NewCo Sulforaphane Lotion

Lately I've been feeling a little tired.  My skin seemed to be showing slight signs of age (being 30 now!), maybe a little stressed, plus winter is hard on the skin!   

For a skin boost, I thought that I would try a product containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).  It is said that "if you feel that your skin is looking dull, lifeless or uneven, using an AHA product may benefit you. As the skin ages, it can lose that lustrous youthful glow. Using an AHA can quickly restore a fresh, healthy appearance".

AHA is a blanket term for a variety of fruit acids such as Glycolic, Citric, Lactic, Malic and Tartaric. These acids, when used correctly, help to smooth the skin, enhance the effects of other skin rejuvenation treatments, keep problem skin under control, attract moisture to the skin, even texture and complexion of skin and reverse some of the effects of UV damage. They can be used to achieve these goals over a period of time or in quick sessions.

When included in a product at an effective concentration AHAs help disintegrate the "glue" that hold dead, dry skin cells to the surface of the skin. By doing so, the epidermis is exfoliated leaving a silky texture. Removal of this external barrier enables easier, deeper penetration of other skin treatments as well.

Then I found NewCo Sulforaphane Lotion
(formulated in Calgary)
After using the product twice daily (clean skin with a little rosewater), my skin already feels more moisturised (on a -38 cold Calgary winter day), soothed and refreshed.  

And yes, I'm blogging about it... 

Product Notes:
This lotion is designed using key ingredients that have been shown to repair damage, protect against future damage as well as reduce and soothe skin irritation. The complex synergistic formula will soften and moisturize the skin, protect against the abuse of the elements and slow the visible signs of aging. Sulforaphane (from Broccoli Seed Oil), Smithsonite, Fucus Vesiculosus and Green Tea Extracts are featured active ingredients in this synergistic formula. Sulforaphane (Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil w/ Sulforaphane) – along with the properties previously men-tioned, Sulforaphane has been shown to help repair damage done by UV exposure through induction of Phase II Enzymes. This is significant as UV radiation is one of the main contributing factors to non-melanoma skin cancers in humans. It is important to note that it is more effective after sun-exposure to help repair damage that has been already done rather than before as a preventative. It has also been shown to reduce UV induced redness and edema (abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin). Smithsonite Extract – is a semi-precious blue-green stone (zinc carbonate). Zinc is important in the metabolism of RNA and DNA and also helps elastin synthesis (helps incorporate sulphur amino acids cysteine and methionine into the skin proteins). Smithsonite Extract boosts metallothioneins synthesis - proteins that are produced in response to cellular oxidative stress - and also can help prevent DNA lesions, make DNA repair easier and has been shown to protect against UVB stress. Fucus Vesiculosus (Sea Kelp) Powder – is a source of minerals (calcium, magnesium, iodine, manganese, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur and iron) and “Brown Algae Polyphenols”. “BAP’s” are antioxidants (neutralize free-radicals) and may pro-tect against skin cancer (clinical study). BAP’s have also been found to reduce COX-2 enzyme levels when applied topically (anti inflammatory action). Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract – has high antioxidant properties that help combat free radical damage and is also a skin conditioning agent. It has been shown to help prevent collagen breakdown and several studies have shown Green Tea Ex-tracts to have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. It has also been shown to reduce DNA damage formed after exposure to UV radiation. Also included are Pomegranate Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Creatine Monohydrate, Aloe Vera, and a full spectrum Tocotrienol / Toco-pherol non-gmo complex from Palm. Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Seed Oil – is a source of essential fatty acids as well as Vitamins A and E that help moistur-ize and reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage. It has been shown to help with the extrinsic signs of aging, skin re-pair and wound healing and may even have possible skin cancer protective qualities, according to clinical studies from the United States. Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) – is the fat obtained from the fruit of the Karite tree. Shea Butter is a skin conditioning agent, very moisturizing and helps prevent water loss from the skin. High in Oleic & Linoleic Acids (Omega 6 & 9), it also con-tains phytosterols that can help with the inflammation and Triterpenes such as Cinnamic Acid & Lupeol that have UVB absorbing properties. It is a source of eight kinds of catechins and quercetin and can help increase circulation. Creatine Monohydrate - helps revitalize the energy metabolism of the cells by stimulating mitochondrial activity, stimulates pro-tein synthesis, moisturizes and reduces skin irritation. Naturally sourced from calcium oxide. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Gel) – is very soothing for the skin and helps moisturize. Extracts are from the leaves and used to help with inflammation, cuts, scrapes, burns, etc. Very good for irritated or sensitive skin. Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Tocotrienols (Tocomin*), Tocopherol – is a patented, natural full spectrum tocotrienol/tocopherol complex that also contains plant squalene and a phytosterol complex. With greater antioxidant activity than Toco-pherols, Tocotrienols are easily and quickly absorbed into the skin and combat environmental oxidative stress. Tocomin To-cotrienols are 100% NON-GMO, vegetarian, Kosher and Halal certified as well as 100% free from soy products. *Tocomin is a registered trademark of Carotech Inc and protected by US Patent No. 5,157,132 and other pending patents.

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf GEl, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Stearyl Alcohol, Sulforaphane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate (Palm Oil), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes & Glycerin, Glycerin Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate, Parfum**, Smithsonite Extract, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate (Eco Cert Approved), Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Butyrospermum Parkli (Shea Butter), Creatine Monolydrate, Fucus Vesiculosus (Sea Kelp) Powder, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Tocotrienols (Tocomin), Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil.

http://www.aviva.ca/shop/products.asp?itemid=6850&catid=158