer: perspiration and sebum, mixing together to keep skin moist, lubricated, and protected against the environment. Why two products? First, all skins constantly need hydration for proper cell function and the #1 skin condition is dehydration. Second, the naturally occurring process whereby water evaporates through the skin is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We don't want this to happen so we layer the hydrator with a moisturizer, which provides a sealing effect to skin. Dehydration affects all skins and is the #1 most common skin condition. It is also the easiest condition to correct. Once a skin becomes dehydrated, other skin conditions develop (impacted pore debris, sluggish cell turnover, rough texture, dull color) and existing skin conditions often become worse. Our 2 Step moisturization system works wonderfully to combat dehydration.

Step 1 ~ Hydrators add water moisture to the skin. A light cooling hyaluronic acid gel that glides on skin, works as a great makeup base too. Our blend of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera in a seaweed base (forms of algae contain proteins, vitamin A, sugar, starch, vitamin B1, iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, calcium), with select botanicals, is the perfect hydrating fluid for all skins, especially dry or dehydrated skins. This precious gel may be patted onto skin during the day, even over makeup. Not all skins may require this duo system. Oily skins and oily skins in humid climates may find the gel hydrator sufficient as the only moisturizer.

Step 2 ~ Moisturizers do not add water moisture to skin but seal in the moisture which is provided by the hydrator and to also provide lubrication. Moisturizers protect your skin against environmental pollution and free radical attack, which leads to aging. Moisturizers containing butters provide the maximum protection. Not all skins may require this duo system. Dry, aging, dehydrated skins and dry skins in dry climates will find the gel hydrator necessary before the lotion moisturizer. Normal skins will benefit from the moisturizers. Dry skins and dry skins in dry climates will benefit the most from our duo moisturizing system.

Because the entire Anna Bellina line is without synthetic and harmful preservatives, each product is filled with only 100% active material. There is no water added to the products, therefore to disperse the products properly, the product must be applied to toner damp skin in order to facilitate penetration and absorption.

To maintain healthy, happy skin, you must seal in your hydrating gel with a moisturizer at night and a moisturizer and/or sunscreen during the day. This simple 2 step moisturization process (hydrator - moisturizer) will make a huge difference in the appearance and health of your skin. When water is allowed to evaporate through the skin, it is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Moisturizers help prevent TEWL. The skin loses a lot of its natural moisture through evaporation. Skin is particularly affected by extremes of temperature, sun exposure, wind exposure, and drying (low humidity) conditions found in centrally heated buildings and airplanes. Use of harsh soaps, astringents, or medications will also affect the moisture level of the skin. To counteract these factors, skin needs a moisturizer with the correct proportions of water and oil to form a suitable barrier.

For best results, moisturizers should be applied to skin that is still damp from toning. When moisturizers are applied to damp skin, the skin can hold more water; this temporarily plumps up fine, parched lines. Moisturizers also work to protect your skin against environmental pollution and free radical attack, which leads to aging. Clients may require different moisturizers for day use and night use or at different times of the year.
Dehydrated skin causes many skin problems and makes any existing skin problem worse. When it rains in the desert, the earth is so dry it cannot accept the water, so the rain can cause flooding. The rain will roll across the desert and fall into the cracks. Dehydrated skin, or 'water dry' skin acts like the desert. Products cannot be absorbed by dehydrated skin, nor can waste products escape.


Why help lymphatic flow?

It is vitally important for our health that the body's toxins are swiftly and efficiently removed from our tissues. In a healthy body the flow of lymph is maintained by the movement of our muscles, by the exercise we take. But people who sit at a desk all day, or who need a lot of rest, or who accumulate high levels of toxins in their tissues - from diet or prolonged stress - will benefit from anything that helps optimize lymphatic drainage. Exercise, deep breathing using the diaphragm, detox programs, massage and certain herbs, including echinacea, can all help.

Poor lymphatic drainage creates what therapists call stagnation. Bags under the eyes, a tired puffy face, and swollen ankles or swollen feet are typical examples. When toxins are not efficiently removed from the tissues we feel fatigued, we have less enthusiasm and we're much less able to focus our minds. Spots and blemishes are also more likely to develop and will heal more slowly; tension will be slower to drain and skin will simply have less life.

Applications
Facial care After cleansing, close eyes and apply to entire face, throat and neck down to collar bones. Allow tingling to finish before applying your normal day or night cream.

Tired puffy tissues
To energize facial tissues and help optimize lymphatic tone, including bags under eyes and eyelids, apply as above, morning and evening, after cleansing.

To refresh when tired or stressed
Apply to temples, face, neck, back of neck, behind ears as appropriate, especially when desk-bound or driving long distance.

Tiredness and head pressure
Apply to forehead, temples, back of neck as needed.

Tense shoulders, neck or back

Apply to areas of tension regularly throughout the day.

Nervousness
Apply frequently to the solar plexus (midriff area).

Tired feet
Apply to tired feet, heavy legs, puffy ankles and lower back as appropriate.

Lymphatic drainage
Energy Gel can be applied sparingly to the whole body as needed.


Because the entire Anna Bellina line is without synthetic and harmful preservatives, each product is filled with only 100% active material. There is no water added to the products, therefore to disperse the products properly, the product must be applied to toner damp skin in order to facilitate penetration and absorption.


Key Ingredients

Botanicals
A superior blend of organic botanicals selected for specific properties. This blend helps softens skin and acne impactions for easier extraction. It works even better in this capacity when combined with our Jojoba Emu Oil blend. Also has stimulating and healing benefits to help clear acne. This blend has extracts with high concentrations of vitamin C to help calm and soothe skin and which may help strengthen capillary walls. Beneficial for patients with rosacea or distended capillaries.

Hyaluronic Acid
The #1 moisturizer contains Glucosamine which helps collagen fibers retain water, giving your skin a youthful appearance! Dehydrated skin causes many skin problems and makes any existing skin condition worse. When it rains in the desert, the earth is so dry it cannot absorb the water, so the rain can cause flooding. The rain will roll across the desert and fall into the cracks. Dehydrated skin, or water-dry skin acts like the desert. Products cannot be absorbed by dehydrated skin. Hydrators are water-based gels that should be used twice daily to combat dehydration which is the most common skin problem. Just as everybody should drink water, everybody should use a Hydrator Gel on their skin. Dehydrated skin appears dry, scaly, and flaky. It feels tight and may crinkle when gently pulled. A person with oily skin may think they have dry skin but it is really dehydrated. If they were to use products for dry skin, they would have worse problems. When skin becomes dehydrated, the surface layers of cells harden up and form a thin covering over the surface of the skin. This dehydrated covering is like putting Saran Wrap on the skin � none of the wonderful ingredients get in and none of the oil secretions get out. This entrapment of oils under the surface of the skin is particularly detrimental in the case of someone with acne. In addition, dehydrated skin is always more sensitive because just as the dry desert earth has cracks, dehydrated skin has little invisible fissures or cracks that allow pollutants to seep in and cause irritation.

Essential Oil - Menthol - Camphor Synergy
The select essential oil blend has a superior synergy that has delivered excellent results in reducing bacteria, painful pus filled cysts, redness, inflammation, and broken capillaries. Helps regulate hormones while controlling bacteria and excess oil production.

MSM
Pine tree bark sourced MSM helps maintain healthy, flexible joints and muscles. MSM is also good for maintaining strong hair and nails, and beautiful skin.

Silk has been the oriental secret to beautiful young skin for centuries. Silk protein and amino acids possess UV ray inhibiting properties, therefore offers natural UV protection as well as controlling melanin build up, help reduce pore size as they protect the skin from dehydration, penetrate the skin to leave a silky smooth feel. Silk amino acids (also called silk proteins and sericin) are obtained by the hydrolysis of silk - a natural protein fiber. The soft lustrous thread obtained from the silk cocoon woven by the silkworm is so converted and used in cosmetic preparations. It gives the skin a very soft and velvety feel when used in a cosmetic product, and has some good water-binding properties and silk amino acids (silk proteins) also has a certain amount of antioxidant action. Silk amino acids (silk proteins) are used to prevent dehydration and is mostly found in eye rejuvenation gels and creams. Superbly soft and shiny, silk is actually an animal fiber spun by the silkworm while it constructs its cocoon. The fiber is similar in structure to the human skin cells, but is also extraordinary strong and resilient. This pure protein cocoon, is made up of amino acids, which is said to reduce the human aging process. In fact top medical practitioners have recommended pure silk pillows as the best option to sleep on as they are so gentle on the skin, will cause the least amount of wrinkling and will protect your hair from splitting.

Witch Hazel is the strongest anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and great skin calmer. Pure witch hazel reduces redness, rashes, itching, swelling, and scaling of skin. Especially recommended for acne, mature, or damaged skin. Heals cracked or blistered skin and is extremely good for soothing eczema and psoriasis. An anti-inflammatory, scar preventative, and is an effective wound wash and antiseptic.

The aloe vera base is 99.7% pure certified organic aloe vera gel and 0.3% thickeners and natural preservatives. Aloe Vera is the organic cold pressed whole leaf liquid that contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. A high quality Aloe which uses only the nutritious inner gel, not the outer rind of the leaf, and is one of the most nutritious and best skin care ingredients available.

How Aloe Vera Works

* speeds healing, tensile strength and repair of damaged skin
* holds moisture and adds flexibility to retard aging
* balances skin pH through astringent pH properties
* moisturizes by carrying added emollients into the skin
* minimizes scarring and may reverse scars
* soothes skin injured by burns, irritations, cuts and insect bites
* speeds and improves general healing when taken internally
* increases the availability of oxygen to the skin
* relieves itching and swelling of irritated skin
* improves the effectiveness of sun screen products


WHY is Hydration so Important?
You cannot have proper cell function unless your skin is well hydrated. Dehydrated skin is the #1 Skin Condition! This dehydration leads to impacted pore debris resulting in blackheads, a dull lifeless complexion, premature aging, and rampant free radical damage. When this happens, skin cannot perform it's natural exfoliation process and 30 day cell turnover so becomes sluggish and even inflamed. The antioxidant rich botanical blend encourages cellular proliferation by gently removing the excessive buildup of dead skin cells. This buildup is called keratinization and left untreated can lead to uneven texture, roughness, and congestion in the skin.


Dehydrated skin is the #1 skin condition which causes many skin problems and makes any existing skin problem worse.When it rains in the desert, the earth is so dry it cannot accept the water, so the rain can cause flooding. The rain will roll across the desert and fall into the cracks. Dehydrated skin, or water-dry skin acts like the desert. Products cannot be absorbed by dehydrated skin, nor can waste products escape.

Hydrators are hydrosol-based gels that should be used daily, morning and evening to combat dehydration, the most common skin condition. Dehydrated skin appears dry, scaly, and flaky. It feels tight and may crinkle when gently pulled. A person with oily skin may think they have dry skin but it is really dehydrated. If they were to use products for dry skin, they would have worse problems.

When skin becomes dehydrated, the surface layers of cells harden up and form a thin covering over the surface of the skin. This dehydrated covering is like putting saran wrap on the skin, none of the wonderful ingredients get in and none of the oil secretions get out. This entrapment of oils under the surface of the skin is particularly detrimental in the case of someone with acne. In addition, dehydrated skin is always more sensitive because just as the dry desert earth has cracks, dehydrated skin has little invisible fissures or cracks that allow products to seep in and cause irritation.


from Lisa
Hello there- I like your new website! Just wanted to tell you how much I love the Hydragel versus the lotion. I think my skin likes it better too. My skin is very oily especially around this time of year and it absorbs the gel instantly! I like the way my mineral make-up goes over it, and my breakouts have been reduced. On my way to work this morning �I noticed the lines between my brows are fading, Feels good, especially when I see women my age looking soooo much older!!! Oh how did I live all of these years without your products-and thank the Lord in heaven that I don't have to now.


from Lynn
Am loving the Hydragel Dew Drops. So light but so moisturizing. Gives a beautiful finish and seems to even out skin tone all on its own. This has been just what my skin needed once I had to start turning the heat on!


from Tanja
Just a short note to say thank-you. I persevered, and my skin has not reacted again with either the Dew Drops or the Cream. Instead, my skin is looking absolutely wonderful and feels so soft and smooth (even the scent or roses drifting off my face is so very delightful and calming to my senses). After eight years of worrying and stressing over how my face felt and looked due to it's sensitivity to everything it has been exposed to, I can't believe I have found a cure with your products. I haven't been using the doctor prescribed Elidel cream for three weeks now and boy, what an improvement.


from Susan
Just a note to thank you for the great products I just received! I have been putting the Dew Drops on my lips at night followed by the Coq10 moisturizer. My lips were so chapped, and this is helping a LOT!! Thanks so much!!


from Natasha
Just received your products, Thank you! I love "Dew Drops"! This product makes my skin baby-soft without greasy look, great under mineral powder.


from Lisa
Your hydragel is fabulous. I love the way it instantly absorbs into my skin and gives me a glow that never looks oily. A stranger told me that other day that I have a great complexion! (for someone who has had problem skin, forever) Wow, made me feel good.


from Lynn
Am loving the Dew Drops. So light but so moisturizing. Gives a beautiful finish and seems to even out skin tone all on its own. This has been just what my skin needed once I had to start turning the heat on!


from Tanja
Just a short note to say thank-you. I persevered, and my skin has not reacted again with either the Dew Drops or the HR Cream. Instead, my skin is looking absolutely wonderful and feels so soft and smooth (even the scent or roses drifting off my face is so very delightful and calming to my senses). After eight years of worrying and stressing over how my face felt and looked due to it's sensitivity to everything it has been exposed to, I can't believe I have found a cure with your products. I haven't been using the doctor prescribed Elidel cream for three weeks now and boy, what an improvement.


from Naomi
I just want to let you now how much I love the derma lotion. My skin is very oily and acne prone, but some areas still get dry and flaky; and the dermalotion is the best product I have used for balancing my skin's moisture levels without clogging my pores. Plus I love the way it smells. I am hooked! Thanks!


from Susan
Just a note to thank you for the great products I just received! I have been putting the Dew Drops on my lips at night followed by the Coq10 moisturizer. My lips were so chapped, and this is helping a LOT!! Thanks so much!!


from Natasha
Just received your products, Thank you! I love "Dew Drops"! This product makes my skin baby-soft without greasy look, great under mineral powder.


Additive Ingredients

Manuka Honey 25+ is used on burn patients and other medical conditions as a wonderful anti-bacterial skin healer. Adding moisture to irritated skin and healing inflammation, honey enzymes rejuvenate skin and act as a natural exfoliant and antimicrobial agent. This is the highest rated manuka obtainable, delivering outstanding results in reducing and clearing cystic acne.

Botanicals
A superior blend of organic botanicals selected for specific properties. This blend helps softens skin and acne impactions for easier extraction. It works even better in this capacity when combined with our Jojoba Oil. Also has stimulating and healing benefits to help clear acne. This blend has extracts with high concentrations of vitamin C to help calm and soothe skin and which may help strengthen capillary walls. Beneficial for patients with rosacea or distended capillaries.

Vitamin K
This select vitamin is imperative to reducing weakened capillary walls. Vitamin K strengthens these walls and also helps the inflammation of acne and dark under eye circles.

Essential Oil Synergy
The select essential oil blend has a superior synergy that has delivered excellent results in reducing bacteria, painful pus filled cysts, redness, inflammation, and broken capillaries. Helps regulate hormones while controlling bacteria and excess oil production.

Calcium is an important nutrient our body needs on a daily basis. Recent studies confirm Calcium Citrate is better absorbed than calcium carbonate. The body loses calcium everyday through skin, hair, nails, sweat, digestive secretions, and urine. Calcium is a regulator of every organ in the body and the skin is no exception. The skin guards its calcium level very carefully and the calcium integrity of the upper epidermis regulates at least four major skin functions and possibly others that have yet to be determined.

In the upper epidermis, when cells die and pass through the stratum granular layer they are stripped of their calcium content and the calcium content of the upper epidermis becomes very high. If the skin experiences injury or excessive exfoliation, volumes of cells die and pass into the stratum corneum. Keratinocytes (skin cells) then absorb this overabundance of calcium which triggers the production of an enzyme named �protein kinase C� (PKC). PKC travels out of the keratinocyte cells and goes from the upper epidermis down into the basal epidermis. It passes into immature (undifferentiated) keratinocyte cells and stimulates chromosomes 1 and 10 (chromosomes that regulate keratin production). The cells then �differentiate� (begin producing keratin) and move upward to replace the lost cells and eventual exfoliation. These newly differentiated cells are replaced by new basal cell division.

In this manner the skin's calcium content regulates cell differentiation (and cell division) and controls the thickness of the epidermis. High concentrations of upper epidermal calcium thereby cause rapid cell turnover and low concentrations of upper epidermal calcium cause slow cell turnover. Cell turnover can be up-regulated by increasing upper epidermal calcium. When calcium application is used in conjunction with peeling or microdermabrasion, resurfacing of the skin is faster and more profound. Conversely, resurfacing procedures on patients with low skin calcium content is slow and ineffectual.

As a second skin function, calcium regulates normal skin color by stimulating melanocytes (pigment producing cells) at the same time it causes differentiation of immature cells.

Thirdly, calcium regulates lipid barrier processes. Peeling, microdermabrasion and cold winter weather strip the skin�s moisture barrier. High calcium content in the upper epidermis helps maintain continual and efficient barrier functions. Patients with dry skin or dry skin due to weather respond well to topical calcium treatment. In the case of microdermabrasion, calcium can significantly reduce the dryness that is typical with this procedure and increase cell turnover simultaneously.

The fourth function of calcium within the skin is to stimulate the production of the skin�s own age-protective and cancer-protective antioxidants. While science does not know the precise mechanism or process, calcium content has been directly linked with the production of catalase and indirectly linked to superoxide dismutase (two of the skin's most powerful antioxidants). Anti-oxidants prevent damage to the skin's components such as collagen. Anti-oxidants prevent DNA damage that lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Topical calcium products therefore provide anti-aging benefits and enhance skin cancer protection. Calcium is an extremely powerful tool for skin rejuvenation.

Marine Collagen is so effective because the formula is refined into a simple protein that is almost totally bioavailable. Since our body can recognize this form of collagen, it is unlikely for anyone to react to this natural product. Animal collagen has too large a molecular size, therefore it cannot be absorbed by the skin. Collagen plumps up the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves the skin's elasticity, produces firmer, more even-toned skin, helps create a glowing radiant complexion that is as smooth as glass. A major breakthrough in skin firming, moisturizing and anti-wrinkle as well as scar creams.

Hemp Seed Oil is made up of 80% essential fatty acid, the highest amount of any other plant. Hemp seed oil prevents moisture loss on a physiological level; it does just not merely "coat" the skin as do other oils. It contains the ideal ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 based on our cells needs. Hemp so closely matches our own skins lipids it is able to penetrate inside our cells and lubricate the surface between them, thus bringing the EFA's within our body. For this reason EFA's have been proven to play a preventative role in skin aging and a healthy moisture balance.

Not only does Hemp seed oil contribute greatly to the barrier function and appearance it also has other skin benefits such as offering relief to acne, minor abrasions, psoriasis and eczema. Hemp is also the only plant oil containing Vitamin D, which is necessary for Calcium absorption. Using Hemp seed oil is a great way to achieve soft, smooth and hydrated skin.

Goldenseal has been used for centuries for numerous health benefits and for it's soothing and calming properties. Goldenseal contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamins ACE B-complex and other nutrients and minerals.

Grapefruit contains high levels of vitamins CE and bioflavonoids. Its anti-oxidant action can neutralize free radicals. Also provides natural alkalinizing benefits.

Horsetail contains important skin nutrients including: silicon, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid. Horsetail helps protect against free-radical damage and strengthens connective tissue. It refreshes, tones, stimulates and firms skin tissue.

Quinoa is filled with essential fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic and oleic) along with amino acids, saponins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc) and vitamins (thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin) all important for healthy skin structure.


Thank you for visiting Anna's Skin Care!
Since the beginning of my company, it has been my passion to provide the
best natural products by using only the finest ingredients, regardless of cost.
My promise to you is that I'll continue to use and seek out the best ingredients
from around the world to make exquisite natural skin care, with the intent of
having you as a loyal customer for life.
Patricia... your personal esthetician on call!