ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
BIRCH BARK TAR
A TIMELESS ELIXIR OF DERMATOLOGICAL
AND COSMETIC VIRTUES
For centuries, birch tar has been revered across Europe and Russia, esteemed not only for its medicinal virtues but also for its myriad cosmetic benefits. This venerable substance, derived from the bark of the Betula pendula (silver birch) and Betula pubescens (white birch), boasts a rich legacy that extends into antiquity. Birch tar’s historical applications span from a therapeutic balm for skin ailments to a resilient adhesive and waterproofing agent.
The artisanal process of birch tar production, known as dry distillation, is an intricate and meticulous craft. This time-honored method involves the following steps:
1. Harvesting
The bark is carefully collected from birch trees, ensuring sustainability and minimal harm to the trees.
2. Preparation
The bark is methodically sliced into small fragments and placed within a sealed container, specially designed with a minor aperture at its base.
3. Distillation
The container is subjected to controlled, low-temperature heating. As the bark decomposes under heat, it exudes tar, which is then channeled through the aperture.
4. Collection
The tar, thus distilled, is meticulously collected, a process that demands precision to maintain the tar’s purity and efficacy.
DERMATOLOGICAL AND COSMETIC BENEFITS
Birch tar’s composition is replete with phenols and other bioactive compounds, conferring upon it a spectrum of dermatological benefits:
1. Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Properties
Rich in natural antiseptics, birch tar excels in eradicating pathogenic bacteria and fungi, thus proving invaluable in the treatment and prevention of skin infections and acne.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Its potent anti-inflammatory properties render it highly effective in soothing irritated skin, diminishing redness, and ameliorating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
3. Regenerative Potency
Birch tar promotes the regeneration of skin cells, facilitating the healing of damaged dermal tissues and reducing the visibility of scars and blemishes.
4. Sebum Regulation
The tar’s ability to balance sebaceous gland activity makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, helping to maintain an equilibrium of natural oils.
5. Dandruff and Scalp Care
Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory attributes extend to scalp health to alleviate dandruff and other scalp disorders.
6. Detoxifying Agent
Birch tar’s detoxifying properties aid in the expulsion of impurities and pollutants from the skin, enhancing clarity and promoting a healthier complexion.
7. Anti-aging Benefits
By improving skin elasticity and firmness, birch tar contributes to the attenuation of wrinkles and fine lines, bestowing a more youthful skin
Birch tar’s enduring legacy as a therapeutic and cosmetic marvel is a testament to its multifaceted benefits. The traditional craftsmanship of its production, coupled with its potent bioactive properties, ensures its continued relevance and esteem in modern skincare. However, due to its potent nature, birch tar should be employed judiciously, particularly by individuals with sensitive skin, to avoid adverse reactions.
STONE BLOOD (ICHTYOL)
A REVERED THERAPEUTIC AND COSMETIC MARVEL
Ichthyol, a dark, viscous substance, has been lauded for its therapeutic and cosmetic virtues since the late 19th century. Derived from sulfur-rich shales formed from fossilized fish deposits, Ichthyol is named after the Greek word “ichthys,” meaning fish. Its origin lies primarily in the Alps, particularly in regions of Switzerland and Austria, where it was discovered and subsequently harnessed for its medicinal properties.
The traditional production of Ichthyol is a meticulous process involving the following steps:
1. Extraction
The raw material, a bituminous shale rich in sulfur, is mined from fossil beds. This shale contains remnants of prehistoric marine life, which imbues Ichthyol with its unique composition.
2. Distillation
The shale undergoes dry distillation, a process in which it is heated in the absence of air. This thermal decomposition releases volatile substances, which are then condensed into a thick, dark oil.
3. Purification
The resulting oil is further refined to remove impurities, yielding a more concentrated form of Ichthyol, known as ammonium bituminosulfonate.
DERMATOLOGICAL AND COSMETIC BENEFITS
Ichthyol’s unique composition, rich in sulfur and organic compounds, grants it a spectrum of benefits for dermatological and cosmetic applications:
1. Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Properties
Ichthyol is renowned for its powerful antiseptic qualities, which make it highly effective in combating bacterial and fungal infections. This makes it an excellent treatment for acne, preventing the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Its potent anti-inflammatory properties are instrumental in soothing irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling, and providing relief from conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
3. Sebum Regulation
Ichthyol helps to regulate the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, making it particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. This balancing effect helps to prevent the clogging of pores and the formation of comedones.
4. Keratinolytic Action
It exhibits keratinolytic properties, promoting the shedding of dead skin cells and enhancing skin renewal. This action helps in the treatment of various hyperkeratotic conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
5. Pain Relief and Itch Alleviation
Ichthyol possesses analgesic properties that provide relief from pain and itching, making it useful in treating insect bites, minor burns, and other irritations.
6. Detoxifying Agent
Its detoxifying capabilities aid in purging the skin of impurities and toxins, resulting in a clearer and healthier complexion.
7. Anti-aging Benefits
By improving skin texture and tone, Ichthyol contributes to the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful appearance.
Ichthyol’s rich history and proven efficacy in dermatological and cosmetic applications underscore its status as a timeless therapeutic agent. The traditional methods of its production, combined with its potent biological properties, ensure its continued prominence in modern skincare.
STONE BLOOD
Ichtyol
BIRCH BARK TAR
Betulin and Lupeol