N-Acetyl Glucosamine or also known as NAG, is commonly used to calm down and heal of the stressors for skin, especially during aging, is too much UV radiation that may overload an impaired antioxidant system in older and less efficient skin. One study has found that NAG reduces the amount of free radical damage from UV radiation to fibroblasts, in turn preventing the activation of enzymes that break down skin collagen and accelerate skin aging.
INCI: N-Acetyl Glucosamine Purity: 100% Physical Form: White Powder Solubility: Water up to 25% Applications: Topical Usage Rate: Up to 10% (start at a 1% or lower)
Another study shows that NAG increases the rate that skin fibroblasts make hyaluronic acid and collagen, while simultaneously lowering inflammation in skin. The researchers noted that aging fibroblasts exhibited more youthful behavior under the influence of NAG, much less likely to “retire” from useful service. The researchers concluded that “NAG-induced changes in the skin fibroblasts' properties maybe important for prevention of the age-dependent changes in its structure and function.” This new research expands the value of NAG for human health beyond its well known role for better digestive integrity. It is clearly a skin anti-aging nutrient.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please keep your products out of humidity, heat, direct light and in a dark cabinet when possible:
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark:
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it into a separate,sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally, you can refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it out, warm it up at room temperature and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. There are some oils with a super long shelf life, like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil.
Refrigeration is not necessary, but it surely won't hurt:
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs - all herbs (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herbs - root, trunk, leaves, and flowers. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be kept in the refrigerator or a dark place. Other Raw Ingredients - i.e., Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
