FERN Extract-next big thing in skincare Aesthetic Nurse, Clinical Trainer and owner of Clarity Medspa in Toronto, Chantal Ward RN is always on the lookout for skin care breakthroughs. Not long ago Ms Ward was intrigued to learn of the anti-aging properties locked inside the unassuming fern plant. After reviewing various medical journals and articles, she learned of the work of Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick at Harvard University, whereby he co-developed the patented Fernblock™ Technology (Polypodium Leucotomos Extract).
Fernblock™ is an extract from a Central American fern known for its unique photo-protective abilities. “This fern was able to evolve successfully from an aquatic plant to a land-based plant over millions of years, and this is truly remarkable” says Ms. Ward. Supported by the plant’s ability to “adapt”, Fernblock™ is credited as: A powerful antioxidant. An anti-cancer agent. An anti-bacterial agent. An anti-inflammatory agent. A protectant of skin architecture; collagen, fibroblast and skin-cell protection. Both acne-friendly and sensitive skin friendly, Fernblock™ is also a protective agent from the
effects of UV Radiation that can reduce the visible effects of photo-aging including: Sun Burn UV Sensitization Photo-damage Erythema
While the skin care industry has been slow to wake up to the merits of the fern extract in skin care formulations, consumers will soon notice that this is about to change. Chantal Ward most was most excited when she learned of the use of Fernblock in science-based sunscreen under the brand name of HelioCare™. “We tested HelioCare™ at our clinic in Toronto and client feedback affirmed it was ideal for every skin type. That said it is particularly effective and well tolerated for those with highly Sun Sensitive Skin or for those who’s skin-health is impaired or recovering.” HelioCare™ provides very high UVB & UVA protection and contains an anti-microbial and antiinflammatory ingredient that is extremely supportive of good skin health. Those who suffer from acne, oily skin or even dehydrated skin find the SPF50 pleasant and effective. “Within a very short time of retailing HelioCare™ I knew this sunscreen was a keeper”, says Ms. Ward. “My clients not only come back for repeat purchases, some have actually bought it for friends and family as a gift – a true testament to the merits of this product. .” HelioCare™ has more than one product offering and depending on lifestyle and skin condition, one item may be better suited than another for your skin. The staff at Clarity Medspa would be pleased to help with product selection and can even mail it to your door.
To book a sunscreen consultation or place a mail-order, contact Clarity Medspa at (416) 960.2222 http://www.claritymedspa.ca/fern-extract-skin-care-an-ingredient-breakthrough-watch/
More about fern plantsA fern is a member of a group of roughly 12,000 species of vascular plants that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. They differ from mosses by being vascular (i.e. having water-conducting vessels). They have stems and leaves, like other vascular plants. Most ferns have what are called fiddleheads that expand into fronds, which are each delicately divided.
Various types of ferns(1) Phlebodium aureumPhlebodium aureum (golden polypody, golden serpent fern, cabbage palm fern, gold-foot fern, harefoot fern. syn. Polypodium aureum, Polypodium leucatomos) is an epiphytic fern native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is confined to the eastern side of the continents, extending north into the United States to Florida and the extreme southeast of Georgia, and south through the Caribbean (the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Lesser Antilles), and northern and eastern South America to Paraguay. It is the only species of Phlebodium found in North America, the other species all confined to South America. This fern is rarely terrestrial in habitat, usually colonizing the canopies of tropical rainforests and the dwarf palms of subtropical forests. It is common in the cloud forests of the Caribbean and northern South America. It grows in varied habitats in Florida, including swamps and hammocks, and can thus apparently tolerate a wide range of microclimates. Its restriction to the tropics and subtropics is readily explained by its intolerance of anything other than very brief, light frosts. High levels of light are also critical for growth of this species, and its deciduous habit allows it to invade relatively dry areas.
(2)EquisetumEquisetum is a "living fossil" as it is the only living genus of the entire class Equisetopsida, which for over one hundred million years was much more diverse and dominated the understory of late Paleozoic forests. Some Equisetopsida were large trees reaching to 30 meters tall. The genus Calamites of the family Calamitaceae, for example, is abundant in coal deposits from the Carboniferous period. Extracts and other preparations of E. arvense have served as herbal remedies, with records dating to ancient Greek and Roman medical sources. its reported uses include treatments to stop bleeding, treat tuberculosis, to heal wounds and ulcerations, and to treat kidney ailments.[medical citation needed] In modern times, it is typically used as an infusion. Reliable modern alternative medicine sources include cautions with regard to its use. In 2009 the European Food Safety Authority issued a report assessing some specific health claims for E. arvense—e.g., for invigoration, weight control, and skin, hair, and bone health—concluding that none could be substantiated. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regarding its effectiveness as a medicine for all human conditions described. Even so, E. giganteum preparations are widely used in South America as an orally administered diuretic to reduce swelling caused by excess fluid retention and for urinary infections, bladder and kidney disorders. Horsetail preparations contain silicon, so they are sometimes suggested as a treatment for osteoporosis (brittle bone disorders). Some Equisetum preparations are reported to have a high content of thiaminase, which may induce edema and cause lack of motor control (e.g., limb coordination), putting a person at risk of injury from falling; bradycardia (slowed heart-rate) and cardiac dysrhythmia are further negative side effects.[citation needed] Since horsetail contains nicotine, it is not recommended for young children.
(3)Bracken Bracken (Pteridium) is a genus of large, coarse ferns in the family Dennstaedtiaceae. Ferns (Pteridophyta) are vascular plants that have alternating generations, large plants that produce spores and small plants that produce sex cells (eggs and sperm). Brackens are noted for their large, highly divided leaves. They are found on all continents except Antarctica and in all environments except deserts, though their typical habitat is moorland. The genus probably has the widest distribution of any fern in the world.
References[1].http://www.claritymedspa.ca/
[2].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fern [3].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlebodium_aureum [4].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equisetum [5].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracken [6].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tree_Fern_Spores.jpg [7].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FernBedInForest.jpg