What’s in it for you?
Our ingredients.
What they are.
Where they come from.
Why we choose them, for you.
What do the bouncing red berries have to do with your skin?
Schisandra
What’s with the bouncing berries on our logo? It’s the Schisandra berry, one of our core ingredients. We infuse Dew It! and Soak It Up! with this amazing berry that the Chinese have known about for thousands of years.
Its Chinese name is Wu Wei Zi, the five flavored berry. That corresponds to the five basic human tastes you experience when you chew a berry: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent.
Local & Organic
Our Schisandra is grown right here in our backyard of Western Massachusetts. Paul knows this orchard intimately. He’s harvested the berries many a time. And it’s certified organic.
The berries are harvested in the fall and pressed for their juice. They are also sent through special dehydration process that retains the vital nutrients. We use this powder in our formulas.
Why Schisandra?
In Chinese medicine it is an adaptogen, a harmonizing tonic with a well-balanced energetic nature. For thousands of years, women have loved how schisandra makes their skin feel smooth, soft, beautiful and moisturized.
We like it for its anti-aging potency that goes after wrinkles, sun-associated damage and age-related pigmentation. Once only available in the Royal Courts of China, now new guys everywhere can experience its anti-aging benefits!
This oil is nothing to laugh about.
Jojoba
Pronounced ho-ho-ba, jojoba is an oil that is not an oil (more like a wax ester, whatever that is). First used by Native Americans hundreds of years ago for sores and wounds, it offers unique characteristics that are especially good for the skin (see Why Jojoba).
We use it in our Soak It Up! rejuvenating face oil, and infuse it with Schisandra.
Organic
All jojoba is traceable to jojoba seeds or cuttings that originated in North America. No genetically modified anything. We get our golden organic Jojoba from Jedwards International. They get their jojoba from certified organic growers in the United States.
The ‘oil’ comes from ripened seeds that are gathered and pressed to extract the wax. A pure and clean process. No chemicals or solvents.
Why Jojoba?
The chemical makeup of jojoba is really similar to the oil (sebum) your body naturally produces. That means it regulates your sebum production. That means it’s not going to build up on your skin and clog your pores. That means it soothes and moisturizes your skin while sending a signal that your skin doesn’t need more sebum for hydration. That means your skin doesn’t look oily after you’ve let it soak in.
Gerry’s Blend
Four very special essential oils. Blended together in the right proportions.
To create the refreshing and rejuvenating scent that is unique to Old Guy Skincare.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
The Romans named it after their word “lavare.” To bathe. Native to the Mediterranean region (Europe and Africa), it has a sweet floral aroma when you rub it in your hands.
We get our Lavender oil from Leyden House. It is distilled directly after each harvest.
The essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. We only use a small amount. Just enough to put a smile on your face.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Native to the Arabian peninsula and Africa, Myrrh is a small, thorny tree. It has a thick, pale yellow resin, which when distilled makes for a dry, woody scent.
We get our myrrh from Leyden House. The essential oil is steam distilled from the myrrh resin.
When used on the skin, myrrh has astringent and antimicrobial properties that help bind skin and act as a barrier against infection. It has also been known to promote youthful-looking complexion, in case you were wondering why we included it.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Used as an incense or perfume, frankincense oil has been around for thousands of years. The oil comes from tapping the resin of the boswellia tree. It has a sweet and woody scent with notes of lemon.
We get our frankincense from Leyden House. The oil is produced by steam distillation of the tree resin.
The name comes from the old French expression franc encens, which means high-quality incense. And the old French word ‘franc’ meant noble or pure. Kind of describes you, right?
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geraniums cultivated for oil are grown in many areas of Europe and Asia, but its species is native to South Africa. The oil has a flowery aroma with a hint of mint.
We get our Geranium oil from Leyden House. The essential oil is a steam distillation of the foliage.
Used as much in aromatherapy as cosmetics, its aroma is calming and soothing. And anecdotal evidence talks about its antioxidant and astringent properties. A little goes a long way.
Other Stellar Ingredients
Larch (Larix laricina)
This is a deciduous conifer native to Canada and Northern U.S. The powder extract is steam-distilled from needles and small branches. It has a refreshing sweet pine scent. Sourced from Leyden House.
Honey (Russian honeybees)
We get our honey from Warm Colors Apiary in South Deerfield, MA. The nectar comes from the plants of the Pioneer Valley. Think apple and raspberry blossoms, buckwheat, and the incredible variety of wild flowers. Sweet.
Genmaicha Matcha Green Tea
Spring harvested Japanese organic Sencha leaves, rich in fresh green vegetal flavors and health promoting antioxidants. Grains of toasted rice are added to impart a nutty, grainy sweetness. The final and key component of this tea is the sprinkling of precious matcha. Sourced from Frontier Co-op.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
A shrub native to North America. Ours is an alcohol-free extract of leaves and bark. Widely known for easing inflammation and soothing sensitive skin. Feels refreshing on your skin. Sourced from American Distilling.