Naturally Clear® Skin Care System

. . . .promotes clearer, healthier skin*

  • Supports the body’s nutritional needs*

  • Nutrients helps support a natural balance of oils and hormones*

  • Sooths and nourishes skin blemishes*

  • Exfoliation promotes smooth, fresh skin

  • Spray moisturizes and reduces redness

Facts About Skin

While several factors contribute to blemished skin, none can be identified as the specific cause for any individual. Most health care practitioners agree that a significant contributor is an excess of sebum (oil) in the skin that, in most people, occurs at puberty and continues into adulthood. Genetics may have a role in flawed skin, but other factors such as nutritional imbalances,1 hormones, and pore-clogging make-up can worsen the problem.

Pores become clogged when sebaceous glands within the epidermis, associated with hair follicles, attempt to release sebum to the surface of the skin. Sebum’s role is to moisturize skin and hair. Dead cells and dried oil may become trapped in the follicles, or an excess of oil may be released. Sometimes the hair follicle becomes plugged and normal bacteria on the surface of the skin (Propionibacterium acnes) may develop and thrive.

This clog causes irritation of the skin as white cells accumulate to fight the bacteria (inducing puffiness), and blood flow increases (leading to redness). This process is the body’s natural inflammatory response to a perceived invasion and results in reddened, noticeable blemishes. Severe acne causes scarring.

While this irritation itself is not life-threatening, it can have significant adverse psychological effects on self-esteem,2,3 and anxiety.4 The use of harsh chemicals or oral drugs to control blemishes may cause allergic reactions, secondary skin irritation and otherwise compromise health in some individuals.5

Facts About Naturally Clear

Supplement

The Naturally Clear® oral supplement is formulated to support the immune system and supplement the nutrients necessary to care for your body’s largest organ: the skin.*1 Naturally Clear® dietary supplement contains 100% or more of the critical antioxidants vitamins A, C and E, all of which contribute to healthy skin.*6 Vitamin A is necessary in the normal development and differentiation of skin cells. Without vitamin A, lubricating mucous will be replaced by the protein keratin. In skin, keratin causes dryness and hardened tissue, resulting in imperfections and discomfort. The presence of vitamin A also helps inhibit the body’s natural inflammatory effect.*7

Vitamin C guards against free radicals,8,9 and is necessary for the production of collagen, the body’s most abundant form of protein.* Collagen forms the connective tissue of skin, muscles and other tissues. Vitamin C also helps vitamin E function more effectively as a fighter of free radicals.*10 Vitamin E protects vitamin A from free-radical damage while helping to improve the use of vitamin A,11 as well as support the immune system.* Vitamin E is essential to maintain skin health and help the growth of new skin cells.*

B vitamins, such as no-flush niacinamide (vitamin B-3), are necessary for numerous body processes, including supporting blood vessels, normal hormone levels and healthy skin. Vitamin B-3 is essential to prevent the classical nutrient deficiency disease pellagra, which is characterized by rough, scaly irritated skin. Additionally, diets deficient in riboflavin (vitamin B-2), pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 or biotin result in dry, irritated skin.*

Skin-nourishing minerals in Naturally Clear® capsules include zinc, chromium and selenium. A deficiency of zinc can adversely affect skin health and the immune system.12 Zinc, as well as vitamin C, also helps inhibit the body’s natural inflammatory response.*13,14 Chromium helps support normal insulin function (uptake of blood glucose by cells), which has been shown to have a beneficial effect on skin impurities.*15 Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that also works well with vitamin E to support the function of the body’s natural free-radical fighting cells.*16,17

The Amino Acid Blend, featuring Lysine and other free-form amino acids effectively inhibits the growth of pathogenic viruses on the skin, thus reducing their blemishing effect.* Clinical trials showed that intake of as little as 312 mg /day of lysine will inhibit skin irritation and discourage reoccurrence.*18,19

Scrub

To begin topical skin care, first wash with a non-drying cleanser, then gently exfoliate with Naturally Clear’s Cleansing Scrub while the skin is still moist. The patent-pending Scrub formula features walnut shell as the abrasive, but with a finer, more consistent grit than some other scrubs. Apricot kernel oil is added to help the abrasive glide more smoothly through the exfoliation phase. This oil also prevents the skin surface from drying out, so it can be used more frequently.

Aloe helps shield the skin from adverse effects of the abrasion, and reduce redness. Aloe is also known to help protect the skin against harmful microorganisms20,21 and aid in surface recovery of compromised skin.22,23,24,25 Topical niacinamide was shown in a double-blind study to reduce the number and severity of blemishes.26 The amino acid-based sodium PCA (NaPCA) is added as a moisturizing agent. The Scrub should be used as necessary to clear off dead skin cells and excess oil. Those with sensitive skin should use sparingly.

Spray

Following exfoliation, and through regular twice-per-day use, the Topical Spray begins to immediately improve the skin’s quality through its carefully tested, patented formula. Niacinamide and aloe vera are the key ingredients which work together to reduces the redness and puffiness that often accompanies blemishes,22,26 while aloe (naturally containing vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and phytonutrients) also soothes and moisturizes the skin.21

The Spray also features NaPCA as a moisturizer, blended with distilled water to deliver a simple, hypoallergenic mist. After spraying on the face, allow to dry before applying make-up, sun-screen or moisturizer (many moisturizers clog pores, so some may opt to rely on the effective ingredients in the Spray to keep the skin hydrated).

Ingredient Highlights

Nature’s Life uses natural, dry vitamins A and E (water-dispersible) to reduce oil intake. Zinc picolinate is used for optimal absorption.*27 The use of the Naturally Clear® skin care system has been successful for many people of all ages and skin types. Documented testimonials are available.

Safety

All topical ingredients are safe and gentle. If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, try a small amount of the products on the back of the hand prior to applying to the face. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

The nutrients in the supplement are non-toxic, however be aware of other multi-vitamin/mineral products in the diet (that contain vitamin A, zinc, chromium or selenium). If, because of changes to the diet or environment, a blemish "outbreak" is anticipated, the daily dosage may be increased to up to six (6) capsules per day for a maximum of seven days.

For best results, follow the instructions on the labels. Additionally, drink water regularly, monitor foods in the diet and avoid frequently touching the face or intentionally applying pressure to blemishes.

References

  1. Boelsma E, Hendriks HFJ, Roza L. Nutritional skin care: health effects of micronutrients and fatty acids (review). Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:853-64.

  2. Mallon E, Newton JN, Klassen A, et al. The quality of life in acne: a comparison with general medical conditions using generic questionnaires. Br J Dermatol 1999;140:672-6.

  3. Gupta MA, Gupta AK. Depression and suicidal ideation in dermatology patients with acne, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Br. J Dermatol 1998;139:846-50.

  4. Aktan S, Ozmen E, Sanli B. Anxiety, depression, and nature of acne vulgaris in adolescents. Int J Dermatol 2000;39:354-7.

  5. Johnson BA, Nunley JR. Use of systemic agents in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Am Fam Physician 2000;62:1823-30.

  6. Keller KL, Fenske NA. Use of Vitamins A, C and E and Related Compounds in Dermatology: A Review. J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:611-625.

  7. Camisa C, Eisenstat B, Ragaz A, et al. The effects of retinoids on neutrophil functions in vitro. J Am Acad Dermatol 1982;6:620-9.

  8. Glascott PA, Tsyganskaya M, Gilfor E, et al. The antioxidant function of the physiological content of vitamin C. Mol Pharm 1996;50:994-999.

  9. Sauberlich HE. Pharmacology of vitamin C. Ann Rev Nutr 1994;14:371-391.

  10. Chan AC. Partners in defense, vitamin E and vitamin C. Can J Phys 1993;71(9):725-731.

  11. Ames SR. Factors affecting absorption, transport and storage of vitamin A. Am J Clin Nutr 1969;22:934-5.

  12. Sandstead HH. Understanding zinc: recent observations and interpretations. J Lab Clin Med 1994;124:322-327.

  13. Marone G, Columbo M, de Paulis A, et al. Physiological concentrations of zinc inhibit the release of histamine from human basophils and lung mast cells. Agents Actions 1986;18:103-6.

  14. Dolbeare FA, Martlage KA. Some anti-inflammatory properties of ascorbic acid. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1972;139:540-3.

  15. Grover RW, Arikian N. The effect of intralesional insulin and glucagons in acne vulgaris. J Invest Derm 1963;40:259-61.

  16. Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, et al. Modern nutrition in health and disease, 9th ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1999.

  17. Michaelsson G, Edqvist LE. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in acne vulgaris and the effect of selenium and vitamin E treatment. Acta Derm Venereol 1984;64:9-14.

  18. Flodin NW. The Metabolic Roles, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Lysine. J Am Col Nutr 1997;16:7-21.

  19. Griffith RS, Norins AL, Kagan C. A multicentered study of lysine therapy in Herpes Simplex infection. Dermatologica 1978;156:257-67.

  20. Robson MC, Heggers JP, Hagstrom WJ. Myth, magic, witchcraft, or fact? Aloe vera revisited. J Burn Care Rehab 1982;3:157-62.

  21. Atherton, P. Aloe vera revisited. British Journal of Phytotherapy 1997;4:176-83.

  22. Davis RH, Kabbani JM, Maro NP. Aloe vera and wound healing. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1987;4:165-69.

  23. Heggers JP, Kucukcelebi A, Listengarten D, et al. Beneficial effects of aloe on wound healing in an excisional wound model. J Alt Complement Med 1996;2:271-77.

  24. Heggers JP, Pelley RD, Robson MC. Beneficial effects of aloe in wound healing. Phytother Res 1993;7:48-52.

  25. Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, et al. Management of psoriasis with Aloe Vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Trop Med Int Health 1996;1:505-9.

  26. Shalita AR, Smith JG, Parish LC, et al. Topical nicotinamide compared with Clindamycin Gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 1995;34:434-7.

  27. Barrie SA, Wright JV, Pizzorna JE, et al. Comparitive absorption of zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc gluconate in humans. Agents Actions 1987;21:223-8.

 

 

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