5-Alpha Reductase:
An enzyme naturally present in the skin that binds with testosterone causing sebum (oil) to become sticky, which in turn causes blackheads, clogged pores and blemishes. Societe Blemish Clarifying Complex utilizes this ingredient to help in the prevention of acne.

Amino Acids:
As the "building block" for skin’s protein, which is essential for a healthy base, research shows that about 75% percent of the skin is made up of these proteins. Amino acids are crucial in making collagen – a vital component of skin’s base. Peptides are chains of 2 or more amino acids.

Antioxidants:
Protectors of the cells that counteract free radicals. A very complex amount of them are essential in providing the best skin defense. Equally important is a combination of both fat and water-soluble antioxidants where the proper effect can be achieved in either the fat or water-soluble portion of the cell membrane where free radicals attack. All of the products in the Societe line contain numerous antioxidants, which are clearly marked on the label, as well as a combination of both fat and water-soluble antioxidants in every product.

Collagen:
• Most abundant protein in the body
• Found in skin, teeth, bones and tendons
• Consists of cross-linked fibers
• Similar to glue, it provides adhesion
• Does not stretch, but rather resists stretching
• Makes up 72% of the skin
• Slows production at age 20
• Almost stops production at age 3
• One-to-two percent is lost after the age of 30

Elastase:
An enzyme that naturally occurs in all skin types. This enzyme causes the breakdown of skin’s elastin, which gives skin its snap-back and spring. It also gives skin its resiliency and elegant texture. This enzyme is part of the MMP or Matrix Metalloproteinase. These enzymes cause the breakdown of vital skin components, including collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Utilizing proper ingredients to target and prevent these enzymes from their destruction is a key to youthful and healthy skin. Every Societe product contains ingredients that inhibit the MMP enzymes.

Free radicals:
Highly reactive, unstable oxygen molecules that cause damage to healthy cells, leading to the internal and external signs of aging. Free radicals are the cause of the majority of skin inflammation, which ultimately is the cause of all skin disorders, including premature aging!

• Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron, which causes the molecule to be highly unstable and capable of independent existence.
• Causes of free radicals include: stress, sunlight, smoking, charbroiled foods, etc.
• Free radicals mainly damage the DNA, lipids and proteins composing the bodies’ cellular structure
• This damage leads to skin aging, including poor cellular renewal, as well as slowed collagen and elastin production
• How do we neutralize these free radicals?
ANTI OXIDANTS
Definition: Undo Oxidation

Hyaluronidase:
Enzymes present in the skin that break down hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for the moisture content of skin, which keeps it moist and plump. Too much hyaluronic acid loss in the skin causes us to look older than our age even if we don’t feel it.

Lipase Enzymes:
Break down fats and oil residue. Also secreated by bacteria on the skin, which contributes to inflammation a key factor in Rosacea and Acne.

MMP Enzyme or Matrix Metalloproteinase.
These enzymes cause the breakdown of vital skin components, such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
• Matrix is what is left behind if all cells were removed from the skin
• It is the skin’s scaffolding or support structure
This support structure can be broken down by enzymes called Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzymes (MMP’s)
• In young skin, the creation or synthesis of the skin’s matrix is in balance. As the matrix (collagen, elastin) are made, some is destroyed by the enzyme, and everything stays in check.
• This balance gets disrupted as we age and less is made but more is destroyed. Particularly in photodamaged, and hyperpigmented skin – but it is very important for all skin types.
• Even as we work on building a new matrix (using products and treatments) we must also work to preserve what is there in order to have a basis on which to build.
• Every product in the Societe line includes ingredients that are inhibitors of the following MMP enzymes:
♣ Collagenase destroys collagen causes micro scarring
♣ Elastinases destroys elastin causes micro scarring
♣ Hyaloronidase destroys hyaluronic acid
♣ Tyrosinase converts tyrosine to melanin
♣ 5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that binds with testosterone, causing sebum to become sticky (cause of comedones and starting cause of acne)

Utilizing the proper ingredients to target and prevent these enzymes from their destruction is a key to youthful and healthy skin. Every Societe product contains ingredients that are inhibitors of the MMP enzymes.

Parabens:
A class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They are becoming increasingly controversial as they have been found in extremely low concentrations in breast cancer tumors (an average of 20 nanograms/g of tissue). Parabens have also displayed the ability to weakly mimic estrogen (a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancer). No causal link between parabens and cancer has been established, however there is a concern due to the high percent of products containing parabens that enter the water supply via run-off, which has been found to kill off lower life forms.

Propylene Glycol:
Used as a humectant in products, it has been found to provoke skin irritation and sensitization in humans. We do not use this ingredient in any of Societe’s products.

Resveratrol:
In listed in the polyphenols class and found in high concentrations in the skin of the red grape, which is what makes red grapes so healthy.
• Protects against ultraviolet radiation
• Acts as an antibacterial
• Are antiviral agents
Resveratrol benefits include:
• Antioxidant properties
• Soothing agents for irritated skin
• Photo protectors
• Skin tone lighteners
• MMP Inhibitors
• Interfere with collagen degradation

Retention Hyperkeratosis:
The insufficient shedding of stratum corneum – the top layer of the skin – that contributes to pore clogging, dryness, and the insufficient penetration of products. Commonnly found in acne-prone skin and is considered a leading culprit.

Retinol:
The alcohol form of Vitamin A with benefits including:
• Thickens the dermis
• Pulls epidermis cells into line
• Increases blood flow to the surface of the skin
• Decreases clustering of melanin granules (brown spots)
• Produces excellent results in eradicating pre-cancerous lesions
• Promotes wound healing
• Proven, effective treatment of acne conditions
• Has a stimulatory effect on dermis

Sebum:
Oil or lipid part of the skin produced by the sebaceous gland.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate:
• A cleansing agent used in a multitude of products.
• It is used throughout the world for clinical testing as a primary skin irritant.
Laboratories use it to irritate skin on test animals and humans so that they may then test healing agents to see how effective they are on the irritated skin. All Societe products are free of this ingredient.