Perrin's Nutra Cream, 2 oz.

Perrin’s Nutra Cream --  Mildest in antioxidants, yet a wholesome moisturizer rich with vitamins A, D, E & biotin; grape seed extract; alpha lipoic acid, and natural emollients designed as a nutritional skin therapy to revitalize and regenerate nutrition-lacking areas of the face and body and also to protect against dry, flaky skin.  After the cream penetrates a protective coat can still be felt, giving long lasting benefit.  Use as often as needed.

 Grapeseed Extract & Grapeseed Oil 

The medicinal and nutritional value of grapes ( Vitis vinifera ) has been praised for since ancient times. Egyptians consumed this fruit at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes -- usually in the form of wine. European folk healers developed an ointment from the sap of grapevines to cure skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats and dried grapes (raisins) were used to heal consumption, constipation, and thirst. The round, ripe, sweet grapes, were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.

Researchers are now discovering that many of the health properties of grapes may actually come from the seeds themselves.

Among other beneficial effects, the active compounds in grape seed are believed to have antioxidant properties. A recent study of healthy volunteers found that supplementation with grape seed extract substantially increased levels of antioxidants in the blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, smoke, certain prescription and non-prescription drugs, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.  Some studies suggest that grapeseed extract may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin C or E in terms of antioxidant activity.  

Ingredients:

Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and compounds called procyanidins (also known as condensed tannins, pycnogenols, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs) are highly concentrated in grape seeds. These healthful compounds can also be found in lower concentrations in the skin of the grape. Procyanidins are also found in grape juice and wine, but in lower concentrations. Resveratrol is another of grape's healthful compounds which are related to procyanidins and found mainly in the skins. Resveratrol has gained much popularity as an antioxidant supplement.  Resveratrol has shown to have anti-cancer activity. Resveratrol is a photoalexin produced natually by several plants when under attack by bacteria or fungi.  Phytoalixins are antibacterial and anti-fungal chemicals produced by chemical synthesis.  Resveratrol is found on the skin of grapes but also in the seeds.  In laboratory studies resveratrol has appeared to interfere with cancer cell growth and division and causes some cancer cells to disintegrate at a faster rate than they normally would.  Resveratrol may block enzymes that prolong the the sruvival of several cancer cell types including skin cancer.  As a result tumors may either stop growing or actually shrink  because many of the cancer cells die.
 
In some studies injuries to skin may have healed better when grapeseed extract was applied.  Thorugh several possible effects that include promoting the regrowth of connective tissues, grapeseed extract is believed to encourage faster, stronger healing with less scarring.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Today, health care professionals use standardized extracts of grape seed to treat a range of health problems related to free radical damage, including blood sugar regulation problems, heart disease, and cancer. Studies in laboratories, animals, and people lend some support to these uses.

Flavonoids found in red wine have been reported to protect the heart. They may inhibit the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. (LDL oxidation which can lead to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis). Studies have demonstrated a relationship between flavonoid intake (from foods) and reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease.

The Mediterranean diet is comprised of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and moderate, daily wine consumption. In a long-term study of 423 patients who suffered a heart attack, those who followed a Mediterranean diet had a 50 - 70% lower risk of recurrent heart disease compared with controls who received no special dietary counseling. Some researchers believe that some of the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet are due to flavonoids found in red wine. (Another well-known theory along these lines is called "The French Paradox." The belief is that drinking wine protects those living in France from developing heart disease at as high a rate as those living in the United States, despite the rich fatty foods they eat.)

Cancer

Studies have found that grape seed extracts may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in the laboratory. Grape seed extract may also be effective in preventing damage to human liver cells caused by chemotherapy medications. Antioxidants, such as grape seed extract, have been reported beneficial in cancer prevention. Although grape seed has not been studied in humans for its anticancer effects, the antioxidant properties of grape seed are proven beneficial. 

Other conditions

Health care professionals may recommend grape seed extract for a variety of circulatory ailments (including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency). Grape seed may also be used for other diseases related to free radical damage (oxidation), including blood sugar regulation and age-related macular degeneration, an eye disorder that develops with age and can lead to blindness. Grape seed extract may help improve night vision and photophobia (sensitivity to light) as well.

Grape seed extract may also be helpful in those with asthma and allergies. Several studies support the use of proanthocyanidins, such as those found in grape seed, as a supplement for allergic conditions (including airborne and food allergies).

Olive Oil

Here are some of the benefits of Olive Oil when taken internally. 

Olive oil it is a prime component of the Mediterranean Diet. The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels. (1-3) No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.

Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. Olive oil's protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs. Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation.

 Topical Uses

For thousands of years olive oil has been used on the skin as a moistuizer and to soften skin.  
Below is a 2005 study involving infants and diaper dermatitis in Dubai Medical Center.

Twelve infants suffering from diaper dermatitis were treated four times daily for 7 days with a mixture containing honey, olive oil and beeswax. The severity of erythema was evaluated on a five-point scale. Three infants had severe erythema and ulceration, four had moderate erythema, and five had moderate erythema with maceration. The initial mean lesion score of 2.91±0.79 declined significantly (p<0.05) to 2.0±0.98 (day 3), 1.25±0.96 (day 5) and 0.66±0.98 (day 7). Candida albicans was isolated initially from four patients, but from only two patients after treatment. This topocal treatment was safe and well-tolerated, and demonstrated clinical and mycological benefits in the treatment of diaper dermatitis. Another study found that a mixture of honey, beeswax and olive oil also inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus and Candida albicans isolated from human specimens.

Olive oil, honey, and beeswax are some of the main ingredients in our skin care products.

Castor oil--Topical Uses

Castor oil has been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, both internally and externally. Applied topically, it has many beneficial effects in a wide range of conditions. Almost 90% of its fatty acid content consists of ricinoleic acid. Such a high concentration of this unusual, unsaturated fatty acid is thought to be responsible for castor oil's healing abilities.  Ricinoleic acid has been shown to be effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds. (J Am Oil Chem Soc 61;37.323-325.) One study has found that castor oil decreased pain more than ultrasound gel or Vaseline during extracorporeal shock wave application.

 Beeswax

We use beeswax instead of petroleum because it contains “wax esthers” that also exist in human skin.  It is a natural hydrating agent that increases essential moisture in the skin.  Beeswax has a very low irritation potential and promotes healing and softening of skin and is an antiseptic. Historically, Beeswax was used in Greece to treat abscesses, by the Assyrians to heal wounds, and by the Egyptians for mummification. Numerous scientific tests have been conducted with a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms.  A study recently found that a mixture of honey, beeswax and olive oil inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans isolated from human specimens.

Pure Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used since ancient times because of its  benefits for dry and cracked skin, burns, blisters, frostbite, insect bites, and allergic reactions. Many ancient works, including the Bible, refer to the use of aloe. One of the first documented users of aloe vera was Cleopatra.  She is said to have used the gel on her skin as protection from the sun, and to have thought the gel helped to keep her skin young-looking. In fact, the Egyptians may have used aloe vera in their embalming of bodies, among other uses.  In the 10th Century, the Europeans were introduced, where it became an important ingredient in many herbal medicines. By the 16th Century, aloe arrived in the West Indies, where still today it is grown and  harvested.  Today, the gel found in the leaves is used for soothing minor burns, wounds, and various skin conditions like eczema and ringworm. The use of this herbal medicine was popularized in the 1950's in many Western Countries. The gel's effect is nearly immediate, plus it also applies a layer over wounds that is said to reduce the chance of any infection.

Some studies suggest that aloe vera has anti-viral and antibacterial properties.  In one study aloe was mixed with the following viruses: herpes, chickenpox, rabies, and flu. Aloe killed these viruses in 15 minutes. Electron microscopic exam demonstrated that the structures surrounding the viruses were torn apart, thus showing how aloe kills certain viruses in vitro. Dermatologists have shown considerable interest in aloe vera due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. In in vitro studies, marked zones of inhibition (bacteriostatic activity) were shown for Staphylococcus aureus  209, E. coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Coryenbacterium xerose, Shigella paradysenteriae, Salmonella typhosa, Salmonella schotimuelleri, and Salmonella paratyphi.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is a skin-friendly humectant that attracts water into the skin as well as a binding agent that occurs naturally in vegetables.  It is anti-bacterial and works to make the skin supple while fighting dryness and scaling. It is invaluable as a natural source ingredient with emollient like properties which can soften and soothe the skin and it assists the outer epidermis in retaining moisture. It is also a natural preservative.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that research has shown to have a variety of benefits for the skin.  Studies have shown vitamin E may help decrease the effects if psoriasis and erythema, in the reduction of stretch marks, in the reduction of scarring from wounds, and it may help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.  A study from Duke University concluded that "Appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from the combination of topical vitamins C and E. We suggest that these natural products may protect against skin cancer and photoaging".

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Recent studies suggest that topical application of alpha lipoic acid may be effective against wrinkles and scars.  If further studies corroborate skin benefits of lipoic acid, it may become one of the mainstays of today's anti-aging skin care. In fact, lipoic acid will be especially welcome in the family of proven wrinkle fighters because it is less irritating than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) and hydroxy acids. Therefore it can be used in delicate and wrinkle prone area around the eyes.

Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant by itself but it also recycles vitamin C and vitamin E.  It can restore the antioxidant properties of these vitamins after they have neutralized free redicals.When taken internally alpha lipoic acid has shown time and again in clinical trials to be successful for protecting cells from free-radical damage.  Free radicals are unstable molecules caused from normal situations like metabolism to unhealthy activities like smoking, and are a major culprit of wrinkling and the loss of firmness associated with normal aging. Alpha lipoic acid could also come to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease because it is known as a metabolic antioxidant.  Without alpha lipoic acid cells cannot use sugar to produce energy.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine

N-Acetyl Cysteine (or NAC)- NAC is a sulfur containing amino acid that is needed to produce the free radical fighter glutathione and maintain it at adequate levels in cells.  It helps to detoxify the body of chemicals and other poisons and slows the aging process.  Studies have shown that NAC can play a role in the reduction of cancer cells.

Vitamin A

The body uses vitamin A for maintenance of healthy skin, good vision and a robust immune system.  It is also a free radical fighting antioxidant and therefore is anti-aging. Vitamin A is a carotenoid which is a class of photochemicals that is a fat soluable pigment found in yellow, red, green, and orange vegetables and fruits.  Carotenoids act as anticancer agents.  Alpha lipoic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin C, help conserve carotenoids in tissue.  Research done by Fisher et al in 1998 at the University of Michigan Medical School suggests that higher levels of vitamin A within the skin may prove to have therapeutic and anti-aging value immediately following UV (sun) exposure.  Vitamin A stimulates the removal and replacement of damaged skin components.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can help control the proliferation of skin cells that lead to psoriatic lesions.  Vitamin D deficiency may lead to skin malignancies (skin cancer).  Topically applied Vitamin D may reduce DNA damage in skin that leads to skin cancer.

Biotin

Biotin is also know an as vitiamn H.  It is needed for healthy skin, hair, and nails.  It can be found in many hair care products.  Biotin aids in cell growth, in fatty acid production, in the maetbolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.  In infants, a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or craddle cap which consists of a dry and flaky scalp may be the result of a deficiency of biotin.