1. How long has Izmara been in business?
Izmara began researching skin health and beauty in 2006, based upon the work of cell biologist Ernie Hubbard and physician/biochemist Dr. Michael Rosenbaum. Izmara began selling products in 2018 in partnership with a team of biochemists and product formulators with more than 27 years experience in skin care products.
2. What is unique about Izmara products?
Izmara’s product formulations are based upon decades of research in the fields of skin health, biochemistry and cell biology. The foundation for Izmara products is based in natural ingredients derived from plants and from the Sea. The various combinations of ingredients in Izmara products are designed to cleanse, nourish, rejuvenate and detoxify the skin and body. There is a strong focus on research and testing with Izmara products. By signing up on our email list you may learn more.
3. How long are Izmara’s products warranted?
Our products have warranty from manufacturing defects for one year from the date of sale. This does not include color shift due to the fact that we use natural colorants in our product as opposed to dyes. The products must be stored at room temperature during that time or the warranty is voided.
4. Do your products contain parabens?
Marin Natural Beauty has gradually eliminated parabens from almost all of our products. This process is not an overnight project. Each formula has been reformulated in the lab to ensure that the product looks, feels and smells like the original formula. Great care has been taken to test each formula to assure a safe and well preserved formula.
5. Are your products: a) natural b) contain animal products c) organic certified d) vegan e) chemical free f) preservative free?
Each of these is worthy of a long discussion, but here are the short answers:
a. There is, however, no actual definition of natural according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as botanicals extracts, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers. The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients. We strive to be as natural as possible, but to be all-natural is virtually impossible.
b. We do not use animal derived ingredients.
c. There are no legally defined parameters for certifying cosmetics as being organic. The whole concept is fraught with issues. Cosmetic ingredients are not like food, so trying to apply food based standards are problematic. We strive to make the most effective products without regard to the concept of organic, or else we would have to forego the use of such technologically advanced ingredients as Peptides, CoQ10 and Vitamins, which cannot be certified as organic.
d. Our products are not certified vegan or vegan approved, but they do not contain animal derived ingredients.
e. All formulas are Gluten Free.
f. No. If our products could be maintained without preservatives or with only natural preservatives, we would do so. It is imperative that products are free of contamination and remain so after the consumer opens and uses the product. Therefore, we will make sure that each formula meets the necessary level of protection.
6. What is Retinol A, its functions, benefits, safety, sources and efficacy?
Also known as Vitamin A1, Retinol A is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the liver. Retinol A is converted to Retinoic Acid (active form). Natural production of Retinol A declines over time, especially if diet is low in Vitamin A-rich foods.
7. What does Retinoic Acid do? What are (potential) benefits?
Retinoic Acid has been shown to be important in developmental regulation of gene expression. It is also important for maintaining healthy eyesight, skin health/repair, secretion and transport, protein synthesis, and the immune system.
8. Where is Retinoic Acid derived?
Active forms/precursors (Retinoids) are derived from animals (fish, dairy, beef, liver, etc.). Precursors are derived from carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables.
9. Is Retinoic Acid safe?
RDA ranges from 500 ug/day to several thousand ug/day depending upon gender, body size, and other factors. Caution should be taken, however, due to overdose potential (liver damage, hair loss, skin damage).
10. Is Retinoic Acide efficacious?
This class of vitamins exhibits considerable evidence affecting epithelial cells (e.g., skin, membranes, etc.), development, vision and more. Secretion, absorption, nutrient transport and hormones are also beneficially influenced by adequate levels. Prescription level (“Tretinoin”) is used to treat skin and age-related symptoms.
11. What is Vitamin K, what are its benefits, sources, safety and efficacy?
Vitamin K is a family of fat-soluble vitamins essential to human health. Vitamin K is crucial for blood coagulation and binding of Calcium to bones and other tissues. There are numerous cardiological and bone-health benefits to adequate levels of Vitamin K.
Vitamin K is derived mainly from green leafy plants—it is involved in the process of photosynthesis in addition to its benefits to animals. Synthetic forms of Vitamin K are also available.
Naturally-derived Vitamin K does not exhibit acute toxicity. Synthetic Vitamin K can be toxic.
Yes, there is abundant clinical and scientific evidence of the benefits of Vitamin K.
12. What are peptides used in skin products and where are they derived?
The term “Skin peptides” refers generally to protein polymers and amino acids that are important components of the major skin proteins of which our skin is comprised. The main protein components of our skin are Collagen, Elastin and Keratin:
- Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the skin, making up 75-80% of your skin. Collagen and elastin are responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, the environment and aging reduce your body’s ability to produce collagen.
- Elastin is found with collagen in the dermis. It’s another protein, responsible for giving structure to your skin and organs. As with collagen, elastin is affected by time and the elements. Lower levels of this protein cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.
- Keratin is the main protein in your skin, and makes up hair, nails, and the surface layer of the skin. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of your skin andhelps with the barrier protection that your skin offers.
13. Do Izmara products stimulate collagen production?
Yes, Izmara products are designed to supply the skin with amino acids, minerals and other essential ingredients from the sea and botanical worlds. Izmara’s goal is to support you as you maximize the repair and regeneration of skin proteins including not only Collagen, but also Elastin, Keratin, key enzymes and other protein-based biomolecules .
