"Liquid crystal" is the new buzz word in the cosmetics and skin care industry
and, although liquid crystals have been around for a few decades, they are currently
being heavily advertised as the new miracle ingredient. What are liquid crystals
and do they have a place on the shelf with your natural skin care treatment
products?
Much of matter is recognizable as a liquid, a solid or a gas. However, some substances
are in between and possess some of the properties of both. A popular example is
mayonnaise: if you put a tablespoon of mayonnaise on a plate it will not level
out, as a true liquid would, but if you tip the jar sideways it doesn't just stay
in the jar like a true solid. Liquid crystals are in a similar state. They have
many and varied applications: laptop and flat screen monitors, digital clocks
and watches, microwave ovens, CD players, and, now, cosmetics.
How does this molecular structure relate to skin care treatment? The major
benefit is that it solves a big problem in the industry - absorption of the
nutrients and other substances that are supposed be beneficial. Many skin care
treatment products - soaps, shampoos and cleansing products, cosmetics such
as lipstick, eye creams, blush and foundations - now contain healing ingredients
such as Vitamins C and E, aloe vera, collagen, essential fatty acids and other
beneficial nutrients. However, if they simply stay on the surface of the skin,
little benefit is derived.
Getting the nutrients into the skin is only the first part of your skin care
routine. Keeping them in and protecting your skin from harmful elements in your
environment is essential today. The irritants and toxins we encounter in everyday
life can strip away your skin's natural protective layer and destroy all the
benefits of your carefully designed skin care program. Protect your skin with
a good shielding lotion.
Many products containing liquid crystals are available on the shelves and on
the Internet. However, make sure you check the other ingredients. If you're
going to facilitate absorption, ensure that the ingredients are substances you
want to absorb.
The long and short of it? If you can find liquid crystal products that are
otherwise safe, adding them to your natural skin care treatment products should
give you younger looking skin within a few weeks.