Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also supports a healthy immune system, protects cells from oxidized particles and free radicals, and assists other physiological functions. It also has a key function is stimulating collagen formation, which is a major component of most of our body’s tissues, including hair, skin, and nails.

Biotin (as d-Biotin)

Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a crucial nutrient for achieving this goal. While many people can get enough B7 through diet alone, there are cases where people may want to try a supplemental form to achieve improved hair and nail health. The main mechanism of action for biotin and its hair health promoting benefits comes from its proposed ability to help in preventing hair loss by rejuvenating both the hair follicles and scalp. Biotin additionally plays a role in breaking down the dietary proteins into different amino acids required for the formation of keratin (specific protein of hair, skin, and nail cells). Increasing keratin production in the body promotes the production of healthy hair follicles. While biotin is highly prevalent in our bodies all the time, having additional biotin can further strengthen these specific cells to further prolong their health.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is a naturally occurring, organosulfur molecule that can be synthesized both naturally and synthetically from DSMO. While the majority of MSM present in the human body is ingested – either deliberately or accidentally – the compound does have a natural presence in certain tissues and fluids in the body, including cerebrospinal fluid. While generally used for its benefits towards arthritis and pain relief, MSM also helps to form keratin, which as discussed above in the main protein found in hair, skin, and nails. It possesses the ability to form bonds that are vital to the strengthening of hair cells and influencing hair growth. With the primary mechanism of action being to act as a scavenger of free radicals, to provide a strong antioxidant effect to reduce oxidative stress, and to increase glutathione levels, MSM’s action on hair, skin, and nails has been shown to be its ability to act as a sulfur donor to keratin thus increasing the strength of this protein. It has also been shown in human studies to reduce signs of aging, such as facial wrinkles and skin roughness as well as improve skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration status, leading to healthier and more vibrant looking complexion. The antioxidant and keratin strengthening benefits of MSM on the health of hair, skin, and nails has been seen in numerous human studies, which leads it to be one of the most important components in Core’s Hair, Skin, and Nail health matrix.

Hydrolyzed Keratin Peptides

Conditioner is a common application most individuals include in their hair health regimen, but most people don’t know the real importance of incorporating protein specifically into the same regimen. This is where keratin comes into play, which as explained above is the main protein found in hair, skin, and nails. Hydrolyzed keratin has been shown to increase cysteine content, which increases tensile strength and minimizes damage. It also increases volume, strengthens your hair, and restores luster. Several studies have shown its efficacy towards hair, skin, and nail health. In relation to hair health, one human study concluded that participants who ingested keratin (along with other vitamins and minerals) experienced and large improvement in hair fallout compared to placebo, increased hair strength, and improvement in appearance over the course of 90 days.

In nail health, this same double-blind placebo-controlled study found that keratin supplemented at 500mg showed statistically significant improvements in nail health over the course of five key measures, breakage, strength, resistance, smoothness, and color.

During this same study, keratins skin benefits were also exhibited in participants. When participants supplemented with 500mg of oral keratin skin measurements of moisture content, elasticity, wrinkles, protein content, and appearance all showed significant improvements. During this time frame, skin moisture increased by 11%, skin elasticity increased 7.2%, wrinkles decreased by 12%, and appearance improved by 58% with keratin supplementation.

With keratin being a major component of these vital structures, its supplementation can be beneficial if an individual is suffering from less-than-optimal hair, skin, and nail health.

Astrion™ (Astragalus membranaceus & Centella asiatica) Root Extracts

Herbs and plants have long been touted for their benefits towards health improvements and cosmetic application. Astrion™ is a comprehensive and clinically backed combination of Astragalus membranaceous and Centella asiatica root extracts aimed at providing pin point cosmeceutical improvements.

• Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Milkvetch, is considered to be one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines and has been used with various different natural remedies and herbal blends. This plant may reduce the physical and metabolic effects of ageing.
• Centella asiatica, also known as Indian Pennywort, is a traditional medicine that is mostly used and renowned in Ayurveda but has some usage in traditional Chinese medicine. This plant may inhibit a group of enzymes that break down collagen while simultaneously increasing the rate that collagen is synthesized.

Why is this collagen synthesis important? Collagen is a major component of the human body and its overall structure. This includes hair, skin, and nails, but also our bones, ligaments, muscles, organs, etc. In the cosmetic context, as our age increases our levels of collagen in our body reduce, which can lead to physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and brittle hair and nails. Astrion™ was formulated for the goal of supporting the body in maintaining its existing collagen and to also facilitate the stimulation of further collagen production.

Astrion™ works through a process of triggering the body’s internal regeneration mechanisms to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, as well as an increased absorption of proline (building block of collagen) and glucosamine (building block of hyaluronic acid) in skin cells. Clinical studies have shown that Astrion™ was able to increase collagen synthesis in the dermal layers of the skin by upwards of 80% and in epidermal layers by 60%. In the same study, synthesis of hyaluronic acid (the molecule that helps to keep skin looking and feeling soft and hydrated) was increased by up to 20%. Astrion™ has proven to be vital in its ability to enhance the body’s natural ability to create more of these vital nutrients and to improve the quality of the skin. These improvements that Astrion™ exhibits on the skin can also show reductions in the number and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as firming, hydrating and improving overall skin health resulting in a more radiant glow and complexion.

Setria® L-Glutathione

Glutathione is an amino acid containing molecule of L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine, and Glycine. It is vital to many different properties and is best known for being a powerful antioxidant. The ‘glutathione system’ comprises the enzymes that synthesize glutathione within a cell as dedicated enzymes that use glutathione for its antioxidant effects. Glutathione supplementation is thought to support this pool of glutathione present in cells and thus maintain the efficacy of the entire system. Free radicals can be a byproduct of many different things such as exercising, eating, and breathing to name a few. When these molecules overcome the body at the cellular level, this constant barrage can have negative impacts on health and overall wellness. In relation to hair, skin and nails this oxidative damage can lead to wrinkles, acne, and other skin related issues. Setria® L-Glutathione provides a potent supply of antioxidants that bind these free radicals, which can help keep them from causing lasting damage. It has the ability to protect against skin damage and preserve cellular integrity to rejuvenate skin and other cells to keep them at optimal health. Glutathione not only has the ability to neutralize free radicals, but it also can reactivate other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Once these vitamins and their antioxidants do their job of neutralizing free radicals, they become unstable radicals themselves. Glutathione can help recycle these unstable molecules back to their antioxidant rich properties to allow them to work positively on the body.

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)

Skin aging is as a result of several biologically independent processes. The first being an intrinsic, or unpreventable, process that affects the skin similar to how it affects our internal organs. The second is an extrinsic process, which is as a result of environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) exposure. While these intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to less than optimal looking and feeling skin, a loss of skin moisture is also a cause of this particular skin aging. The key molecule involved in maintenance of skin moisture is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body. The largest amounts of HA are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes, but is found in many other tissues, with its main function being to help retain water for the purposes of keeping your tissues well lubricated and moist. The synthesis of HA increases during injury to tissues and wound healing as well as regulates several aspects of tissue repair, which can include activation of inflammatory cells to enhance immune response. Cosmetically these injuries can mean a cut or abrasion as well as sunburn, but can also mean internal injuries as well.

As we age it is experienced that the epidermal layer (top) of skin begins to lose HA over time, contributing to immediate changes in skin texture, tone, and moisture levels. The reasons for the change in HA balance with increased age is not entirely known. The overall loss of skin integrity parallels with the age-related declines in collagen extractability to keep joint and bone integrity in tact as well as muscle atrophy. In other words, this is deemed a normal part of aging. What supplemental HA can provide is a means to potentially slow this skin aging process and provide additional HA support to keep the skins (and other structures) cells hydrated and able to perform at their best.

Dermaval® (Pomegranate Extract, Asparagus, Okra, CoffeeBerry® Extract, Quercetin, Acerola, Camu Camu, Acai, Mangosteen)

Dermaval® is a blend of nine phytochemical-rich plant-based superfoods combined for their ability to coherently work to support the human body’s natural collagen levels as well as deliver nutrients to assist in natural collagen production. Pro-inflammatory enzymes, elastase and gelatinase, are known to wreak havoc on collagen and breakdown the vital tissue that is naturally produced by the body. Studies have shown that these pro-inflammatory enzymes may be stimulated by extrinsic factors (like UV light) or even our nutrition (food allergies/sensitivities). So how can we prevent these enzymes from breaking down these vital tissues? Dermaval® and the plant-based ingredients it I comprised of have been studied immensely for their role in collagen production. This collagen production is something not entirely achieved from ingested animal collagen sources which are broken down in the digestive tract and renew collagen in the body, but don’t stimulate production. One human clinical study showed that this blend of superfoods was able to inhibit these pro-inflammatory enzymes, elastase and gelatinase, by roughly 98% and 33% respectfully in the first 120 min of consumption. Being able to regenerate collagen as well as naturally stimulate new collagen formation internally, you have the ability to provide extra support for the skin to withstand the rigors of everyday life as well as enhance the look, feel, and health of your skin that novel cosmetics may not be able to.

Ceramosides™ Wheat Extract (Triticum sativum) (Seed) (std. to ≥ 50% glycosphingolipids, & ≥ 40% digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG))

As we have covered in several sections, it is by now understood that the hair, skin, and nails can take a beating from the external and internal factors that they can be exposed to. These can be from the sun, the weather, stress, age, and even nutritional factors. Age in particular is not preventable as it is a natural occurrence and with that comes natural processes to happen. One of these is skin dehydration. Youthful and younger skin relies heavily on vital lipids (oils) to help moisturize the layers of the skin and to aid in the skins ability to act as the first line of protection for the body. These lipids, called ceramides, are rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and are the major constituent of lamellar sheets present in the intercellular spaces of the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin). As we age, the loss of these ceramides often results in dry, itchy skin and can contribute to wrinkles, lower skin integrity. Supplementing with oral ceramides has been shown to naturally restore these lipid levels and aid in the hydration status and health of the skin and associated structures. Ceramosides™ is a clinically studies sources of these ceramides, which are carried via the bloodstream to help restore the water barrier to provide adequate hydration as well as lubricating the skin providing a healthy glow. These lipids can also be vital for someone who experiences dry skin as a result of weather, which can result in painful cracks and weak skin layers. Acting as a moisturizer, these lipids can help fill these cracks and provide support for the skin to better withstand these factors. A few key human studies have shown exceptional results with the addition of Ceramosides™ in the regimen. One human study showed that after two months of use, skin moisturization was able to increase by 21%, wrinkles were able to decrease by 18% and skin elasticity was able to increase 26%. With these kinds of results after a short period of time, it can be led to believe that even greater improvements can be seen with longer use.