What Are Extremozymes: Cutting Edge Extracts for Protecting Your Skin
Did you know that the “iS” in iS Clinical stands for “Innovative Skincare”? It really makes sense if you stop and think about it. They focus heavily on using cutting-edge botanical extracts and potent actives to deliver lasting results. Among some of these impressive ingredients are Extremozymes. If you haven’t heard of them before, don’t sweat it. We hadn’t heard a peep about them either until we started working with iS Clinical. In this blog we'll cover the basics of what extremozymes are, why iS Clinical uses them, and which products contain them.
What Are Extremozymes?
Okay, extremozyme is a bit intense sounding. I mean they’re “EXTREME!”, right? In reality, they’re very calm, gentle, and even healing active ingredients. To put it simply, Extremozymes are enzymes derived from extremophilic plants. The name "extremophile" directly translates to "extreme-loving," meaning these plants thrive in unforgiving conditions. Thanks to the extremozymes that help make up their biological structure, these hardy plants can be found in some of the harshest environments on the planet. And while they have been around for decades, extremophilic extracts have only recently made their debut in skincare.
Extremophilic Plants
When you think of an “extreme environment” like the Sahara desert or a blizzard in the middle of the Antarctic, you‘re probably not picturing much plant life. However, you might be surprised to learn that there is an abundance of hardy organisms that can survive these kinds of conditions. As I mentioned previously, thanks to their Extremozymes, extremophilic plants can survive, and in some cases, even thrive in these harsh conditions. They can be found in some pretty uninviting places, from the deepest ocean trenches where the pressure and salinity are high to the tallest peaks of some of the coldest mountains.
One great example of these plants is the resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) which lives in hot desert climates. Utterly unbothered by the lack of moisture in its chosen habitat, this hardy plant can go years without water. It just dries up and blows around the desert like a dead tumbleweed. However, the moment it is re-introduced to water, it comes back to life. Plants like these can thrive in almost any condition due to their biochemical makeup.
Through their extensive research, iS Clinical was able to isolate these plant compounds and further test them for potential benefits in topical skincare. They discovered that when used alongside other nourishing ingredients, Extremozymes have a wide range of uses for skin.
Why Do We Need Extremozymes in Skincare?
Our skin is our body’s first line of defense. It's main job is to protect us from a daily onslaught of toxins and environmental stressors. These outside influences can go so far as to take a toll on our DNA. Regardless of environmental stressors, our genes become less active with age. Once they start losing their ability to fight these toxins, your skin cells become more prone to damage. As follows, that leads to dullness, dryness, wrinkles, and overall unhappy skin.
This is where extremozymes come in. We already know these enzymes can help plants survive extreme and inhospitable environments. Fortunately for us, they can have a similar effect for skin! During our day-to-day lives, we subject our skin to various extremes like excess heat and sun exposure. This is especially true for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Well, much like they do for extremophilic plants, these enzymes can shield our skin from undesirable conditions. They work like bubble wrap, cushioning our DNA and other vital structures to protect them from free radicals and daily toxins. This process can also help significantly boost cell regeneration and healing which in turn promotes healthier, more youthful-looking skin. When used alongside other potent ingredients, they create a powerful formula that can help drastically reduce signs of aging and prevent further damage to the skin. That’s a lot of benefits for such a tiny little active!
Some Excellent Products Containing Extremozymes
Using their proprietary blend of Extremozymes and other plant-based components, iS Clinical has pioneered powerful formulas that can help minimize damage to our DNA and promote more youthful cellular function. Here are just a few of our favorite products containing these fabulous extremozymes.
- iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40: This powder sunscreen is perfect for touching up your protection throughout the day. Thanks to specially formulated extremozymes, this SPF helps support healthy barrier function and free-radical protection all while minimizing your risk of sun damage.
- iS Clinical GeneXC Serum: A potent Vitamin C serum, this formula comes packed with extremozymes, fruit acids, and plant extracts to help increase cellular turnover and repair the skin.
- iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40: An all-physical sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in three different color options, this formula is extremely hydrating and works well as a daytime moisturizer.
- iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion: Along with powerful Extremozymes, this formula is made with copper tripeptide and hyaluronic acid to create a deeply hydrating moisturizer that provides tons of long-term benefits for mature skin.
- iS Clinical Youth Serum: Made with a potent blend of Extremozymes, peptides, and vitamins, this serum works to smooth and tighten tired, sagging skin. This gentle formula gives instant results without causing inflammation, and because it contains no actives, it is even safe to use around the eye area.