Interview with Dr. Linda Miles L. Ac., D.O.M.

Q: Why is Tropical Solutions™ different from other tropical skincare formulas on the market?
A: Influenced by the skin-beautifying elements of Tamanu Oil, derma e® Natural Bodycare formulated Tropical Solutions™. These island-inspired formulas contain optimal levels of natural actives such as tropical botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that have been scientifically proven effective when applied to the skin to help renew and protect while preventing the visible signs of aging. Additionally, with an exotic pineapple–papaya scent, customers can now satisfy their senses while experiencing the healthy, radiant complexion often seen and admired in the tropics. Dr. Linda Miles

Q: What are the benefits of the active ingredients in Tropical Solutions™?
A: Some key natural actives in Tropical Solutions™ include:

Tamanu Oil: Research suggests this tropical ingredient helps support and promote the growth of healthy skin tissue. Additionally, rich in xanthones and coumarins, Tamanu Oil provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect skin from oxidative damage.

Green Tea: This ingredient contains high-antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help slow the signs of aging. Because it is rich in polyphenols, these also help eliminate free radicals, prevent oxidative stress, protect skin from UVA and UVB radiation damage and reduce the number of sunburn cells. derma e

Pomegranate: Because it contains high levels of ellagic acid, punicic acid and polyphenols, this extract contains anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits to help prevent fine lines, firm the skin’s epidermis and reduce free radical damage. Pomegranate seed oil is also excellent in moisturizing and nourishing the skin as well as helping to provide a natural protection from the sun and reverse the effects of sun damage.

CoQ10: Research shows this ingredient helps reduce the formation of oxidative stress such as UV radiation and free radicals, both of which play a significant role in aging.

Vitamins A, C and E: These vitamins provide skin renewal, antioxidant and nourishing properties for healthier, younger looking skin.

Q: How are Tropical Solutions™ different from other derma e® formulas?

A: While derma e® is the leader in antioxidant skincare, these products are formulated for a younger demographic that is looking for products to protect skin and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Q: What formulas are in the Tropical Solutions™ Skincare collection?
A: Tropical Solutions™ offers seven products formulated for optimal nourishment:

• Tropical Solutions™ Facial Scrub

• Tropical Solutions™ Facial Cleansing Gel

• Tropical Solutions™ Facial Moisturizer SPF15

• Tropical Solutions™ Anti-Aging Day Crème

• Tropical Solutions™ Intensive Serum

• Tropical Solutions™ Anti-Aging Night Crème

• Tropical Solutions™ Anti-Aging Eye Crème

 

TROPICAL TREASURE: TAMANU OIL

Indigenous to tropical Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, the Tamanu tree can be found in Fiji, Tahiti, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and throughout the Melanesian and Polynesian Islands. Traditionally, all parts of the Tamanu Tree were used for medicinal purposes, however the natives treasured the dark, rich oil extracted from the fruit because of its ability to help protect their skin from environmental elements such as the sun and wind. This sacred ingredient was also used for helping to resolve cuts, scrapes, burns, swelling, sores, acne, rashes, blisters, insect bites, eczema and rosacea.

Today, Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum) is still commonly used by the indigenous peoples in their countries of origin, while Europe and the United States are becoming more aware of the benefits of this unique ingredient. Tamanu Oil is comprised of xanthones, coumarins and antimicrobial phytoactives including friedlin, canophyllol, canophyllic acid and inophynone. Research shows the xanthones in Tamanu Oil demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties (1) that can help abrasions, sores and rashes. The xanthones and coumarins provide antioxidant activity that protect skin cells from oxidative damage. It has been reported that Tamanu Oil exhibits moderate anti-fungal activity against a fungus associated with athlete’s foot and ringworm. It has also been reported that compared with antibiotics, Tamanu Oil demonstrated good antibacterial activity against human pathogens such as Stapphyloccus aureus (2).

A nine-week study conducted at BioScience Laboratories in the UK evaluated Tamanu Oil for reducing the appearance of scars. After applying the oil twice daily, a significant improvement in the visible appearance of scars was observed with an average reduction in scar length at 0.28 centimeters and an average width reduction at 0.12 centimeters (3). This suggests Tamanu Oil helps support and promote the growth of healthy skin tissue. Another study conducted in France on ocular cells showed Tamanu Oil, even at a low concentration, exhibited significant UV absorption and antioxidant properties, and protected against oxidative stress and DNA damage (4).

Not only has the versatility of Tamanu Oil been extremely useful in resolving a wide range of problem hair, eye and skin conditions, the collection and processing of this oil is a low impact and environmentally sustainable activity. It is no wonder this unique, tropical ingredient is considered a sacred gift of nature.

References
1. C. Gopalakrishnan, et al., “Anti-Inflammatory and C.N.S. Depressant Activities of Xanthones from Calophyllum inophyllum and Mesua ferrea,” Indian J. Pharmacol. 12 (3), 181–191 (1980).

2. C. Kilham, “Tamanu Oil: A Tropical Topical Remedy,” www.herbalgram.org, accessed October 22, 2009.

3. A.C. Dweck and T. Meadows, “Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum)—The African, Asian Polynesian and Pacific Panacea,” Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 24 (6): 341–348, 2002.

4. T. Said, et al., “Cytoprotective Effect against UV-induced DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress: Role of New Biological UV Filter,” Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 30 (3–4), 203–210 (2007).

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2010.