Naturally Clear Restoring Serum (2 oz) by Metabolic Maintenance

Description: The restoring serum is specifically designed for people with fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin. Like the Topical Spray, the formula contains the active ingredients niacinamide, aloe vera, and Na-PCA (an amino acid moisturizer). Additionally, a combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and CoQ10 help to moisturize skin and correct imperfections. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid can penetrate skin to boost hydration, elasticity and strengthen skin’s barrier. The Restoring Serum is lightweight enough for oily skin, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.   Uses: Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or 3-pyridinecarboxamide, is the physiologically active form of niacin or vitamin B3. There is clinical evidence that niacinamide is an anti-acne active as it reduces the production of sebum (the pore-clogging, oily substance secreted by the skin), making it effective in alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate acne [1]. It is also an up-regulator of epidermal sphingolipid synthesis, an up-regulator of markers of epidermal differentiation and dermal proliferation, as well as a moderator of photodamage repair [1]. Cosmetically, topical niacinamide has been shown to help reduce yellowing, wrinkling, redness, blotchiness, and hyperpigmentation in facial skin [2]. Topical niacinamide also provides potent anti-inflammatory activity. Skin cell studies suggest niacinamide may stimulate collagen production (a benefit associated with anti-aging effects) and facilitate wound healing [1].   The humectant Na-PCA, or sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, is an amino acid moisturizer naturally occurring in the stratum corneum of human skin [3]. Younger skin contains more Na-PCA than aging skin [3]. Na-PCA is added to Naturally Clear^® products to help the skin retain moisture, prevent dryness and flaking, and give skin a youthful glow.   Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in skin care products because of its well-known skin soothing, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties [4]. In fact, records from Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China show that medicinal plants of the aloe genus have been used for over 2000 years to soothe many symptoms of skin disease [4,5]. Studies have shown topical aloe vera to be effective in healing minor skin infections, making scarring less likely [5]. It contains six antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur, all of which have an inhibitory effect on fungi, bacteria and viruses [5]. Aloe vera has been demonstrated to protect skin from reactions to and damage caused by radiation (due to UV/sun exposure as well as therapeutic radiation) [5,6]. Giberellin, a component of aloe vera, also acts as a growth hormone, stimulating the growth of new cells [7]. Aloe vera also improves skin’s hydration and elasticity while providing a refreshing sensation.   Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polyanionic, polysaccharide that is naturally present in most connective tissues, but is especially abundant in skin where it has a protective, structure-stabilizing and shock-absorbing effect [8]. HA is uniquely viscoelastic in nature and facilitates the healing process and regeneration of wounds [8]. Clinical studies have shown that topical application of HA can significantly reduce depth of wrinkles [9]. Due to its strong water-binding potential, HA helps skin to retain and maintain elasticity, turgor and moisture [9].   Vitamin C is another ingredient that has shown statistically significant improvement in wrinkling when used topically. This clinical improvement was correlated with biopsy evidence of new collagen formation [10]. Topical vitamin C has been demonstrated to stimulate collagen synthesis cutaneously, provide photoprotection from ultraviolet A and B radiation, lighten hyperpigmentation, and improve a variety of inflammatory dermatoses [11].   Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), or ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is found in all human cells. CoQ10 has been shown to suppress the expression of collagenase following ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation and topical application has been shown to reduce skin roughness, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles [12]. Natural levels of CoQ10 decline in aging skin, affecting cellular metabolism, but topical application of this antioxidant can help to combat the signs of aging at the cellular level [13].   Source Materials: Niacinamide: chemical synthesis. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate: ascorbic acid from corn sorbitol, sodium, phosphoryl chloride. Hyaluronic acid: fermentation. Aloe vera: Aloe barbadensis inner leaf fillet juice. CoQ10: fermentation. Lecithin: sunflower phospholipids.  Sodium PCA: amino acid proline. Citric acid: fermentation.   Allergens:  According to information provided by our suppliers, this topical spray is free of the eight major allergens as identified by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA): Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soybeans, shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts. All ingredients are vegan.   Recommendations: Shake well. Massage onto clean skin twice daily. For best results, use after cleansing with Naturally Clear^® scrub or Naturally Clear^® cleansing foam.      

*This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease. The content and recommendations contained on this website have not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are solely the opinion of the authors. Content contained on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never increase, reduce or discontinue any medication or treatment without first consulting your doctor.*