After-Sun Cream

At Luminance Skincare, using safe, high-quality ingredients is very important. We believe every constituent of a skincare product should be either organic or wildcrafted. Ours are. We believe that ingredients considered separately should all be what skin readily considers a nutrient source and non-threatening. Ours are. Formulating an ideal skincare product is a lot more than assembling a list of good ingredients, it’s understanding the secondary and sometimes tertiary interactions and achieving the ideal ratios. We always do.

Benefits Of Key Ingredients

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant known for its traditional use in herbal medicine. St. John's Wort oil is often extracted from the flowers and used in skincare and topical applications. Let's analyze the components and potential benefits of St. John's Wort oil for human facial skin:

Components:

Hypericin and Hyperforin: St. John's Wort contains compounds like hypericin and hyperforin, which are believed to contribute to its potential therapeutic effects.

Flavonoids: St. John's Wort contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and support skin health.

Benefits for Human Facial Skin:

1. Anti-Inflammatory: St. John's Wort oil has been used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin conditions such as minor burns, rashes, and wounds.
2. Wound Healing: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of St. John's Wort oil may aid in the healing process of minor cuts, wounds, and abrasions.
3. Skin Soothing: St. John's Wort oil is often used topically to provide relief from skin discomfort and redness, making it suitable for conditions like sunburn or skin irritations. Perfect for sun burns or any burn for that matter.
4. Potential for Scarring: Some studies suggest that the use of St. John's Wort oil may contribute to reducing the appearance of scars, possibly due to its effects on inflammation and skin regeneration.
5. Mild Antimicrobial Properties: St. John's Wort oil has shown mild antimicrobial effects that could be beneficial for addressing minor skin infections or promoting skin health.
6. Skin Regeneration: The flavonoids and other compounds in St. John's Wort oil may support skin regeneration and repair, contributing to a healthier complexion.

Tamanu Oil 

Tamanu Seed Oil is derived from the nuts of the tamanu tree (Calophyllum inophyllum), is another natural oil that's known for its potential benefits for skincare. It contains a unique combination of fatty acids and compounds that contribute to its effects on human facial skin. Here's an analysis of its key components and their benefits:

Fatty Acids:

1. Oleic Acid: Tamanu oil contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps to moisturize and nourish the skin. It supports the skin's lipid barrier, preventing water loss and promoting hydration.
2. Linoleic Acid: Tamanu oil also contains linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own. Linoleic acid helps to maintain the skin's barrier function, regulate sebum production, and improve the appearance of acne-prone or oily skin.

Bioactive Compounds:

1. Calophyllolide: This is a unique compound found in tamanu oil that has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It contributes to the oil's ability to soothe and calm irritated skin.
2. Delta-Tocotrienols: Tamanu oil contains certain forms of vitamin E known as tocotrienols. These tocotrienols have strong antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from oxidative stress and support overall skin health.

Benefits for Human Facial Skin:

1. Healing and Regeneration: Tamanu oil is often used to support the healing of minor cuts, wounds, and scars. The presence of calophyllolide may contribute to its ability to accelerate the healing process and improve the appearance of scars.
2. Anti-Inflammatory: Calophyllolide and other bioactive compounds in tamanu oil possess anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for soothing irritated and inflamed skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
3. Skin Barrier Support: The fatty acids in tamanu oil, particularly oleic acid and linoleic acid, help strengthen the skin's natural barrier. This supports moisture retention and helps keep the skin hydrated and supple.
4. Acne-Prone Skin: Tamanu oil's balanced composition of fatty acids makes it potentially beneficial for those with acne-prone skin. Linoleic acid can help regulate sebum production and reduce the risk of clogged pores.
5. Antioxidant Protection: The tocotrienols in tamanu oil offer antioxidant protection, which helps to combat free radical damage and premature aging of the skin.
6. Moisturization: Similar to other natural oils, tamanu oil provides emollient properties that moisturize and soften the skin, enhancing its overall texture and appearance.

UV Protection: Some studies suggest that tamanu oil may offer mild sun protection due to its antioxidant content. However, it should not be used as a substitute for proper sunscreen.

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is another natural oil that is commonly used in skincare for its amazing benefits. Let's analyze the key components and how they can benefit human facial skin:

Fatty Acids:

1. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA): Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that provides deep moisturization to the skin. Oleic acid helps maintain the skin's lipid barrier, preventing water loss and promoting hydration.
2. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA): Avocado oil also contains some linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that supports the skin's barrier function and helps maintain its overall health.
3. Saturated Fatty Acids: Avocado oil contains smaller amounts of saturated fatty acids. These can help form a protective layer on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin soft and supple.

Vitamins:

1. Vitamin E: Avocado oil is a good source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin E contributes to skin nourishment, supports a healthy complexion, and may reduce signs of aging.
2. Vitamin D: Although present in small amounts, avocado oil contains some vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in skin health and can contribute to the overall well-being of the skin.

Phytosterols: Avocado oil contains various phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe and calm irritated skin.

Benefits for Human Facial Skin:

1. Deep Hydration: The combination of oleic acid and essential fatty acids in avocado oil helps to deeply moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and supple. This can be especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin.
2. Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E in avocado oil provides antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from free radical damage and supporting a youthful appearance.
3. Skin Barrier Support: The fatty acids in avocado oil strengthen the skin's natural barrier, helping to retain moisture and improve the skin's texture and elasticity.
4. Soothing Irritation: The phytosterols in avocado oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and alleviate redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin.
5. Wound Healing: Avocado oil's vitamin E content can aid in wound healing and reducing the appearance of scars, supporting the skin's natural regeneration process.
6. Collagen Production: Vitamin C, found in smaller amounts in avocado oil, is important for collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity.
7. Sun Protection: While not a replacement for sunscreen, the presence of vitamin E and other antioxidants in avocado oil may offer some mild protection against UV damage.

Sunflower Seed Oil

It is a popular and versatile vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus). It is widely used in cooking, as well as in skincare and cosmetic products. Let's analyze the components and potential benefits of sunflower seed oil for human facial skin:

Fatty Acids:

1. Linoleic Acid: Sunflower seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that supports the skin's barrier function, helps regulate sebum production, and maintains overall skin health.
2. Oleic Acid: Sunflower seed oil also contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty
   acid that provides moisturization and softening to the skin.

Vitamins:

1. Vitamin E: Sunflower seed oil is a good source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant
   that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and supports skin health.

Phytosterols: Sunflower seed oil contains phytosterols, plant compounds with anti-
inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated skin.

Benefits for Human Facial Skin:

1. Moisturization: Sunflower seed oil's fatty acid content provides effective moisturization, helping to prevent dryness and maintain skin hydration.
2. Skin Barrier Support: The combination of linoleic acid and oleic acid in
   sunflower seed oil supports the skin's natural barrier function, preventing
   moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors.
3. Antioxidant Protection:  The Vitamin E content in the sunflower seed oil contributes to its antioxidant properties, helping to combat the effects of free radicals and promoting overall skin health. 
4. Anti-Inflammatory: The presence of phytosterols gives sunflower seed oil anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for soothing and calming irritated or sensitive skin. 
   
5. Non-Comedogenic: Sunflower seed oil has a relatively low comedogenic rating, making it suitable for various skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
6. Improving Skin Texture: Sunflower seed oil's moisturizing and nourishing
   effects contribute to improved skin texture, leaving it softer and smoother.
7. Support for Eczema and Dermatitis: The anti-inflammatory properties of
   sunflower seed oil may provide relief for individuals with conditions like eczema and dermatitis. 
   
8. Gentle Makeup Removal: Sunflower seed oil can be used as a gentle and natural  makeup remover, breaking down makeup and impurities without harsh chemicals.