Creams provide an effective delivery form for nutrition that is absorbed through the skin. Commonly associated with beauty applications, topical products can also support many other areas of wellness. Using creams can:

• Promote smooth, supple skin**

• Support muscle and joint comfort**

• Optimize healthy hormonal balance**

What are Facial and Skin Creams?

Topical skin products deliver a number of beneficial compounds to skin, including emollients and humectants that nourish, hydrate and seal moisture into the top dermal layer. These products often provide antioxidants that fight the age-accelerating effects of free radicals, along with inflammation-modulating compounds that reduce swelling and redness. They may supply compounds that protect skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, or they may replenish key structural components of skin, such as collagen and elastin – helping to promote a plump, supple and wrinkle-free appearance. Facial products can also cleanse skin gently, without the harsh, drying effects of soap. Some of the most popular facial cream products include:**

• Vitamin E: A fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin E supplies antioxidant activity that helps protect skin against oxidative stress caused by UV rays and the elements. Vitamin E also has inflammation-modulating effects and may help to reduce fine lines.**

• Vitamins E, A and D: These nutrients are presented in combination to deliver an array of skin-protective antioxidants to fight the damaging effects of free radicals, reduce fine wrinkles, and hydrate and moisturize the skin.**

• Cucumber: Cucumbers have long been prized in Ayurvedic health traditions for their cooling, soothing properties. Products derived from cucumbers cleanse skin gently, without the drying effects of soap, while soothing away swelling, irritation and redness.**

• Aloe Vera: For millennia, the aloe vera plant has served as an important ingredient in the folk healing traditions of many Asian, South American, European and Middle Eastern cultures. Studies show that this succulent plant contains at least 75 bioactive substances, such as vitamins, amino acids and saponins, that help to speed healing, soothe inflammation, and act as antiseptics.**

• Retinol & Vitamin A: These skin products supply retinoids, or substances that stimulate collagen production and reduce the amount of melanin, a pigment that causes skin discolorations like sun spots, age spots or liver spots. Vitamin A and retinol also contain potent antioxidants that help to fight free radical damage.**

• Collagen and Placenta: As skin ages, it loses collagen and with it, the plump, full appearance that is characteristic of youthful skin. Products containing collagen and placenta help replace that supple, full appearance while filling fine lines and wrinkles.**

• Vitamin C: In addition to its highly regarded antioxidant activity, Vitamin C has been found to play an essential role in the body’s synthesis of collagen. Its skin-supportive benefits include protection against damage caused by UV rays, accelerated wound healing and hydrating properties.**

• Callus Products: Callus products often supply mineral oils that penetrate deeply into skin, providing a protective layer that seals in moisture. Applied topically, callus creams speed healing of cracked skin, hydrate dry skin and smooth rough areas.**

What are Muscle and Joint Creams?

Whether from overuse, exercise, injury or illness, muscle and joint aches can range from a frustrating annoyance to a debilitating health concern. Supplying natural inflammation-modulating compounds and soothing emollients, muscle and joint cream products penetrate deeply to ease aches, stiffness and discomfort. Some of the most popular muscle and joint cream products include:**

• Arnica: Sourced from a flowering plant that grows across Europe and Russia, arnica has been used for centuries to relieve aches and reduce swelling. Studies show that the plant contains powerful inflammation-modulating, analgesic and antibacterial properties that soothe joint and muscle aches, speed healing, decrease stiffness, and reduce bruising.**

• MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) cream contains a sulfuric compound that helps reduce aches, stiffness and swelling in joints and aids in healing cartilage damage. MSM’s nourishment is also associated with peak joint flexibility and easy mobility.**

• Celadrin®: Celadrin contains a combination of cetylated dietary fatty acid carbons. Topical Celadrin products may blend these fatty acid carbons with cooling menthol, aloe juice, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, or other supportive compounds. Studies suggest that Celadrin has a soothing effect on joint aches and increases range of motion.**

What are Hormonal Creams?

Hormones are produced by a series of glands known as the endocrine system. The 100+ known human hormones that the endocrine system produces regulate a number of bodily functions, including mood, mental focus, sexual function, energy metabolism and growth. With age, hormone production and endocrine system function may undergo changes. Some hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone and human growth hormone, decrease; while others, such as luteinizing hormone, increase. When these levels fall out of balance, hair loss, weight gain, libido decline, brain fog and menopausal symptoms may result. Hormonal cream products help to balance and revitalize the body’s hormone levels, restoring overall well-being. Some of the most popular hormonal products include:**

• Progesterone Cream: Progesterone cream, a female hormone, is derived from plant sources such as soy or wild yam. The cream helps ease the effects of menopause, such as hot flashes, and balances the effects of estrogen, another female hormone.**

• Wild Yam Cream: Also known as Mexican yam, wild yam has long been prized in the folk healing and midwifery traditions of Latin American and Asia. The plant is a rich source of diosgenin, a phytoestrogen that’s been found to regulate the symptoms of menopause and offer cardioprotective effects.**

Cream Products

Most cream products are derived from natural plant sources, though some are synthesized. In addition to the popular cream form, supplements for topical application are available lotions, serums and gels.**

Cream Products Directions for Use

Consult your healthcare provider before adding topically applied nutritional supplements to your regimen. As supplements contain varying amounts of ingredients, there is no set dosage.**